Picture via Facebook/Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

Phuket ran another trial of its boat taxi service yesterday, aiming to ease traffic between Phuket International Airport and Patong Beach. This initiative seeks to cut travel times from up to three hours on congested roads to just 40 minutes by sea. The trial is part of ongoing efforts by local officials to alleviate the island's notorious traffic jams.

 

Discussions about the boat taxi project have been ongoing for years, with the goal of providing a quicker alternative for tourists travelling between key points. Officials hope this service will significantly lessen congestion and enhance travel efficiency. Beyond the initial route, plans are in place to expand the service to 14 additional tourist hotspots along the coast, including Bang Tao, Kamala, and Kata beaches.

 

The trial was spearheaded by Phuket Deputy Governor Theerapong Chuaychu. He, along with government representatives, travelled the full route yesterday to evaluate the practicalities of the service. Their journey started at Phuket International Airport, proceeded through Sirinat National Park, and concluded at Patong Beach. The aim was to assess logistics, travel times, and the overall passenger experience.

 

Upon reaching Patong Beach, officials continued their review by evaluating the connection between the pier and local hotels via bus services. These tests are crucial for ensuring that the overall transport system is seamless and convenient for tourists. The trial looked into travel time, capacity for passengers and luggage, and potential impacts of implementing the service.

 

Deputy Governor Theerapong committed to conducting a thorough evaluation of the trial results. If successful, the boat taxi project could cut down on road traffic, create economic opportunities for local taxi operators, and set a benchmark for future transport innovations on the island, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Phuket tested a boat taxi service to reduce airport-to-Patong travel time.
• Expansion plans include 14 more destinations along the coast.
• Outcomes will inform future implementation and local economic impact.

 

Related Stories:

Phuket Boat Taxi Trial Delayed Until Mid-December

Phuket's Plan for Water Taxis: A New Way to Beat Traffic

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-30

 

 

 

I remember reading a news blip, when I first visited Phuket, 1999, road from airport to Patong beach not completed yet.

 

Stated construction only happened after the king's visit, and had to take a boat to the beach, and 'suggested', there should be better road infrastructure to the beaches from the airport.

 

Too funny, as now the old way may be a better option for those that can afford it.  Although with the silly taxi mafia, might not be too much of a pricing difference, at a guess.

No way it takes 3 hours to Patong by road. It takes me an hour and a half to Rawai, two hours if heavy traffic or an accident

1 hour ago, wensiensheng said:

No way it takes 3 hours to Patong by road. It takes me an hour and a half to Rawai, two hours if heavy traffic or an accident

Timing is everything, especially coming (driving) on the island. As last time there traffic, a Saturday, was horrendous. From an August post of mine ...

... " took me 15 mins to go 2 kms, to a restaurant.  And I'm not even in a tourist area.  Did only take 5 mins to return, and same route  ..... Took 1.5 hr to get through check point after Sarasin bridge, and go simply 30 kms to Thalang area" ...

https://aseannow.com/topic/1368131-anyone-living-in-roi-et-what-can-one-do-there/page/2/#comment-19992364

On 12/30/2025 at 11:31 AM, KhunLA said:

I remember reading a news blip, when I first visited Phuket, 1999, road from airport to Patong beach not completed yet.

 

Stated construction only happened after the king's visit, and had to take a boat to the beach, and 'suggested', there should be better road infrastructure to the beaches from the airport.

 

Too funny, as now the old way may be a better option for those that can afford it.  Although with the silly taxi mafia, might not be too much of a pricing difference, at a guess.

I remember that too. A few years later, the bypass road was created, but it took them several months to carve out a section of the mountain. Back then, everything was still fairly quiet, and when I read that it can take up to three hours to get from the airport to Patong, I'm glad I don't have to use it anymore. After all, if I remember correctly, the distance is no more than 40 to 50 kilometres.

Boat bus beats baht bus ...

But not much fun or even practical during monsoon months - when the airport is still quite busy.

3 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Timing is everything, especially coming (driving) on the island. As last time there traffic, a Saturday, was horrendous. From an August post of mine ...

... " took me 15 mins to go 2 kms, to a restaurant.  And I'm not even in a tourist area.  Did only take 5 mins to return, and same route  ..... Took 1.5 hr to get through check point after Sarasin bridge, and go simply 30 kms to Thalang area" ...

https://aseannow.com/topic/1368131-anyone-living-in-roi-et-what-can-one-do-there/page/2/#comment-19992364

Sure, accidents and the like can throw up significant delays, but they don’t happen everyday. And airport to Patong wouldn’t include the Sarasin bridge area.

Totally agree that timing is everything. I always leave additional time for the trip from Rawai to airport, but it’s never been more than 2 hours for me.

36 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

Sure, accidents and the like can throw up significant delays, but they don’t happen everyday. And airport to Patong wouldn’t include the Sarasin bridge area.

Totally agree that timing is everything. I always leave additional time for the trip from Rawai to airport, but it’s never been more than 2 hours for me.

No accident or construction, just normal weekend traffic. Surprise me also, though I've never entered Phuket on the weekend. Actually last time I was there, and probably will be the last time.

Popped down the beach area, May (off season) a year or two back, and way too crowded for us. We wait for the next scamdemic before visiting again.

45 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

No accident or construction, just normal weekend traffic. Surprise me also, though I've never entered Phuket on the weekend. Actually last time I was there, and probably will be the last time.

Popped down the beach area, May (off season) a year or two back, and way too crowded for us. We wait for the next scamdemic before visiting again.

Low season isn’t so bad, but of course then there may be rain and the sea is rough.

There’s always something 🙄