From Phuket airport to Patong, Karon, Kata

Going from Phuket airport to the most famous beaches on the island can be a painful experience if you arrive unprepared. Transportation in Phuket is peculiar at best (some would say a hold-up) and is often discussed in local forums and newspapers. I decided to put together this little resource to help newcomers avoid the traps and know what to expect once they’ve landed.

I’ve also added a short section at the end — “How to deal with a Phuket taxi/tuktuk driver” — which might save you some trouble. Please feel free to comment if you have extra information to share or corrections to make (especially if you are a local).

There are six main ways to get from Phuket airport to Patong, Karon, or Kata, the three most popular destinations on the island:

Airport limousine
Metered taxi
Uber (no longer available)
GrabTaxi
Mini-van
Public bus

My first advice: if your hotel or resort offers free pick-up (or you can negotiate one), take it — it’ll save you a lot of hassle and money.

If you don’t have free pick-up, here are your options. I try to keep the prices updated, but I can’t guarantee they’ll always be correct or that you’ll get them every time.

Accessibility

If you have special needs, I recently found out about Phuket Access Travel, a company specialising in accessible transport, tours, and accommodation in Phuket and Phang Nga Bay. I haven’t used them myself, but they seemed worth mentioning. If you have any feedback, please leave a comment.

Airport limousine

Despite the name, these are just regular cars owned by private companies. There’s no meter and the price is fixed (no negotiating). The farther you walk after customs, the cheaper they usually get.

Around 800 THB to Patong, 900 THB to Karon or Kata (paid in advance at the booth).
They’ll drop you at your hotel, wherever it is.
Bring a map — drivers don’t always know smaller hotels.
Good option if you’re travelling with others or can share with fellow travellers.
Extra charges may apply for multiple stops.
Travel time: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.

Metered taxi

The metered taxis are located to the right as you exit the terminal. Just ignore the limousine drivers and keep walking until you reach their booth.

Officially, they should use meters and be cheaper than limousines. In practice, the price is about the same.

Around 800 THB to Patong, 900 THB to Karon/Kata (includes a 100 THB airport tax paid at the booth, balance to the driver).
They’ll drop you at your hotel.
Bring a map, as drivers often don’t know smaller hotels.
Sharing is tricky: drivers often refuse multiple drops.
Travel time: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.

Tips:

Some drivers may pressure you into buying overpriced tours. Stand your ground and don’t leave the car until you’re at your hotel.
Take a photo of the license plate and driver’s ID just in case.
Prices may be higher at night. You can also pre-book via Phuket Connect Transfers.
Never ride with a driver who appears intoxicated.
Solo female travellers are safer in a mini-van or shared ride.

Uber (not available anymore)

Uber launched in Phuket in 2014 but didn’t last long. It closed due to lack of driver interest.

At the time, they offered a flat rate of 950 THB for airport trips anywhere on the island — useful if you were going further south, like Rawai or Cape Panwa.

GrabTaxi

GrabTaxi (now just “Grab”) is another ride-hailing app. At first it was barely functional in Phuket, but it’s gradually become more common. It works by partnering with existing taxi drivers.

New users could get a 50 THB discount with promo codes.
Available on both iOS and Android.

How well it works at the airport depends on local taxi politics — sometimes Grab drivers aren’t welcome in certain areas.

Mini-van

The mini-vans operate from the same booths as the limousines. This is often the cheapest option if you’re travelling solo and not in a rush.

Around 180 THB to Patong, 200 THB to Karon/Kata (per passenger, paid at the booth).
Drop-offs usually only in central areas — hotels outside may require an extra tuktuk ride (300–600 THB).
You may have to wait until the van fills up (sometimes up to an hour).
Vans always stop at the company office — standard practice to plan the route and try to sell tours or hotel rooms. Politely decline.
Multiple stops along the way add time.
Travel time: 1–3 hours (average 2).

Tip: Don’t wait too long after your flight — once a van fills up, you’ll wait for the next one, which may take over an hour.

Public bus

A fairly new service, with a stop inside the airport (on the left when exiting the terminal). At the time of writing, it only goes to Patong, not Karon or Kata.

Around 120 THB per passenger.
Drops off in central Patong (Jungceylon mall). If your hotel is elsewhere, you’ll need a tuktuk (300–600 THB).
Bring a map — most tuktuk drivers don’t know smaller hotels.
Travel time: 1–3 hours depending on traffic and waiting.

Getting wifi at Phuket airport

The easiest option is Burger King’s free wifi (far left of the terminal, before the international departures lounge). Password: haveityourway. Handy if you need Grab and don’t have mobile data.

Tips for dealing with Phuket taxi & tuktuk drivers

Some things to keep in mind:

Drivers operate under a loose monopoly in their area. Prices are high because they can’t pick up return passengers.
They don’t really need your business — there are always more tourists.
Stories of intimidation and aggression are not uncommon.

Advice:

Always negotiate the fare before you get in.
Stay calm — never shout or threaten.
Don’t take risks over small sums. The 300 THB you’re arguing about is about $10 — not worth a confrontation.
If the price isn’t right, walk away.

Emergency: Keep the Tourist Police number handy: 1155. There’s also a smartphone app, Tourist Buddy, on iOS and Android.

Final word

I hope this helps you start your trip smoothly. Phuket is worth the effort — most people you’ll meet are kind and welcoming. And as always, feel free to comment with updated info or corrections.

Edit log

[2013-08-10] Phuket Gazette reports bus service restored
[2013-08-11] Linked Gazette article about taxi drivers
[2013-10-23] Added bus stop location + mini-van warning
[2013-12-17] Added Tourist Police number + reader feedback
[2014-11-27] Added Uber info + taxi price update
[2015-05-03] Added accessibility section
[2015-07-07] Added GrabTaxi info
[2015-11-01] Added airport wifi info
[2016-01-16] Added GrabTaxi promo link
[2017-02-27] Updated Uber and Grab sections

95 thoughts on “From Phuket airport to Patong, Karon, Kata”

orhan 2013-08-29 at 17:09

I came with PBC mini-van. it was comfy, they asked hotel – address and they left me very close to hotel.
deen 2013-12-16 at 19:23

Most drivers from the airport might ask you if you have booked side trips in advance and might stop at overpriced tour in the midway. Even if you say no, some of them even stop for urinal disappear for 5 min, which will be located close to tours booking spot.

The taxi price at night will be higher than day time but if you pre-book you will get normal price. Here is their link of Phuket airport for taxi and minivans http://www.phuketconnecttransfers.com
1. Claude Vedovini 2013-12-17 at 08:52
  
  Thanks for the additional info Mr Deen, and the link. I agree some drivers might try to coerce you into buying tours (and, from time to time, we get news reports of worse things happening) but I wouldn’t say “most” drivers do it. It never happened to me in 2.5 years. Even with a bus company, they always stop to arrange the itinerary for the driver but they never bullied me to buy tours with them either.
Ivy Marie Ilagan 2014-02-13 at 03:28

Such an informative post.glad I found this site
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-02-13 at 04:56
  
  Thanks Ivy :)
Luna 2014-02-13 at 15:23

Hi I’m traveling alone in kata to surf but I haven’t book any place yet , is there any cheap accommodation hostel around the beach ? Thanks
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-02-13 at 21:29
  
  Hi Luna, did you check that post?
  http://vedovini.net/2013/10/best-value-money-backpacker-hostels-phuket/
Marek 2014-02-27 at 12:31

Thanks for the info. I’ve just returned from Phuket. The meter taxi doesn’t use meter, we had to pay the whole amount upfront at the booth. It was 600THB from the airport to Laguna. Good idea might be to arrange with a driver for your return trip, we did and got it at the same price. Nobody tried to coerce us to buy anything or book any tours in the taxi. Cheers!
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-02-28 at 13:33
  
  Hi Marek, thanks for sharing your experience :)
lilyana 2014-02-27 at 19:00

hi, im planning to visit phuket soon and try snorkeling in phiphi. is there any recommendation for trusted tour? thanks
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-02-28 at 13:33
  
  Hi Lilyana,
  
  Not really any recommendation, there are literally hundreds of tour operators who can take you to Phiphi and the level of service is rather equivalent. Quality mainly depends on what option you will choose, normal or VIP. To book, you should use the travel agent that your hotel will recommend you or find one in the street. If you take a mini-van or taxi from the airport and they stop you at an agency, do not book with them.
  
  Have a nice trip :)
polish 2014-03-29 at 01:24

Hi Claude – Do you know if the mini-vans from the airport to Patong run at night? Say, 11 pm – midnight?
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-03-29 at 01:54
  
  Not sure, but I’d say no :/
tim 2014-04-04 at 01:45

Hi There Claude..Is there any transport at all around midnight from the airport? Cheers
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-04-04 at 03:48
  
  Hi Tim, there’s only taxis at night, unfortunately…
  1. tim 2014-04-04 at 19:22
    
    Thanks Claude. Very good of you to answer. Just the word ‘taxis’ sends shivers down the spine of my wallet :-)
    1. Claude Vedovini 2014-04-04 at 20:31
      
      Try the metered taxi, they are under pressure by the airport now to use their meter. You can threaten them with calling the airport if they don’t want to use it. Usually a better price than the limousine.
JM 2014-04-08 at 15:48

Hey Claude, I will be in Phuket on the 19th. Do you know how to get back to Phuket Airport from Patong Beach. Do you know where I am going to take the van, bus, etc? And for how much? What did you take when you got back in the airport the last time you were there?
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-04-08 at 16:12
  
  Hi JM,
  
  Prices are the same wether you go to or from Patong. You can order a mini-van or a taxi in any travel agency in the streets (there are hundreds of those) or catch the public bus at the same place it dropped you off, close to Jungceylon.
  
  However, you cannot get a metered taxi (they operate only from the airport) an you must not take one of the tuk-tuks (way too expensive)
  
  Have fun :)
  C.
nicolas 2014-06-24 at 11:08

Hi Claude, im going with my girlfriend on the 25 July, we are both 26. the flight arrives phuket at 11:50 pm at night. Do you have any recommendation for us? I read that at that time only taxis are working.. Thank you
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-06-24 at 11:27
  
  Hi, yes, there will be only taxis at this time. Try to get one of the metered taxis tho, should be cheaper. Turn right when you get out of the terminal and walk a bit, leaving the limousine booths behind. You should easily find their booth. If they give you a price upfront tell them to use the meter, if they don’t want then walk away to the limo (either they will run after you or you’ll get a better car). There’s a 100 baths fee to pay at the both, don’t pay anything until you agreed on the meter.
Chris 2014-06-25 at 23:37

What is best way to travel is personal, but when i arrive, i would not mind to travel a bit longer to Patong. But when head to airport, i want to do it quickly. How about shared van back? Will they stop several times to pickup passengers? Or would you recommend to use the public busses? I will go in october to Patong as solo traveller.
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-06-26 at 00:26
  
  Yes, the Mini-vans from Patong to the airport will go around to pick-up passengers at their hotels. The fastest way is to take a limousine taxi but that will cost you from 800 to 1000 bath.
Chris 2014-06-25 at 23:41

Also i want to recommend travellers, if you want pay anything by creditcard, make sure you pay it in Thai Baht and not in Euro’s or Dollars etc. you will pay too much, also for tickets. And exchange money in Thailand at the airport or at the many currency exchange boots in Thailand. This is far more cheaper. Or withdrawl money at a local atm machine.
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-06-26 at 00:28
  
  Agreed, the best is to withdraw from an ATM and pay everything by cash. ATM will charge between 150 and 180 bath each transaction so take as much as you can, most ATM allow only for a maximum amount of 20’000 bath but some allow up to 30’000.
Magda 2014-11-10 at 21:47

Hi, we have just arrived to Katathani Beach Resort (Kata Noi). We took minivan from the airport, cost to Kata/Karon 200 bath per person. At the airport counter of minivans we asked about price to our hotel and they confirmed it is 200 as for Kata. On the way to hotel minivan stoped at the travel agency, they wanted to sell us a trip (some other passamgers bought something). They also took our “blue confirmation” paper (received at the airport when paying for the minivan). And they said that we have to pay additionally 100 bath due to the fact that our hotel is at the end of Kata. I refused to pay this additional amount as it was strange for me. I told them that i showed the hotel name when buying a ticket and there was no additional cost. The situation was not nice but the end was ok, i did not pay extra, the driver droped us just in fron of hotel doors.
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-11-10 at 22:36
  
  Hi Magda!
  Thanks for the update and congratulation for resisting the scam :)
  C.
Chantal 2014-11-27 at 17:36

Hi, I am wondering if I should book a minivan before arriving in Phuket or if I it’s better to do it at the desk of the airport (we arrive at 6:50am)? I went through some websites who propose minivan (10 people) for Karon at door’s hotel for 1’300 bath for two persons whereas it seems possible to have the same ride for about 200 bath per person ! Thanks.
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-11-27 at 17:44
  
  Hi Chantal,
  You really don’t need to book a mini-van and 1’300 Baht for two is just scamming anyway.
  However, at 6:50am, there’s a good chance that you will only find taxis at the airport, I don’t think you can find a mini-van that early. But you can wait at the airport until they start their service.
  C.
Chantal 2014-11-29 at 06:52

Thanks Claude for your quick answer and for your helpfull website!
Danielle 2014-12-08 at 11:32

Hi Claude, I will be arriving in Phuket at about 720 pm, will there still be mini vans around?
1. Claude Vedovini 2014-12-08 at 11:59
  
  Hi Danielle,
  
  Yes, it should be ok :)
  
  C.
Chanelle 2015-01-05 at 21:02

Hi Claude

I am a 26 year old female traveling alone, but not too sure what the safest option would be to take, as i have heard many stories of the public transport.

I will be arriving at Phuket airport at 18:00pm and heading to Patong Beach.

Which option would you suggest I take? Mini Van / Metered taxi / Limo / Bus, etc.
Obviously I would want a reasonable price, nothing too pricey :) But then again, I would rather be safe as I will be on my own.

Thank you for your help Claude :)

Chanelle
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-01-05 at 22:04
  
  Hi Chanelle,
  
  Considering the safety/price criteria, the best is that you take a mini-van, second best will be a limousine.
  
  But overall Thailand and Phuket are really safe.
  
  Welcome to Phuket, have fun :)
  C.
  1. Chanelle 2015-01-05 at 22:12
    
    Perfect, thank you so much. :) :)
    Would I be able to get a mini van when I arrive at that hour? 18:00pm… Or would I need to book in advance? Same goes for the limousine?
    
    And you recommend I avoid the metered taxis?
    1. Claude Vedovini 2015-01-05 at 23:22
      
      No need to book in advance, just ask the desks that are just outside of the terminal.
      
      I don’t recommend you avoid metered taxi but price will be the same as limo and when problem arise (very rare) they happen with metered taxi or illegal taxi (legal taxis have green plates)
      1. Chanelle 2015-01-05 at 23:30
        
        Thank you so much for your help ðŸ˜Š
        Appreciate it x
Izlan 2015-02-26 at 17:00

Hi claude

I’m going to land on phuket this 1st march at around 8pm? what transport would u suggest?
or is it better if i take the service offered by my hotel?
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-02-27 at 21:02
  
  At that time there shouldn’t be any mini-van anymore, so you’re left with a taxi. Unless your hotel provides free pick-up their limousine service will be more expensive than the one you’ll find at the airport.
  I can also organise it for you actually, it’s usually cheaper. Drop me a message with the details on the contact page and I will let you know the price I can get you.
  1. Clay 2015-03-02 at 22:02
    
    Hi Claude,
    
    I am 21yo female travelling alone to Phuket, and will only land after 9pm. How much will it cost to take the limousine to Patong Beach, with your help?
Hugues Leclipteur 2015-03-27 at 17:13

hi, i found a airport – patong transfer (shared buses) for 670 THB (19 â‚¬) on viator.com
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-03-27 at 17:31
  
  Hi, the price at the airport is 180-200 Baht
aninda 2015-04-10 at 11:57

hi i am a female and will be solo traveller to phuket next week. i have no problem with transportation from airport to phuket since my flight will landed there at 1.00 pm. but the problem is i will have flight back from phuket take off at 8 am. what would be the best and cheaper transportation i can take to reach the airport from patong area? would be minivan available around 6 am to pick you from your hotel to airport? thank you and waiting for your reply
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-04-10 at 12:18
  
  Hi, there won’t be anything else than a taxi to take you to the airport at that time, I suggest you ask your hotel.
Deepak 2015-05-05 at 19:37

Hi Claude,

We are couple and will reach to Phuket airport on 24th May at 10:05AM through Air Asia flight (from bangkok).

We have already booked the ‘Two Chefs Inn’ in Kata beach.

Please suggest the best option and price for us .

Thanks in advance.
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-05-06 at 00:01
  
  At that time all the options above are open for you, so what’s best depends on your personal preferences and criteria
Ryan 2015-05-07 at 19:16

Hi Claude,

Me and my friend will be reaching Phuket at 8pm.
What transport should you recommend?
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-05-07 at 20:01
  
  if the mini-vans are still here take a mini-van, otherwise a taxi
su 2015-05-13 at 09:17

Hi Claude. Very helpful post. We arrive at 9 pm toda . Its 4 of us. Is mini van better or taxi? Also how much price shall we expect for taxi ?
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-05-13 at 10:06
  
  Hi Su, with 4 people you will need a mini-van or a big SUV, a normal taxi won’t take 4 with luggage and you will have to take 2. But mini-vans are not running anymore at that time. The best is that you quickly send me your flight details and your destination using the contact page and I will send you back a quote for a SUV.
  1. Su 2015-05-13 at 11:04
    
    Actually we are only carrying small back packs kinda bags. So no big luggage. Still, the plan is to arrive at 9 pm from Air asia From Bangkok and go to Bel Aire resort, Patong
Craig 2015-06-06 at 17:55

Hi Claude,

Thanks for an informative thread. Where are the Mini Vans situated at the airport please?

Regards
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-06-06 at 18:44
  
  Hi Craig, ask at the booths just outside the terminal
  1. Craig 2015-06-06 at 19:12
    
    Thanks Mate.
Corrine 2015-06-08 at 14:51

Hi, i will be going to Phuket in Aug with my family. 3 adults + 2 kids (both below 6). Do you recommend us to get a metered taxi or book a limousine in advanced? Saw some reviews recommend the tourist to take limousine or minivan if the passengers are more than 2.
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-06-08 at 15:22
  
  It doesn’t hurt to ask but a taxi or limousine driver will probably refuse to take 5 people and you will have to hire two cars, so you are probably better off using a min-van, you will stay together and should pay less (5×200 vs 2×800 if you go to Patong)
  1. Corrine 2015-06-08 at 15:28
    
    Thanks for the advice :)
Md Ziaul Hoque Bhuiyan 2015-07-10 at 10:51

Hi Claude,

We are couple and will reach to Phuket airport on 31st July at 11:30 PM through Bangkok Air flight (from bangkok).

What are the options to reach patong hotel. Can minivan available that time?

Thanks in advance.

Zia
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-07-11 at 16:46
  
  Hi Zia,
  Mini-vans and the public bus are not available at that time, only limousine and metered taxi
  C.
Manzil 2015-07-13 at 19:16

Hi Claude!

Extremely helpful info this. Thank you very much!
We’re a group of 7 adult budget travelers, arriving in HKT from BKK on 20th July @ 9.55pm (with only small handbags).
Understand from above that minivan is perhaps the best option for us if we are to go to Patong (Phung Muang Sai Kor Rd).
How much do you think it might cost us 1 way?

Cheers mate!
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-07-13 at 20:50
  
  The price is 180 Baht per person but I am not sure they still operate at 10pm. I can send you one that will take 1200 Baht in total. If you’re interested please use the contact form to confirm and send me the details of your arrival.
  1. Manzil 2015-07-14 at 19:02
    
    Hi Claude!
    
    A friend of mine suggested: PhuketConnectTransfers.com – who charge THB1000 from Phuket airport to Patong Beach area.
    
    Do you know them?
    Are they reliable?
    
    Cheers!
    1. Manzil 2015-07-14 at 19:03
      
      That’s in a minivan carrying 7 pax :-)
      1. Claude Vedovini 2015-07-14 at 20:49
        
        I don’t know them but it’s probably something like a Toyota Innova and not a mini-van (we’re talking 13 pax here) so 7 plus luggage may be a bit tight. I recommend you confirm with them the type of car :)
Nikhil 2015-09-04 at 09:33

Hi Claude
I read all threads and your recommendations, Really worth suggestions.
I’m travelling with my family having my 3 yrs old son next week and will stay in Karon. I checked Airport bus which doesn’t say clearly whether airport bus will go to Karon or not.

Will you please advise whether mini van is or Airport bus from price point of view.

Also I searched lot about Tuk-tuk fare .
For example If I want to travel from Karon to Patong ( for Indian restaurants) how much I need to pay to Tuk-tuk, Is it per person or lumsum trip fare?

Thanks in advance
Nikhil
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-09-04 at 12:35
  
  Hi,
  The airport bus doesn’t go to Karon, it stops in Patong, so you’re best option price-wise will be the mini-van.
  About the tuk-tuk from Karon to Patong (and back) they usually charge 400 Baht for a party up to 4 people, 500 Baht for more people.
  C.
  1. Nikhil 2015-09-04 at 13:14
    
    Thanks very much Claude,
    So it means Tuk-tuk won’t charge per person and the lumsum charge approx 400 Baht round trip is not bad option.
    Thanks again.
    
    I checked with my hotel about shuttle bus, they informed me shuttle bus will charge 100 for 1 adult and half for child one way from Karon to Patong. This will be also good alternative.
    1. Claude Vedovini 2015-09-04 at 14:25
      
      It’s a lump sum but it’s only one way, not the round trip.
calvin 2015-09-15 at 08:10

Hi Claude, would you please advise if the airport express bus still run from airport to patong? Thank you.
Calvin
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-09-15 at 16:26
  
  Hi! Yes, as far as I know it’s still running.
Laura 2015-11-01 at 07:36

Hi Claude, i saw from your previous answer that you aren’t sure what time the mini bus stop running.

We will be arriving at 8.20pm so probably out of the airport by 9pm, any chance to catch a mini bus at that time ? Is it risky ?

Thanks a lot !
1. Claude Vedovini 2015-11-01 at 08:00
  
  Hello Laura, 9pm should be ok. If not you will have to take a limousine or a metered taxi.
  1. Laura 2015-11-01 at 08:07
    
    Hopefully there will still be some. Save a lot of money. Thanks very much for the reply !
Steve 2016-01-18 at 22:12

Hi Claude.
As things change very quickly in Thailand, I am wondering if the public bus is still running from the airport to Jungceylon? Their website is gone and I am arriving on the weekend.
If so, would you know where the airport bus stop is?
Thanks
Steve
1. Claude Vedovini 2016-01-18 at 22:24
  
  I didn’t hear anything about the bus service to Patong being canceled, but like you said, it can be hard to tell.
  Normally the bus stop is on the left side when you get out of the terminal, you need to walk a bit.
  Would be nice if you could comment back here to confirm if it’s still running or not :)
Froilan Mulig 2016-01-24 at 18:27

HI Claude

My wife and I are coming to Phuket next month and will stay at Kata. We will arrive in Phuket Airport at around 10 pm. From what i have read in the comments above, the only available transportation at that time of the day are taxis and limousine. What are the rates now? I am assuming that it has increased.

Our return flight is also late at late at around midnight. What can you suggest for our transportation from our hotel in Kata to the Airport?

thanks and regards,
Froi
1. Claude Vedovini 2016-01-25 at 11:44
  
  Hello,
  I try to keep the prices up-to-date so, as indicated, the price for a “limousine” is à¸¿900 (about the same with a metered taxi) and that’s unfortunately all you will find after 10pm
  
  For your return I suggest you either ask your hotel receptionist (might be more expensive), ask a walk-in travel agency (plenty of those in the streets) or find a taxi by yourself (they have ranks in the street, you’ll just need to find one).
  
  Do any of that one day to a few hours before you leave, not at the last moment.
  
  Regards,
  C.
Kristen 2016-02-07 at 10:31

Hi Claude-

Will be arriving in Thailand this April at 2:15 am, Return flight to go home leaving at 3 am. We need to head to Patong Beach after we initially land….. Would it be a smarter option to book a private shuttle online ahead of time instead of dealing with the taxis? (I’m assuming because it will be so late that they will take more advantage of us being tired and not wanting to haggle) Thank you!
1. Claude Vedovini 2016-02-07 at 10:46
  
  There’s no haggling at the airport, if you take a limousine at 2am it will be 800-900 Baht to Patong. You can look online for a better price but it will be probably the same people.
Pratik 2016-02-29 at 19:12

Hi Claude-

We need to go back to Phuket Airport from Karon at around 5 o clock in the morning. What is the availability of means of transport???
1. Claude Vedovini 2016-02-29 at 19:18
  
  at that time your best bet is to find a taxi driver the day before and ask him to pick you up. You can ask your hotel’s reception but there will probably be a surcharge.
dean 2016-03-07 at 22:37

hello claude..
i have a question about the airport taxi fee.
is it a fee that is paid both out of the airport and back in by the taxi?
1. Claude Vedovini 2016-03-08 at 01:20
  
  Hi Dean,
  
  No, there is no airport fee when you come back. The fee is only paid when you take a metered taxi at the airport.
  And since there are no metered taxi on the island except at the airport and they can only take passengers there, you will have to take a mini-van or a non-metered taxi to go back.
Tony 2016-03-18 at 12:57

hello Mr Claude,

i will arrived at Phuket airport 9.05pm and maybe will out from terminal about 9.30pm.
is it minivans to patong still available that time? and what is the last call for minivans service?

or kindly suggest the best way to patong. please. thanks mate.
1. Claude Vedovini 2016-03-19 at 02:44
  
  I don’t think there will be mini-vans after 9pm, so you’re only left with limousine or metered taxi
kunchattu 2016-03-31 at 14:22

Hi,
I need to travel from Patong to Phuket airpot at 7AM. Can you tell me, what time min bus service start at morning from Patong to airpot ?
1. Claude Vedovini 2016-03-31 at 14:28
  
  The earliest I ever had was 7:30am, I suggest you ask a tour booth close to your hotel, there are many in the street.
  1. kunchattu 2016-03-31 at 14:32
    
    Thanks for your quick respond.
2. Pratik 2016-04-01 at 12:52
  
  Ask your hotel owner or at the hotel reception. In my case, we told our hotel receptionist to book a taxi for us at 4 A.M. and had paid the amount in advance. Well, the taxi arrived on time and we reached airport by 4:45 A.M.
Sabrina 2016-10-05 at 08:55

whats the going rate for a private car from airport to patong in Nov?
1. Claude Vedovini 2016-10-05 at 09:01
  
  800 Baht, that’s in the article
Jennifer 2018-05-24 at 12:05

Hi can I use grab taxi from Phuket airport to my hotel ?
1. Claude Vedovini 2018-05-24 at 12:08
  
  You can use Grab but you will have to get out of the airport to catch the taxi and the price will be the same, may be even more expensive.
Stevie G 2022-01-08 at 11:51

Van company lies about route. I knew they would stop (maybe on the main road, at hotels) but they also detour to beaches before going into phuket town. The van got about 3km from my hotel in phuket town, then turned to Patong to do drop offs there. That would add about 1 hour to my trip time, so I left the van and took a taxi. Phuket town could easily be first… but as the drivers home base… he wants to finish there. The ticket lady in HKT lies and said the van will not go to beaches. It could be even worse if there are drop offs at Kamala, Kata, Karon etc, as the driver would turn West onto slow beach roads even earlier. A 40-50 min ride could turn into 2.5 hours, if the van company fills one van with people going to hotels dotted around the island.
My advice is Download BOLT app (cheapest, no CC needed) or GRAB (about 100 baht more expensive, need CC to register). And never use a private taxi, or van on your Phuket trip.
1. Claude Vedovini 2022-01-08 at 12:50
  
  Going to Phuket town I would have recommended you’d rather take the airport shuttle. Now about apps, they don’t operate a separate fleet of taxis, it’s the same companies/individuals taxi drivers that answer those apps’ calls