An airport taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong costs about 700–1,000 THB and takes 50–55 minutes — the fastest, simplest option when you land. Grab is similar in price (sometimes cheaper off-peak), but you walk 5–10 minutes to its pickup point. The shared minivan and the Phuket Smart Bus cost far less if you don’t mind a longer trip. Here’s how each one really works — our owner filmed her own airport run to show you:
| Option | Price to Patong | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi (counter) | 700–1,000 THB | 50–55 min | Arriving tired — fastest, no waiting |
| Grab app | 600–1,000 THB (surges higher) | 50–55 min + 5–10 min walk to pickup | Fixed in-app price off-peak |
| Shared minivan | 150–250 THB / person | 60–90 min | Budget, if you’re not rushed |
| Phuket Smart Bus | ~100 THB / person | 90+ min | Cheapest, travelling light |
How Much Is a Taxi From Phuket Airport to Patong?
The official airport taxis queue at the counters just outside arrivals. Expect 700–1,000 THB to Patong for a standard car (that includes the 100 THB airport fee), paid at a fixed counter price, so there’s no haggling. On our own trip it was 800 THB. It’s about 40 km and 50–55 minutes. A larger minivan taxi for a group or lots of luggage costs a bit more.
Tip: ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal offering a ride. Use the official taxi counter or the Grab app, and you’ll always know the price before you get in.
Is Grab Cheaper Than a Taxi in Phuket?
Not always. Grab is the one ride-hailing app allowed to pick up at Phuket Airport, and off-peak it can be a little cheaper — but at busy times surge pricing pushes it up to around the taxi price or higher, roughly 600–1,000 THB. The catch is that Grab cars can’t come to the terminal door: you walk 5–10 minutes to the designated Grab pickup point with your bags. If you’re tired or it’s raining, the taxi counter right outside arrivals is usually the easier choice. If you do use Grab, the price is fixed in the app before you book, so there are no surprises.
The Cheapest Way: Minivan and Phuket Smart Bus
- Shared minivan: roughly 150–250 THB per person. Cheaper than a private car, but it waits to fill up and drops other passengers first. One thing to know from experience: many shared minivans stop at a travel desk on the way and ask everyone to get out and listen to a tour sales pitch before continuing — fine if you don’t mind, annoying if you just want to reach your hotel.
- Phuket Smart Bus: the cheapest option at around 100 THB, running along the west coast and stopping near Patong. Slowest of all, but fine if you’re travelling light and not in a hurry.
What Is the Best Way From Phuket Airport to Patong?
For most arrivals, the airport taxi is the best way: it’s waiting right outside, there’s no app, no 10-minute walk and no waiting to fill a van — you pay a fixed price and you’re in Patong in under an hour. Grab is a good alternative if the app price is low when you land and you don’t mind the walk to the pickup point. If you’re a solo budget traveller with time to spare, the minivan or Smart Bus will save you money.
Mistakes to Avoid at the Airport
- Don’t follow drivers who approach you inside the terminal — use the official taxi counter or Grab.
- Don’t get in without knowing the price. The counter is fixed; in Grab it’s set before you book.
- Don’t book a “cheap” transfer that drops you at a tour desk first unless you’re happy to sit through a sales pitch.
- Don’t forget the 100 THB airport fee is already included in the counter taxi price.
Getting to The Way Patong Hotel
We’re on Soi Wirakit, a quiet side street right in the middle of Patong — a 3-minute walk from Banzaan Market and Jungceylon, and 7–8 minutes from Bangla Road. Show your driver the address and they’ll know it:
The Way Patong Hotel
66, 26 Soi Wirakit, Pa Tong, Kathu, Phuket 83150
Once your transfer’s sorted, you’ll want a comfortable, well-located base. Our spacious 26 m² rooms sit on a quiet side street but keep you walking distance from everything — see exactly how to find us, or read our first-timer’s guide to Phuket to plan the rest of your trip.
Landing late or not sure which transfer to pick? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll point you to the best option for your arrival time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take from Phuket Airport to Patong?
About 50–55 minutes by car in normal traffic — it’s roughly 40 km. Allow a little longer at peak times and on holidays.
Can I use Grab from Phuket Airport?
Yes. Grab is the one ride-hailing app allowed to pick up at the airport, but cars can’t come to the terminal door — you walk 5–10 minutes to the signed Grab pickup point. The fare is fixed in the app before you book.
Is there a bus from Phuket Airport to Patong?
Yes, the Phuket Smart Bus runs down the west coast and stops near Patong for around 100 THB. It’s the cheapest option but the slowest, with many stops.
How much is a taxi from Patong back to the airport?
Usually similar — around 600–900 THB. Agree the price first, or book a Grab. Ask your hotel to help arrange it the night before an early flight.