Pattaya and Phuket are two of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand, so there are many similarities between the two. Still, there are many differences that make both sites worth visiting. Closer to Bangkok, Pattaya is ideal for beach and nightlife and is popular with domestic and international tourists. On the other hand, although Phuket is also a popular destination, it has more spectacular beaches and is not as lively as Pattaya. There is a different atmosphere in this southern Thailand. The route from Pattaya to Phuket is very popular and in this guide we will provide details on the various travel options available between the two destinations.
Travel options from Pattaya to Phuket
Phuket is an island, but it is connected to the rest of Thailand by a bridge. Traveling from Pattaya to Phuket is not fast unless you choose to fly. If you take the road, you have to go to Bangkok and then head south along the Gulf of Thailand to Surat Thani, where by turning west you reach Thailand’s second coast, where the Andaman Sea is located. Phuket, despite being an island, is connected to the mainland by a road bridge, so you can cross it to get there. Even so, the distance from Pattaya to Phuket is 970 kilometers (606 miles), so you can expect a long and tiring journey if you choose to go by road. Options are limited to bus or taxi. If you don’t like any of them, you can also consider flying, but you’ll have to pay a lot more than taking the bus.
Flights from Pattaya to Phuket
For those who are short of time, a plane is undoubtedly the best way to travel from Pattaya to Phuket, as there are direct flights between both airports. Estimated flight time is 1 hour and 25 minutes with Thai AirAsia and 1 hour and 40 minutes with Bangkok Air, although indirect flight times are normal.
Of the two airlines, Thai AirAsia is much cheaper than Bangkok Air. In fact, the ticket costs almost twice with the latter. For such a short flight, it’s probably not worth spending more on flying with a more prestigious airline. However, please note that with Thai AirAsia you will not have checked baggage included. Therefore, if you carry more than just hand luggage, you will have to pay more for checking your luggage. With Bangkok Air, you are billed for 20 kilograms of baggage included in your ticket.
Pattaya U-Tapao Rayong International Airport © praccha hariraksapita / Shutterstock.com
From Pattaya, you will depart from U-Tapao Airport, which is 40 kilometers from the city center. The drive to the airport will make the whole trip longer, but it’s fairly easy to get there as there are plenty of minivans and taxis that travel regularly. Minivans are much cheaper than taxis, but being a common mode of transport, the journey can take quite a long time as vans don’t start until they are full or make several stops along the way. If you want to get to the airport quickly to catch a flight to Phuket, this situation can be a bit frustrating, so make sure you have enough time.
Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, there are several options to get to the city or resort. You can go by shared vans or taxi, and in some cases you can arrange airport pickup at your booked hotel or hostel.
Even when you add in the time it takes to get from Pattaya Airport and Phuket Airport to your hotel, flying is still the fastest travel option between these two destinations. Check out 12Go.asia to compare airline prices and book with confidence. Try to buy tickets in advance to find the best deals.
From Pattaya to Phuket by bus
Being much cheaper than a plane ticket, the bus from Pattaya to Phuket is a very popular option for traveling between the two destinations, especially among travelers who are moving with enough money. Buses are a comfortable and safe way to travel around Thailand, the only drawback is the length of the journey. The biggest advantage is the cost, and some travelers like that they don’t have to drive to Pattaya Airport or from Phuket Airport to their hotel. That being said, you need to arrive at the bus departure point and then transfer from Phuket Bus Terminal to your accommodation. Although with the number of taxis and songthaews in the area it won’t be difficult for you.
Sawadee Tour is the recommended bus company for traveling from Pattaya to Phuket. They have a good reputation and offer daily departures from Pattaya, starting in the afternoon and traveling all night. The planned duration of the tour is 16 hours and 15 minutes. If you leave Pattaya at 5:00 PM, you should arrive in Phuket around 9:15 AM. Traveling at night will save you an overnight stay, but if you can’t easily sleep anywhere, you may not have any rest during your trip. If you prefer to have more space to relax, the bus may not be the best option for you.
The VIP 24 bus only has 3 rows instead of 4
If you don’t mind spending a little more, you can opt for the VIP 24 tickets. Usually there are only six of these seats on each bus and they are more comfortable than standard seats because they are slightly wider, more sloping and offer more leg room. Sometimes they also have a personal entertainment system. If you are a tall person, VIP seats are the best option to make your journey comfortable.
You can book your seats on a bus from Pattaya to Phuket using a website like 12Go. They offer standard and VIP seat options, so it’s easy to compare prices.
From Pattaya to Phuket by taxi
The last option you can consider is taking a private taxi from Pattaya to Phuket. The biggest disadvantage of a taxi is the price. This is a much more expensive option than flights, but it can be worth it if you are traveling as a family or in a group. The taxi ride is a bit faster than the bus ride, but not too fast. Duration is usually around 15 hours.
You can get from Pattaya to Phuket by plane, bus or taxi. Since air tickets are not too expensive, this may be the best option if you want to get to Phuket in a short time. On the other hand, if you want to save money, you’d better take the bus.