hello to the phuket experts, I would like travel to Phuket this month.

How is the situation at the domestic terminal with the mini buses?? are there still some companies operating for going to Patong.

I am scared to phuket taxi mafia will try to scam because of the low numbers of tourists.

thanks

These guys are doing 50% off on van rentals. 1500 baht if you do it round trip to anywhere in Phuket. Hard to even get a taxi for that price. 

Just get a meter taxi- booth is outside arrivals. Ignore any touts on the way. Coupon from the booth will list any details you need. Depending on where you are going and they don't take the long way round will be 450-700 to your destination. 

I was at the airport yesterday and the shared van booths near the doors as you walk outside (and the one outside) the domestic terminal all had 20% off signs posted. Normal price to Patong was 180 baht before discount. You should have no problem getting a van. 

20 minutes ago, DFPhuket said:

Normal price to Patong was 180 baht before discount. You should have no problem getting a van. 

This is true, but the vans will sit and wait until they are full at that price. There are so few tourists that it could be awhile. In August I was waiting for 40 minutes, but gave up and shared a meter taxi with a couple of Thai women. 660 was the meter rate after dropping them in Karon and going on into Kata. So just over 200 each to go quickly.

I would check any of the taxis and book in advance. Many options on facebook and other social media sites, cheaper than meter taxi or other airport taxis, and faster than minivans 

For short trips of just a few days I usually drive and park at the airport, but if I need a ride I've used https://www.taxiphuket.com/index.php over 10 times. The rate for rides between the airport and Patong has been reduced to 550 baht, but you must book and pay online a day or two in advance. If you are worried about paying in advance, use a credit card and you could always do a chargeback should there be an issue. He uses a new van and has been 100% reliable for me.

thanks for all your informations, on 25 I will arrive Phuket airport.

I see there are many options, nothing to worry any more

FYI:
phuket Smart bus starts up again ( after being closed for 7 months) on a trail basis
BUT only runs 4x/day

 

Quote

 

The first Smart Bus will depart Phuket airport at 10am, followed by others at midday, 3pm and 5:30pm, she said.

The first Smart Bus will depart Rawai Pier at 7:30am followed by others at 9am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm, she added.

 

 

2 hours ago, zzzzz said:

FYI:
phuket Smart bus starts up again ( after being closed for 7 months) on a trail basis
BUT only runs 4x/day

"

The first Smart Bus will depart Phuket airport at 10am, followed by others at midday, 3pm and 5:30pm, she said.

The first Smart Bus will depart Rawai Pier at 7:30am followed by others at 9am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm, she added."

 

Where did this information come from? I'm not questioning you, just curious. 

 

18 minutes ago, Shot said:

"

The first Smart Bus will depart Phuket airport at 10am, followed by others at midday, 3pm and 5:30pm, she said.

The first Smart Bus will depart Rawai Pier at 7:30am followed by others at 9am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm, she added."

 

Where did this information come from? I'm not questioning you, just curious. 

 

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-smart-bus-to-ride-again-77968.php

12 minutes ago, dabhand said:

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-smart-bus-to-ride-again-77968.php

Thank you, I see it is on their FB page too.

 

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Wondering how the Smart Bus test is going, as I've only spotted one, Wednesday afternoon heading south in Kamala doing about 105kpm. No buses showing up on their GPS. They seem to be as rare as...