Off to Phuket soon and was wondering if there's a public bus service from the airport to Patong?

Anyone know??

Don't think it's technically a "Public" bus, but there are mini-vans that are a less expensive option and can drop you at your Hotel, etc..in Patong.

However, the drawback (as I recall) was that the van will not leave until it is full of passengers, (so you may be waiting a while) and then depending on where each person needs to go, the van may take a very circuitous route, where you are basically "along for the ride"--- dropping off others before you....until you get to your destination. So, in that sense it's usually a longer trip than a private taxi, time-wise.

There is some financial savings, I believe. THB 600-700 for a private taxi vs. THB200 for the "shared" vans..but prices may have changed.

Good Luck!

moving to Phuket forum

The only public bus from Phuket airport goes to Phuket Town. there you could take anther public bus to Patong. But would take at least a couple of hours. The cheapest other option is the shared mini bus as previously described, costs about 160 baht.

This worked for me before...

While in the departure area for your flight to Phuket, and again in the baggage claim area in Phuket, look around for anyone traveling single or a couple, ask if they are going to Patong (or wherever), suggest sharing the cost of a taxi.

I think every tourist would love such a bus service to exist..... that it doesn't exist is not due to lack of demand

Simon

I think every tourist would love such a bus service to exist..... that it doesn't exist is not due to lack of demand

Simon

Me thinks it's got more to do with taxi/tuk-tuk lobby (mafia?), which has quite some political weight on the island. A public bus would be a great idea, but somehow I doubt this is going to happen any time soon.

You could take the excellent (because still new) airport bus for 85 baht and get off at Surakul stadium outside Phuket City and connect to the Phuket-Patong bus (25 baht if I remember right).

www.airportbusphuket.com for the timetable.

No public bus direct to patong, if you are lucky and a service has started on the day of your arrival, expect to see the driver being dragged out and beaten to pulp.

You can get a bus from phuket town Bus Station ,I forgot how much but its only about 60baht. If you come out of the Airport and turn right and go to the Taxi office it will cost you about 500 baht to Patong , 40 mins.