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Planning a vacation in Phuket and wondering how to get from the airport to your hotel without overpaying for a taxi? The Smart Bus is a modern and budget-friendly way to travel around the island, connecting the airport with the main beaches along the west coast. For just 100 THB, you can travel from the arrival terminal to Patong, Karon, Kata, or Rawai.
The service was launched in 2018, and since then the blue buses marked “Phuket Smart Bus” have become a real lifesaver for budget travelers. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about routes, timetables, and payment options.
What is the Smart Bus in Phuket
The Smart Bus is a modern public bus system that connects Phuket International Airport with popular resort areas along the west coast. It is the first and only bus route on the island that covers all major beaches from Bang Tao to Rawai.
Main advantages of the service:
- Fixed fare of 50–100 THB (depending on the route) regardless of distance
- Air-conditioned buses with comfortable seats
- Free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports
- Real-time bus tracking via mobile apps
- Saves up to 800–1,500 THB compared to taxis
The buses are easy to recognize — they are blue with the text “Phuket Smart Bus Co., Ltd.” on the front windshield.
Routes and Stops
Currently, there are two main routes:
Route 1: Airport – Rawai (and back)
The main tourist route with 15 stops along the west coast:
- Phuket Airport (HKT)
- Cherng Talay (Boat Avenue)
- Laguna (only 3 trips per day)
- Bang Tao / Surin Beach
- Kamala (Big C, Phuket FantaSea)
- Patong (Jungceylon, Bangla Road)
- Karon (Karon Circle)
- Kata Beach
Rawai is the final stop.
Route 2: Phuket Town – Patong (and back)
This route connects Terminal 1 Bus Station in Phuket Town with Patong. Fare: 50 THB. Buses operate hourly from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Dragon Line: a free bus route operating around Phuket Old Town. It is ideal for sightseeing in the historic center. Travel time is about 15 minutes, and you can hop on and off unlimited times.
Timetable
Buses operate daily from early morning until late evening:
From the airport (southbound):
- First bus: 8:15 AM
- Last bus: 11:30 PM
- Frequency: every hour
From Rawai (northbound):
- First bus: 6:45 AM
- Last full-route bus: 7:30 PM
- The 8:00 PM bus goes only as far as Patong
- Early bus from Kata: 5:30 AM
Travel time from the airport to Rawai is about 2 hours. Allow extra time during traffic hours, especially around Patong in the evening. We recommend arriving at the stop 10–15 minutes before departure.
Up-to-date schedules and live bus tracking are available on the official website phuketsmartbus.com or via Google Maps.
Fare and Payment Methods
Smart Bus fares:
- Route 1 (Airport – Rawai): 100 THB to any stop
- Route 2 (Phuket Town – Patong): 50 THB
Payment options:
- Cash – pay the driver when boarding (exact change recommended)
- QR code – pay via Thai mobile payment systems
- Rabbit Card – a transport card also used on Bangkok BTS
Smart Passes:
- 1-day unlimited pass
- 3, 7, 10, or 30-day passes for longer stays
The card can be purchased from the driver (300 THB, including a non-refundable 100 THB deposit) or online. Top-ups are available at McDonald's, Central Floresta, and other locations.
Facilities on the Bus
Smart Bus vehicles are equipped with modern amenities:
- Air conditioning
- Comfortable semi-reclining seats
- Free Wi-Fi
- USB charging ports
- Luggage storage area
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Information screens with route details
How to Find the Bus Stop at the Airport
An important detail that confuses many travelers: the Smart Bus stop is not located in the arrival hall.
Instructions:
- After baggage claim, go up to the 3rd floor (departures level)
- Exit through Exit 3
The bus stop is located near the domestic terminal, opposite Café Amazon.
You cannot buy a transport card at the airport, so prepare cash in advance. The nearest exchange counter is in the arrivals area.
Bus stops around the island are marked with dedicated signs and are easy to find on Google Maps.
Useful Tips for Tourists
A few tips for a comfortable ride:
- Track buses in real time via OneMap or Google Maps
- You can flag the bus down safely even outside official stops
- Keep your ticket until the end of the trip
- Allow extra time during rush hours (5:00–7:00 PM)
- The Rabbit Card is useful if you also plan to visit Bangkok
If you need a fast and direct transfer with luggage, consider a taxi or private transfer. The Smart Bus is ideal for budget travelers and those who are not in a hurry.
Conclusion
The Smart Bus in Phuket is an excellent alternative to expensive taxis. For just 100 THB, you get a comfortable, air-conditioned ride with Wi-Fi from the airport to any major beach on the west coast. The service is reliable, runs hourly, and can be tracked online in real time.
