Quick Options Ranked by Reliability
| Mode | Time | Cost | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8411 Airport Bus | 90 min | 100฿ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) |
| Smart Bus | 45-60 min | 100฿ | ⭐⭐⭐ (7/10) |
| Shared Van | 45 min | 200-800฿ | ⭐⭐⭐ (6/10) |
| Grab | 30-45 min | 900-1400฿ | ⭐⭐⭐ (6/10) |
| Public Taxi | 30 min | 900-1200฿ | ⭐⭐ (5/10) |
The 8411 bus scores highest because it actually shows up. Taxis rank lowest because half the drivers try the no-meter scam. Grab sits in the middle because surge pricing hurts.
Cheapest vs Fastest vs Most Reliable Options
Want cheap? Take the 8411 Airport Bus or Smart Bus. Both cost 100฿. The 8411 is slower but more predictable. Smart Bus runs later but gets packed after 5pm when office workers flood the route.
Need speed? Metered taxi or Grab cuts the trip to 30 minutes. Taxis are faster only if you avoid morning rush (7-9am) and evening chaos (5-7pm). Grab adds 10 minutes because drivers take the safe route to avoid tolls.
Most reliable? The 8411 bus wins. It leaves on the hour from the old terminal. Never late. Never cancelled. The driver doesn’t care if you’re the only passenger.
Bus Schedules: 8411 Airport Bus & Smart Bus
The 8411 Airport Bus starts at 5am from the old terminal near Royal Phuket City Hotel. Last bus leaves at 7pm. Runs every hour. Takes 90 minutes because it stops at Tesco Lotus, Central Festival, and six other points. Buy tickets at the terminal or pay the driver. No reservations needed.
Smart Bus runs from 6am to 10pm. Buses pass every 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Check exact pickup spots at airportbusphuket.com because stops aren’t marked clearly. The app lists real-time arrivals but it’s wrong half the time. Budget 60 minutes total.
Both buses drop you at the departure terminal. Walk inside and you’re 50 meters from check-in. No shuttle needed. Check current schedules on 12Go before you commit.
Taxi, Grab & Minivan: Fares, Pros/Cons & Booking
Metered Taxis: Flag one at any taxi stand in Phuket Town. Insist on the meter. Fare runs 900-1000฿ plus 100฿ airport surcharge. Some drivers refuse and demand 1500฿. Walk away. Call +66 88 111 0171 for a legit meter cab. Takes 30 minutes if roads are clear. Trunk fits two big suitcases.
Grab: Download the app. Add a credit card. Request a ride from your hotel. Costs 900-1400฿ depending on time and traffic. Morning surge pricing hits hard. The app shows the route and driver’s face. No haggling. Airport surcharge is included. Select GrabCar Plus if you have three bags. Compare prices on Kiwitaxi if you want a private driver booked ahead.
Shared Minivans: Book via 12go.asia. Three departures daily (6am, 12pm, 5:30pm). Hotel pickup included but the van circles town for 20 minutes collecting passengers. Costs 200-800฿ depending on how many people split the fare. Cramped with eight passengers. One big bag per person. Drivers charge 200฿ extra for a second suitcase.
Comfort & Amenities Comparison + Booking Tips
The 8411 bus has AC that works and padded seats. No WiFi. No USB ports. Luggage racks above and in the back. Bathrooms? Zero. The 90-minute ride tests your bladder.
Smart Bus is the same but newer. AC is colder. Seats are plastic. Still no WiFi. You’ll stand if you board after Kata-Karon because tourists pack the route.
Grab and taxis offer AC, reclining seats, and phone chargers (sometimes). Grab drivers keep cars cleaner. Taxis smell like cigarettes. Both get stuck in the same traffic.
Shared vans have AC but it’s weak in the back row. Seats don’t recline. Drivers blast Thai pop at full volume. Luggage goes on your lap if the van is full.
Booking tips: Pay cash for buses (100฿ exact change helps). Use the Grab app for ride-hailing. Book shared vans 24 hours ahead via 12Go. For taxis, call ahead or risk the meter scam at stands. If you’re flying out early (before 6am), book a private transfer the night before. The 8411 and Smart Bus don’t run that early.
Need a ride back? Check the Phuket International Airport to Phuket Town guide for return options. Heading to Rawai instead? The airport bus doesn’t go there. You’ll need Grab or a shared van.
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