Shared Minivan
Best value, direct transfer to hotels in Patong
Private Taxi
Fast door-to-door transfer in about 1 hour
Smart Bus
Lowest price, but slower than a taxi or minivan
Grab
Flexible pricing, depends on demand and traffic
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Phuket Airport to Patong is by shared minivan or private taxi. Budget travelers can use the Phuket Smart Bus, while taxis provide the fastest door-to-door service. You can book transfers from Phuket Airport to Patong online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 35 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Smart Bus: 1.5–2 hrs | Shared Minivan: 1–1.5 hrs | Taxi: 45–60 min.
- 💰 Price: Smart Bus: $5–7 | Shared Minivan: $7–12 | Private Taxi: $24–50.
- 🚐 Shared Minivan: Best balance of price and convenience.
- 🚌 Smart Bus: Cheapest option with regular departures.
- 🚕 Private Taxi: Fastest and most comfortable transfer.
Last updated: July 2026
How to get from Phuket Airport to Patong?
Traveling from Phuket Airport to Patong is easy by Smart Bus, shared minivan or private taxi. The distance is about 40 km and the journey takes 45-90 minutes, depending on your transport choice and traffic. The cheapest option is the Phuket Smart Bus, while a private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable.
The Phuket Smart Bus takes about 1-1.5 hours and tickets cost around $5-7 per person. Shared minivans offer direct hotel transfers, while private taxis take about 1 hour and cost around $24-50 per vehicle. There is no railway between Phuket Airport and Patong. From the airport you can also travel to Karon / Kata or Khao Lak.
Patong Beach is Phuket’s most popular beach resort, known for its lively nightlife, restaurants, shopping and water activities. From Patong you can also travel to Koh Samui, Khao Lak or take a ferry from Phuket to Krabi.
| Transfer modes from Phuket Airport to Patong: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 1–1.5 hours | $5–7 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 1 hour | $24–50 per car |
How do I get from Phuket Airport to Patong?
1. BUS / VAN from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach
👉 The Phuket Smart Bus or a shared minivan is the cheapest way to travel from Phuket Airport to Patong.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1–1.5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $5–7 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: modern air-conditioned buses and minivans
- ✅ Best Option: Phuket Smart Bus or shared minivan to Patong.
- 💡 Tip: Book online and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
From Phuket International Airport to Patong you can travel by tourist bus, shared minivan or shuttle service. This is the cheapest way to reach Patong, with travel times of about 1-1.5 hours and ticket prices from $5-7 per person.
Buses and minivans operated by Phuket Express Bus and Call Me Taxi depart directly from the airport and arrive at Phuket PEA Patong, about 500 m from Patong Beach, or Bangla Road. These services are a good option for travelers without large amounts of luggage.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport departure point at least 30 minutes before departure. You can easily search schedules and book bus or minivan tickets from Phuket Airport to Patong online in advance.
| Bus Company | Departs in Phuket Airport | Arrival in Patong | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket Bus Express | 08:45 | 09:45 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 09:25 | 10:25 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 10:05 | 11:05 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 10:45 | 11:45 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 11:25 | 12:25 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 12:45 | 13:45 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 13:25 | 14:25 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 14:05 | 15:05 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 14:45 | 15:45 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 16:05 | 17:05 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 17:25 | 18:25 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 18:05 | 19:05 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 18:45 | 19:45 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 19:45 | 20:45 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 20:05 | 21:15 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 20:45 | 21:45 | From $5.00 |
| Phuket Bus Express | 22:05 | 23:05 | From $5.00 |
| Call Me Taxi | 11:30 | 13:30 | From $7.00 |
| Call Me Taxi | 20:20 | 21:30 | From $7.00 |
2. TAXI / CAR from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach
👉 A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Phuket Airport to Patong.
- ✔️ Best for: families, groups and travelers with luggage
- ✔️ Travel time: ~45–60 minutes
- ✔️ Cost: about $24–50 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Door-to-door transfer
- ✅ Best Option: Book a private taxi directly from Phuket Airport to your hotel.
- 💡 Tip: Reserve your transfer online before arrival to avoid airport queues.
A private taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Phuket Airport to Patong. The journey takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic, and prices range from $24-50 per vehicle.
Private transfers are operated by companies such as Call Me Taxi, Kanokwan Travel, Bangkok Taxi24, Glassflower, Happy EV Taxi and other providers. You can choose from standard cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles and larger minivans.
A private transfer in Thailand offers a convenient door-to-door service directly to your hotel in Patong. It is recommended to book your taxi online in advance, especially during the high tourist season.
BOOK TAXI / CAR with 12go.asia ➜
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Happy EV Taxi | 01:10 | From $24.00 |
| NNS Luxury Limous. | 01:15 | From $40.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 01:00 | From $34.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 01:30 | From $35.00 |
| Glassflower | 01:15 | From $45.00 |
| Torch Taxi | 00:40 | From $29.00 |
| NNS Luxury Limous. | 01:15 | From $40.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 01:30 | From $40.00 |
| Phuket Orchid Tour | 01:00 | From $28.00 |
| Call Me Taxi | 01:00 | From $29.00 |
| TF Travel | 01:15 | From $30.00 |
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Phuket Airport to Patong
How to book tickets or a taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong?
Book bus tickets or a private taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong on 12go.asia ➜. You can also book routes such as Phuket to Krabi or Phuket to Koh Yao Yai.
How long does it take to get from Phuket Airport to Patong?
Tourist buses take about 1-1.5 hours, while private taxis usually take around 1 hour.
What is the distance from Phuket Airport to Patong?
The distance from Phuket Airport to Patong is about 40 km by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Phuket Airport to Patong?
Bus tickets cost about $5-7/pp, while private taxis cost about $24-50 per vehicle.
Is there a train from Phuket Airport to Patong?
No. There is no railway between Phuket Airport and Patong.
What is the best way to travel from Phuket Airport to Patong?
A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable option, while the Phuket Smart Bus is the best budget choice.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket Airport to Patong?
The Phuket Smart Bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at about $5 per person.
How do you travel from Patong back to Phuket Airport?
You can use the Phuket Smart Bus or book a private taxi back to Phuket Airport.
Where to stay in Patong or Phuket?
Choose from cheap hotels, luxury resorts, hostels or private apartments across Patong and Phuket.
When is the best time to visit Patong?
The best time is from November to February, when the weather in Patong is dry, sunny and ideal for the beach.
What are the best islands to visit in Thailand?
Popular islands include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. See our guide to the best islands in Thailand.
How to travel solo in Thailand?
Thailand is ideal for solo travel with excellent transport and tourist services. Read our guide: Solo Travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phuket Airport to Patong
Traveling from Phuket Airport to Patong is easy by bus, shared minivan or private taxi. The journey is only about 40 km, and choosing the right transport depends on your budget, luggage and arrival time.
- Best Budget: Phuket Smart Bus is the cheapest option and runs directly to Patong.
- Fastest Option: A private taxi offers a direct hotel transfer in about 1 hour.
- Shared Minivans: A good balance of price and comfort, but they may stop at several hotels.
- Book Ahead: Reserve your bus or taxi online, especially during the high season.
- Traffic: Allow extra travel time during evening rush hours or holidays.
- Arrival: Keep your hotel address ready for a quicker transfer.
Tip: Bus and private taxi transfers from Phuket Airport to Patong can be searched and booked online in advance.