Getting Around Phuket Made Simple: Phuket Transport Hacks

I had no clue what to expect when I landed in Phuket. Back home in Singapore, getting from point A to B is easy as everything’s clean, clear, and on time. So I figured things here might be a bit… different.

And yeah, they are. Phuket transport isn’t the most organised, but it gets the job done. Once you figure out what works for where you are, it’s actually kind of fun. I ended up trying a bit of everything from tuk-tuks, scooters, shared vans and even the occasional longtail boat.

Getting around Phuket really depends on where you’re staying and what you’re doing. Some places are easy to walk.

Other places? Grab is your best friend. Sometimes you just have to mix and match like ride halfway and walk the rest.

If you’re here to beach-hop, explore Old Town, or just find that night market everyone talks about… this guide has you covered. I’ll share what worked for me, what didn’t, and a few things I wish someone had told me earlier.

Ready? Let’s figure this out together.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Phuket

Source: Phuket Net

Tried getting a taxi when I reached Phuket. Gave up after like, five minutes? Either no one stopped, or they quoted some anyhow price. I think one guy said 700 baht (about S$26) to Patong? It was ridiculous, so I just walked off.

So, my friend said, “Use Grab lah.” So I did.

Grab works pretty well here. It’s not as fast as in Singapore, and sometimes there’s a bit of a wait at smaller beach towns or during rainy weather. But at least the price is fixed and you can avoid all the haggling.

Regular taxis are all over the island and likely so around tourist areas like Patong, Kata, and the airport. But watch out: they don’t run by the meter.

Most of the time, drivers quote you a price upfront so it’s usually marked up. Some drivers are friendly, some try their luck. If you want to take one, agree on the fare before hopping in. Better still, ask your hotel what’s a fair price to avoid getting overcharged.

Source: The Phuket Express

At the airport, they got an official counter. You pay first then get a driver. No need to stress too much, just queue and go. But if you arrive late or don’t want to deal with it, Grab still works. Just expect to pay a bit more due to airport surcharges.

If got big luggage or travelling with kids, just Grab. Really. Save yourself the trouble.

Buses & Airport Shuttles in Phuket

I didn’t plan on taking the bus at all.

The first time I saw one, it looked more like a colourful truck than anything else. Turns out, that’s a songthaew, ie a kind of open-air shared ride that’s super common here.

Songthaew

Source: Mama Loves Phuket

You might see songthaews and think they’re tuk-tuks — but they actually work more like public buses. Shared rides, fixed-ish routes, and very affordable.

They’re usually blue and run between key areas like Patong, Karon, Kata, and Phuket Town. No fixed schedule. They stop when someone waves, they go when the driver feels like it. Fares are cheap though as I paid 40 baht (around S$1.50) for a short ride from Kata to Phuket Town. Just hop on, sit at the back, and pay when you get off.

Don’t expect English signs or announcements. I had to ask locals a couple of times just to be sure I was going the right way. Google Maps isn’t always reliable for songthaew routes, so best to ask your hotel staff or a shop owner nearby.

Airport Shuttles

Source: Phuket Net

If you're landing at the airport, there’s also an official airport bus which is fully air-conditioned, proper seating, luggage space, the works.

It goes to major areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon. I paid 150 baht (about S$5.50) for a one-way trip to Patong, which is way cheaper than a taxi or Grab.

You’ll find the ticket counter just outside the terminal. It’s easy enough, but keep in mind the bus doesn’t run very late. If you arrive past 7 pm, you might have to rely on Grab or a taxi instead.

Buses are okay if you’re travelling light and not rushing. But with bags, family, or late-night flights? I’d say skip it. It’s great for solo travellers or anyone who wants to try the local way of getting around.

If you want more options to get from airport to city centre, check out this guide on Phuket airport transfer.

Tuk-Tuks in Phuket

Source: Phuket Villa Finder

You’ll spot them everywhere! Phuket-style tuk-tuks are those red or yellow mini vans that look a bit like toy cars. Not the three-wheeled ones you see in Bangkok. These are four-wheeled, covered, and sometimes even have disco lights inside.

Not to be confused with songthaews, which are shared rides. Tuk-tuks here are private, and the price depends on how well you bargain.

I took one from Patong to Kata just to try it out. The ride was short, maybe 15 minutes. The driver quoted me 400 baht (around S$15). Pricey, considering the distance. But that’s the thing… tuk-tuks in Phuket are known to be overpriced, especially in tourist areas. No meter, no fixed rate. It’s all by feel... and whether the driver thinks you look like an easy target.

Some will let you bargain. Some won’t bother. If you’re travelling in a group, then it’s okay as you can split the fare, so it doesn’t sting as much. But solo? You’ll feel the pinch.

That said, I still think it’s worth trying once. There’s a kind of charm to it. With the music blasting, sea breeze blowing, weaving through traffic like nobody’s business… it’s quite an experience. But after one ride, I was happy to go back to Grab.

Tuk-tuks usually hang around busy spots like Patong Beach, Bangla Road, night markets. Just walk up and ask for a price. If it feels too much, walk away. Another driver will come by in five seconds.

Motorbike Taxis in Phuket

Source: Phuket Villa Finder

If you're travelling solo and want to get somewhere fast, motorbike taxis are hard to beat. They’re usually parked in clusters at the side of the road. You can look out for riders in orange vests with numbers on the back. Usually, you’ll find them near convenience stores, malls, markets, or just hanging around busy intersections.

I took one from Jungceylon to my hotel in Patong because traffic was crazy and I was too lazy to walk. The ride took maybe 5 minutes. Cost me 80 baht (about S$3). No haggling, just told him my hotel and hopped on.

That said, I was holding on for dear life. No helmet provided, and the guy weaved through traffic like he was in a game. If you’re not used to riding pillion, it can feel a bit scary at first. Also, not ideal if you're carrying bulky bags or wearing a dress. Definitely not for families or anyone travelling with kids.

The price depends on distance, but most short trips cost between 60 to 100 baht (S$2 to S$4). There’s no meter so they usually quote you a price on the spot. If it feels high, you can walk away or check with another rider nearby.

If you’re unsure, you can also book motorbike taxis through the Grab app, which shows the fare upfront. It’s slightly more expensive than street-hailing but safer and easier for first-timers.

Would I take one again? Only for short trips, and only in daylight. At night or in bad weather, I’d rather wait for a car or Grab.

Walking Around Phuket

Some parts of Phuket are nice to walk… while others, not so much.

I stayed near Kata Beach, and walking around there was chill. Lots of small shops, cafes, massage places, and the beach just a few minutes away. Pavements were decent, although sometimes you have to share space with parked bikes or random signboards.

But once I tried walking further, say from Kata to Karon, I regretted it halfway. No proper pavement at some parts, and cars zoom past really close. Plus, Phuket’s heat? Wah. Even with a cap and water, I felt like I was melting.

Phuket weather isn’t like Singapore’s humidity — it’s hotter, and the sun feels harsher. If you’re planning to explore on foot, check the weather first before heading out. Morning or late afternoon is better. Avoid the midday sun if you can.

Places like Phuket Old Town are much more walkable. The streets are tighter, buildings are colourful, and there’s a lot to see. The street art, cafes, markets… so it is definitely worth strolling around. Just wear proper shoes. I made the mistake of wearing slippers and nearly slipped on uneven tiles.

Is it safe to walk? Generally, yes. I didn’t feel unsafe, even at night. But still, stick to lit areas and avoid walking along highways or dark shortcuts. Google Maps helps, but not all walking paths are updated. Sometimes it shows a road you can’t actually walk on.

Overall, walking’s great for short distances like from beach to dinner, hotel to massage shop, that kind of thing. But for longer trips or if you’re in hillier parts like around Naka or Kalim, just Grab.

Final Thoughts on Getting Around Phuket

Getting around Phuket isn’t always smooth but it’s part of the adventure. Once you figure out what works where, it gets easier. Some days you’ll ride a Grab. Other times, you might find yourself in the back of a tuk-tuk with music blasting and no seatbelt in sight. It’s all part of the charm.

Would I recommend walking everywhere? Not really. Some spots are great on foot. Others? Just book a ride and save your energy. Don’t stress if things take a little longer here as Phuket moves on island time.

The best way to get around is to mix things up. For some places nearby, just walk short distances or take a songthaew if you're feeling adventurous. Get a taxi or Grab when you need comfort, and maybe try a tuk-tuk just for the experience.

Having mobile data helps a lot! Google Maps, Grab, and even weather updates come in handy. If you haven’t already, look into getting an eSIM for Thailand before your trip.

Wherever you're headed, be it the beach, market, or massage, enjoy the ride. Phuket transport isn’t perfect, but it gets you where you need to go.

Remember to check out these amazing travel promotions on flights and hotels in Phuket right now!