Khao Lak from Phuket: Bus, Taxi and Transfer Guide

Getting to Khao Lak from Phuket takes about 75 to 90 minutes by private car from Phuket International Airport, or roughly two hours by public bus from Phuket Bus Terminal 2. A one way private sedan from the airport is commonly priced around 2,550 baht, while a bus seat costs a fraction of that. This guide compares every option, explains which one suits your starting point, and shows how to plan a day trip or an onward island journey.

Khao Lak sits in Phang Nga province, north of the Sarasin Bridge that links Phuket to the mainland. It is quieter than Patong, has long sandy beaches backed by forest, and is the main base for liveaboard and speedboat trips to the Similan Islands. With the high season now under way, many visitors are asking how to reach it quickly and without overpaying.

How far is Khao Lak from Phuket?

The drive heads north out of Phuket over the Sarasin Bridge and then follows Highway 4 up the Andaman coast. Because Phuket International Airport is on the north of the island, it is by far the most convenient starting point. Transfer operators that publish their 2026 rates quote around 75 to 90 minutes from the airport, but about 2 to 2.5 hours from Patong, Kata or Karon and up to 3 hours from Rawai or Cape Panwa, because you first have to cross the whole island.

What are the ways to get to Khao Lak from Phuket?

There is no train or ferry on this route, so all options are by road. The table below summarises the main choices.

Option	Typical journey time	Typical price	Best for
Private transfer from the airport	75 to 90 min	About 2,550 baht per sedan, about 2,750 baht per minivan	Families, late flights, heavy luggage
Private transfer from Patong, Kata or Karon	2 to 2.5 hours	About 2,900 to 3,500 baht per vehicle	Groups splitting the fare
Shared minivan	Varies with pickups	Per seat, higher than the bus	Solo travellers with flexible plans
Public bus from Bus Terminal 2	About 1 hour 40 min to 2 hours 20 min	Roughly 130 to 250 baht on booking sites	Budget travellers staying in Phuket Town
Rental car or scooter	Similar to a private car	Daily rental plus fuel	Independent travellers and day trips

Transfer prices above are published per vehicle, not per person, by Phuket and Khao Lak transfer companies for 2026, and some added fuel surcharges this year, so always confirm the final quote before you book.

Is a private transfer worth it?

For most visitors landing at the airport, yes. A pre booked car meets you in arrivals and drives straight north, so you avoid heading south into Phuket Town first. If you are travelling as a family or a group of four to six, the minivan rate works out cheaper per person than many shared options. If you are arriving on a late evening flight, a private car is also the only option that is reliably available. Compare it with island prices in our Phuket airport transfer guide.

How does the bus to Khao Lak work?

Northbound buses leave Phuket Bus Terminal 2, north of Phuket Town, heading for towns such as Takua Pa, Ranong and Surat Thani. They pass through Khao Lak on Highway 4 and drop you at the roadside or at a bus stop in the main town area. Booking platforms list the first departures from around 5:15 in the morning and the last ones in the late afternoon, around 4:30 pm.

• Get to Terminal 2 by taxi, Grab or the local bus. The Phuket Smart Bus serves the airport and west coast, so check whether it fits your route.
• Tell the conductor which part of Khao Lak you need, for example Bang Niang or Nang Thong, so you are dropped at the right stop.
• Allow extra time and cash for the last stretch from the roadside to your hotel.
• Timetables and stops can change, so check the latest departures the day before.

Can you drive to Khao Lak yourself?

Driving is straightforward because the route is mostly one main highway. A car gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, waterfalls and quiet beaches along the way. Bring your passport and an International Driving Permit, and read our car rental in Phuket guide before you book, especially the section on insurance and deposits. Avoid driving the route at night if you are not used to Thai roads.

Is a day trip to Khao Lak from Phuket a good idea?

A day trip is possible, but with up to five hours of driving from the southern beaches it is tiring. It makes more sense if you are staying in the north of Phuket, near Mai Khao, Nai Yang or the airport. Popular stops include:

• Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, with forest trails and small coves.
• Bang Niang beach and the Police Boat T 813 tsunami memorial, a moving reminder of the 2004 disaster.
• Sunset at the long beaches north of the town.

Many visitors prefer to stay two or three nights instead, which also suits an early boat to the islands.

Khao Lak as a base for the Similan Islands

Khao Lak is the closest major resort area to the Similan Islands, which reopen to visitors every year from mid October to mid May. Boats leave from piers north of Phuket, so staying in Khao Lak shortens a very early morning pickup. Read our Similan Islands day trip guide for park rules and costs, and our guide to the Surin Islands if you want to go further north. Divers can compare options in our diving in Phuket article.

Tips before you travel

• Book private transfers in advance during December and January, when demand peaks. See our Phuket in December guide for seasonal tips.
• Keep the hotel name and address in Thai on your phone for drivers.
• Check the weather; heavy rain can slow traffic on Highway 4.
• If you also want to visit Khao Sok, our Khao Sok from Phuket guide explains how to combine both.

For flight times and arrival hall information, check the official Phuket International Airport website run by Airports of Thailand.

FAQ

How long does it take to get to Khao Lak from Phuket airport?

Transfer companies quote around 75 to 90 minutes by private car, depending on traffic and how quickly you leave the terminal.

What is the cheapest way to Khao Lak from Phuket?

The public bus from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 is the cheapest, with fares listed at roughly 130 to 250 baht, but it is not door to door.

Is there a ferry from Phuket to Khao Lak?

No. Khao Lak is reached by road over the Sarasin Bridge. Ferries from Phuket serve islands such as Phi Phi and Koh Lanta instead.

Where should I stay in Khao Lak?

Bang Niang and Nang Thong are the busiest areas, with most restaurants and shops, while beaches further north are quieter.

Photo: Khao Lak coastline by Telgaa, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0.