Getting There
Although it is possible to get to Patong, Phuket over land or water, the best way is to fly.
AIRPORT AND PIER TRANSFERS
It can take anywhere between 1 hour to 1,5 hours to reach Patong from Phuket International Airport depending on traffic. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.
AIRPORT TAXI
Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi.
SHUTTLE BUS
Phuket Airport Express, shuttle bus service, links the airport with Patong Beach. The bus arrives directly to Patong Beach, which eliminates the need to change transport on your way. You can buy a ticket onboard for a fixed price of THB120. The shuttle service runs roughly every 45 minutes starting from 8.15 am daily.
Getting Around
There are several options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:
PRIVATE CAR
Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private vehicle with a driver can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.
TAXI
Patong’s taxis make it easy to get around. There are two types of taxis available in Patong: multitude small bright red or orange coloured minivans or sedan-style taxis with the “Taxi-Meter” sign on top. It is recommended to use metered taxis as in the long run it is a cheaper option than private minivans, not equipped with meters.
TUK-TUK
There are multiple tuk-tuks cruising along the roads of Patong. Tuk-tuk is an easy and fast way to move around the area and explore the nearby beaches. Take into account that there are no fixed prices for tuk-tuk services so you can try your hand at bargaining, and get a better deal.
RENTAL SCOOTER
Patong houses hundreds of motorbike rental shops, and it’s a preferred way to move around the area, but a certain level of experience is required due to the rather chaotic traffic. The main roads become congested in the centre of Patong at the evening so riding on a motorbike can be very rewarding as you can zig-zag through traffic and find a place to park just about anywhere. Take into account that you must have an international drivers license on your person at all times, otherwise, the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. And make sure you wear a helmet.
RENTAL CAR
Car travel in Patong might be tricky due to the heavy traffic especially during the high season (December-January). However, if you are planning to explore the island it may be cheaper and more convenient in the long run to rent a car.
MOTORBIKE TAXI RIDE
Entrepreneurial locals may offer to give you a lift on the back of their motorcycle. This option is not usually advisable, as small-framed Thais can struggle with any heavier passengers on the back. Also, this type of transportation is not recommended if you are travelling to longer distances due to the reasons of safety and comfort.