For many people who visit Thailand, the highlight of a trip is spending a few days in the capital, Bangkok, before heading to one of the fantastic beach hotels to relax and enjoy yourself. Phuket is the perfect place for such a retreat. It is an island province in southern Thailand that boasts some of the most famous beaches in the entire country, as well as luxury hotels and spas, culture, nightlife and shopping districts.
There is quite a distance between the two places, around 840 kilometers (525 miles), so the journey can be long and to make it worthwhile, it is worth staying in Phuket for at least a couple of nights. Transport options include flights, private cars, trains and buses. If you’re thinking of traveling from Bangkok to Phuket, here’s a guide to find out the best ways to do it.
Flights from Bangkok to Phuket
Thai Airways plane landing in Phuket © Naypong / Shutterstock.com
Because there is such a long distance between the two places, many travelers choose to fly from Bangkok to Phuket as it is the fastest option. It is clear that in terms of speed, airplanes have no competition, but the downside may be the price as it is the most expensive way to travel and if you are visiting Thailand on a budget, flights may not be within your reach. . But if cost isn’t an issue, the flight from Bangkok to Phuket takes about an hour and twenty minutes, so you can fly out of Bangkok in the morning and sunbathe on Phuket Beach in the afternoon.
With over 50 daily flights between Bangkok and Phuket, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice. This route is served by many airlines, as it is one of the most popular in the whole country, both with foreign tourists and Thais heading south. The good thing about having so many options is that you can find good deals on tickets, and we recommend doing your research as prices can vary greatly. Some factors that can lower or increase rates are the time of year (if it is the rainy season or peak season), the day of travel (Fridays and Saturdays tend to be more expensive, and return to Bangkok is usually more expensive on Sundays), whether the ticket is one-way or return and if it is a return ticket how long will you stay on the island. Keep in mind that during the holiday season in Thailand, airfares go up and it’s harder to find free seats, so it’s best to avoid these periods if possible.
Another factor affecting the price of the ticket is the airport in Bangkok from which the flight departs. Low cost airlines usually operate flights from Don Mueang Airport such as Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile while Bangkok Airways, Thai and Thai Vietjet Air operate flights from Bangkok to Phuket from Suvarnabhumi Airport. In Phuket, planes land at Phuket International Airport, which is located in the north of the island. Depending on where you are going in Phuket, you will be able to choose between different options to get to your accommodation: shuttle bus to Patong Beach, city airport bus, minibuses and taxis.
Travel by train from Bangkok to Phuket
Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station © Witoon Mitarnun / Shutterstock.com
Another alternative is to travel by train from Bangkok to Phuket. There is no direct train service to Phuket, so you will need to take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take a bus. There are several pros and cons to this option, so weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding how you’re going to travel.
The main disadvantage is that traveling by train and bus makes the journey very long. There are three trains a day from Bangkok and the train journey takes about 8 hours. Then you will have to spend another five hours on the bus. If you travel by train during the day, you will see amazing scenery on your way to southern Thailand, but it will also be warmer, which is why many travelers choose night trains with sleeping beds during the journey. These trains arrive in Surat Thani early in the morning and the bus to Phuket usually leaves at noon.
The good thing is that you can buy a combined ticket that includes the train and the bus, so it’s a pretty easy option. The buses that cover the route with a combined ticket are modern and equipped with air conditioning, which makes the journey quite comfortable. There are more companies that operate buses to Phuket from the train station, offering around 14 trips per day at varying prices and comfort levels.
Buses from Bangkok to Phuket
Bus on the way to Phuket © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
As you can imagine, the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Phuket is by bus, but this low price also has some downsides. The first is undoubtedly the duration of the trip, which varies from 13 to 16 hours. If you choose this option, it may take less time to get from Bangkok to Phuket than if you choose train and bus, but with this option, buses have a reputation for being uncomfortable, hot and crowded, although not all offer the same quality. Public BKS buses are the most reliable and if you pay a little more you can travel with one of the private bus companies like Phuket Travel Service where you can book your ticket in advance. It is advisable to buy with a bit of time as you will be able to get some deals and you will have a guaranteed seat. If you try to buy a ticket on the same day of travel, you may be out of luck.
A final piece of advice about buses going from Bangkok to Phuket: it’s best not to buy tickets from the Khao San Road companies as they have a reputation for poor service and losing luggage along the way.
You already know the three options for traveling from Bangkok to Phuket. Choose a flight if you want to get there quickly and your budget allows it, choose a train and bus if you want a reasonable price, or take a bus if you want the cheapest option to get from one place to another.