1. Flight – Pattaya to Phuket
2. Bus – Pattaya to Phuket
3. Train + Bus to Phuket
🎫 Book a Tour in Phuket
🎫 Book Tickets to Phuket
Pattaya to Phuket – The Best Ways to Travel:
From Pattaya to Phuket you can travel by bus+plane, bus, train+bus.
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- The travel distance from Pattaya to Phuket spans approximately 970 km by land via Bangkok and Surat Thani, or about 500 km by plane from U-Tapao Airport. Opting for a direct flight from U-Tapao Airport emerges as the best and fastest way to reach Phuket from Pattaya. Situated approximately 40 km from Pattaya, U-Tapao Airport is accessible by bus or taxi. Traveling by bus+plane to Phuket from Pattaya via U-Tapao Airport typically takes about 3 hours, with total costs ranging from $55-100 per person. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a bus journey via Bangkok. Traveling by tourist bus from Pattaya to Phuket via Bangkok takes approximately 16-20 hours, with total costs ranging from $35-50 per person. Another viable option involves a combination of train and bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani. While there is no direct train from Pattaya to Phuket, travelers can take a train to Bangkok and then proceed to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, a bus or taxi can be taken to Phuket. This journey by train+bus typically spans 18-23 hours, with costs ranging from $15-70 per person. From Phuket, travelers can further explore neighboring destinations such as Krabi.
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- Phuket stands as the most famous and popular destination in southern Thailand. This island in the Andaman Sea is renowned for its breathtaking scenery of mountains, rainforests, and waterfalls. With its unique long beaches adorned with white sand and framed by palm and pine groves, Phuket offers an unparalleled tropical paradise. Located just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Phuket is a jewel among Thailand’s beach destinations. Visitors will encounter magnificent beaches, verdant hills, rubber plantations, and coconut forests. The island basks in the sunshine, with its pristine white sandy beaches lapped by the shimmering turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea throughout the year. Against the backdrop of secluded bays lie wooded hills, complemented by luxurious resorts offering every comfort. Phuket has evolved into one of Southeast Asia’s most fashionable holiday islands. Amidst the beachfronts, lively resorts offer vibrant nightlife, with Patong Beach serving as the main tourist and entertainment hub. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, less crowded areas boast some of the island’s finest beaches. There are 3 popular transfer options for traveling from Pattaya to Phuket: Bus + Flight via U-Tapao Airport, tourist bus, or train+bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani. Travelers visiting Phuket can also explore nearby destinations such as Koh Phi Phi or Railay Beach in Phang Nga Bay.
| Transfer Mode – Pattaya to Phuket: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus + Plane | 3 hours | $55-100/pp |
| Bus / Van | 16-20 hours | $35-50/pp |
| Train + Bus | 18-23 hours | $15-70/pp |
| Private Car | 17-19 hours | $430-550/car |
How do I get from Pattaya to Phuket?
1. BUS / CAR + FLIGHT from Pattaya to Phuket
A) Bus / Taxi from Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport
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- there are some buses or taxi/car from Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport
- U-Tapao Airport is about 40 km from Pattaya, the closest airport to Pattaya
- travel by bus or taxi/car from Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport takes about 1 hour
- travel by tourist bus costs about $7-9/pp, travel by private taxi costs about $20-35/car
- private taxi/car from Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport: Glassflower, Thailand Limo, Five Star Taxi
- Book private car or taxi from Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport on 12go.asia ➜
- you can book bus tickets to U-Tapao Airport with SWBBusTour
B) Direct Flight from U-Tapao Airport to Phuket
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- the fastest and best way how to travel from Pattaya to Phuket
- direct flight from U-Tapao Airport to Phuket takes about 1-1.5 hour
- airlines to Phuket from Pattaya: Thai Air Asia
- one-way direct flight from U-Tapao Airport to Phuket costs about $45-60/pp
- flights are operated from U-Tapao Airport
- flights to Phuket International Airport (from Phuket Airport you can travel by bus or taxi to Patong or Karon)
- Book your flight from U-Tapao Airport to Phuket on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜
- there are also various direct flights from Bangkok to Phuket
2. BUS from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok)
A) Bus from Pattaya to Bangkok
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- from Pattaya to Bangkok you can travel by tourist bus or van/minivan
- buses from Pattaya to Bangkok by: 12GO Transport, Pannipa Pattaya, T-Tour…
- one-way bus ticket from Pattaya to Bangkok costs about $6-10/pp
- travel by tourist bus from Pattaya to Bangkok takes about 2-3 hours
- buses arrive to: Makkasan Station, Mochit New Van Terminal, Ekkamai
B) Bus from Bangkok to Phuket
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- there are some tourist buses or minivans from Bangkok to Phuket
- bus companies: Phuket Travel, Phuket Central, Thai Sriram, Bus Express…
- one-way bus ticket from Bangkok to Phuket costs about $20-39/pp
- travel time by bus from Bangkok to Phuket is about 13-14 hours
- tourist buses arrive to Phuket Bus Terminal 2 and arrive from Southern Terminal in Bangkok
- read this article: How you can get from Bangkok to Phuket?
- you can also travel by tourist bus via Surat Thani town
3. TRAIN + BUS from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok)
A) Train from Pattaya to Bangkok
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- you can take a train of Thai Railways to Bangkok from Pattaya
- train ticket from Pattaya to Bangkok starts already at $1-2/pp (hard seats)
- travel time by train from Pattaya to Bangkok is about 3.5-4 hours
B) Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani
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- you can travel by train of Thai Railways to Surat Thani from Bangkok
- train ticket to Surat Thani from Bangkok costs about $8-55/pp
- travel time by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani is about 9-12 hours
- the closest train station to Phuket is in Surat Thani
- read this article: How you can get from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
- you can check current Thailand Train Map + Thailand Train Schedule
C) Bus / Taxi from Surat Thani to Phuket
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- from Surat Thani to Phuket you can travel by bus, minivan or private taxi
- travel by bus/minivan from Surat Thani to Phuket takes about 4-5 hours
- bus ticket from Surat Thani to Phuket costs about $6-12/pp
- private taxi/car from Surat Thani to Phuket costs about $140-180/car
- bus companies to Phuket: Phantip 1970
- taxi companies to Phuket: Phuket Transfer, Andaman taxis, PGS, Ground Business…
- read this article: How to travel to Phuket from Surat Thani?
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Pattaya to Phuket:
1. How to book and buy tickets and flights from Pattaya to Phuket?
2. How long does it take to get from Pattaya to Phuket?
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- Travel by bus+plane from Pattaya (U-Tapao Airport) to Phuket takes about 3 hours.
- Travel by bus / minivan from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok) takes about 16-20 hours.
- Travel by train+bus from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok, Surat Thani) takes about 18-23 hours.
- Travel by private taxi/car from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok) takes about 17-19 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Pattaya to Phuket?
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- Travel distance from Pattaya to Phuket is about 970 km by land via Bangkok and Surat Thani and about 500 km by plane from U-Tapao Airport. U-Tapao Airport is accessible by bus or taxi and it is about 40 km from Pattaya town.
4. How much does it cost to get from Pattaya to Phuket?
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- Travel by bus+plane from Pattaya (U-Tapao Airport) to Phuket costs about $55-100/pp.
- Travel by bus/minivan from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok) costs about $35-50/pp.
- Travel by train+bus from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok, Surat Thani) costs about $15-70/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/car from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok, Surat Thani) costs about $430-550/car.
5. What is the best and fastest option of transport from Pattaya to Phuket?
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- The best and fastest way of transport to Phuket from Pattaya is to travel by bus+plane via U-Tapao Airprot. You can travel by bus or taxi to U-Tapao Airport (about 1 hour) and from U-Tapao you can take a flight to Phuket Airport. Flight schedule from U-Tapao Airport is limited, so another option is to travel to Bangkok and from Bangkok you can also take a direct flight to Phuket.
6. Where to rent a motorbike in Phuket?
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- If you want to rent a motorbike or scooter in Phuket, try to search these bikes online at Bikesbooking.
7. What is the cheapest way of transfer from Pattaya to Phuket?
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- The cheapest way of getting to Phuket from Pattaya in Thailand is to travel by train or bus via Bankgok and Surat Thani. Seats in the train are the most cheapest option, sleeper buses are also a cheap option of transfer.
8. Is there a direct train from Pattaya to Phuket town?
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- No, Phuket has no railway station. But you can travel by train from Pattaya to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Surat Thani. Surat Thani is the closest railway station to Phuket. In Surat Thani you can take a bus or taxi to Phuket.
9. How to get from Surat Thani to Phuket?
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- From Surat Thani to Phuket you can get by bus, minivan or taxi, travel time is about 4.5 hours. There is no flight and no train between Surat Thani and Phuket. Read this article: How to reach Phuket from Surat Thani?
10. Is it possible to travel by private car / taxi from Pattaya to Phuket?
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- Yes, this option of transfer to Phuket by private car or taxi is also available. There are some private cars from Pattaya to Bangkok and from Bangkok you can take another taxi or car/minivan to Phuket.
11. Where you should travel from Phuket?
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- From Phuket you can travel by boat to Krabi + Ao Nang + Railay beach or you can travel via Surat Thani to Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand.
12. How you can travel from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi?
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- From Phuket to Koh Phi Phi you can travel by ferry/speedboat or by bus + ferry via Krabi. The most fastest and comfortable way of transport is to take a ferry from Phuket. There are no flights to Koh Phi Phi, this island is accessible only by ferry/boat. Read this article: How you can go from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi?
13. How to travel solo in Thailand?
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- Embark on a solo adventure in Thailand by researching destinations, ensuring personal safety, trying local experiences, connecting with fellow travelers, and savoring the diverse landscapes and attractions the country has to offer. Traveling on your own in Thailand is very popular by travelers. Read this article: Solo Travel in Thailand.
14. What is the weather and climate in Thailand?
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- Weather in Thailand varies across three main seasons, creating a tropical climate. The hot season typically spans from March to June, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). During this period, the weather is characterized by intense heat and occasional brief showers. The rainy season occurs from July to October, bringing heavy monsoon rains and increased humidity. Average temperatures remain high, ranging from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). The cool season, from November to February, is marked by milder temperatures and lower humidity. Average temperatures range from 64°F to 86°F (18°C to 30°C), making it a popular time for tourism.
15. What you can buy and bring home from Thailand?
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- From Thailand, you can bring home a variety of souvenirs such as traditional Thai jewelry, packaged herbal teas, handcrafted Thai puppets, exotic spices and sauces, artistic ceramics, quality Thai soap and cosmetics, traditional musical instruments, fine Thai silk products, herbal oils and balms, and traditional playing cards and board games. These items reflect Thailand’s rich culture, craftsmanship, and diverse offerings, making them unique and memorable souvenirs. Read this article: What to bring from Thailand?
16. What you can buy and bring home from Thailand?
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- From Thailand, you can buy and bring home a variety of souvenirs such as traditional Thai jewelry, packaged herbal teas, handcrafted Thai puppets, exotic spices and sauces, artistic ceramics, quality Thai soap and cosmetics, traditional musical instruments, fine Thai silk products, herbal oils and balms, and traditional playing cards and board games. These items reflect Thailand’s rich culture, craftsmanship, and diverse offerings, making them unique and memorable souvenirs. Read this article: What to bring from Thailand?
17. Is traveling and living in Thailand cheap or expensive?
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- The cost of traveling and living in Thailand can vary depending on various factors such as lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. Generally, Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination, attracting travelers seeking affordable adventures. While Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination, costs can vary depending on whether you choose to live in popular tourist areas or less-explored regions. Overall, many people find that the cost of living in Thailand offers good value for money.
18. What is the cuisine and food in Thailand and what to expect?
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- Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant and harmonious flavors, combining sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter elements in each dish. Expect a diverse range of dishes, often aromatic herbs and spices like lemongrass, basil or galangal. Rice, a staple, plays a central role, and street food is a must-try for an authentic culinary experience. Signature dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice. Embrace the rich cultural diversity through regional variations, and don’t miss out on the lively street food culture.
19. What is the official currency of Thailand and how to exchange money?
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- The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). To exchange money, you can visit banks, currency exchange booths, or use ATMs. Banks typically offer competitive exchange rates, but may charge transaction fees. Currency exchange booths are convenient, often open longer hours, but their rates might be less favorable. Using ATMs connected to banks is a common and convenient option; however, be mindful of potential withdrawal fees from both your home bank and the local Thai bank. Always check rates and fees beforehand to make informed choices.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Phuket ➜
3 Ways of Transfer from Pattaya to Phuket:
| 1. BUS / CAR + FLIGHT from Pattaya to Phuket | |
|---|---|
| A) Bus / Taxi from Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport | |
| Travel Duration | About 1 hour |
| Bus Ticket Cost | About $7-9 per person |
| Taxi/Car Cost | About $20-35 (car) |
| Taxi/Car Companies | Glassflower, Thailand Limo, Five Star Taxi |
| B) Direct Flight from U-Tapao Airport to Phuket | |
| Travel Duration | About 1-1.5 hours |
| Airlines | Thai Air Asia |
| Flight Ticket Cost | About $45-60 per person |
| 2. BUS from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok) | |
| A) Bus from Pattaya to Bangkok | |
| Travel Duration | About 2-3 hours |
| Bus Companies | 12GO Transport, Pannipa Pattaya, T-Tour… |
| Bus Ticket Cost | About $6-10 per person |
| Bus Stations | Makkasan Station, Mochit New Van Terminal, Ekkamai |
| B) Bus from Bangkok to Phuket | |
| Travel Duration | About 13-14 hours |
| Bus Companies | Phuket Travel, Phuket Central, Thai Sriram, Bus Express… |
| Bus Ticket Cost | About $20-39 per person |
| 3. TRAIN + BUS from Pattaya to Phuket (via Bangkok) | |
| A) Train from Pattaya to Bangkok | |
| Travel Duration | About 3.5-4 hours |
| Train Ticket Cost | Starts at $1-2 per person (hard seats) |
| B) Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani | |
| Travel Duration | About 9-12 hours |
| Train Ticket Cost | About $8-55 per person |
| C) Bus / Taxi from Surat Thani to Phuket | |
| Option | Bus, minivan, or private taxi/car |
| Travel Duration | About 4-5 hours |
| Bus Ticket Cost | About $6-12 per person |
| Taxi/Car Cost | About $140-180 (car) |
🎫 Book and buy your tickets or flights from Pattaya to Phuket:
(You can book another travel route and tickets, e.g. Pattaya > Bangkok, Bangkok > Phuket…)
Pattaya > Koh Samui｜Krabi > Pattaya｜ChiangMai > Hua Hin｜Ubon Ratchathani > Bangkok｜Pattaya > Hua Hin｜Udon Thani > Bangkok｜Chiang Mai