Thailand is a global tourism hotspot because it offers visitors a wide range of experiences. One can explore exotic islands, snorkel in crystal blue water, hike to majestic peaks in Phuket, and experience world-class shopping and nightlife in Bangkok.
There are many ways to get from Phuket to Bangkok. A bus is the cheapest option, but the journey takes 13 hours. Flights are the fastest, taking only 1.5 hours and cheap tickets are available for around $30. One can also get a combined train and bus ticket from Phuket to Bangkok or hire a car.
How you choose to travel between major centers in Thailand depends on your style of travel. If you are backpacking for a couple of months, you have time for long bus or train journeys. If your stay in Thailand is shorter, it is best to rely on flights to get you between places quickly. Luckily, there are many different ways to travel around Thailand – these are the best and most affordable ways to get from Phuket to Bangkok.
Ways to Get from Phuket to Bangkok
Thailand’s largest Island, Phuket, is connected to the mainland by Sarasin Bridge on the island’s northern side.
Travelling from Phuket is simple, and there are many different modes of transportation to choose from. Your choice depends on your budget, how much time you have, and the level of comfort you want.
To get from Phuket to Bangkok, you can take a plane, bus or night bus, train, rental car, motorbike, or ferry.
Fastest Way to Get from Phuket to Bangkok
The fastest way to travel from Phuket to Bangkok is to fly. The flight duration is only 1.5 hours. One can fly from Phuket Airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or to Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok’s domestic airport.
The following airlines fly direct from Phuket Airport to Don Mueang Airport:
- Air Asia
- Lion Air
- Nok Air
- Thai Airways
- Thai Lion Air
- Thai Smile
- Orient Thai Airlines
These airlines fly direct from Phuket Airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport:
- Thai Airways
- BangkokAir
- VietJet Air
Flights from Phuket to Suvarnabhumi are generally more expensive than domestic flights to Don Mueang Airport. One can get a ticket to Suvarnabhumi starting at around $50, ranging up to $120. On the other hand, tickets to Don Muang start from $15.
Getting a flight from Phuket to Bangkok is the most popular option amongst wealthy tourists, young couples, couples travelling with young children, and businessmen.
Get the Cheapest Flight
Although flying is quick and convenient, plane tickets can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to get cheaper flights! Here are the top tips:
- Weekday flights are cheaper than ones on the weekend. Book flights in the week.
- Evening flights are cheaper than daytime flights.
- Ticket prices during peak holiday season – November, December, and January.
- The cheapest time to travel is in the off-season. Airlines often run promotions, and one can get flights for as little as $12!
- Fly from Phuket to Don Muang Airport rather than to Suvarnabhumi. Domestic airlines offer much cheaper flights.
Domestic airlines can sometimes be unreliable with flight delays and last-minute cancellations. Keep in mind that they experience delays roughly 40% of the time. These range from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Factor this into your travel arrangements so that you do not miss connecting flights or transit buses.
Also, remember that low-cost airlines do not offer refreshments, onboard meals, in-flight movies or check-in luggage. If you can deal with these minor inconveniences, travelling with a cheaper domestic airline is a great option!
Cheapest Way to Get from Phuket to Bangkok
The thriftiest way to travel from Phuket to Bangkok is to take a bus. The distance from Phuket to Bangkok is 840 km, so the bus ride is long – between 11 and 16 hours, depending on the bus carrier. Bus tickets cost between $19 to $28.
Busses from Phuket depart from the Phuket town bus station. There are two bus terminals in Bangkok – the Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal and the Southern Bus Terminal, Sai Tai Mai.
Bussing is a very comfortable way to travel – there is AC, free snacks and drinks, movies, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seats. There is a half-hour rest stop halfway along the route to buy a cup of coffee or to just stretch your legs.
There are two comfort classes of buses – 1st or VIP class and 2nd class. The 1st class buses have much more comfortable chairs that recline, and you have more legroom as there are only 24 seats. You can also book single-row seats on 1st class busses so that you do not have to sit next to a stranger. The 2nd class buses have 46 seats, so it feels more crowded, and there is less legroom.
VIP bus tickets are more expensive but definitely worthwhile given the length of the journey. It is good to be comfortable on such a long trip!
One can choose to take a day bus or a night bus from Phuket to Bangkok. Daytime busses are cheaper because they are less convenient. Nobody really wants to spend a day of their holiday confined to a bus.
Night busses are a very popular option, as you can sleep during the long trip. They book up very quickly, therefore book online well in advance, especially if you are travelling during the peak holiday season.
Take a Train from Phuket to Bangkok
Travelling by train from Phuket to Bangkok is also an option. However, there is no direct route, so one will have to take a bus from Phuket to the town of Surat Thani, and then take a train from there to Bangkok Hua Lamphong railway station.
Combined tickets are available online and through travel agencies. These are much more convenient than booking separate tickets.
Railway travel has the following benefits:
- Carry more luggage with you.
- More legroom than a bus or plane.
- Enjoy the comfort of a private cabin.
Taking a train is more expensive than taking an express bus. Second-class tickets cost $28-$35, and first-class ones cost $50-$60. In second-class, you share a carriage with other passengers, while in first-class, you get a private cabin for two people.
The journey is long – you will spend at least 8 hours on the train and 5 or more hours on the bus. The transfer gives your travel variety and breaks up the journey, which is nice.
One can take an overnight sleeper train and get a good night’s sleep in a bed. It is more comfortable not to travel in the heat of the day. But if you travel during the day, you will see lots of beautiful scenery, interesting sites, and see Thailand from a different perspective.
If you are looking for a cheap train ticket, the Thai Railway offers a third-class train from Surat Thani to Bangkok once a day. It has no AC, only fans, so the journey can be long and uncomfortable, but you certainly will save money.
Many backpackers prefer this option because you meet far more interesting local people. Some vendors come onto the train selling delicious, cheap street foods, drinks, and fruit.
Book train tickets online via the Thai Railways official website, from a travel agent, or locally from a train station.
Hire a Rental Car and Drive from Phuket to Bangkok
If you like to be in control while you are travelling, hiring a rental car is a great option. One can hire a car at the Phuket Airport and drive it to Bangkok. This is a very comfortable way to travel, as you are not dependent on anyone. The benefit of driving yourself is that you can stop at places along the way that interests you.
To hire a car, you will need to be 21 years or older with:
- At least 1 year of driving experience.
- A valid international driving license and a photocopy.
- A passport and a photocopy.
- Health insurance and a photocopied proof of insurance.
It is safer to hire a car from well-known international agencies, as fraud is common among the many Thai rental agencies. Most agencies charge a deposit of around $28.
It is common for cars in Thailand to be broken into or stolen, so to protect you and the rental agency, the per-day cost of renting a car includes the cost of insurance. One can hire a rental car for around $23 per day. This excludes the cost of fuel and toll fees.
Navigating from Phuket to Bangkok is not quite as easy as setting your destination on Google Maps and hitting the road. There will be no internet on stretches of the journey, so it is best to take a paper map or a satellite navigation system to ensure you stay on course.
Drive very carefully and use secondary roads at much as possible. Avoid getting into an accident, as the local police will have little empathy for tourists.
A more popular option than hiring a car is renting a motorbike for cross-country trips. It is easier to navigate the traffic on a bike, which is much cheaper than hiring a car.
Take a Ferry and a Flight
If you want to add a greater sense of adventure to your trip from Phuket to Bangkok, you may want to include a ferry ride. Spending a day on the beautiful Andaman Sea is a relaxing experience.
There is a ferry that departs every morning from Rassada Pier in Phuket. It arrives at Krabi Town, and the journey takes roughly 9 hours. One can get a ferry ticket from $20 to $30.
From Krabi one can fly to Bangkok. Many cheap flights are available from Krabi Airport to Don Mueang Airport, starting from as little as $20.
One can also take a bus from Krabi to the Southern Bus Terminal, Sai Tai Mai, in Bangkok. The journey is about 10 hours long.
Most Popular Way to Travel from Phuket to Bangkok
The top four modes of transport that people use to travel from Phuket to Bangkok are:
- Flying.
- Bus.
- Train.
- Ferries.
These four options are considered the best in terms of cost, convenience, and time spent travelling. There are more ways to travel, such as hiring a minibus with a driver or taking a taxi. However, these are far more expensive options.
Tips for Travelling Thailand on a Shoestring
Thailand is a popular destination for young people wanting to travel on a tiny budget. Here are the best ways to cut your travel costs:
- Plan your own itinerary and book your own tickets. Many people think they will get a better deal by booking their holiday through a travel agent, but this is not the case. Tour agencies charge a commission. You can save more than half of the cost of flights, trains, ferries, and buses by booking them online yourself.
- Book many months in advance. Booking early is a top money-saving tip as one can usually get 30 to 50% off of tickets. Airlines like Air Asia have amazing sales in the low season, so keep looking out and waiting for the best deal.
Conclusion
Travelling around Thailand can be easy and cost-effective, as long as you plan your trip well in advance and book your own tickets. There are many ways to get from Phuket to Bangkok – flying, by train, by bus, ferry, or renting a car or motorbike and driving yourself.
There most popular ways to travel from Phuket to Bangkok are summarized in the table below:
| Time | Cost | Pros | Cons | |
| Fly | 1.5 hours | $20-$100 | Fast | Expensive |
| Bus | 11-16 hours | $19-$30 | Cheap, comfy | Long journey |
| Train | 16 hours | $35-$50 | Take lots of luggage | Long journey |
| Rental car | 13-15 hours | $28 deposit plus $23 per day | Convenient and comfortable | Expensive |
| Ferry | 20 hours | About $50 | Scenic | Long journey |