Transit Options from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier
If you plan to visit Phuket’s nearby islands (Phi Phi Islands, Koh Lanta, etc.), you must reach Rassada Pier as soon as you land at Phuket Airport. Indeed, ferries to the island destinations around Phuket depart from Rassada Pier. So, how to get from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier? The most relaxed options are airport taxis and private airport transfers. On the other hand, airport car rentals are ideal if you value autonomy during your journeys. Lastly, if you want to save money on your transit expenses, you should opt for a bus from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier. Indeed, bus rides are the cheapest alternative. However, they don’t offer direct services. Hence, they are time-consuming and can be tedious.
| Options | Price (THB) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 700 | 20,11 | 19 | 65 min |
| Bus | 115 | 3,30 | 3,15 | 100 min |
Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier by Taxi
Are you looking for a hassle-free way to travel to the ferry port? Phuket airport taxis provide transit services from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier. Vehicles are red and yellow, featuring the Taxi sign on their roofs and the company’s logo on their doors. Moreover, they are equipped with a taximeter and must display the license number and the driver’s info on their interior. It is strongly advised to avoid individual drivers who may approach you at the airport and be sure about the taxi’s legitimacy before entering the vehicle. Verily, unlicensed taxis are notorious for overcharging and scamming visitors. Thus, you should hire a cab from the airport taxi rank. Each terminal (domestic and international) houses an official taxi rank outside the Arrivals hall (on the first level). Apart from the red and yellow taxis, several other taxi companies operate at the airport, providing set-priced fares. They even negotiate prices. However, it’s best not to bargain your taxi fare unless you are absolutely certain about its exact cost. In any case, both metered and other taxis have desks at the taxi ranks. Hence, passengers should approach the taxi desk before heading to the line of waiting taxis.
The metered (yellow and red) taxis at HKT Airport charge customers according to their taximeters. Fares are set by the government. Thus, the rate for the first 2 km is ΤΗB 50 ($1,44/€1,36), while passengers pay THB 12 ($0,34/€0,32) per kilometer from 2km to 15km. Additionally, a fee of THB 10 ($0,29/€0,27) per kilometer applies to the next 15 km, and airport rides are THB 100 ($2,87/€2,71) pricier.
Hence, a ride with a taxi from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier usually lasts around 65 minutes and costs about THB 700 ($20,11/€19). During rush hours, journeys are longer (up to 90 minutes), and consequently, costlier. On the other hand, tipping isn’t obligatory. Payments are typically accepted in cash. Therefore, card payments aren’t usually an accepted payment method.
Ordinary taxis can accommodate up to 2 passengers and limited luggage. Thus, if you travel with additional persons or many pieces of baggage, you’ll need to hire a minivan. Naturally, the taxi rate in that case is higher (THB 900 ($26/€24,80).
Our Tip: Ride-hailing companies also provide their services at Phuket International Airport.
Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier by Bus
The cheapest way to travel from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier is by bus. That being said, bus rides aren’t just time-consuming and tedious but are also indirect. Thus, you’ll have to change between two bus lines to reach the harbor close to Phuket Town.
The 8411 Airport Bus Phuket will drive you from Phuket International Airport to Phuket Town. The orange and gray buses depart from the bus stop lying close to Exit 3 of the Domestic terminal on its left side. Hence, international passengers need to walk for 5-10 minutes to catch their bus. The Phuket Airport Buses operate from 08:30 am to 09:30 pm every hour and take around 85 minutes to reach the Old Bus Terminal in Phuket Town. Their ticket to the line’s terminus costs THB 100 ($2,87/€2,71) and can be purchased online or from the conductor inside the bus in cash. Travelers can also scan the QR code onboard.
Once you reach the Old Bus Terminal in Phuket Town, you’ll have to board the Pink Bus (Route 3). Route 3 of the Pink Bus links the Old Bus Terminal to Rassada Pier. The Local Pink Buses to Rassada Pier run every 15 minutes from 06:00 am to 07:00 pm. You’ll conveniently buy your ticket from the bus driver (in cash), paying THB 15 ($0,43/€0,41).
It’s important to remember that Pink Buses aren’t but trucks equipped with benches. They are open-air, meaning that they have roofs but no windows. Thus, they are highly inconvenient if you are traveling with heavy luggage. In that case, you should catch a taxi or a traditional tuk-tuk (more expensive) to reach Rassada Pier.
The ride with the Pink Bus from Phuket Town to Rassada Pier lasts around 10 minutes. Therefore, the duration of the journey with the bus from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier should be around 100 minutes, and you’ll pay a total of THB 115 ($3,30/€3,15).
Our Tip: Would you like to disembark from the Pink Bus before reaching Rassada Pier? Keep in mind that, apart from the official bus stops, passengers can press the button and hop off the truck at your preferred location.
Car Rental from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier
Do you want to reach the ferry port at your own pace? A Phuket airport car rental would be the ideal option for the journey from Phuket International Airport to Rassada Pier. Several car hire providers are present at the airport in Phuket, providing a wide variety of services and tempting prices. International providers operate at the airport, along with local car rental agencies. Moreover, numerous companies offer their services to HKT passengers, even though they don’t have desks inside the terminals. In any case, you should bear in mind that travelers opting for an early in-advance booking often benefit from special deals.
The distance from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier is 36km/22.4 miles. Thus, the ride with your Phuket car rental should last around 65 minutes. However, during rush hours, you may need up to 1.5 hours to reach the harbor. Please keep in mind that drivers in Phuket drive on the left side of the road. Unless you plan to drop off the rental car once reaching your destination, you’ll have to find a parking spot for your vehicle. Fortunately, Rassada Pier houses a parking lot. The first 8 minutes are out of charge, while a day’s-stay costs THB 100 ($2,87/€2,71).
Our Tip: Please keep in mind that no cars circulate around Phi Phi Islands, while ferries from Rassada Pier typically don’t accommodate vehicles.
Private Airport Transfers from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier
Why bother trying to find the taxi rank to catch your cab or switching between bus lines to reach your destination when several private airport transfer companies operate at HKT Airport? If you book a private airport transfer, you’ll find your driver waiting for you at the Arrivals hall and the vehicle of your choice parked close to your landing terminal. Your journey from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier will be smooth and pleasant, and the driver will give you useful tips to make your stay in Phuket truly unforgettable. What’s more, many additional amenities (such as luggage racks, child seats, etc.) are available should you want to customize the ride. Therefore, it goes without saying that even though private airport transfers are somewhat more expensive than taxi rides, they are the most convenient and luxurious way to reach the harbor in Phuket.
FAQs
How far is Rassada Pier from the airport?
Rassada Pier is located 36km/22.4 miles from Phuket International Airport. Hence, a car ride (with a taxi, a private airport transfer, or even a rental car) from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier lasts around 65 minutes, while under heavy traffic, journeys take considerably longer (up to 1.5 hours).
How to get from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier?
Do you want to travel in comfort? You should catch an airport taxi or book a private airport transfer. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cheap transit option, you should opt for an affordable but indirect bus ride to the harbor. Airport car rentals are also available at HKT Airport for passengers enjoying autonomous travel.
How much is a taxi from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier?
The red and yellow taxis at the airport provide metered services. Hence, their fares are formed by their taximeter and depend on travel time and traffic conditions. In general terms, the 65-minute ride from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier costs around THB 700 ($20,11/€19), including the airport fee.