How to get from Bangkok to Phuket? Train, bus, flights bangkok vs phuket
There are several options for getting from Bangkok to Phuket: by plane, express bus, train with transfer to bus. The price of a plane ticket starts from 40 dollars, the flight time is 1 hour and 25 minutes. An express bus from Bangkok to Phuket will take you to your destination in 13 hours and 10 minutes, the fare is at least 19 USD. The combined trip (train + bus) takes 16 hours, and a ticket that includes both forms of transportation costs from $35. If you think about how many kilometers there are from Bangkok to Phuket – the distance between them is 840 km.
If you prefer to sleep for most of the journey, choose a fast bus. But keep in mind that Thais usually turn on the air conditioner at maximum power, so don’t forget to bring warm clothes. The train from Bangkok to Phuket is another option for an overnight trip, but after that you will have to transfer to a bus and travel during the day. If you decide to choose the option with a change, it is better to buy a complex ticket. You can also buy tickets separately on the spot – but they sell out quickly, so you may miss the trip you need. The situation is the same with plane tickets: they should be bought at least a few months in advance.
If you want to not only come to Phuket, but also have fun there, be sure to read our detailed summaries in the new Travel.Blender project.
For example, you can learn
what phuket sights worth a visit.
For those who prefer to explore the country through its gastronomic wonders, we have prepared a comprehensive guide
“Phuket cuisine and must-experience restaurants”.
Phuket – a piece of paradise
The island of Phuket is incredibly popular among tourists because everyone can find something they like here. Many people come to the island with children and spend almost all of their time on the beach, while others prefer an active vacation such as diving or surfing. Those who like different sights will not be bored either: here you should visit the statue of the Big Buddha, which is 45 meters high. The Buddhist temple Wat Chalong is also worth seeing – both individual travelers and groups of tourists come here to enjoy its beauty. And to make your impressions of Phuket brighter, don’t forget to ride the elephants!
Flights from Bangkok to Phuket. airplane tickets
The plane from Bangkok to Phuket is the fastest option to get to the island because the journey takes only 1 hour and 25 minutes. Fares for Bangkok Airways and Thai International Airways start at $40. Planes depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport and there are no night flights. The journey from Phuket Airport to the popular beaches takes 30-60 minutes, and you can take a taxi for that. You can also fly there with low-cost airlines (AirAsia, NokAir) from Don Mueang Airport. Although these plane tickets are cheap (from $22), low-cost carriers are not so reliable: your flight can be canceled or delayed indefinitely.
A plane:
Direct Bangkok Airways/Thai International Airways flights (flights of low-cost carriers AirAsia and NokAir from Don Mueang)
Time schedule:
From 06:25 to 21:55 hours
the road:
Suvarnabhumi Airport (Don Mueang Airport for low-cost airports) – Phuket Airport
Travel time:
From 1 h 55 min (1 h 25 min – by plane, from 30-60 min – to the beaches of Phuket)
Waiting time:
From 45 min between flights
Comfort level:
Medium: clean spacious cabin, comfortable high seats, latest newspapers
Low (for low-cost airlines)
Price:
From 48 USD (40 USD – plane, 8 USD – taxi to the beach)
Clients:
Rich tourists, business people, young couples, those traveling with children
How to get from Phuket Airport to the beach:
To calculate the route from Phuket Airport to your beach, use this Airguide.
Bangkok – Phuket by bus. Express
Before taking the bus from Bangkok to Phuket, you will need to travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok South Bus Terminal (2.5 hours). The journey by express bus takes a minimum of 13 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the carrier. Ticket prices also vary – from 19 to 28 dollars depending on the class (first, second or VIP). This form of transport is available from early morning until evening, and there are no night trips. Although the tickets are relatively cheap, the express buses have all the necessary amenities for the trip: free snacks, internet, etc. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices of Bangkok’s South Bus Terminal.
Express bus from Bangkok to Phuket:
Direct trip to Phuket
Bus timetable from Bangkok to Phuket:
From 06:40 to 20:30
the road:
Bangkok South Bus Station – Phuket Bus Station
Travel time:
From 15 h 40 min (13 h 10 min – express bus, 2 h 30 min – bus to Bangkok bus station)
Waiting time:
From 20 min
Comfort level:
High: soft seats, Wi-Fi, toilet, spacious cabin, air conditioning, free snacks
Price of bus tickets from Bangkok to Phuket:
From $19.2 ($19 – express bus, $0.2 – bus to South Bus Terminal)
Clients:
Couples without children, young tourists, those who want to save money, travelers without large luggage
How to find an express bus stop at Bangkok Airport:
You can get to Bangkok South Bus Station by bus #556 or by taxi.
Train from Bangkok to Phuket
There is no direct train connection between Bangkok and Phuket, so you can first get to Surat Thani by train and then from Surat Thani to Phuket by bus. It is better to buy a combined ticket that includes travel by train and bus. The train travel time is 11 hours and 40 minutes (plus the trip to the train station and the trip from Surat Thani to Phuket), the ticket price is $52 for a first-class ticket and $35 for a second-class ticket. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office of Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Train from Bangkok to Phuket:
Train №85 to Surat Thani
Time schedule:
1 trip per day, every day at 19:30
the road:
Bangkok Hua Lamphong – Surat Thani – Phuket railway station
Travel time:
4 h 10 min (1 h – public transport to the train station, 11 h 40 min – train, 3.5 h – bus to Phuket)
Waiting time:
1 trip per day
Comfort level:
Medium: spacious cabin, coffee tables, high seats with armrests, latest newspapers
Price:
From $36.3 (from $35 – train, from $1.3 – public transport to the train station)
Clients:
Couples without children, travelers without large luggage, those who know the route, young tourists
How to find the train platform from Bangkok to Phuket:
The train departs from Hua Lamphong Railway Station. It can be reached from Suvarnabhumi Airport by subway: take the Airport Rail Link (airport building ground floor) to Makkasan Station, then transfer to the MRT subway line to Hua Lamphong Station.
Transfer to Phuket. Taxi
When you arrive in Phuket, take a taxi to get to your hotel as soon as possible and finally relax after your trip. Transfer from Phuket airport to the beaches Kata, Karon and patong will take you to the place in 1-1.5 hours, and from new bus terminal Phuket 2 – in 40 minutes. The driver will wait for you as close as possible to the arrival area and help you with your luggage.
the road:
To your hotel in Phuket or to a specific address
Waiting time:
You have to wait about 5 minutes for the taxi, while the transfer is waiting for you at the time specified in the reservation form.
Comfort level:
Taxi on site: stops on request, no other passengers, air conditioning
Price:
From $26 for an economy class vehicle
Clients:
Large groups of people, families with children, those who have a lot of luggage or come at night, elderly tourists, those who are in Thailand for the first time, tourists who do not know the language and are afraid of getting lost
How to find a taxi stand in Phuket:
Taxis can be found at the taxi stand opposite Phuket Airport Exit or Bus Terminal 2.
Car rental in Bangkok
Driving experience required
from 1 year
To rent a car without driver to get from Bangkok airport to Phuket, you need to provide IDL, passport, health insurance and photocopies of documents. There are many rental companies in Thailand, but as scams are quite common, choose certified international companies. Insurance is included in the price of the vehicle rental per day. Cars are often broken into and stolen, so it is better to buy insurance that covers car theft. A $28 deposit is required. It is possible to rent a car at the Bangkok airport, if you did not have time to do it in advance. Try to use side roads and drive carefully: in the event of an accident, the Thai police usually side with their compatriots.
the road:
you can travel within Thailand
Comfort level:
tall
you don’t have traffic jams; it doesn’t depend on anyone
How to rent a car
Book a car online or rent one at Bangkok Airport
How to get from Bangkok to Phuket?
Traveling from Bangkok to Phuket can be both quite cheap and quite expensive. It all depends on the duration of the trip and the level of comfort you need. We wish you a pleasant trip and lots of incredible emotions from your vacation!
Those who already know how to get to their hotel should learn more about it Phuket city transportation: what types of buses are there, where to buy a ticket and how to charge it. Plus, lots of useful information on how to rent a car with or without a driver.
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