Phuket Airport Transfers

By Paula Parker

Private Phuket airport transfers are the easiest, safest and most reliable way of travelling from Phuket Airport to your hotel.

There is definitely no shortage of transport options in Phuket; choosing wisely should be your main priority. 

Over the years, we have tried various means of transport from Phuket International Airport. Some of our choices of transport have been good, and some have been downright terrifying.

The worst experience we have endured was when we caught a taxi from the airport a couple of years ago. Midway through our journey, our taxi driver decided to stop at a travel agency to try to scam us into booking tours and accommodation.

When we said no and told him we had our accommodation and tours pre-booked, he got annoyed and sped off irrationally, only to minutes later crash into the back of the car that was travelling in front of us.

From that day on, we have never caught a taxi to or from Phuket Airport again.

If your safety and the safety of your family or friends are a priority, I would suggest booking a private Phuket airport transfer.

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Private Phuket Airport Transfers

We have tried and tested a couple of private airport transfers, and I would have to say we have found that all of them have provided outstanding service.

Their drivers are safe and courteous, and the air-conditioned vehicles are well-maintained, clean and comfortable. Most importantly, they have always been on time, with safety as their main focus.

Prices for a private Phuket airport transfer are comparable to a taxi, and they offer much more comfort and are a convenient transport option after a long flight.

Private Phuket airport transfers are available from both the International and Domestic Airports, offering direct transport to your hotel in Phuket.

There are also private Phuket airport transfers available for travellers heading to Khao Lak or Krabi and ferry transfers to Ko Phi Phi. 

Private Airport Transfer Prices & Availability


Other Transport Options from Phuket International Airport


Airport Bus Service To Phuket Town

The airport bus service is a great alternative for budget travellers.

The buses are air-conditioned and depart from the Domestic Terminal.  

From the airport, the bus runs hourly from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm daily to Phuket Town.

The price of the ticket is 100 Baht per person and you can purchase the ticket on board.

Phuket Airport Bus

The bus ride from the airport to Phuket Town will take about an hour, and there are drop-off points along the way at Nai Yang, Heroines Monument, Tesco Lotus and the Big C Shopping Centre.

This is one of the cheapest Phuket airport transfers available on the Island, and is a great option if you are staying in Phuket Town. 

The return airport bus departs daily from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm, departing from Phuket Town Bus Terminal No 1.

For further information, you can check the Phuket Airport Bus Website.


Phuket Smart Bus

The Phuket Smart Bus is a great option, the bus connects Phuket International Airport with popular tourist destinations along the West Coast of Phuket, including stops at Bang Tao, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai Beaches.

The first bus departs the airport at 8.15 am, and the last bus departs at 11.30 pm.

From the airport to any destination along the route is a fixed rate of 100 Baht per person. You can pay by cash, or you can tap using any contactless Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

For further information, you can check the Phuket Smart Bus Website.


Phuket Airport Bus Express 

The Phuket Airport Bus Express is ideal for budget travellers, looking for an economical transport option from Phuket Airport to Patong, Karon, or Kata.

The Airport Bus Express departs from the Domestic Terminal. 

The bus departs from the airport every hour, from 8.45 am to 9.45 pm.  
Tickets can be purchased at the bus stop and cost 100 Baht per person. 

For further information about this service,

Visit their Facebook page. 

Email: phuketbusexpress@gmail.com
Phone: +66 84 065 2122


Limousine Taxi

You will find the counters to buy tickets for the limousine taxi's in the arrivals hall of the airport, and you certainly won't miss them when you walk out of the terminal, silver taxi's everywhere.

This is a more expensive Phuket airport transfer option and one that we prefer not to use, as they are over priced and they drive extremely fast.


Mini Bus

A mini bus is a cheaper option, however the problem with this is you have to wait until the bus is full and then it stops at all resorts and hotels along the way to drop off other passengers.

The tickets for the Mini Bus can be purchased at counters in the arrivals hall.

Prices depend on where you are going; Phuket Town is around 100 baht, Patong 150 baht and Kata and Karon around 180 baht.

Limousine taxi's and Mini Bus operators are renowned for taking tourists to local tour companies to book accommodation and tours even if they have accommodation already booked.

They often claim that your hotel is closed, they do this because they get paid a high commission if you take them up on booking through the tour group.

If you do experience this, you should contact the tourist police.

If you are decide to use the limousine taxi's or the mini bus services, always tell the driver that you have accommodation booked and paid for whether you do or not.



Metered Taxis

Metered Taxi's are located outside the airport terminal, follow the footpath to the right and at the end of the path you will see a well signed taxi stand.

You can't miss these taxis, they are bright red and yellow.

Metered Taxi at Phuket International Airport

They are reasonably priced, but on occasions, we have had drivers who think they are Michael Schumacher.

You generally won't see metered taxis driving around the Island; the only place we have come across them is at the airport or in Phuket Town.

There is a 100 baht surcharge from the airport. If you are only going a short distance, make sure that the driver turns the meter on.

For long distances such as Patong, Karon or Kata beach areas, the metered taxis normally have a fixed price.


Limo Hire

If you prefer to travel in style from Phuket International Airport to your resort, you can hire a limo.

There is a range of vehicles available, with some vehicles seating up to 9 people.

You can find further information about hiring a Limo in Phuket.

Phuket Limousine Service


Rental Cars From Phuket Airport

There are a couple of car rental counters at the airport where you can rent a car.

Alternatively, there are more companies located just outside the airport grounds that will pick you up on arrival and take you to their office.

You can read more information and tips about hiring a car in Phuket.

Phuket Rental Cars

As you can see, there are many transport options available to get you to and from the airport to your hotel.

Our preferred way to travel to and from Phuket International Airport is with a private Airport transfer.

Book Your Private Transfer Here


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