Bus That Runs From Phuket Town To The Beaches

[kharmabum]

i haven't been to phuket since before the tsunami. last time i was there there was a bus that ran from phuket town to karon, kata, patong, picking people up along the way. i think i remember it used to be 30 baht or so to ride it from karon to central. do they still have this option or are tuk tuks the only current option to get from karon to central, karon to patong, etc. if there is a bus running nowadays, how much is it and what are it's operating hours? if there isn't, then what are the current tuk tuk rates from karon to central and karon to patong.

thanks in advance

[stevenl]

From Phuket Town you can still take the bus to either Patong or Karon-Kata.

That has not changed, was this way before and ever since the tsunami.

[LivinginKata]

And it's still about 30 baht. Service starts about 06.00, with last bus about 17.00. Seems to run every 30 minutes. But note that one route Phuket/Patong and another route Phuket/Karon/Kata. No route between Patong and Karon/Kata.

[kharmabum]

thanks,

how much is a tuk tuk from karon to patong? and does the price go up at night?

Edited February 8, 2010 by kharmabum

[ScubaBuddha]

When you say "Karon" do you mean Karon beach, or Karon Municipality? There are still buses that run between Patong and Phuket Town, and between Kata Beach (which is part of Karon Municipality) and Phuket Town. And unless I am mistaken they never went to Karon Beach. That would take them through Kata or Patong first and the powerful transportation monopoly, many call it a mafia, that has emerged on Phuket will not allow any competition to threaten the extortionate rates the tuk tuks and taxi's currently charge. (3 to 4 times that of Bangkok)

What has happened in the past when someone attempts to operate a bus between the beaches, they are pulled from their vehicles and beaten. Anytime a hotel or tour company tries to offer affordable alternatives, the tuk tuk/taxi mafia blockade them until they capitulate. The local government is unable or unwilling to step in and do anything about it. You will see this forum as well as the local foriegn run media here filled with the stories and complaints about the bad behavior of this seemingly omnipotent group and the sad state of transportation on the island. It's going to likely damage the image of Phuket tourism beyond repair unless the "big bosses" from Bangkok, whether they be the mafia or the government (kinda the same thing anyway) step in and gut the current outdated and mafia controlled transport systems here. Were not holding our breath.

In the mean time, do you best to avoid the tuk tuks as well as any advertiser you see advertising with them. (Rent a car or motorbike) Eventually something has to change or the tourists will go away.

[stevenl]

The Kata bus first follows the beach road to Karon, at Karon circle goes direction Wat Karon, and after that the main road passed Kata to Chalong and further to Phuket Town. So yes, this bus does pass Karon Beach.

Tuktuk Kata to Karon will be 200 baht BTW.

Edited February 8, 2010 by stevenl

[LivinginKata]

When you say "Karon" do you mean Karon beach, or Karon Municipality? There are still buses that run between Patong and Phuket Town, and between Kata Beach (which is part of Karon Municipality) and Phuket Town. And unless I am mistaken they never went to Karon Beach.

Hmmm.... the bus from Kata beach runs along the Karon beach road, through Karon Village, then back along the main Patak road back through Kata, and on to Chalong, then Phuket Town. Although I don't think you are allowed to board the bus in Kata and then get off in Karon.

[ScubaBuddha]

When you say "Karon" do you mean Karon beach, or Karon Municipality? There are still buses that run between Patong and Phuket Town, and between Kata Beach (which is part of Karon Municipality) and Phuket Town. And unless I am mistaken they never went to Karon Beach.

Hmmm.... the bus from Kata beach runs along the Karon beach road, through Karon Village, then back along the main Patak road back through Kata, and on to Chalong, then Phuket Town.

Oh Ok, I never knew that.

Although I don't think you are allowed to board the bus in Kata and then get off in Karon.

Seriously? How is that enforced, exactly? Well that almost makes me half right then. I always thought there was no bus between Kata and Karon beaches. There defiantly isn't one between Patong and Kata/Karon.

You can tell I never use public transport here.

[kharmabum]

5 years ago i used to get the bus from karon beach(not the road that runs along the beach, but near it, on the main road that goes toward phuket town. I've never taken the bus from karon to kata or kata to karon. I've always just walked that stretch. so.... how much is a tuk tuk running between karon and patong? is the price always the same or does it go up at night?

[GucciLittlePiggy]

5 years ago i used to get the bus from karon beach(not the road that runs along the beach, but near it, on the main road that goes toward phuket town. I've never taken the bus from karon to kata or kata to karon. I've always just walked that stretch. so.... how much is a tuk tuk running between karon and patong? is the price always the same or does it go up at night?

300b during the day - not sure about the night.

Kata-Patong is 400b

I've done Patong-phuket town-kata a few times and it's a complete pain in the arse - it takes forever and you'll have a broken back by the end of the day if you do the return legs as well. Stump up for a tuk tuk/taxi.

[kharmabum]

thanks for all the info everybody. 5 years is a long time and a lot can change. it's good to hear the bus is still running, from phuket town to the beaches. but too bad it's not really an option going from beach to beach. one last question if I may... does this bus stop anywhere near the intercity bus terminal?

[Hugh Jarse]

When you say "Karon" do you mean Karon beach, or Karon Municipality? There are still buses that run between Patong and Phuket Town, and between Kata Beach (which is part of Karon Municipality) and Phuket Town. And unless I am mistaken they never went to Karon Beach. That would take them through Kata or Patong first and the powerful transportation monopoly, many call it a mafia, that has emerged on Phuket will not allow any competition to threaten the extortionate rates the tuk tuks and taxi's currently charge. (3 to 4 times that of Bangkok)

What has happened in the past when someone attempts to operate a bus between the beaches, they are pulled from their vehicles and beaten. Anytime a hotel or tour company tries to offer affordable alternatives, the tuk tuk/taxi mafia blockade them until they capitulate. The local government is unable or unwilling to step in and do anything about it. You will see this forum as well as the local foriegn run media here filled with the stories and complaints about the bad behavior of this seemingly omnipotent group and the sad state of transportation on the island. It's going to likely damage the image of Phuket tourism beyond repair unless the "big bosses" from Bangkok, whether they be the mafia or the government (kinda the same thing anyway) step in and gut the current outdated and mafia controlled transport systems here. Were not holding our breath.

In the mean time, do you best to avoid the tuk tuks as well as any advertiser you see advertising with them. (Rent a car or motorbike) Eventually something has to change or the tourists will go away.

Most helpful info. you provide on this essential service and how sad that the tuk -tuk cavaliers have got away with this scam for so long. The TAT have a lot to deal with right now getting numbers up once more and one hopes that the current administration will tackle these scumbags ripping off tourists and attacking reasonable competition. I no longer visit Phuket and advise others to avoid the place like the plague.

[hkt83100]

thanks,

how much is a tuk tuk from karon to patong?

Friend paid 400 Baht last night 8:30 pm, earlier they went Patong->Karon for 300.

and does the price go up at night?

Yes.

[petercallen]

We went to patong yesterday and were stuck behind a bus all the way from karon circle to patong traveling along the coastal road, maybe they have started a new service.

[steelepulse]

Baht buses give you a day time option. Waste a lot of your valuable time cruising at an average of 10-20 kph for 30 or 40 baht, or pay the exorbitant tuk tuk fare and get to your destination in a semi safe, timely manner.

[ScubaBuddha]

When you say "Karon" do you mean Karon beach, or Karon Municipality? There are still buses that run between Patong and Phuket Town, and between Kata Beach (which is part of Karon Municipality) and Phuket Town. And unless I am mistaken they never went to Karon Beach. That would take them through Kata or Patong first and the powerful transportation monopoly, many call it a mafia, that has emerged on Phuket will not allow any competition to threaten the extortionate rates the tuk tuks and taxi's currently charge. (3 to 4 times that of Bangkok)

What has happened in the past when someone attempts to operate a bus between the beaches, they are pulled from their vehicles and beaten. Anytime a hotel or tour company tries to offer affordable alternatives, the tuk tuk/taxi mafia blockade them until they capitulate. The local government is unable or unwilling to step in and do anything about it. You will see this forum as well as the local foriegn run media here filled with the stories and complaints about the bad behavior of this seemingly omnipotent group and the sad state of transportation on the island. It's going to likely damage the image of Phuket tourism beyond repair unless the "big bosses" from Bangkok, whether they be the mafia or the government (kinda the same thing anyway) step in and gut the current outdated and mafia controlled transport systems here. Were not holding our breath.

In the mean time, do you best to avoid the tuk tuks as well as any advertiser you see advertising with them. (Rent a car or motorbike) Eventually something has to change or the tourists will go away.

Most helpful info. you provide on this essential service and how sad that the tuk -tuk cavaliers have got away with this scam for so long. The TAT have a lot to deal with right now getting numbers up once more and one hopes that the current administration will tackle these scumbags ripping off tourists and attacking reasonable competition. I no longer visit Phuket and advise others to avoid the place like the plague.

I think writing off the place is an over-reaction. I love it here. It's still a great vacation destination and place to live. You just need to be aware that too many Thai's here see farang simply as $$$$ at the moment and will smile politely as they run a scam or overcharge you. Try to arrange pickup at the airport ahead of time and find alternates to using the taxis and tuk tuks until those systems are fixed, such as renting a car and explore the island (reasonable when considering tuk tuk/taxi fares of 400 baht from Patong to Karon, 800-1000 baht to the airport ), rent a motorbike, walk, or use baht buses where they have them.

Another little secret I learned recently...if you are leaving via airplane, see if you can catch an empty metered taxi heading back to the airport from the beaches. They have to drive back anyway and sometimes you can get a great price of 200-300 baht. I once got a ride from Pattaya to Swampy for 400 baht this way. Normal price is 1500 (hotel price) to 800 baht. (Note that a 30 minute taxi ride to Phuket airport from the main beaches is the same price as a 1.5 to 2 hour ride from Pattya to Suvarnibhumi) To what degree this is against the mafia's rules I am not sure, but you may encounter drivers that will flat out refuse for fear of the consequences. Don't worry, they wait till the tourist gets out of the car before shooting at it.

[ScubaBuddha]

We went to patong yesterday and were stuck behind a bus all the way from karon circle to patong traveling along the coastal road, maybe they have started a new service.

No service yet. There are a lot of small buses and songtaws (converted pick-ups) doing that trip daily. They are tour operators, dive operators, or transporting hotel staff since the local Thai's are at the mercy of the extortionate transportation mafia just as the tourist and expats are. Very rare to see Thai's using Tuk Tuks, which is ironic because that is what they were originally designed for. Cheap transportation. The tuk tuks in Phuket are specificly priced at a rate which tourists can afford.

It just like practice of the railroad in America 150 years ago. The rail companies would actually look at their customers books and determine exactly how much money they could afford without bankrupting them, then charge them that. It's called a monopoly and it's illegal. That is why the tuk tuk's and taxis blockade anyone trying to offer reasonably priced transportation. It threatens their monopoly.

Edited February 9, 2010 by ScubaBuddha

[kharmabum]

it costs 1000 baht to take a tuk tuk from karon to the airport? aren't there budget airlines that fly from phuket to bangkok for about that? hahahah! you could pay more getting to the airport than for the flight! you guys are scaring me off. i might not be phuket material. when i pay 4-500 baht i usually get a 10 hour overnight aircon busride from bangkok to changmai, which is also about what i pay for my rooms when i travel in thailand. i have no interest in paying the same for a 10 minute ride to the next beach.

to add some perspective... i don't even think the bus from karon to phuket town for 30 baht is a bargain. that's about a dollar, right? that's more than i pay to take subways and buses where I live in south korea(note:i'm not korean). In Seoul the taxis start at about 2$. last time i was in japan i took a 10 minute taxi ride that cost 7$. these tuk tuks on phuket might be some of the most expensive taxis in asia.

btw, I don't see myself as a cheapskate. we spend money on snorkelling and other trips. the last time i was on phuket my wife and I ate lobster at the boathouse on kata. another time we ate at ban tae rim on patong. even on a cheap night we'll drop 500 baht on dinner and drinks. It's a shame that after a night of infusing 500 to 1,000 baht into the local economy on dinner in patong, you're stuck with paying another 800 baht just to get there and back. did i say shame? i meant scam.

Edited February 9, 2010 by kharmabum

[MyphuketLife]

it costs 1000 baht to take a tuk tuk from karon to the airport? aren't there budget airlines that fly from phuket to bangkok for about that? hahahah! you could pay more getting to the airport than for the flight! you guys are scaring me off. i might not be phuket material. when i pay 4-500 baht i usually get a 10 hour overnight aircon busride from bangkok to changmai, which is also about what i pay for my rooms when i travel in thailand. i have no interest in paying the same for a 10 minute ride to the next beach.

to add some perspective... i don't even think the bus from karon to phuket town for 30 baht is a bargain. that's about a dollar, right? that's more than i pay to take subways and buses where I live in south korea(note:i'm not korean). In Seoul the taxis start at about 2$. last time i was in japan i took a 10 minute taxi ride that cost 7$. these tuk tuks on phuket might be some of the most expensive taxis in asia.

btw, I don't see myself as a cheapskate. we spend money on snorkelling and other trips. the last time i was on phuket my wife and I ate lobster at the boathouse on kata. another time we ate at ban tae rim on patong. even on a cheap night we'll drop 500 baht on dinner and drinks. It's a shame that after a night of infusing 500 to 1,000 baht into the local economy on dinner in patong, you're stuck with paying another 800 baht just to get there and back. did i say shame? i meant scam.

it is a scam with no real alternatives. The tuk-tuks are I think the most expensive "taxi" service in the world. Since the tourist can't avoid the tuk-tuk scam I would advise them not to visit the island until the situation has been cleaned up and phuket has real transportation options.

[Peterocket]

In what way are the TUK-TUKS a scam? They have fixed prices which you are generally told in advance and you have the option whether to use them or not. Yes they have price fixing so that you cant get them for a decent price but I dont think that is a scam.

If you dont want to use the TUK-TUKs you can get a hotel in the place you are staying, drive get the baht bus or not bother going.

Even if you do get a tuk tuk if you are sharing it between 4 people, 500 baht for a 30 minute drive isnt exactly the end of the world. The worst thing about it is having to give them your money.

[LivinLOS]

In what way are the TUK-TUKS a scam? They have fixed prices which you are generally told in advance and you have the option whether to use them or not. Yes they have price fixing so that you cant get them for a decent price but I dont think that is a scam

And when they agree a price, drive you into the dark at 4am and then demand more money ?? Thats just good negotiation skills then ??

I used to live up at the top of a hill in Patong, if taking tuktuks you would always spell that out, yeah yeah sure, then they stop at the bottom and want more money what are you going to do, make your companions walk 400m up a super steep hill in heels ?? They used to do this a huge % of the time.

A service that only survives because they use threats, violence and intimidation to keep out others and maintain a cartel is pretty 'scammy' to me..

[Ping]

That's why they have laws against monopolies or government regulation in most western nations - so that competion will reduce the opportunity for scammers like the TTM.

[ScubaBuddha]

it costs 1000 baht to take a tuk tuk from karon to the airport? aren't there budget airlines that fly from phuket to bangkok for about that? hahahah! you could pay more getting to the airport than for the flight! you guys are scaring me off. i might not be phuket material. when i pay 4-500 baht i usually get a 10 hour overnight aircon busride from bangkok to changmai, which is also about what i pay for my rooms when i travel in thailand. i have no interest in paying the same for a 10 minute ride to the next beach.

to add some perspective... i don't even think the bus from karon to phuket town for 30 baht is a bargain. that's about a dollar, right? that's more than i pay to take subways and buses where I live in south korea(note:i'm not korean). In Seoul the taxis start at about 2$. last time i was in japan i took a 10 minute taxi ride that cost 7$. these tuk tuks on phuket might be some of the most expensive taxis in asia.

btw, I don't see myself as a cheapskate. we spend money on snorkelling and other trips. the last time i was on phuket my wife and I ate lobster at the boathouse on kata. another time we ate at ban tae rim on patong. even on a cheap night we'll drop 500 baht on dinner and drinks. It's a shame that after a night of infusing 500 to 1,000 baht into the local economy on dinner in patong, you're stuck with paying another 800 baht just to get there and back. did i say shame? i meant scam.

Valid points, however for accuracy's sake, some of your numbers are a bit off.

Firstly, tuk tuk's don't go the the airport, unless you are staying very close to it, which while possible, is not the case for 99% of Phuket visitors. Taxi's go to and from the airport, but they aren't 1000 baht. A metered taxi will be around 350-400, and a "Limo" (Toyota Camry) is 600-800. They have some SUV's also. Not sure how much those are. Typically airfare for a one way budget flight to BKK is 1300 if you book in advance or get a discount, more likely 2000 baht one way.

The most you should pay for a single person from Patong to Kata/Karon is 400 baht, not 800. 300 is more common. More is added if your trip extends into Rawaii going south of Kata, or going north of Patong into Kamala. If you have 4 or 5 people, the tuk tuk will ask for more money. That bit is not published on their price boards.

Also, there are cheaper buses which run from the airport to Phuket town. Don't recall how much, but much less than the taxi's. You can catch a baht bus to the beach from there.

Edited February 9, 2010 by ScubaBuddha

[kharmabum]

scubabuddha, i was just getting my info from your earlier post when you wrote that tuk tuk/taxis from patong to the airport are 800-1000 baht. I don't have any recent experience. i haven't been to phuket in over 5 years. and when I wrote about the 800 baht extra expense of going from karon to patong for dinner I meant 2 rides, there and back.

and expats in pataya complain about having to pay 10 or 20 baht on the saungtau when thais pay half! I can just picture some of the guys I used to know in pataya being told they should pay 300 or 400 baht for the same distance it takes to go from noklua to walking street! hahahhaha!

Edited February 9, 2010 by kharmabum

[ScubaBuddha]

scubabuddha, i was just getting my info from your earlier post when you wrote that tuk tuk/taxis from patong to the airport are 800-1000 baht. I don't have any recent experience. i haven't been to phuket in over 5 years. and when I wrote about the 800 baht extra expense of going from karon to patong for dinner I meant 2 rides, there and back.

and expats in pataya complain about having to pay 10 or 20 baht on the saungtau when thais pay half! I can just picture some of the guys I used to know in pataya being told they should pay 300 or 400 baht for the same distance it takes to go from noklua to walking street! hahahhaha!

Ah ok. Yeah I should be clearer. The metered taxi's will run the 350-400 baht range depending where you are going. The "limosines" as they call them are the more expensive ones. It also depends a lot on where you book the taxi when going from the beaches to the airport. Commissions are made and so the price goes up.

[Peterocket]

And when they agree a price, drive you into the dark at 4am and then demand more money ?? Thats just good negotiation skills then ??

A service that only survives because they use threats, violence and intimidation to keep out others and maintain a cartel is pretty 'scammy' to me..

You are talking about individual Tuk-Tuk drivers being scam-sters. I dont believe that the majority of drivers will drive you into the dark at 4am and demand more money. Certainly hasnt happened to me.

My experience has been to walk up to a driver ask how much from Surin to Patong, he says 500 baht, I say 400, he agrees, he drives me home. No scam as far as I am concerned

[LivinLOS]

Firstly, tuk tuk's don't go the the airport, unless you are staying very close to it, which while possible, is not the case for 99% of Phuket visitors.

Ohh they will.. Just most people choose not to..

[LivinLOS]

You are talking about individual Tuk-Tuk drivers being scam-sters. I dont believe that the majority of drivers will drive you into the dark at 4am and demand more money. Certainly hasnt happened to me.

If it happened once, it would be a individual.. If it happens multiple times with multiple drivers, it starts to be a significant minority..

Where I used to live was up a hill.. But I used to be real clear about it.. And if late at night with a tuktuk of mates and girls (the only times they were ever used) I would say 30 - 40% of the time they would do this. They know they have you screwed, what you gonna do make the girls walk ??

[ScubaBuddha]

Firstly, tuk tuk's don't go the the airport, unless you are staying very close to it, which while possible, is not the case for 99% of Phuket visitors.

Ohh they will.. Just most people choose not to..

Really? I have never seen or heard that before. I sure wouldn't want to sit in the open air of a little tuk tuk bouncing along for 30-45 minutes. Miserable.

[stevenl]

Yes, they will go.

But: at all tuktuk stands there are taxis as well, and for the same price as tuktuks. Most of the taxi's will be illegal ones with white/black plates, but that is a different discussion. So why take the tuktuk when for the same price you can have a taxi (since none of the tourist will realise the taxi is illegal).