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Getting Around in Phuket is easy. Most of the beach resorts
are small enough to walk around and most hotels are located close
to the beach, restaurants and shopping areas. If you'd rather not
walk, or if your hotel is not on one of the main beaches, your hotel
can arrange for a taxi or tuk tuk.
If you want to go exploring the island on your own, there are plenty
of places to hire cars (see below) or you can take the local bus.
There are two types of buses - the Songtaew - blue open-air buses
that run between Phuket Town and the main resorts, and air-conditioned
"micro" buses that service the Phuket Town area.
Tuk Tuks
For short distances tuk tuks are fine, but their small size makes
them uncomfortable for anything longer than about 30 minutes. Tuk
tuks used to be cheap, but now in the main resorts like Patong,
even short distances cost around 100 Baht. You should state your
destination and agree on the price before setting off! Trips further
afield, beyond the immediate beach area can cost anything up to
400 Baht - depending on the distance, the weather and your bargaining
skills!
Taxis
For transfer from the airport, there's only one authorized
"limousine" service that has fixed fares. Expect to pay
100-200 Baht for a shared minibus or up to 500 baht for a private
taxi, depending on your destination. There are also metred taxis
for hire just outside the airport terminal and around Phuket Town
and other centres. Fares are set at 50 Baht for the first two kilometres
and 7 Baht per additional kilometre, though for longer distances
flat rates may be charged. A 100-Baht surcharge will be levied if
departing from the airport.
Air-conditoned car taxis can be hired at all the main resort
areas and in Phuket Town, with rates similar to the tuk tuks. Expect
to bargain your fare in advance. Many of these are being converted
into metred taxis in an island-wide drive to improve the transport
system.
Song Taews (Local Buses)
These local open-air buses (painted bright blue for easy recognition)
run regularly between 7.00am and 6.00pm and have the destination
written in English on the outside of the bus. There are no designated
bus stops, which means you can stop them anywhere on the route.
In most areas, your best chance of catching a bus is to go to the
main part of the town - sooner or later one will come along. In
Patong, your best spot for catching a bus, is along the beach road
outside the tourist police box. In Phuket Town, head for the market
on Ranong Road (opposite Thai Airways) where you will find Song
taews waiting to go to destinations all over the island. Standard
cost for trips to/from Phuket Town to/from locations such as Patong,
Surin and Kamala is around 15-20 Baht.
Airport Bus Phuket will set out from the main Phuket City Bus Terminal
turn left on Phang Nga Rd, pass City Hall, leaving the city via
Mae Luan Rd, and stopping to pick up passengers at Surakul Stadium,
Panthep Condotown, Big C; Tesco-Lotus, Eravadee Bypass, Boat Lagoon,
Heroines' Monument on Thepkrasattri Rd, Thalang City Hall,
and at the Nai Yang turnoff from road number 4031 (the old road
to the airport), before arriving at the airport.
Bus Stop (apply to both ways)
Phuket City Bus Terminal - Panthep Condo - Surakul Stadium -
Big C - Eravadee Bypass - Boat Lagoon - Heroines' Monument
- Thalang City Hall - Pearl Village Hotel - Phuket Airport
Remark: Both Airport-Town and Town-Airport using the same
route. (click here for
schedule & Rates)
Micro Buses
These new air-conditioned buses operate in Phuket Town and vicinity
and have a fixed fare of 10-20 Baht - look for the well marked bus
stops along the main roads. Handy for getting to/from Big C or Tesco-Lotus
if you're staying in town. Daily service from 6.00am to 8.00pm.
Hire Cars - Car Rental 
Car Hire: Cars, Suzuki jeeps and station wagons can be hired
in most major hotels from companies like Budget and Hertz, and also
from local dealers off the street. If you really want to explore,
having your own vehicle is the best way to go. Do check that full
insurance cover is included and always carry your driving licence.
An International or country licence is acceptable.
Motorbike Rental
Driving around Phuket on a motorbike is wonderful - but it's also
extremely risky as insurance is usually not included - regardless
of what you are told. If you have an accident you may be liable
for damages and medical bills or worse, if you are not insured.
To make sure, you must have a Thai or an International motorbike
licence for make a successful claim on insurance in case of an accident.
There are two types of motorbike generally for hire. Small 50cc
Hondas and for more serious bike enthusiasts, "Big Bikes."
There are bike shops in Patong that specialise in road cruisers
and dirt bikes for those who want something more challenging than
the traditional Honda Dream favoured by most tourists and locals
alike. Check out the shops along Rat-U-Thit Road in Patong Beach.
A word of warning - take great care on the roads in Thailand.
Not only is there an extreme disregard for traffic regulations that
leads to unexpected and dangerous behaviour on the roads, but during
the rainy season, bike riders often come to grief when damp roads
become slippery due to oil leak build-ups. It's probably better
if you're an inexperienced rider to forget the bike and go for the
safety of a car or jeep.
Motorcycle Taxis
Great for short distances and available at virtually all hours
of the day and night. Look out for "motorbike taxi stands"
- groups of motorcyclists on street corners, outside convenience
or department stores, or just cruising the streets. They wear red
or green vests and will take you anywhere. Do negotiate the price
before you get on. Fares depend on the distance and your bargaining
skills. Not the safest mode of transport but convenient.
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