Phuket is about 50 km long, the beaches are spread down a hilly west coast, and there's no train or metro — so getting around takes a little planning. There's no single best option: it depends on your budget, confidence behind the wheel, and how far you're travelling. This guide runs through every way to get around, from the airport transfer to island boats.
In this guide
From the airport
Phuket International Airport (HKT) sits in the north of the island, roughly 45–60 minutes from the main west-coast beaches (longer in traffic). Your options:
- Grab / ride-hailing app — usually the best-value door-to-door option with an upfront price; use the official app pickup point.
- Airport taxis — metered and pre-paid counters are available in arrivals; fixed rates to each area.
- Private transfer — pre-booked cars and minivans; the most hassle-free for families or late arrivals.
- Shared minivan — cheaper, but waits to fill and drops other passengers first.
- Airport bus — the cheapest option, running to Phuket Town and down the west coast to Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai.
Grab & ride-hailing apps
For most visitors, Grab is the single easiest way to get around Phuket. You see the price before you book, so there's no haggling, and you can pay by card. Downsides: prices surge at busy times, cars can be scarce in remote spots, and in some tourist zones local drivers discourage app pickups. Alternatives like Bolt and InDrive also work on the island and are worth having as backups.
Renting a scooter
A scooter is the cheapest and most flexible way to explore Phuket, and it's how many long-stay visitors get around. But be honest with yourself about the risk first.
Rentals are cheap and available everywhere. Photograph any existing damage before you ride off, check the brakes and tyres, and never hand over your passport as a deposit — leave a cash deposit or a photocopy instead.
Renting a car
For families, groups, or anyone not comfortable on two wheels, a rental car is a safer and more comfortable way to cover the island. Thailand drives on the left, roads are generally good, and international agencies operate at the airport alongside local firms. You'll need your home licence plus an International Driving Permit, and a credit card for the deposit. Parking is easy at malls and most beaches.
Taxis & tuk-tuks
Phuket's tuk-tuks (small covered trucks here, not the three-wheelers of Bangkok) and local taxis are convenient but famously expensive, and they rarely use meters. If you take one, agree the fare before you get in — and don't be surprised if a short hop costs several times what a Grab would. They're best for one-off short trips when no app car is available.
Songthaews & local buses
Songthaews — converted pickup trucks with bench seats — are the local bus system and by far the cheapest way to travel. They mostly run fixed routes between Phuket Town and the beaches, so they're handy if your journey starts or ends in town, but slow and infrequent for beach-to-beach hops, and they largely stop by early evening. A modern airport bus service also runs along the west coast.
Boats to the islands
Phuket is the launch pad for the Andaman islands, and boats leave from several piers depending on your destination — Rassada Pier for Phi Phi ferries, Chalong Pier for many tours, and Bang Rong in the northeast for Koh Yao. Most island day trips include hotel pick-up, so you rarely need to arrange your own transport to the pier. For what's running, see the live events and tours listings.
Which should you choose?
- Easiest for most visitors: Grab for daily trips, plus the occasional private transfer.
- Families & groups: a rental car.
- Confident riders on a budget: a scooter — with a helmet, the right licence, and insurance.
- Cheapest of all: songthaews and the airport bus, if you're near their routes and not in a hurry.
- Islands: organised boat tours with hotel pick-up.
With transport sorted, plan the rest of your trip with our guides to things to do in Phuket, the best beaches, and the best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get around Phuket?
The Grab app for most trips; a rental car for families; a scooter for confident riders on a budget. Taxis and tuk-tuks are convenient but pricey — agree the fare first.
How do I get from the airport to the beaches?
The airport is in the north, 45–60 minutes from the west-coast beaches. Use Grab, an airport taxi, a private transfer, a shared minivan, or the cheaper airport bus.
Is it safe to rent a scooter in Phuket?
Only if you're an experienced rider. Wear a helmet, carry a valid motorcycle licence and International Driving Permit, and check your insurance covers you.
Does Grab work in Phuket?
Yes, across the island — it's the most reliable way to get a fair, upfront price. Bolt and InDrive are good backups.