Transit Options from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a popular destination on the Thai mainland. Well-known for its dreamy beaches, rainforests, and serene vibes, it also lies near some of Thailand’s most important national parks. Moreover, it is the starting point for trips to Surin and Similan Islands. Thus, whether Khao Lak is your final destination or you’re heading to one of the nearby islands, you’ll need to make your way there once you land at HKT Airport. So, how will you get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak? Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most comfortable transit options, while travelers valuing autonomy during their travel usually opt for an airport car rental. On the other hand, bus rides are the cheapest alternative. However, they aren’t direct. Therefore, they can be tedious and are certainly long.
| Options | Price (THB) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 1300 | 37,50 | 35,60 | 80 min |
| Bus | 180 | 5,20 | 4,90 | 120 min |
Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by Taxi
Phuket airport taxis are widely chosen by HKT travelers, especially after long flights. The red and yellow vehicles with the Taxi lights on their roofs are always available at the taxi ranks, located right outside the Arrivals halls of the two terminal buildings. Private taxi companies (with set fares in contrast to the metered taxis) also operate at Phuket International Airport. As long as you are certain about the average cost of the ride, you can also negotiate rates with them. In any case, all taxis in Phuket Airport have desks at the airport taxi stands.
You should, under no circumstances, trust individual drivers who may approach you at the airport. Indeed, scamming incidents by unlicensed taxi drivers are a common issue at Phuket Airport. However, as long as you approach the official taxi desks located at the taxi ranks and catch one of the cabs waiting there, you can avoid such risks.
The red and yellow taxis at Phuket Airport are metered. Their rates are set by the government. As a result, all taxis follow the same price list. Thus, the journey with a taxi from Phuket Airport to Phuket should cost around THB 1300 ($37,50/€35,60) under normal traffic conditions. Please note that the fare is for standard taxis with an up-to-2-passenger capacity. On the other hand, the 6-person vans charge around THB 1500 ($43,30/€41,10) for the same journey. Overall, taxis take around 80 minutes to travel the 82 km/51-mile distance from Phuket International Airport to Khao Lak. Nevertheless, when traffic is heavy, journeys are costlier and longer (nearly 2 hours). Tipping the taxi driver is up to you. Hence, if you enjoy your ride, you can round up the final fare or leave a small tip. Payments can be made in cash (in Thai baht). Indeed, most taxis aren’t equipped with POS.
Our Tip: Besides the private taxi companies at Phuket Airport, ride-hailing agencies also provide services to travelers arriving at HKT Airport.
Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by Bus
The orange and gray 8411 Airport Bus Phuket Line offers connections from the airport to Phuket Town. However, Phuket Town lies in the southern part of the island, whereas Khao Lak in the Thai mainland is located north of Phuket Airport. Thus, the ride with the bus from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak isn’t direct and is time-consuming and tedious, especially if traveling with lots of luggage or children.
That being said, if you are looking for a cheap way to reach Khao Lak, you should head to Exit 3 of the domestic terminal. As soon as you exit the terminal, you’ll turn left and head towards the stop for the 8411 Airport Bus Phuket. Are you an international passenger? You must walk from the International terminal to the Domestic terminal to catch the bus. Fortunately, they are a 5-10-minute walk from each other. Buses run from 08:30 am to 09:30 pm every hour, and tickets are available online or from the conductor inside the bus (in cash). You can also scan the QR code to pay for the bus fare. The bus rates depend on the alighting stop. You must disembark the bus as soon as you reach the highway. Thus, you should expect a 15-minute journey to the highway and a THB 50 ($1,44/€1,36) fee for the bus ride.
Once you reach the highway, you’ll have to wait for Bus 465 traveling to Khao Lak. Conveniently, the bus stops anywhere and not only at the designated bus stops. Thus, as long as you stand in a visible spot where the bus can stop, you won’t have trouble catching it. Bus 465 runs four times a day, approximately from 06:00 am to 02:00 pm. It costs THB 130 ($3,75/€3,55).
Therefore, the bus ride from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak typically lasts 2 hours (not including waiting time). During rush hours, journeys are lengthier. On the other hand, it is very inexpensive, costing a total of THB 180 ($5,20/€4,90).
Our Tip: If you don’t mind spending more money, you can also opt for a shared minibus ride to Khao Lak.
Car Rental from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak
Do you want to fully explore Khao Lak and its surrounding areas and perhaps travel around the Thai mainland? If that’s the case and you enjoy driving and independent journeys, you should consider renting a car from Phuket International Airport. Phuket airport car rentals ensure autonomous rides and allow travelers to plan their itinerary in their own way. You’ll find several providers present at the airport in Phuket. Thus, depending on your needs and preferences, you should take your pick among the global agencies and the local companies. In fact, if you book your rental car in advance, you’ll probably benefit from lower prices and discounts.
The ride with your Phuket car rental from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak will last around 80 minutes. Are you traveling during rush hours? You should expect to traverse the 82km/51-mile distance in about 2 hours! You should also keep in mind that Khao Lak is located on the Thai mainland. Hence, you’ll cross the Sarasin Bridge, which links the island of Phuket to the rest of the country. Once you arrive at your destination in Khao Lak, you’ll have to park your vehicle. If your hotel features parking facilities, you’ll conveniently park there. Otherwise, you’ll find some parking lots around the area, while street parking is always an option. Although beachfront parking may be challenging, parking in Khao Lak is generally considered doable.
Our Tip: It’s important to remember that drivers in Phuket drive on the left side of the road.
Private Airport Transfers from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak
If you want to enjoy a luxurious and relaxed ride from Phuket International Airport to Khao Lak, you should book a private airport transfer. Indeed, travelers who set comfort as a top priority during their travel typically opt for a private airport transfer to their journey’s end. There are various reasons justifying that fact: welcome services at the airport, door-to-door journeys, and additional amenities are some of them. Moreover, vehicles are well-maintained, and drivers aren’t just highly skilled. They are also locals. As a result, they often give passengers useful tips for discovering the Khao Lak’s hidden gems and making the most of their trip. On the other hand, private airport transfers are more expensive than taxi rides. However, the quality and variety of provided services make up for the extra cost.
FAQs
How do I get from the airport to Khao Lak?
Do you want to travel from Phuket Town to Khao Lak? Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most relaxed and stress-free ways to reach your destination. Alternatively, various car hire companies are also present at HKT Airport, with fleets consisting of numerous rental cars. Finally, bus rides are the cheapest alternative. However, they are indirect and rather tedious.
How long is the transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?
The duration of the ride from Phuket International Airport to Khao Lak depends on the chosen mode of transit. Thus, car rides (with an airport taxi, a rental car, or a private airport transfer) last around 80 minutes. On the other hand, bus journeys require a change between lines. In that case, the travel time is around 2 hours, not including waiting time.
How much does the taxi cost from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?
The ride with a taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak doesn’t come with a fixed price, as taxis in Phuket are metered. In general terms, it costs around THB 1300 ($37,50/€35,60) and lasts about 80 minutes. However, during peak hours, taxi journeys are longer and more expensive.