Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is one of the most famous and popular destinations in the whole country. With fantastic beaches, resorts, spas, spectacular jungles and mountains, Phuket is the place to spend a few weeks relaxing on the beach or exploring nature. But if you feel like visiting a big city, you can’t leave Thailand without seeing the country’s capital, Bangkok. While there are several bustling cities in Phuket, none compare to Bangkok. With a population of around 8 million, Bangkok excites the senses and is an amazing place with numerous temples and palaces to admire. If you want to travel from Phuket to Bangkok, we’ll tell you everything you need to know in this guide.
Travel options from Phuket to Bangkok
Phuket is located on the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, and despite being an island, it is so close to the mainland that it is connected to the rest of the country by a bridge, making it much easier to travel to and from Phuket. . That being said, if you want to travel from Phuket to Bangkok, you should take into account that there is a long distance between the two places, around 840 kilometers (525 miles), so be prepared for a long journey. Fortunately, there are three different route options, by plane, bus or taxi, so there is an option for all timetables and pockets.
Flights from Phuket to Bangkok
Thai Airways flight to Bangkok taking off from Phuket © Pawarin Prapukdee / Shutterstock.com
Flying from Phuket to Bangkok seems like the smartest way to do this trip, especially if you’re short on time and want to get to the capital in the shortest possible time. The actual flight time is just over an hour, and even with waiting times, it’s still a much faster option than buses and trains. But not everything is an advantage. Airplane speed comes at a price, which is why airplane is usually the most expensive option to travel from Phuket to Bangkok, meaning it’s not an option on a budget.
That being said, a seat on the cheapest airlines is not much more expensive than a seat on the VIP bus, but don’t forget to check if there are any extra costs when buying your tickets. The bus ticket includes baggage, and the cheapest airlines charge an additional check-in fee. If you’re traveling with light luggage, you won’t have a problem as you can travel with hand luggage, but if you are going to be spending some time in Thailand and carrying large suitcases or other belongings, be sure to read the baggage rules carefully before purchasing your ticket.
There are approximately 50 daily flights to Bangkok from Phuket International Airport, arriving at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. Low cost airlines usually operate from Don Mueang, including Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai AirAsia. Airlines flying from Phuket to Suvarnabhumi Airport tend to be more expensive and include Bangkok Air, Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways and Thai Smile. Most of the latter companies include baggage on their tickets, although it’s worth checking before buying.
If you want to fly from Phuket to Bangkok but don’t want to spend a lot of money, we can give you some tips on how to get the best prices. Flexibility is the best way to save money, so we advise you to look for early morning or late afternoon flights. These are less common departure times and you can find much cheaper tickets. The day you travel also changes things. Phuket is popular not only among foreign tourists, but also among domestic ones. Many Thais fly there on weekends and return to Bangkok on Sunday, which makes fares higher on Sundays. Similarly, public holidays should be avoided as tickets on these days will be much more expensive and it will also be more difficult to find a free seat. And finally, try to buy your ticket as far in advance as possible, because if you leave it until the last minute, ticket prices will be higher and you risk not finding a seat.
We advise you to use a reliable website such as 12Gowhich offers options for both Bangkok airports and lists the prices of all airlines so you can easily compare them.
From Phuket to Bangkok by bus
Express bus with standard double rows of 2+2 seats
Buses from Phuket to Bangkok have the advantage of being cheaper than flights, but remember what we said about cheap flights: some may cost little more than the most expensive bus tickets. Although more affordable, express buses offer the cheapest way to travel from Phuket to Bangkok, making it a great option for travelers on a budget.
But traveling 840 kilometers by road also has its disadvantages. The main one, of course, is the duration of the trip. The bus journey from Phuket to Bangkok takes 12 to 14.5 hours, which is a lot of time in a small space. The good thing is that there are stops along the way so at least you can get out to stretch your legs. In addition, buses of private companies have air conditioning, so you can’t escape the heat, and maybe even get a little cold, because sometimes they set it too high.
Therefore, if you want to save as much as possible, it is best to choose a seat on the Express bus. These are comfortable buses operated by private companies and usually have onboard bathrooms, with hostess service and refreshments. Express buses have two rows of two seats, like any conventional coach.
VIP bus with two rows of seats 2+1
If you want a little more comfort and space, you can pay a little more and take the VIP bus from Phuket to Bangkok. Although they cost a little more money, the level of luxury makes all the difference. There are only three seats in a row (2+1), and there is a shared TV on the bus or, in the most expensive service, one for each seat. The most famous companies are Bus Express, Phuket Travel and Sombat Tour, with the first two operating only between Phuket and Bangkok.
We recommend buying tickets through 12Go for added peace of mind. We do not recommend buying them from any agency in Phuket as they have a reputation for being problematic. Book your seats as soon as possible, especially if you want to travel overnight, as these are the options that sell out the fastest.
We recommend a plane or bus from Phuket to Bangkok, but you can also take a taxi or bus to Surat Thani and then take the train to Bangkok, although this option has no advantage over traveling directly by bus. Taxis are not very expensive, although if you are traveling in a group and booking a vehicle with several seats, it may be slightly cheaper than flying. It is also possible to book private taxis through the 12Go website if interested in comparing prices.