Phuket is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and endless island adventures. But if you don’t rent a scooter or car, getting around can be a challenge. Public transportation does exist — and it’s slowly improving. From songthaews and smart buses to ambitious projects like the Patong Tunnel and a proposed light rail system, here’s your complete guide to Phuket’s transport today, and what’s coming next.
Public Transport Options in Phuket Today
Blue Buses (Songthaews)
These iconic open-air blue buses connect Phuket Town with popular beaches like Patong, Kata, Karon, and Rawai. They’re cheap (around THB 30–50 depending on distance) but slow, as they stop frequently and only run during the day.
Phuket Smart Bus
A modern, air-conditioned bus service that’s become popular with both tourists and locals.
- Airport Route: Runs from Phuket International Airport through Patong, Kata, Karon, and down to Rawai. Fares range from THB 50–170.
- New Route: From Phuket Bus Terminal 1 (Phuket Town) to Patong, with stops at Bangkok Hospital, Chillva Market, Andamanda Waterpark, Kathu Fresh Market, Makro Patong, and Malin Plaza. Fares are around THB 50.
👉 Official Phuket Smart Bus site
Pink Bus
Mostly serving Phuket Town, this small local bus is aimed at students but available for everyone. Fares are very low (students ~THB 5, others pay slightly more).
Airport Bus (Route 8411)
An affordable way to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town, avoiding pricey taxis. Buses are air-conditioned, reliable, and have fixed fares.
👉 Check schedules at Airport Bus Phuket
Airport → Karon (Airport Bus / Express Options)
In addition to the airport-to-town shuttle, there are direct services from Phuket International Airport to Karon Circle. These include Smart Bus and Airport Express routes, with air-conditioning and luggage space.
- Journey time: 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.
- Fare: Around THB 100–190 depending on operator.
- Stops: Patong and Kata are also on most routes before reaching Karon.
How to ride: Look for the Smart Bus kiosk at the airport arrivals area, buy your ticket or reloadable card, and check the timetable. In Karon, the drop-off point is usually at Karon Circle.
Taxis, Tuk-tuks & Ride-hailing
Taxis and tuk-tuks are everywhere, especially in tourist zones like Patong. Prices are high compared to Bangkok. Ride-hail apps like Grab and Bolt are popular and often cheaper than hailing a street taxi.
New EV Buses in Phuket
Dragon Line (Old Town EV Bus)
Phuket has launched a free electric bus loop in Old Town called the Dragon Line. Operated by Phuket Smart Bus in partnership with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, it runs daily from about 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM every 15–30 minutes. With 16 stops around Old Town, it’s a great way to explore the Sino-Portuguese streets and night markets without adding to traffic.
👉 Read about the Dragon Line on The Phuket Express
Phuket Town ↔ Patong EV Smart Bus
Another new electric bus route links Phuket Town with Patong via Kathu.
- Fare: THB 50 flat.
- Schedule: Daily, from around 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Stops: Schools, hospitals, markets, residential zones, Kathu, and Patong Beach.
The Gaps & Challenges
- Limited night service: most buses stop in the evening.
- Irregular schedules and minimal signage, often only in Thai.
- Poor beach-to-beach connections — most routes funnel through Phuket Town.
- Infrastructure (bus stops, shelters, lighting) is basic.
What’s Coming Next
Patong Tunnel (Kathu–Patong Expressway)
The Patong Tunnel project is the most ambitious upgrade in Phuket’s transport history.
- A 3.98 km route, including a 1.85 km tunnel under Patong Hill.
- Connects Phra Metta Road in Patong with Route 4029 in Kathu.
- Designed to cut congestion, reduce accidents, and slash travel time.
- Expected completion: around 2030.
👉 Project updates on The Phuket News
Phuket Light Rail / Tram System
Plans are moving forward for a light rail system stretching up to 58 km, from Phuket Airport through Phuket Town down to Chalong.
- Potentially operational around 2028–2031.
- Would offer fast, reliable transport across the island.
👉 Full project overview at Future Southeast Asia
New Buses & EV Upgrades
More electric and modern buses are gradually replacing older routes. Cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable, they’re part of a broader move to sustainable transport.
Final Thoughts
Phuket’s public transport has a long way to go, but things are changing. The Smart Bus routes are already a big step forward, and the Patong Tunnel could completely reshape how people move between Phuket’s busiest zones. Add in the proposed light rail and the new EV buses in town, and Phuket’s future looks a lot more connected.
Until then, be prepared to mix and match — maybe a songthaew in the morning, a Smart Bus to the airport, and a Grab late at night. Phuket isn’t Singapore, but getting around is slowly becoming easier.