Getting Around
Phuket is easy to travel around. There are three forms of public transportation to get you around Phuket’s Island once you have arrived at your hotel. These are forms of transport used to visit markets, shopping centers, beaches and other popular places as they are easy to hire.
The most popular form of transportation that is widely used by locals and tourists are the songtaew, these vehicles are painted blue and have open air seating. It is a slow form of transport, but inexpensive. There are no designated stops and the driver will stop when waved down from the side of the road.
Tuk Tuks are another popular form of transportation, especially with the tourists. They are a three wheeled taxi and are painted red. They can be located everywhere. The fare is negotiable, so feel free to bargain with the driver for the best deal. If the fare is too high try another Tuk Tuk. It’s important to negotiate a fare price before getting in the taxi.
The motorbike taxi is another form of transportation to get you around Phuket. They are also red in colour. Like the Tuk Tuk’s the motorbike taxi’s can be found everywhere. It is also important that you negotiate a fare price before getting on the motorbike.
Airport transfers and other transport Services
Pre-arranged transportation can be booked through your travel agent when booking your holiday. Sometimes package deals include airport transfers to and from the airport. Also hotels offer pre arranged transport, however they will charge a extra fee for providing this service. If pre arranged transport has been booked for transport from Phukets International airport to your hotel, collect your luggage and proceed to exit the airport. There is a waiting area where drivers will hold up signs with your name on it. They will then assist you with you luggage and get you settled in your transport for the journey to your hotel.
Phuket Airport Transfer Shuttles can be purchased online from this website.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
Metered taxi’s have a taxi stand outside Phuket’s International airport. The airport is only one of few areas where you can ride in a legitimate taxi where the fare is metered. You will need to pay B100 airport tax on the top of the metered fare price.
Shared mini van is a cheaper option when traveling in a large groups from the airport. These mini vans can carry up to 10 passengers. Once all seats are taken, the mini van will drop passengers directly to their hotel. Tickets for this service can be brought at the counter as you exit the baggage claim area, ticket prices will vary depending on where you are staying. The driver will most likely stop at a travel agency on the way to make sure everyone has accommodation organized, if accommodation is needed hotel and tour packages are promoted and sold.
Private limousine service are also offered outside Phuket’s International airport, just outside of the baggage claim entrance doors. There are several counters where you can negotiate limousine fare prices to take you to your hotel.
When booking day tours, tour prices include hotel transfers. You will be given a hotel pick up and drop off time by the company organizing the tours. This transport is usually a mini bus. Tour transportation will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel.