Phuket is Thailand’s crown jewel which is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural tapestry. There are three main options for travelling from Bangkok to Phuket : bus, train, and flight. Each has its own pros and cons, so the best choice for you will depend on your budget, travel time, and preferences. Please refer to this article to help you choose Best mode of travel.
If you are not interested in reading the whole blog, here is a brief overview of all three options to reach Phuket.
| Type | Journey Time | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 12-17 hours | 800-1400 THB(22-38 USD) | Medium |
| Train + bus | 15-18 hours | 600-2800 THB (16-78 USD) | Medium |
| Flight | 1.5 hour | 1100-3500 THB (30-98 USD) | High |
Best time to visit Phuket :
November to April (peak season)
Getting around Phuket :
Tuk-tuks, Songthaews, Bikes, Taxi, Grab/Bolt
Index
How to travel from Bangkok to Phuket by Bus
Buses are the most affordable and convenient option to reach Phuket. It takes around 12-17 hours to reach Phuket from Bangkok via bus. They cost around 800-1400 THB(22-38 USD) depending on bus company. Express buses are cheapest and VIP buses are the most expensive.
However, buses can be slow and uncomfortable, especially if you’re on an old bus. Modern buses are slightly comfortable with good onboard seats. If you’re looking for more comfortable journey, it is better book ticket for an VIP bus. Here’s a schedule for buses to Phuket by different bus operators.
Schedule for Buses to Phuket from Bangkok
Transport Co : 06:45 06:45 16:30 16:30 16:45 16:45 17:25 17:25 18:00 18:00
Sombat Tour : 18:00 18:50
Raja Ferry : 19:00 19:00
Andaman Sea Tour and Transport : 17:50
Bangkok bus station
Bangkok has three main bus terminals in the city, however most buses to Phuket depart from Mochit Bus Terminal and Southern Bus Terminal. The best way to reach both bus stations is via Taxi as MRT/BTS stations are far from the bus terminals. I would recommend using Grab or Bolt to book taxis as local taxis will charge more for foreigners.
Some bus companies like Raja Ferry have their own departure point, so be sure to check your departure point while booking.
Phuket Bus station
Phuket has two bus terminals, namely Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Buses from Bangkok stop mostly at Terminal 2, however some bus companies stop at Terminal 1 too. So, be sure to check arrival point while booking. There are hourly minibuses from bus terminals to old town and other areas in Phuket but I would recommend taking a taxi or Grab/Bolt to your Hotel/Accommodation.
How to book and buy Bus tickets from Bangkok to Phuket
Bus tickets can be bought offline at bus station or online via third party vendors like 12go Asia or Baolau.
Tips
- Book your tickets online in advance, especially for overnight journeys.
- Choose VIP buses for more legroom and onboard amenities.
- Keep your valuables in your backpack.
- Pack snacks and water, as some buses might not have refreshments available.
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How to travel from Bangkok to Phuket by Train
Currently there are no direct trains between Bangkok and Phuket as there is no railway line that goes through Phuket. However, if you’re looking for a train trip, you can still do Bangkok to Phuket train by taking a train to Surat Thani and then taking a van/bus to Phuket from there.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by train
Bangkok to Surat Thani trains are very frequent throughout the day as all trains to South Thailand go through there. It takes around 9-11 hours to reach Surat Thani from Bangkok. They cost around 216-2372 THB (6-65 USD) depending on the coach and class type. Thai trains are a more comfortable option than buses as they offer more legroom, scenic views and a unique experience overall.
There are daily 10 trains available to Surat Thani and additional trains are added during peak season and festivals. However, I would recommend booking trains which reach Surat Thani in morning or afternoon as there are no vans to Phuket afterwards.
Schedule for Trains to Surat Thani from Bangkok
Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat) Train Station
Bangkok has two main train terminals, however trains to Surat Thani depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal station. The best way to reach Krung Thep Aphiwat (KTW) is via Bang Sue MRT station as it’s located just outside the terminal. Alternatively you can always take Grab or Bolt to the station.
Surat Thani Train Station
Surat Thani railway station is located outside Surat Thani town in Phunphin. There will be shuttle buses across the train station during daytime to take you to Surat Thani town.
How to book and buy train tickets from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Train tickets to Surat Thani can be bought 30 days (90 days for special and special express) before scheduled departure. Travellers can buy tickets both via offline at train station and online on official website or third party vendors like 12go Asia or Baolau. To know more, please read on How to book train tickets in Thailand.
Tips
- Book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak season.
- Book trains which reach Surat Thani in morning or afternoon.
- Remember to select Krung Thep Aphiwat while booking on official website as Bangkok option refers to Hua Lamphong station.
- Opt for first-class carriages for added comfort and amenities.
Surat Thani to Phuket by Van/Minibus
Buses/vans to Phuket are very frequent during daytime. It takes around 4-6 hours to reach Phuket from Surat Thani. They cost around 300-400 THB (8-11 USD) depending on the tour company.
Schedule for Buses to Phuket from Surat Thani
Phangan Tour : 06:45 08:30 09:40 14:10
465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport : 06:40 07:20* 09:20* 09:40 10:20* 13:45
* buses depart from Surat Thani train station itself, no need to go to Surat Thani town.
Schedule for Vans to Phuket from Surat Thani
Phantip Travel : 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00
Phangan Tour : 08:10 09:10 10:10 11:10 12:10 13:10 14:10 15:10 16:10
Surat Thani van terminal
Phantip Travel, Phangan Tour and 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport bus/van terminals are just few meters apart each other in Surat Thani town. However, as I mentioned above, Surat Thani train station is far from the town. So, I would recommend taking taxi directly to bus/van terminals.
Phuket van terminal
Phuket has two bus/van terminals, namely Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Buses from Surat Thani stop at Terminal 2, while vans from Surat Thani stop at Terminal 1. So, be sure to check arrival point while booking. There are hourly minibuses from bus terminals to old town and other areas in Phuket but I would recommend taking a taxi or Grab/Bolt to your Hotel/Accommodation.
How to book and buy van/bus tickets from Surat Thani to Phuket
Bus/Van tickets can be bought offline at respective bus/van terminals or online via third party vendors like 12go Asia or Baolau. I would recommend giving 1-2 hour buffer while booking online as you’ll be coming by train which are prone to late arrivals.
How to travel from Bangkok to Phuket by Flight
Flights are the fastest option, but they are also the most expensive way to reach Phuket. It takes approximately 1.5 hour to reach Phuket via flight from Bangkok. Flight prices vary season by season and are around 1100-2000 THB (30-55 USD) during off season and around 1500-3500 THB (41-98 USD) during peak season
There are many daily flights departing to Phuket by several airlines. Here’s a list of airlines which fly DMK to HKT and BKK to HKT routes :
Thai Airasia, Thai Vietjet Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air
Bangkok Airports
Bangkok has two major international airports, namely Suvarnabhumi International Airport – BKK (new airport) and Don Mueang International Airport – DMK (old airport). Flights to Phuket depart from both airports, so better check your departure airport while booking the flights.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is located outside main city in Samut Prakan district. The best way to reach BKK airport is via Airport Rail Link from the city. Alternatively you can also take Grab or Bolt to the airport.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Don Mueang International Airport is located in Don Mueang and Sana Bin area in the city. The best way to reach DMK airport is via SRT Red line service. You can also take A1-A4 buses from different parts of the city to reach the airport. The A1 bus is particularly famous as it runs between DMK and Mochit bus terminal, which is one of the main bus terminals in the city. Alternatively, you can always take Grab or Bolt to the airport.
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Phuket International airport is located a little far from Phuket old town. There is bus service from airport which costs 100 THB and has several stops, you need to tell your driver your hotel name, he’ll tell you the nearest stop to get out. To know more about this bus service, click here. Alternatively you can always book taxi to your hotel.
How to book and buy flight tickets from Bangkok to Phuket
It is always recommended to buy flight tickets via official airline website. However, travellers can also be book through third party vendors like Agoda, Expedia, 12go Asia.
Tips
- Look for deals and promotions offered by airlines, especially during weekdays.
- Remember to check your departure airport as flights to Phuket depart from both airports.
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your trip
- Book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
- Pack light, especially if you’re flying.
- Be prepared for delays, no matter which mode of transportation you choose.
- Relax and enjoy the journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to book / buy bus, train or flight tickets from Bangkok to Phuket?
It is always recommended to book train or flight tickets through official websites. However, you can also book through third party vendors like 12go Asia or Baolau.
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Phuket?
It takes 12-17 hours to reach Phuket via bus, 15-18 hours via train + bus and approximately 1.5 hour via flight.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Phuket?
It costs around 22-38 USD to travel to Phuket via bus, 16-78 USD via train + bus and 30-98 USD via flight
What is the fastest way of travel from Bangkok to Phuket?
Fastest way to travel to Phuket is via Flight as it takes approximately 1.5 hour.
What is the cheapest way of travel from Bangkok to Phuket?
Cheapest way to travel to Phuket is via train + bus, as it costs around 16-78 USD.
What is best time to visit Phuket?
Best time to visit Phuket is during November to April. You can also visit during May to October, however it is rainy season, so be careful doing water activities as it can be dangerous.
What are some places to visit in Phuket?
Phuket is Thailand’s crown jewel, synonymous with pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural tapestry. Here is a list of most popular things to see in Phuket.
- Banana Beach
- Freedom Beach
- Phang Nga Bay
- Big Buddha Phuket
If you want to know in detail about more places to visit in Phuket, click here.
Love travelling through Thailand? Take a look at this travel guides
I hope this information helps you choose the best way to get from Bangkok to Phuket. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy travels!
