Skip to Content

Bangkok to Phuket, Thailand – The 4 Best Travel Options

How to get to Phuket from Bangkok, Thailand? You can travel by train, bus, taxi, or plane to Phuket from Bangkok.

Phuket, Thailand, is a breathtakingly beautiful island in the Andaman Sea on the western coast of Thailand.

With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical climate, Phuket has become one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.

The island offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore ancient temples, indulge in local cuisine or relax on some of the world’s most famous beaches.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or prefer to take it easy, Phuket has something for everyone.

Traveling from Bangkok to Phuket is easy, and there are different options. Taking a flight is by far the fastest way to reach the beautiful beaches in the south.

Bangkok to Phuket by Bus is the cheapest option, and a train to Phuket offers you lots of amazing Thai scenery along the way.

Tip: We offer Thailand Transportation Guides for all main tourist destinations, like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.

Bangkok To Phuket The 4 Best Travel Options2
©Michelleraponi via Canva.com

How far is Phuket from Bangkok?

The road distance from Bangkok to Phuket is about 840 kilometers or 520 miles. The flight distance is 674 kilometers (419 miles).

Transportation Options from Bangkok to Phuket

The following table outlines all transportation options from Bangkok to Phuket:

MethodTravel timePrice
Flight from Bangkok to Phuket1 hour 25 minutesUSD 22+
Bus from Bangkok to Phuket13-16 hours
Train + Bus from Bangkok to Phuket~13 hours
Rental Car~10 hours

How to get from Bangkok to Phuket

1. Flight from Bangkok to Phuket

Journey Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes

The fastest and easiest way to get to Phuket is by plane. The flight time from Bangkok to Phuket is just 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Flights depart from both airports, whereby the lower-cost airlines like Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, and Thai Smile mostly take off from the smaller Bangkok Don Mueang Airport.

Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways depart from the big international Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is well connected by Skytrain to Bangkok downtown.

Plane tickets with low-cost carriers start at around 22 USD, depending on the season.

The airport in Phuket is located in the north of the island. Different options to get to your final destination include a taxi, minibus, direct bus to Patong Beach, or Private Phuket Hotel Transfer.

The transfer to the most popular beaches and hotels takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Tip: Book a VIP arrival or departure experience at Phuket Airport, including Premium Immigration Lane, Lounge access, and personal assistant.

Thailand 728X90
Bangkok To Phuket The 4 Best Travel Options3
©qimono via Canva.com

2. Bus from Bangkok to Phuket

Journey Duration: 13-16 hours

The most economical way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket is by bus.

Busses depart from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal, and the Bangkok to Phuket bus travel time betrays between 13 to 16 hours.

Service and comfort vary a lot, though!

Be careful when you purchase bus tickets around Khao San Road. They are renowned for their lousy service, and there is a risk of getting scammed.

You can travel comfortably in spacious, air-conditioned buses if you pay a little more. You get what you pay for.

It is advisable to book your ticket in advance to get a better price and a guaranteed seat in your preferred booking class.

Bangkok To Phuket2

3. Night Train + Bus to Phuket from Bangkok

Journey Duration: ~13 hours

Another option to travel to Phuket is by train. You can board the train at Hua Lamphong railway station in Bangkok to Surat Thani. From there you have to take a bus.

Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from Bangkok to Phuket!

The most comfortable option is to take a sleeper train for the 8 hours journey. They are comfortable and will arrive early in the morning in Surat Thani.

The following bus trip takes about 5 hours, so that you will arrive in Phuket around lunchtime.

It is possible to buy a combined ticket; for both the train and the bus.

Things To Do In Phuket

4. Travel from Bangkok to Phuket by car

Journey Duration: ~10 hours

Thailand is a country that boasts incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.

The journey from Bangkok to Phuket by car offers an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes, pristine beaches, and stunning islands along the way.

While traveling by plane may be quicker and more convenient, driving allows you to discover hidden gems you wouldn’t otherwise stumble upon.

The road trip from Bangkok to Phuket stretches over 840 kilometers through the heart of Southern Thailand.

From bustling cities to the rural countryside, this route is full of surprises at every turn.

With breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and adventurous activities en route, it’s no wonder why it’s becoming increasingly popular among travelers seeking a unique experience in Thailand.

The journey will take around 10 hours, and the Taxi fare from Bangkok to Phuket starts at 420 USD.

Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price.

Bangkok To Phuket1

More Phuket Transfers

Many people travel straight to Phuket from their home country. It is, however, also a popular stop during a round trip in Thailand.

To make it easier for you, I added a couple of transfer options from other destinations in Thailand.

1. Ferry Transfer to Koh Lanta from Phuket, Ao Nang, and Railay

2. Phuket Airport to/from Khao Lak Hotels Shared Van Transfer

3. Ferry Transfer Between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi

4. Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket with English speaking driver

Bangkok To Phuket3

Best day tours in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, is a land of natural charm and beauty.

With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Phuket offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

One of the best ways to explore this tropical paradise is by taking a day tour that covers some of the island’s top attractions.

From exploring ancient temples and lush rainforests to snorkeling in turquoise waters teeming with marine life and tasting exotic Thai cuisine, there are plenty of day tours in Phuket that cater to different interests and budgets.

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.

Bangkok To Phuket The 4 Best Travel Options2
©Michelleraponi via Canva.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket?

The cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket is by bus. The trip starts at Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal and lasts at least 13 hours.
Depending on the carrier and travel class, it costs between 700 and 1.100 Thai Baht (around 20 to 36 USD).

For taking a flight from Bangkok to Phuket, do we need to go through immigration?

If you start your trip in Bangkok, you don’t have to go through immigration as it is a domestic flight. If you are arriving on an international flight into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and have your luggage checked through to Phuket, you can use a special immigration facility for connecting flights. In this case, passport control will take place in Phuket.

How far is Bangkok from Phuket by train?

The combined night train and bus trip from Bangkok to Phuket takes around 14 hours. You will leave Bangkok at night and arrive in Phuket around lunchtime.

Is there a direct train from Bangkok to Phuket?

You can board the train at Hua Lamphong railway station in Bangkok to Surat Thani. From there you have to take a bus.

Is it easy to get from Bangkok to Phuket?

The answer is yes! Several options for transportation make traveling between these two cities convenient and hassle-free.
One option is to take a flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Several airlines offer daily flights between the two cities. Another option is to take a bus or train from Bangkok to Phuket. While this may take longer than flying, it can be a more affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.

Which month is best to visit Phuket?

The best time to visit Phuket is between November and February, when the weather is dry, sunny, and not too hot. During this period, temperatures range from 25°C-32°C making it perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming and sunbathing. Additionally, there is less rainfall during these months than in other months of the year, so you can enjoy beautiful clear skies while exploring everything Phuket offers.

Rate this post

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *