Baht Bus (songtaew)

[intrepidtraveller]

Hello,

Wonder if anyone could give me an estimate of costs for the songteaws (not sure that's spelt right at all). We are staying in Kata, so if we want to go to Phuket Town its 10b...or Karon 10b....is it a flat fee?...is there a site where I can get this information?

I've had friends go to Phuket and been charged 300b (yes it was after dark), but surely it cant be that much.. I havent been to Phuket before, but know that in Pattaya its around 10b....even though they will try and say its a private here and charge between 100-200b....in Koh Pha Ngan...its sets fares at 40b etc.

Any indicative costs would be appreciated.

I'm coming out next week and I cant wait...........

Thanks,

[LivinginKata]

There are no true Song toews from Karon/Kata beaches into Phuket. More like a public bus, although some might call a 'cattle truck'. Costs 30 baht, and no web site that I know off.

Service stops about 18.00 and then you are all at the expensive mercy of the bandit tuk tuk who will fleece you all for the max price. Good luck...

Forget Pattaya prices as we DO NOT have baht buses here on Phuket island, and 300 baht fare would be a bargain price for even a very short journey. EXPECT TO PAY MUCH MORE....

[Ping]

Perhaps I should just add here that if Intrepid wants to go to Patong (using a songthaew), he will need to go into Phuket Town and then go back out to get to Patong (Phuket - Patong 40 baht) - no direct songthaew route. By tuk tuk from Kata/Karon to Patong (I think) 300 baht one way. The fares are supposed to be fixed (set) but in reality, the set fare is the least you will pay if you know the ropes and can negotiate. For short distances, there are also the motorcycle taxis (hop on the back), which are cheaper.

[Zpete]

I use mo'bike taxis a lot.

The bus is best to Phuket Town, bit far from Karon - Kata to use mo'bike taxi.

Ya gotta watch for the last bus or then taxi,,,,,,.....

Consider a scooter hire, shop around, but about 200 baht - 24 hrs.

I usually hire a scooter if going to Patong or Phuket Town.

I normally stay in Chalong.

My bar owner lady, rents me one of hers, 150 baht, 24 hrs, mates rates.

Good luck.

[steelepulse]

No motorbike taxis from Kata, so be prepared to pay about 400 baht from Kata to Patong. If you were in Bangkok, the total fare would be about 120 baht on the meter, so you can get an idea of the prices here. As far as the prices being posted as a poster has said above, those posted prices have been gone for quite some time now and if asked about it, the drivers claim no knowledge.

[Ping]

There used to be a sign in the open car park of Big C with the tuk tuk prices listed by destination. (I think it was taken down some time ago.) Beneath the sign, someone had attached an extra bit and on it was written something like 'Please give extra tip'. (I don't think so!)

I have just tried to find an official site with the prices but (as per what steelepulse has said) I can't find one. This is interesting in the fact that years ago, there were no set prices and tuk tuks were far, far cheaper (if you knew the 'right' prices and how to negotiate). Due to complaints about tourists being ripped off and Tuk Tuk drivers complaining about their income, prices were set; and these were far higher than the prices we had been used to. So if it is back into freefall again, you would think that the prices should become more competitive. However, (i) the 'Tuk Tuk Mafia' may have something to do with the reason that prices are not falling; and (ii) I suspect that the prices are still officially set (somewhere), but they have become meaningless. It would be interesting to hear from someone who knows whether the prices are still set and, if so, a URL.

[intrepidtraveller]

Very helpful information.....

I cant wait to come out next week......I hope there's not too much rain!!!!

Thanks everyone.

[Super Hans]

Bus from Phuket town to Patong is 20b each way. Takes about an hour. Last bus about 6pm.

Bus from Phuket town to Karon and Kata is 25/30b each way and takes about an hour, maybe a little longer. Last one from Kata goes at 4.45pm and can be packed - arrive early. You can get the last bus from Kata in time to get the last bus to Patong (from Phuket town), but I don't recommend it as it takes forever and is uncomfortable.

After the buses have stopped running, you need tuk tuk tuk tuks, or motorbike taxis if you're suicidal. Tuks tuks from Kata to Patong are 400b, Karon to Patong 300b. They will try and charge you more sometimes - stick to your guns and get the next one if needs be. I think it is more expensive going from Patong to Kata, but am not sure.

Short tuk tuk distances within patong are 200b - no idea about Kata.

[Ping]

Have an enjoyable holiday intrepid. If you decide you may be better off renting a vehicle, don't forget to obtain an IDP (from your home country).