Traveling to Phuket is quite easy. Even though it is an island in the far southeast of the Kingdom of Thailand, its popularity as a tourist destination means there are no shortage of convenient ways to get there. Though you can travel to Phuket by train, boat, or car – the best way is still by plane. We’ll cover ground transportation at the bottom of the article for those who have the extra time and don’t mind a little adventure.
Air Travel To Phuket
There are a number of airlines that serve the Phuket International Airport (HKT). You can even find some direct flights on Thai Airways from a limited number of European countries. Most flights from International destinations are most likely going to route you through Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi.
If you are already in Thailand and looking to visit Phuket, there are quite a few airlines that you can use as well. Some fly out of Suvarnaghumi but a large majority of Thailand’s domestic traffic will depart from Don Muang airport. That is just something to keep in mind when booking your ticket. You don’t want to end up taking a taxi ride to the wrong airport.
Travel Time to Phuket From Bangkok: 1.5 Hours (approximate)
Thai Airways off the most flights to Phuket, but can also be a little more expensive. There are several smaller boutique and low cost airlines that you can buy a ticket on that may save you a few dollars.
Main Phuket Airlines
Thai Airways
Thailand’s Flagship airline. Lots of flights to Phuket and other destinations.
Bangkok Airways
A small boutique airline with newer planes and great service. I’ve been very happy with them and the pricing is usually quite good.
Air Asia
A low cost airline that is very popular around South East Asia. Bear in mind when comparing prices they have a similar pricing model to western airlines. There are additional fees that get added to the ticket price for things like baggage. Sometimes the final cost is more than the full service carriers.
Nok Air
A low cost airline with frequent service to Phuket
Bangkok To Phuket By Train (& Bus &Taxi)
There is no direct train link from Bangkok to Phuket. However you can take the train to Surat Thani and then board a bus for the rest of your journey to Phuket Town. From there you’ll need to hire a taxi to get you to your hotel, which is most likely at the tourist beaches on the other side of the island.
You depart Bangkok on a sleeper car on the overnight train. These are usually 1st and 2nd class sleepers with meals available on board, sometimes included. The journey takes about 8 hours.
In the morning you catch a bus that will take you to Phuket town. That part of the journey will take you about 4 – 6 hours.
From there you have to arrange for transportation to your hotel or resort. This leg of the journey could take another 1 hour.
Total Travel Time: 14 – 16 hours (approximate)
This mode of travel is best left to travelers who have plenty of time to spare. If you are still interested and want more information on costs and the finer details check here.
How To Get To Phuket By Bus or Car
You can get to Phuket from Bangkok by either taking a bus or driving yourself. There are plenty of buses that leave from the Southern Bus terminal in Thonburi. Once again you’ll be brought to the bus terminal in Phuket Town where you’ll then need to hire a taxi to take you to your hotel.
Total Travel Time By Bus: 14 -16 hours (approximate)
Bus fare is considerably cheaper than flying; however it hardly seems worth the extra time when you could be there in less than two hours by plane. I’d much rather get there and start enjoying my vacation.