Bangkok to Phuket: Fly, and Take the Bus From the Airport

Fly. A direct flight from Suvarnabhumi to Phuket takes under two hours, and the cheapest sampled one-way fare was THB 1,089. The train only goes as far as Surat Thani. Flights leave from both Bangkok airports, and the airport bus into Phuket Town costs THB 100.

Fly. If you are heading from Bangkok to Phuket, the direct flight takes under two hours, and the train would leave you stuck at Surat Thani.

Which airport to fly from

Take whichever is closer to you. Thai AirAsia flies from both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi, and Thai VietJet, Thai Lion Air and Bangkok Airways cover Phuket too. Evening flights from Suvarnabhumi are the cheapest we found, with a 19:20 departure at THB 1,089. Fares swing with the date, so shift your day if you can: the same route showed THB 1,649 on one Thursday and THB 1,153 two days later. For baggage rules, see domestic flights and baggage.

If you want the train

The trains leave Krung Thep Aphiwat and stop at Surat Thani, so you still have to get to Phuket from there. The day train 43 leaves at 07:30 and arrives at 16:20. If you would rather sleep on the way, a 2nd class berth on the Rapid train 171 costs THB 654 for the upper bunk and arrives at 01:11 the next day. Our pick is still the flight, unless you love trains. Read the SRT booking guide for how far ahead to book.

From Phuket airport into town

Most people end up on the airport bus 8411, which costs THB 100 to Phuket Town and runs from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm. Walk out of exit 3, turn left and follow the signs to the public transport parking area, then pay by QR code or cash on board.

Heading for the beaches? The Smart Bus also costs THB 100 and runs Airport, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai. It picks up at Entrance 3 of the Domestic terminal, and you tap a contactless Visa, Mastercard or JCB card on board. If you would rather ride in a car, the EVme VIP Taxi starts at THB 150 on the meter plus a THB 100 airport fee, and rental counters are on the first floor.

For beaches, hotels and cafes, use the sister guide at phuketanchor.com (opens in a new tab). The Phuket guide here covers the island in short, and Getting around Thailand covers other routes from Bangkok, including Bangkok to Krabi.

↑ Contents

Not confirmed: Flight fares move daily, so check the live price before you book. Bus times and fares from Bangkok to Phuket were not readable.

Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.

Spotted an error? Report it.