No visit to Thailand is complete without spending some time at the country’s most popular beach resort and then visiting the capital. Phuket has long been a favorite among tourists because its beautiful beaches contrast with its mountainous and jungle interior. They offer nightlife, restaurants, shops and culture. However, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, also has something for itself. Since these two places are the most visited places in the country, it’s no surprise that traveling from one to the other is a popular route. Most people take the bus from Phuket to Bangkok. Are you wondering if a bus is a good idea? Read on to learn more about this popular route.
Why take a bus from Phuket to Bangkok?
Because Phuket to Bangkok is such a popular route, there are many ways to travel to suit all budgets. The trip from Phuket to Bangkok is not short: by land, the distance is about 850 kilometers. Therefore, traveling by bus takes a long time. Direct flights from Phuket to Bangkok will get you to the capital much faster. The flight takes just over an hour, but tickets cost more than twice as much as a regular bus ticket. Private taxis are also an option, although they can be very expensive. Taxis are best if you want a tailored service, but they are expensive even if shared between several people. Travel by train is only possible between Surat Thani and Bangkok, the rest must be traveled by bus. You can read more about the train here: Train travel between Bangkok and Phuket.
Despite the alternatives, the bus from Phuket to Bangkok is popular for several reasons: firstly, it is affordable because it is the cheapest way to travel. The second is flexibility, with many buses to choose from every day. The third is the experience offered by a coach trip, during which you can admire views of the Thai countryside that cannot be seen from thousands of meters above. Traveling by bus is also part of Thai culture as it is not only a service for tourists but is also popular with locals.
Bus timetables from Phuket to Bangkok
Pulmino from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
With three bus companies to choose from between Phuket and Bangkok, you have a great selection of bus times and types. There are two types of buses on this route: Express and VIP, more details of which are provided below. The three bus companies are Lignite, Sombat Tour and Transport Co. Transport Co is actually owned and operated by the Thai state. You will find that they offer the cheapest bus tickets. However, their bus from Phuket to Bangkok takes longer than other buses because they stop along the way in addition to their scheduled lunch stop. The ticket price includes a free meal, which is a nice bonus for travelers on a budget.
Bus timetable from Phuket to Bangkok
| BUSINESS | BUS TYPE | DEPARTURE COME | TIME | ARRIVAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport company | Express | 15:30 / 05:57 (next day) | 14.5 hours | Mo Chit Terminal |
| Lignite | VIP or Express | 15:30 / 12:09 (next day) | 20.5 hours | South Terminal |
| Trip to Sombat | VIP | 15:40 / 04:25 (next day) | 12.5 hours | South Terminal |
| Transport company | Express | 17:00 / 07:27 (next day) | 14.5 hours | Mo Chit Terminal |
| Lignite | VIP | 17:00 / 13:39 (next day) | 20.5 hours | South Terminal |
| Transport company | Express | 18:00 / 08:27 (next day) | 14.5 hours | Mo Chit Terminal |
You will notice that all these buses leave Phuket in the afternoon and travel overnight, hence the (next day) notice on the table indicating they will arrive the next day. This is good because it means you’re not traveling during the hottest time of the day. This also saves you the cost of overnight accommodation. However, Thai buses are notoriously cold because the air conditioning is turned up very high. Make sure you wear warm clothes so you can sleep comfortably.
Express or VIP bus from Phuket to Bangkok?
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to travel from Phuket to Bangkok, take the express bus operated by Transport Co. This will save you a few euros compared to other options. There is also an express bus from Lignite which costs a bit more money.
The express service is a normal bus with standard seats, with an aisle in the middle of the bus and a row of two seats on each side. There is plenty of legroom and the seats are comfortable, although they can be problematic on long journeys.
You will enjoy more space on the VIP bus from Phuket to Bangkok. These are usually (but not always) double-decker buses. This means that there are fewer seats on each floor than on a normal bus. With 3 seats in each row instead of 4, there is more legroom and space between the seats.
VIP buses allow the seat to be reclined to a large extent, which is perfect for sleeping. They also often have additional features such as a footrest, personal display and charging port. VIP buses are more expensive, but if you want a more comfortable trip and like to sleep on the bus, they are the best option.
Bus tickets from Phuket to Bangkok
Pulmino from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
While it’s not necessary to book bus tickets in advance, it’s always a good idea to make sure you get a seat on the bus you want. Tickets can be purchased at Phuket Bus Terminal 2, where all buses from Phuket to Bangkok depart. It is best to buy them at least a day in advance. You can also book online, we recommend using the travel website 12 Go. They sell tickets for all companies and types of buses. It’s easy to compare prices on their website and book your bus of choice, and most departures provide instant confirmation, or at least confirmation within 24 hours.
If you already know your travel plans, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. This is especially important if you are traveling in Thailand during busy holidays and festivals. During these holidays, all means of transport fill up quickly. Without booking in advance, you may have to wait a long time to find a bus with a seat. Booking online with 12Go incurs a small fee, but even if you book directly with the bus company, you will still have to pay an advance booking fee. Bus ticket prices from Phuket to Bangkok including commission are currently:
Bus ticket prices from Phuket to Bangkok
| BUS COMPANY | BUS TYPE | PRICE PER ADULT |
|---|---|---|
| Transport company | Express bus | 18 euros |
| Lignite | express bus | 19 euros |
| Lignite | VIP bus | 28 euros |
| Trip to Sombat | VIP bus | 32 euros |
Cheapest bus tickets from Phuket to Bangkok
As you can see, Transport Co’s express bus is by far the cheapest. You could also consider Lignite Express, but remember you get a free meal with your Transport Co ticket. VIP buses provide greater comfort and services on board. So they are the best alternative if you want to feel as comfortable as possible and arrive in Bangkok fresh the next day.