Phuket Songthaew

Cheap and Free Modes of Transport in Phuket

Phuket Songthaew is also known as the Blue Bus.

The Songthaew is the local bus service used by both Thai locals and tourists.

Songthaew means two rows, which refers to the two wooden benches that run down either side of the bus, which have been converted from pick up trucks.

There is no actual bus stops to get on a songthaew, you just wait along the roadside until one approaches and you wave it down.

These buses are the cheapest way to get from all the main tourist beaches into Phuket Town, costing around 30 - 50 baht.

Depending on traffic, a trip from Phuket Town to Patong can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

When you want to get off the bus, you need to press a buzzer to signal the driver to stop.

This bus service is great for getting into Phuket Town for shopping and back to the beach but they do not travel from one beach to another.

Phuket Songthaew Bus Route from Phuket City

In Phuket Town the buses depart from Ranong Road, near the Central Market. If you are using google maps search for "Blue Songthaew Station".

The buses run from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.

The destination is usually displayed in English on the side of the bus and the main destinations include:

Patong
Chalong
Kamala
Kata
Karon
Makham Bay
Nai Harn
Nai Yang
Rawai
Surin
Thalang
Bang Rong Pier

Buses leave, approximately every 20 to 30 mins, although this may vary considerably as the drivers tend to wait until they have enough passengers to make the trip worthwhile.

Fares start at 30 baht and the price is charged based on the distance of travel.

Phuket Songthaews operate from 6 am to 6 pm, seven days a week.

Phuket Old Town Electric Shuttle Bus

If you plan to explore Old Phuket Town, the best way to get around is by utilising the free electric shuttle service, which travels in a circular loop throughout Old Phuket Town.

The electric bus stops at the following designated stops throughout Old Phuket Town.

Giving you easy access to hop on and hop off to explore the local sights, do a bit of shopping or taste the local delights.

Limelight Avenue near Phuket Indy Markets is the starting point and finishing point for the loop.
CIMB Bank
Bus Terminal 1 in Phang Nga Road
Phuket City Hotel
Pearl Hotel
Kaset Market (Phuket Fresh Market)
Office Mate
Ko-Ang Seafood
Red Plaza
Coffee Talk
Krungthai Bank
Islamic Bank
Phuket Thai Hua Museum
Dibuk Road
Wat Mongkolniit
Limelight Avenue

Depending on traffic, the bus runs every 15 minutes.

Hours of Operation are from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm daily

The bus is free for both locals and tourists.

Use this handy app to track the location in real time