Minivan / van
Best balance of price, speed and frequent direct connections
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door transfer with flexible timing and maximum comfort
Bus
Cheapest option with regular departures and simple booking
Train
No direct railway connection between these destinations
Quick answer: Getting from Surat Thani to Phuket is easy with options like the bus or minivan for a budget choice, private taxi/car with driver for more comfort and flexibility, for direct transfers. Choose based on your preferences for time, comfort, and budget. You can book bus tickets or private car to Phuket from Surat Thani easily online.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 230–250 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~4–6 hours | Private Taxi/Car with driver ~3–5 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Van ~US$ 6–15 per person | Private car/taxi ~US$ 90–250 per car.
- 🚌 Bus/Van: Cheapest option, best for budget travellers, with flexible schedules.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Direct, door-to-door service; ideal for privacy, convenience, and comfort.
Last updated in April 2026
From Surat Thani to Phuket by bus, minivan or private car.
Traveling from Surat Thani to Phuket is easy by bus, minivan or private car. The journey covers about 240 km and takes 4–6 hours by bus or minivan, with tickets starting from about $8 per person. A private car is the fastest and most comfortable option, taking 3–5 hours and costing about $90–220 per vehicle.
There are no trains or direct flights between Surat Thani and Phuket, making road transport the only practical option. Book your tickets or private transfer online in advance. From Phuket, you can continue by ferry to Koh Lanta, visit Ao Nang, or explore other islands in the Andaman Sea.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island.
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations, known for its resorts, nightlife and island-hopping tours. From Phuket, you can easily travel to Koh Samui, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Phi Phi and many other islands in southern Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Surat Thani to Phuket | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Van | 4-6 hours | $8-14/pp |
| Private Car / Taxi | 3-5 hours | $90-220 (car) |
How do I get from Surat Thani to Phuket?
1. MINIVAN / VAN from Surat Thani to Phuket
👉 Minivan / minibus is a popular and budget-friendly way to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket.
- ✔️ Best for: solo travelers and low-cost trips
- ✔️ Travel time: ~4–6 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $8–14 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (compact vans with comfortable seats, possible stops)
- ✅ Best Option: Services by companies like Phantip 1970 or 12GO Transport
- 💡 Tip: Book your tickets online in advance and arrive at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
A minivan is one of the cheapest and most popular ways to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket. Companies such as Phantip 1970, 12GO Transport and Phangan Tour 2000 operate frequent daily services with modern, air-conditioned vehicles.
The journey takes about 4–6 hours, with departures from various locations in Surat Thani and arrivals at Phuket Bus Terminal 1, Bus Terminal 2 or selected locations in Phuket.
Tickets cost about $8–14 per person and are available online as e-tickets. Arrive 30–60 minutes before departure and check the latest transfer details and company instructions before your trip.
2. BUS from Surat Thani to Phuket
👉 Bus is a cheap and simple way to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer larger vehicles
- ✔️ Travel time: ~4–6 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $9–11 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (standard buses with seats, possible delays)
- ✅ Best Option: Services by companies like Phantip 1970 or Phuket Bus and Van Travel
- 💡 Tip: Book your tickets online in advance and check station locations carefully before departure.
A regular bus is another affordable way to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket. Companies such as 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transportation, Phangan Tour 2000, Phuket Bus and Van Travel, and Phantip 1970 operate daily services on this route.
Buses depart from Surat Thani Train Station, the city center, company offices, or Ratchaprapha Dam and usually arrive at Phuket Bus Terminal 2, about 4 km north of Phuket Town. The journey takes around 4–6 hours.
Bus tickets cost about $9–11 per person and can be booked online in advance as e-tickets. Arrive at least 30–60 minutes before departure and check the latest travel instructions before your trip. It is one of the best-value transport options for budget travelers.
| Bus Service | Departs in Surat Thani | Arrival in Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Phantip 1970 | 07:00 | 12:00 |
| Phantip 1970 | 08:00 | 12:00 |
| Phantip 1970 | 09:00 | 13:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 10:00 | 14:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 11:00 | 15:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 12:00 | 16:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 13:00 | 17:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 14:00 | 18:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 15:00 | 19:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 16:00 | 20:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 17:00 | 21:30 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 06:45 | 12:45 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 08:30 | 14:30 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 09:40 | 15:40 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 11:00 | 16:00 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 12:00 | 17:00 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 05:30 | 12:00 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 06:40 | 12:40 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 09:20 | 15:20 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 11:40 | 18:00 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 14:20 | 20:20 |
| 12Go Transport | 08:00 | 13:00 |
| 12Go Transport | 09:00 | 13:30 |
| 12Go Transport | 11:00 | 15:30 |
| 12Go Transport | 14:00 | 18:30 |
| 12Go Transport | 15:00 | 19:30 |
| 12Go Transport | 16:00 | 20:30 |
| 12Go Transport | 17:00 | 21:30 |
3. PRIVATE TAXI/CAR from Surat Thani to Phuket
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket.
- ✔️ Best for: families, groups, and travelers seeking door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $90–220 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Transfers with companies like Glassflower or Bangkok Taxi 24
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost with others and choose hotel pickup/drop-off for maximum convenience.
A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket. It is ideal for families, groups, or travelers who prefer a direct door-to-door transfer without changing vehicles.
Companies such as Call Me Taxi, Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi24, Easyride Services, VAN2Travel, Kanokwan Travel, Ramon Transport, Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman and others operate modern sedans, SUVs and spacious minivans. You can choose both your departure point in Surat Thani and your destination anywhere in Phuket.
The journey takes about 3–5 hours and prices range from $90–220 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Smaller sedans are the cheapest, while SUVs and minivans cost more but are ideal for groups. Book your private transfer online in advance and review all booking details before departure.
| Taxi Service | Departure in Surat Thani | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| VAN2Travel | Any time | 05:00 |
| Bangkok24 Taxi | Any time | 04:00 |
| 12GO Transport | Any time | 03:00 |
| 12GO Transport | Any time | 04:00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | Any time | 04:00 |
| Ramon Transport | Any time | 04:30 |
| Mr Toon | Any time | 04:00 |
| Kim Transfers | Any time | 04:45 |
| Andaman Taxis | Any time | 03:30 |
| Phuket Transfer Travel And. | Any time | 04:00 |
| Gosafe Transport | Any time | 05:00 |
| Than Car Service | Any time | 03:25 |
| Easyride Services | Any time | 03:00 |
| GB Limousine | Any time | 04:00 |
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Surat Thani to Phuket
How to book tickets from Surat Thani to Phuket?
Book bus, minivan or taxi tickets online via Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜. Both platforms also offer other routes in Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket?
Travel takes about 4–6 hours by bus or minivan, or 3–5 hours by private taxi.
What is the distance from Surat Thani to Phuket?
The travel distance between Surat Thani and Phuket is approximately 250 km by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket?
Bus and minivan tickets cost about $8–14 per person, while a private taxi costs around $90–220 per vehicle.
Can you travel by train or plane from Surat Thani to Phuket?
No. There is no railway or direct flight, so you can travel only by bus, minivan or private taxi.
Where to rent a motorbike in Phuket?
Compare and book scooters or motorbikes online with Bikesbooking.
Are there flights from Surat Thani to Phuket?
No. There are no direct flights between Surat Thani and Phuket.
Is a private taxi available from Surat Thani to Phuket?
Yes. Private taxis operate from Surat Thani town, airport, railway station and Ratchaprapha Dam.
What are the best places to visit from Phuket?
Popular trips include Koh Phi Phi and Koh Yao Yai, both reachable by ferry.
Where can you travel from Surat Thani?
Can you travel from Phuket to Krabi by ferry?
Yes. Ferries from Phuket to Krabi take about 2–4 hours and operate daily.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Surat Thani:
If you’re planning your next trip from Surat Thani, here are other popular routes you can take by bus, ferry, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Surat Thani for visitors exploring Southern + Northern Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Surat Thani to Phuket
Traveling from Surat Thani to Phuket is easy by bus, minivan or private taxi. The journey takes about 3–6 hours.
- Best Departure: Morning departures usually avoid the busiest traffic.
- Bus or Taxi: Buses are the cheapest option, while taxis are faster and more comfortable.
- What to Bring: Carry water, snacks, a power bank and a light jacket.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance during weekends and holidays.
- Drop-Off Point: Check your arrival location before traveling.
- Weather: A light rain jacket is useful year-round.
Tip: Bus, minivan and private taxi tickets from Surat Thani to Phuket can be booked online in advance.