How to Get to Phuket

Flights from Japan to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, typically take about 5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the departure city. Several international airlines operate routes from Japan:

• Japan Airlines (JAL)
• AirAsia
• Thai Airways
• ZIPAIR

Domestic flights from Bangkok to Phuket operate approximately every hour from morning until night, making it easy to find a connecting flight that matches your arrival. Airlines serving this route include:

• Thai Smile
• Bangkok Airways
• AirAsia
• Nok Air
• VietJet

International flights also operate directly to Phuket from major Asian cities, bypassing Bangkok. Airlines providing direct international flights to Phuket include:

• Thai Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• VietJet

Note that Bangkok has two airports, Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi, and the arrival airport depends on the airline. Domestic flight airports also vary by airline and flight, so be careful if booking international and domestic flights separately.

Phuket Island is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge, allowing direct access. The bus from Bangkok to Phuket takes about 14 hours. Long-distance buses include ordinary buses, air-conditioned buses, and VIP buses. Ordinary buses have no air conditioning. Air-conditioned buses can be operated by public or private companies, with similar prices and service. VIP buses are the luxury version of air-conditioned buses. It is recommended to book tickets in advance via website or ticket counters at the bus terminals.

Buses to Phuket depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal. Phuket has two bus terminals: Bus Terminal 1 in Phuket Town serves local and mid-distance buses, while long-distance buses arrive at Bus Terminal 2 in the Rassada area.