Transport in Phuket

Public transport, fixed-route taxis

In the city you can see different types of transport. There are buses and fixed-route taxis, but tourists and locals consider them not the best means of transportation. In Phuket, all city bus routes are built in such a way that you need to get to the place with transfers. Almost all buses meet in one place - at the old station. If you need to get from one end of the city to the other, you must first get to the center, make a transfer, and then get to your destination.

There are big buses and small ones. Fixed-route taxis here are usually called Songthaew. These are small trucks in which two benches are installed. The price of such a trip will vary from 20 to 50 baht. The cost depends on the route.

By the way, things are no better with stops. There are only end stations. If the passenger needs to get off, he must ask the driver about it in advance, and he will drop you off on the way. Also, you can catch a minibus or bus in any part of the city. Public transport doesn't run very often. Buses run every half hour. After six o'clock in the evening it will be problematic to use public transport.

The most popular routes in the city and fares:

It is also called taxi meter. It is by this inscription that it can be recognized on city roads. Moreover, on cars you will see a classic symbol - checkers. This is the best option among the rest and the most budgetary. Unfortunately, catching such a taxi is not an easy task. Cars of this kind are in short supply on the island.

As soon as you get into the car, you should immediately ask the taxi driver to turn on the meter. If you do not remind him of this, then after the end of the trip he can tell you his fixed price. It is easy to guess that it will be much higher.

In addition, there are many private traders in Phuket. The owners of cars earn extra money in this way. For additional (or main) income, they even draw checkers on their own car so that the car looks like an official taxi. The main difference is the lack of counters. A private trip will cost more. It is necessary to negotiate the price with the driver, otherwise an unpleasant surprise awaits you at the end.

Also on the island you can see a motorcycle taxi, which is perhaps the most popular means of transportation for most tourists. This is a fairly cheap, but dangerous way. Passengers must wear a helmet while traveling.

Another mode of transport is tuk-tuks. There are a lot of them on the island. Tuk-tuks are somewhat reminiscent of a fixed-route taxi, but they do not have a specific route. Drivers drive just like taxi drivers. These are very small trucks that have two benches for passengers. Most often, these cars have a red or yellow color. Probably to make transport more visible. Tuk-tuks are on the road all the time, especially in tourist areas.

Such a trip can hardly be called comfortable, but still for a large company this is the most profitable option. As a rule, six people fit in one tuk-tuk.

A simple trip around the city will cost you at least 60 baht. The center from Patong can be reached for 420 - 450 baht. And do not forget to discuss the cost in advance, otherwise there is a chance to spend a large amount. By the way, you can bargain with the drivers. Basically, drivers are willing to lower the price, because in the beginning they name the maximum cost of their services.

Rent a car or motorcycle

It would seem that renting a transport will be very expensive, but in Phuket this is the most budget option. Moreover, on a rented car or motorcycle, you can freely move around the island. Before deciding to take such a step, you need to familiarize yourself with the “principle of driving transport” on the island. The fact is that the drivers here drive very badly. Chaos reigns on the roads, and almost no one knows the rules of the road, and therefore does not comply. All this is exacerbated by the difficult terrain on the island, poor visibility and barely noticeable road signs.

More than 270 people die on the island's roads every year. The number of victims in road accidents increases to 10 thousand. Most of the accidents involve motorcycles. In addition, on the roads you can observe the dismantling of drivers who did not share this or that line of movement. Sometimes it ends in a shootout, which is also very dangerous for other drivers and pedestrians.

For this reason, it is better to think twice before renting a car or motorcycle. First, observe the local population and how they drive cars, and only then make a decision.

Renting a motorcycle or scooter will cost you 170 baht per day. If you want to rent transport for a long time, then you will most likely be given a good discount at the rental. To rent a motorcycle, you will need to show your passport (sometimes you can show another identity document), as well as pay a deposit (approximately 1200 - 1500 baht). Sometimes they ask you to leave a credit card as a deposit. Most often they leave passports or other documents.

By the way, they rarely ask if you have rights. But theoretically you should have them. For a motorcycle, only category "A" is suitable. If you do not have a driver's license, then you may be fined 600 baht. Don't forget your helmet while riding. It should be not only for the driver, but also for the passenger. Driving without a helmet can also result in a fine. Due to numerous accidents, the island's police monitor security measures.

Car rental prices are quite high. You will need to pay a minimum of 600 baht to rent a car for a day.