Bangkok to Phuket: plane, bus or train and bus

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and is linked to the mainland by a bridge, but it has no railway. That leaves three realistic ways to get there from Bangkok.

Flight

Flying is by far the fastest: around 1 hour 20 minutes from Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Phuket International Airport, with many daily flights. Phuket's airport is in the north of the island, roughly 45–60 minutes by road from Patong, Kata or Phuket Town. Budget airlines often charge extra for checked bags, so compare total prices.

Overnight bus

Government and private VIP buses leave from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in the evening and reach Phuket Bus Terminal 2 in the morning, usually after about 12–14 hours. VIP 24-seat buses are the most comfortable. It's the cheapest way and saves a hotel night, but it's a long ride.

Train + bus

Take a southern-line sleeper train to Surat Thani (station at Phun Phin), then a bus or minivan to Phuket (about 4–5 hours). Total time is similar to the bus, but the sleeper berth is more comfortable. Some 12Go listings sell this as a combined ticket.

Which to choose

• Short holiday: fly.
• Tight budget: overnight VIP bus.
• Like trains: sleeper to Surat Thani, then bus — or continue to the islands instead (see Bangkok to Koh Samui).

From Phuket onwards

Phuket is the starting point for ferries to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta. See our Phuket & Krabi to Koh Phi Phi guide. Fares and schedules change often; check live options on 12Go.