From the airport
The airport is in the north; southern beaches are 45–75 minutes away. Official taxis have fixed fares (around 800–1,000 THB to Patong, 1,000–1,100 to Kata/Rawai). Grab and Bolt are usually 10–20% cheaper, with pickup on the car park behind the terminal. The turquoise Phuket Smart Bus runs the west coast for 100–170 THB — slow but cheap.
Scooters & cars
Scooters are the island's default at 250–350 THB/day, but legally you need an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle category — Phuket police fine riders without it (500–1,000 THB), and insurance won't pay out in an accident without it. Cars run from ~1,000 THB/day; take full zero-excess insurance. Driving is on the left; it takes a day to adjust.
Taxis, apps & ferries
There are effectively no meters: street taxis and tuk-tuks quote fixed prices 1.5–2× the apps. Use Grab or Bolt (install both — prices differ). Songthaews (blue trucks) run daytime routes from Phuket Town for 30–50 THB. Ferries and speedboats to Phi Phi and the islands leave from Rassada, Chalong and Ao Po piers — check which pier your ticket names.
FAQ
Do I need a scooter?
In walkable Patong, no. Almost everywhere else it hugely helps, but ride legally (IDP with motorcycle category) and always wear a helmet.
Why are taxis so expensive?
A long-standing local taxi association keeps fixed high fares. Ride-hailing apps undercut them — use those.
Do apps take foreign cards?
Attach a foreign card or choose cash payment. Some Russian cards won't work — cash is the fallback.
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