How long does it take to get from the airport to Phuket?
Insider's Response
The airport is located in the north of Phuket, in the Mai Khao area. People often visit Mai Khao Beach to watch planes land dramatically and take the most Instagrammable photos.
There are several ways to get from the airport, and the travel time depends on the option you choose. The most budget-friendly, though not the fastest, is the bus. The modern Phuket Smart Bus with air conditioning connects the airport to major beaches like Nai Thon, Bang Tao, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, and Rawai. Travel time is around 1 to 1.5 hours.
There’s also the private Phuket Bus Express, which runs directly from the airport to Patong and Kata beaches. This trip takes about an hour. If you’re heading to Phuket Town, the government-run Phuket Airport Bus 8411 is a convenient choice. It reaches the island’s center in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
A more convenient option is taking a taxi. Apps like Bolt, Grab, and InDrive operate in Phuket — read more about them here. So, how long does it take to get from the airport to different parts of Phuket by taxi? To Mai Khao — about 20 minutes; to Surin and Kamala — around 35–40 minutes; to Patong, Kata, and Karon — about 1 hour; to Chalong — around 50 minutes; to Phuket Town (center) — about 40 minutes; to the southern tip of the island — roughly 1 hour.
Another quick and comfortable option is a private transfer. You can pre-book a ride for a specific date and time using services like GetTransfer, Alpha Travel, or AsiaPhuket.
If you want to be completely comfortable from the start, we recommend renting a car. Rental companies can deliver the vehicle directly to the airport. You’ll find reliable options in our Car Rental section.
Before your trip, we recommend reading our article What to Bring with You to Thailand. In the Useful Info section, you’ll find everything you need for your stay on the island.