Getting around Phuket is a breeze, thanks to a vibrant mix of typical Thai transport options. Whether you want to feel the breeze in a tuk-tuk, take a songthaew to Freedom Beach, or explore the surroundings with a Grab, this island paradise offers a wealth of public transport choices. Whether you're visiting Phuket for the first time or simply need help finding your way to and from the airport, this guide is your ultimate companion for getting around Phuket.

Getting around in Phuket: Tips and tricks

  • Agree on a price for your tuk-tuk ride before starting your journey.
  • Prices for tuk-tuks are negotiable.
  • Buses and songthaews can generally be hailed anywhere in the city.
  • In Phuket, cash is the most common means of payment for public transport.
  • Tuk-tuks are best suited for short distances.
  • Grab is the Uber alternative in Phuket and a great way to get around.

    • Useful apps

  • Google Maps: Google Maps is a great way to plan your trip around Phuket, whether you're walking, riding a scooter, or taking a Grab taxi.
  • Grab: The most popular ride-sharing app in Phuket (and many Southeast Asian countries) – Grab is an essential app for anyone visiting Phuket.
  • inDrive: Although Grab is the undisputed number one ride-sharing app in Phuket, inDrive is becoming increasingly popular.

    • 1. A tuk-tuk ride in Phuket

    The tuk-tuk is the most popular means of transport in Phuket to get from A to B.

    A ride in a tuk-tuk is not only a typical Thai experience, but also one of the best ways to explore Phuket. You see them everywhere in the city – yellow and red – zipping between Phuket's main attractions, usually with smiling passengers.

    Tuk-tuks are the best option for short distances, but can become expensive if you leave the city or travel further afield. Keep in mind that tuk-tuks don't have meters like regular taxis. Agree on the fare before getting in and have the exact change ready. Haggling is common, and you can try to negotiate a better price.

    How to plan your trip

    Hail a tuk-tuk and tell the driver where you want to go. Agree on a price and hop in! You can plan your trip with Google Maps and select your route. This will give you a rough idea of ​​the travel time. Allow a few extra minutes, as tuk-tuks aren't quite as fast as cars.

    Explore Phuket with your own vehicle

  • Phuket 6-Island Jet Ski Tour: Half-Day Self-Drive Adventure. Drive your own jet ski on a guided half-day safari to 6 stunning islands around Phuket. Experience pure freedom and speed! 4.5 (73) From $215 ($183 per group of up to 2 people)
  • Phuket: Paradise Trip ATV Jungle Adventure. Embark on an exciting jungle adventure in Phuket. Choose between an ATV tour through the jungle, a giant swing, a zipline tour through the treetops, or a visit to the Great Buddha Temple. 4.8 (3,923) From $22
  • Phuket: ATV tour and zipline adventure at the Big Buddha viewpoint. Experience an exciting and varied outdoor tour combined with a zipline adventure and discover the sights of Big Buddha in a thrilling way. 4.8 (702) From $30
  • Phuket: Private Longtail Boat Tour on Phi Phi with Hotel Transfer. Luxurious private longtail boat tour on Phi Phi Island. Visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, crystal-clear waters, and a flexible, relaxed experience away from the crowds. 4.7 (63) From $144

    • 2. Taking the bus in Phuket

    Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin

    Traveling by bus is one of the best ways to get to Phuket Airport.

    In Phuket there are various types of buses, all of which offer a good way to get around the city safely and cheaply.

    The Phuket Smart Bus operates on two different routes: one between the airport and Rawai Beach, and another from Phuket Bus Station to Patong Beach. It's an excellent way to explore the city or get to the airport. The Smart Bus has its own stops but can also be hailed from the street. Getting off is as simple as pressing a button.

    Visitors can also reach the airport by airport bus, which runs between the airport and Phuket Old Town. Buses depart from the airport from 8:30 a.m., with the last bus leaving at 8:30 p.m. Buses from the Old Town bus station run from 9:55 a.m. to 9:55 p.m.

    You can plan your trip using the Google Maps app. Currently, there is no app specifically for Phuket's bus system.

    How to buy and use bus tickets in Phuket

    You can buy bus tickets directly from the driver in cash or with a Rabbit Card, which can be purchased and topped up at local retailers and on the bus itself.

    Explore Phuket by bus

  • Sunrise in Phang Nga with a visit to James Bond Island away from the tourist crowds: Experience the sunrise in Phang Nga Bay in a small group with a 4x4 tour to viewpoints, a longtail boat ride, a visit to James Bond Island, and a canoe trip through caves and lagoons. 4.9 (575) From $135
  • Phuket Visit: Half-Day City Tour with Night Market. Discover southern Phuket on a half-day tour. Visit Wat Chalong, the Big Buddha, a cashew and a pearl factory, and the night market. Pick-up outside the zone is available for an additional fee. 4.5 (614) From $30 $22
  • Phuket: Guided City Tour with Hotel Transfer. Explore Phuket on this guided tour including hotel transfer. Discover scenic viewpoints, the Big Buddha Viewpoint, and stroll through Phuket's colorful Old Town. 4.8 (3,219 reviews) From $36
  • Phuket Town: Half-Day Tour with Night Market – Discover Phuket's highlights on a half-day sightseeing tour that ends with a visit to the vibrant night market. 4.6 (136) From $31 $21

    • 3. Take a songthaew in Phuket

    Sonthaews are a good transport option in Phuket if you want to travel longer distances.

    Songthaews are another popular mode of transport in Thailand. They are essentially converted trucks with covered benches in the cargo area. The destination is displayed in English on the side of the vehicle. Songthaews can be hailed anywhere, as there are no designated stops. To get off, simply press the call button. Songthaews do not operate on a fixed schedule.

    Agree on the price before boarding the songthaew. When your journey is over, simply go to the window and pay your driver.

    Songthaews pick up passengers on Phuket's main roads like Ranong Road, at bus stations, and anywhere you hail them! You'll always know where you're going, as each songthaew displays its destination in English on the side.

    Explore Phuket's jungles with an ATV.

  • Phuket: Zipline Adventures and ATV Tours at Patong Mountain View. Discover the beauty of Phuket from a new perspective with ATV and zipline tours at Patong Mountain View. 4.7 (108) From $36 ($31 per person)
  • Phuket: Eco-Rider ATV Tour and View of the Big Buddha. Experience an exciting ATV adventure and explore Phuket's jungle trails and villages. Admire breathtaking views of rubber plantations and the Big Buddha viewpoint – a tour that will thrill adventure seekers. 4.7 (604) From $30 $27

    • 4. Using ride-sharing services in Phuket

    Calling a taxi or motorbike via Grab is a great way to get around Phuket.

    While taxis with meters are available in Phuket, ride-hailing services are significantly more popular. Uber is not currently available in Thailand, but its Southeast Asian competitor Grab is. InDrive is another popular ride-hailing service.

    Grab offers two transportation options: scooters or cars. Scooters are significantly cheaper and much more fun to ride. If you choose a scooter, please note that helmets are legally required and must be provided by the rider.

    Download the Grab app and order a car or scooter. You'll see the price and your driver's details before booking your ride.

    Discover Phuket's most beautiful beaches

  • Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Lunch Buffet. Experience the beauty of the Phi Phi Islands on a speedboat trip from Phuket. Discover Maya Bay, visit the Viking Cave, enjoy a delicious lunch buffet, and snorkel at the heart-shaped Bamboo Island. 4.6 (22,124) From $57 $43
  • Early Bird Tour to the Similan Islands from Phuket and Khao Lak! Start your speedboat tour to the Similan Islands from your hotel in Phuket or Khao Lak. Discover white sand beaches and snorkel in crystal-clear waters at three different locations! 4.7 (4,499) From $123
  • From Phuket or Khao Lak: Day trip to the Similan Islands. Discover the Similan Islands on a full-day guided snorkeling tour by speedboat. The tour departs from Phuket or Khao Lak and takes you to highlights such as Donald Duck Bay and Princess Bay. Enjoy a Thai lunch. 4.5 (931) From $105 $94
  • Phuket: Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay with Lunch. Experience an unforgettable day trip from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands by speedboat. Visit Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Khai Island. Snorkeling, three meals, and a stand-up paddleboard are included. 4.3 (4,497) From $48 $43

    • 5. Explore Phuket on foot

    Aside from the city center, the old town, and Phang Nga Road, Phuket isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. The island is large, and the distances are considerable. You'll probably do the most walking when visiting a market – one of the best evening events in Phuket!

    You can plan your hike using Google Maps.

    Hiking in Phuket

  • Khao Sok: Overnight stay on a floating raft in Cheow Lan Lake. Spend a night amidst the picturesque scenery of Cheow Lan Lake on a two-day adventure including longboat rides, jungle hikes, kayaking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and an overnight stay on a floating raft. 4.4 (15) From $171
  • Khao Sok: All-Inclusive Cheow Lan Lake, Cave, Hike & Kayak. Explore Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok with lunch at a floating restaurant. Enjoy hikes, cave tours, kayaking, swimming, and a scenic boat trip to the famous Khao Sam Kloe. All tickets and activities are included. 4.5 (242) From $108 $94
  • Phuket/Khao Lak: Similan Islands Day Trip with Snorkeling. Explore the Similan Islands on a full-day snorkeling trip from Phuket or Khao Lak. Snorkel among tropical fish, hike to the Sailing Rock viewpoint, and relax on the beach with lunch. 4.7 (12) From $129 $103
  • All-inclusive tour to Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake, caves, and kayaking from Krabi: Explore Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake with lunch at a floating restaurant. Enjoy hiking, cave tours, kayaking, swimming, and a scenic boat trip to the famous Khao Sam Kloe. All entrance fees and activities are included. 4.6 (185) From $128 $109

    • Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Around in Phuket

    Generated using AI

    Is Uber available in Phuket?

    Uber is not available in Thailand, including Phuket. For a similar service, download the Grab app, the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber.

    Is Phuket a pedestrian-friendly city?

    Phuket, with its size of approximately 50 km x 20 km, isn't particularly easy to explore on foot. While some areas, like the charming old town, are walkable, public transport is essential for most of the island. Compared to Bangkok, the public transport options are limited. Therefore, renting a scooter or car is recommended for easier exploration.

    What transport options are available for tourists in Phuket?

    Tourists in Phuket can rent cars or motorcycles for their explorations. Local buses and songthaews (blue, open-air buses) are available for public transport, connecting Phuket Town with the main resorts. Additionally, air-conditioned minibuses operate within Phuket Town, providing a comfortable travel option.

    What's the best way to get around Phuket?

    Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient means of transport in Phuket. For longer distances or excursions away from your accommodation, we recommend using a taxi or a rental car.

    What is a tuk-tuk in Phuket?

    Tuk-tuks in Phuket are small, four-wheeled vehicles, typically Daihatsus, which you enter from the rear. They are usually painted red or yellow and are a popular means of transport for short distances around the island.

    Read more about Phuket

  • Best time to visit Phuket: Top tips for the perfect start to your vacation day. Planning a trip to Phuket but unsure of the best time to go? Dreaming of clear skies, ideal for island hopping and relaxing days on the beach? Or would you prefer to explore the Old Town and surrounding areas with fewer tourists? This guide will help you find the best time to visit Phuket – whatever atmosphere you're looking for. The character of this coastal town changes with the seasons. Whether you're visiting Phuket for the first time or are a regular, these tips will help you plan your vacation perfectly by highlighting the different seasons. Nicholas Martin • June 23, 2026
  • First visit to Phuket: Everything you need to know. In Phuket, Thailand's largest and most famous island, the Andaman Sea meets jungle-covered mountains. Once a center of tin mining, the island now attracts visitors with its beaches, Buddhist temples, and lively night markets. Emma Brode • June 23, 2026