Local Transportation Getting Around: Patong

Comprehensive Overview of Public Transit Systems

The Phuket Smart Bus is a modern, air-conditioned bus service connecting Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, and other major beaches along the west coast. It operates from early morning until late evening, a comfortable and economical way to travel between these popular areas. The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi.

Songthaews (Blue Buses) are shared pick-up truck taxis, distinctive with two benches in the back. They mainly operate fixed routes from Phuket Town to various beaches, including Patong. They are slower than private options and stop frequently, picking up and dropping off passengers along the route. Songthaews are a more traditional and budget-friendly mode of local transport.

Transit Details

Route Maps: Phuket Smart Bus route runs directly along Thaweewong Road in Patong. Check the official Smart Bus website or app for stops. Songthaews' main hub is Phuket Town Bus Terminal 1.
Ticketing: Smart Bus: Pay cash or use a Phuket Smart Card. Fares THB 50-170. Songthaews: Pay driver directly upon boarding. Fares are fixed for specific routes, e.g., THB 30-50 from Phuket Town to Patong.
Hours: Smart Bus: 6 AM to 9 PM, every 45-60 minutes. Songthaews: 6 AM to 6 PM, frequency decreases evenings.
Accessibility: Public buses and songthaews have limited accessibility for mobility challenges. Private transfers are more suitable.

Route Maps

Phuket Smart Bus route runs directly along the main beach road (Thaweewong Road) in Patong. Check the official Smart Bus website or app for precise stops and real-time tracking.

Ticketing Systems

Phuket Smart Bus: Pay cash to the driver or use a pre-paid Phuket Smart Card (Rabbit Card). Songthaews: Pay the driver directly upon boarding. Fares are fixed.

Navigating Efficiently

For longer distances, the Phuket Smart Bus offers a comfortable and affordable option. For travel between Patong and Phuket Town, songthaews are cheap but slow. For travel within Patong or to nearby beaches, ride-sharing apps like Grab or tuk-tuks are more convenient.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Convenience and Cost

Licensed Taxi Identification and Hailing

Taxis: Look for taxis with a meter ("Taxi-Meter" signs). Negotiate fare if the meter is not used.
Tuk-tuks: Distinctive red, open-sided mini-trucks. No meters. Always negotiate the fare beforehand.
Motorbike Taxis: Drivers wear colored vests. Good for solo travelers and short distances. Always negotiate the fare first.

Safety Considerations

Tuk-tuks/Motorbike Taxis: Drivers may drive erratically. Agree on the price firmly.
Grab: Provides a layer of safety as driver details and the route are tracked. Share trip details for added security.
General Advice: Be cautious of scams where drivers try to take you to specific shops or services for commission. State your destination firmly.

Typical Fares and Payment Methods

Tuk-tuk short ride

THB 100-300

Tuk-tuk Patong to Karon/Kata

THB 300-500

Grab similar routes

Prices are displayed in the app, often competitive.

Payment

Cash (Thai Baht) for tuk-tuks/motorbike taxis. Grab allows in-app payment or cash.

Rental Options: Driving Yourself

Renting a car or motorbike offers independence for exploring Phuket.

Car Rental Procedures

Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country's driver's license. Passport and credit card for deposit.
Companies: International brands like Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar operate at HKT and in Patong. Local agencies are also plentiful.
Cost: THB 800-1,500 per day for a basic car.
Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is recommended in your rental agreement. Drive on the left.

Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals

Popularity: Very common in Patong, offering flexible travel.
Requirements: Technically, an IDP endorsed for motorcycles is necessary. Many shops rent without one, but this voids travel insurance.
Cost: THB 200-400 per day for a scooter (125cc).
Safety: Motorcycle accidents are frequent. Always wear a helmet. Be aware of chaotic traffic, potholes, and sand on roads.

Bicycle Sharing Programs and Rentals

Bicycle rentals are available from shops in Patong.
Patong's hilly terrain and heavy traffic make it less ideal for extensive cycling.
Except for leisurely rides along the beachfront during quieter times.

Driving Laws, Road Conditions, and Parking: Drive on the left. Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle riders and passengers.
Roads in Phuket are generally good but can be winding, hilly, and narrow. Traffic in Patong can be heavy and chaotic.
Finding parking can be challenging in central Patong. Hotels typically offer parking.

Walking & Cycling: Explore on Foot

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Patong Beach Road (Thaweewong Road) stretches along the beach, good for walking. Bangla Road (Soi Bangla) becomes pedestrian-only at night, offering a lively area. Jungceylon Shopping Mall provides pedestrian spaces.

Walking Tour Options

Structured walking tours directly in Patong are limited. The town lends itself more to independent exploration. Self-guided walks can focus on the beach, Bangla Road, and shopping areas. For historical walks, Phuket Old Town is a better choice.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Minimal dedicated bicycle lanes exist. Cycling on main roads is not recommended due to heavy traffic. Safer for leisure rides along less busy sections of the beach road or in quieter side streets.

Specialized Transportation: Unique Ways to Travel

Beyond common options, specialized transport aids exploration of specific attractions or island hopping.

Tour Buses and Water Transportation

Tour Buses: No hop-on-hop-off buses in Patong. Many operators offer half-day or full-day excursions from Patong to attractions across Phuket island (e.g., Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket Old Town).
Boat Taxis and Water Transportation: Longtail boats available for hire from Patong Beach for short trips to nearby coves or Paradise Beach. Negotiate price beforehand.
Speedboats/Ferries: For organized island hopping tours (e.g., Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, James Bond Island). Tours usually depart from various piers around Phuket.
Transfers from Patong are usually included in tour prices for speedboats/ferries.

Unique Local Transport and Accessibility

Cable cars, funiculars: Patong has no cable cars or funiculars. Its unique local transport includes the iconic tuk-tuk.
Accessibility services for travelers with mobility needs: Patong's infrastructure is generally not highly accessible.
Hotels may offer some accessible rooms, but public transport, sidewalks, and many attractions present challenges.
Arrange private transfers and contact specific venues beforehand to confirm accessibility.

Comparison Table: Local Transportation Options in Patong

Tuk-tuk

Convenient, widely available, iconic experience. Fares are inflated, require negotiation, no meter.

Cost: THB 100-300 (short ride)

Grab App

Fixed price, transparent, tracked route, generally safer than hailing.

Cost: THB 100-400+ (distance/demand)

Motorbike Taxi

Fastest for short distances, cheapest for solo travelers. Less safe, exposed to elements.

Cost: THB 50-100 (short ride)

Further Transportation Options

Phuket Smart Bus

Air-conditioned, comfortable, fixed reasonable fares.
Slower than taxis, runs on a schedule.
Limited route along the west coast.

Songthaew Blue Bus

Very cheap, offers a local experience.
No air conditioning.
Fixed routes (mainly Phuket Town to beaches), operates mostly during daytime.

Motorbike Rental Safety Warnings

High accident risk.
Requires IDP (International Driving Permit).
Insurance issues if no IDP.
Navigating chaotic traffic.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Avoid main roads with heavy traffic, like Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, especially during peak hours.
Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit, deserted areas for personal safety.
Cycling on main roads is not recommended due to safety concerns.
Jet ski rental scams.

Final Transportation Tips

For a balance of convenience and cost, consider using Grab for most of your transportation needs. For short distances within Patong, walking can be a pleasant option during cooler parts of the day.

When in doubt, always confirm prices before starting your journey, and prioritize your safety over saving a few baht.

Local Transportation Getting Around Patong