Getting Around Phuket

Unless you are renting a car , you can get around easily by minibus, within the downtown area , to the beach or to outer districts. Some of the satellite islands are served by ferries. Tour operators provide transports to the major island attractions, but non-group travelers can also arrange boat trips.

Getting around Down Town Phuket

Motorcycle Taxis : These charge 10-40 baht depending on distance . These two-wheeled taxis are gathered at the Fountain Circle Market, Night Market , Bus station, in front of Robinson Department Store and at government  offices such as the Provincial Hall, post offices, Phuket Electricit Office, etc. Longer service costs the same as Tuk - Tuk but hourly service at 80-100 baht an hour can also be arranged.

Tuk Tuk : A ride fare depends on distance , number of passengers and time spent .

 

 

 

To the Beach  and Outlying Districts

Rent a Car  : If you drive, renting a car is probably the most convenient choice as same areas are not served by bus and waiting for a minibus can take the joy out of the trip. Renting  is easy ; private rental cars are readily found is every beach area and major rental companies operate in most resorts. When renting private vehicles from the side of the road be aware the few of these vehicles have insurance and this can prove disastrous in the event of an accident. Chauffeured service is available for those unsure of their driving skils or lacking a valid license. Or you can book on line here now !

Rent a Motocycle :  Motorcycle, big and small, can be rented all over the island and are a popular choice for many tourists. Zipping around with the breeze in your hair is tempting for amyone but do be careful, the hospitals here see a never ending stream of foreigners arriving with skin missing from arms and legs, or sometimes worse. The accident rate on Phuket is one of the highest in Thailand, with 90% of road accidents involving motocycles!

          Note that Thai law requires the driver to carry a valid license at all times and all riders to wear helmets – even though most Thais ( including the police ! ) ignore the regulations. Also motocycle lights must be turned on at all times, including during the daytime! The police occasionally enforce all these laws, so be ware.

          The real danger in Phuket is this :NONE of the motorcycle rented here have insurance. If you rent one and cause dam age you will be held fully responsible, with some greedy on owners charging significantly  more than the real cost of the damage. Be extremely cautious!

Song – Taews ( Local minibus ): There are few bused on Phuket and  the main form of transport from beach to town is the ‘song  taew ‘; a truck converted to carry passengers in the back on two long benches. They are usually colorful with a sign on front showing where they are going. There vehicles leave from a set stop by the fresh produce market ( Down Town Market )  in Phuket Town, reaching every major beach area on the island. They run approximately every hour but there are on fixed schedules, and they run when there are sufficient passengers. When leaving the beach areas to head back to town they usually cruise slowly around the streets picking up passengers. Song-taews are slow but cheap with the fare from Phuket town to Patong now set a just 25 THB per person!

 

Local Bus Timetable

Destination	Town to Beach	Fee       ( Baht )	Beach to Town	Fee         ( Baht )
Bangtao  Beach	7.00 am -5.00 pm	25	6.00 am – 4.00 pm	35
Surin  Beach	7.00 am -5.00 pm	25	6.00 am – 4.00 pm	35
Kamala  Beach	7.00 am -5.00 pm	30	6.00 am – 4.00 pm	40
Kata  Beach	7.30 am -6.00 pm	25	5.30 am – 4.30 pm	40
Karon  Beach	7.30 am -6.00 pm	25	5.30 am – 4.30 pm	40
Kathu  District	7.30 am -5.00 pm	15	6.20 am – 3.30 pm	25
Patong  Beach	8.00 am -6.00 pm	20	7.30 am – 5.30 pm	30
Makham  Bay	8.00 am -5.00 pm	20	7.00 am – 3.30 pm	30
Chalong  Bay	8.00 am -5.30 pm	20	6.00 am – 5.30 pm	30
Rawai  Beach	6.50 am -5.30 pm	25	6.00 am – 4.30 pm	40
Naiharn Beach	7.00 am -6.05 pm	30	6.45 am – 6.05 pm	45
Sarasin Bridge	6.00 am -6.00 pm	30	6.00 am – 3.00 pm	40
Bang Rong Pier	8.30 am -4.00 pm	30	7.00 am – 4.00 pm	30
Por Bay Pier	8.30 am -4.00 pm	30	6.00 am – 4.00 pm	30