Phuket is well connected with Chiang Mai. You can get from Chiang Mai to Phuket by bus, flight, bus+train, and rental car.
Phuket is a true paradise in southern Thailand. It is the largest island in the Andaman Sea and one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.
This beautiful place offers a lot to see and do, from water sports to fabulous beaches, classical architecture, and fantastic nightlife!
The atmosphere on this island is very welcoming and friendly, making it a great place to escape the rhythm of everyday life. Here, you can be surrounded by stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and enjoy some of the most fantastic Thai food!
Phuket boasts some fantastic beaches, such as Patong Beach and Kamala Beach.
Phuket’s location has led to a Chinese influence within its local culture, so you will often see Chinese shrines and restaurants around the city.
While the Chinese community is quite prominent in Phuket, many other ethnicities bring their traditions from all over the world to this beautiful island!
Traveling between Chiang Mai and Phuket is easy, and you can choose between a bus, flight, bus+train, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Chiang Mai to Phuket.
Tip: We offer detailed information about how to get around in Thailand for all main tourist destinations, like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.
How far is Phuket from Chiang Mai?
The distance from Chiang Mai to Phuket is 949.5 miles or 1528 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Chiang Mai to Phuket
The following table outlines all transportation options from Chiang Mai to Phuket:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Chiang Mai to Phuket | 24 hours 40 minutes | USD 63 |
| Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket | 2-4 hours | – |
| Train + Bus from Chiang Mai to Phuket | +24 hours | – |
| Rental Car | 20 hours 20 minutes | – |
Getting to Phuket from Chiang Mai
1. Bus from Chiang Mai from Phuket
Journey Duration: 24 hours 40 minutes
Taking a bus ride is the first option for getting from Chiang Mai to Phuket!
A VIP bus run by Green Bus can take you from Chiang Mai to Phuket in just over 24 hours. Although it is a lengthy trip, taking this bus is the least expensive option because it only costs USD 62!
Budget travelers usually choose long-distance buses because they are the cheapest option to travel with.
These buses typically stop frequently and take breaks along the way.
This bus is of a higher class and provides a more comfortable ride. Amenities like air conditioning, reclining seats, WiFi, and a bathroom are available.
Each day, a single departure will take you from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Phuket Bus Terminal 2.
To ensure you don’t miss the only bus of the day, purchase your ticket online.
Chiang Mai to Phuket VIP Bus Schedule:
- 03:00 PM to 03:40 PM (Next Day): VIP Bus from Phuket to Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 62
2. Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket
Journey Duration: 2-4 hours
The fastest route from Chiang Mai to Phuket is getting on a plane, though it is more expensive than driving there.
Ticket costs for flights constantly fluctuate based on the time of year and day of travel, but occasionally, you can find promotional deals roughly equivalent to train or bus fares!
Approximately eight flights per day depart from Chiang Mai for Phuket, though this is subject to change depending on the season.
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Chiang Mai to Phuket. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
3. Train + Bus from Chiang Mai to Phuket
Journey Duration: +24 hours
The only public transport available from Chiang Mai to Phuket is the train, but you will need to make multiple transfers to go with this option.
There isn’t a train that runs directly between the two cities, so you must take a train to Bangkok first.
Once you arrive in Bangkok, you must get on another train that will take you to Surat Thani, a city near Phuket. Finally, you must take a bus connecting Surat Thani to Phuket.
Even though it might seem complicated, some people prefer to travel this way because it is much cheaper!
The trip can take up to 25 hours, depending on your chosen train.
The downside of this route is that you have to buy individual tickets for every train and bus, so you will need to consider the time for potential delays.
So, make sure you plan your trip in advance so you won’t have to travel for two days because you missed a ride.
The prices depend on the season and the time of day. Please check carefully before making a reservation to ensure your booking is at the best price.
For travelers who are not afraid of a bit of adventure, this is still the most affordable and practical option for getting to Phuket from Chiang Mai.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Chiang Mai to Phuket
Journey Duration: 20 hours 20 minutes
If you want to travel from Chiang Mai to Phuket using a car, you can get a car rental!
Renting a car allows you to travel and explore at your own pace while driving to Phuket, and you will arrive much faster.
It will take about 20 hours to drive the distance.
Chiang Mai is also highly affordable when renting a car, with daily rates starting at only USD 25. Furthermore, this route makes traveling between Chiang Mai and Phuket very convenient!
When renting a car from Chiang Mai to Phuket, ensure you have all the required documentation. And don’t forget to prepare for the long ride!
Best day tours in Phuket, Thailand
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Phuket, Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Phuket?
The cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Phuket is by bus. Buses on longer routes such as this one are usually cheaper. This option costs USD 63.
What is the fastest way to get from Chiang Mai to Phuket?
The fastest way to get from Chiang Mai to Phuket is by plane. This journey usually takes about 2 hours.
What is the most popular transport from Chiang Mai to Phuket?
The most popular method of transport to travel from Chiang Mai to Phuket is the plane.
How long does it take to get from Chiang Mai to Phuket?
Depending on the mode of transportation, the time it takes to get from Phuket to Chiang Mai can vary. So, the total travel time can be either 2 or 25 hours.
How far is Chiang Mai from Phuket by plane?
The air distance from Chiang Mai to Phuket is 748 miles or 1204 kilometers.
Is there a direct train from Chiang Mai to Phuket?
Since Phuket doesn’t have a train station, there isn’t a direct train that runs from Chiang Mai to Phuket. You can take a train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and another from Bangkok to Surat Thani if you prefer to travel this way.
More Routes from Chiang Mai, Thailand
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