Most travelers don’t experience the wonders of public transport in Phuket, but did you know there’s an excellent and reliable public bus? 

Named the ‘Phuket Smart Bus,’ this method of transportation around Phuket is modern, cheap, and convenient. You can benefit from predetermined routes, air-con, and standardized fares for travel across the island. 

Sound interesting? Read on for all the information you need before getting the Phuket Smart Bus.

Phuket Smart Bus Timetable 

The bus runs from 9am to 9pm between the North and South of the island at the following stops: 

• Phuket Airport
• Thalang Public Health Office
• Baan Khian
• Cherngtalay School
• Laguna
• Lotus Cherngtalay
• Surin Beach
• Intercontinental Kamala
• Kamala Muslim Cemetery
• Phuket Fantasea
• Big C Kamala
• Kalim Bus Stop
• Kalim School
• Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa
• Indigo Patong
• Patong PEA
• Holiday Inn Resort Patong
• Secret cliff resort
• Karon Circle
• Woraburi Karon
• Karon Stadium
• OZO Phuket
• Kata Palm
• Beyond hotel Kata
• Andaman Cannacia Resort
• Sai Yuan
• Rawai

However, these routes do change. Make sure to check the Smart Bus website for up-to-date information. Additionally, there is an interactive Phuket Smart Bus Map showing the exact locations of buses and where they’ll be stopping. 

Boarding the Phuket Smart Bus 

You can’t book the Smart Bus in advance, but there are specific instructions for how to board the bus. The following instructions are copied from the Phuket Smart Bus website: 

Boarding at a bus stop:

• Please check the bus timing and walking time you need to walk to the bus stop

• Be at the bus stop 10-15 min early

• when you see the bus, please wave for the bus.

• Boarding the bus and pay the fee to the driver

Boarding outside of the bus stop:

• Please check that the bus will pass the area where you want to wait.

• Please find the spot where you can easily see the bus, and it is safe for the bus to stop ( not in the corner or at any turning point)

• When you saw the bus, please wave for the bus.

• Boarding the bus and pay the fee to the driver

Getting the Phuket Smart Bus From the Airport

If you’re trying to find the bus from the airport, there are specific instructions on the Phuket Smart Bus website: 

For International Arrivals: 

1. We stop at Domestic Terminal Gate 1-3 at the Airport
2. Turn left to the International Passenger Terminal
3. Keep walking by following the sign
4. Turn right to the International Passenger Terminal
5. Use the escalator up to the 3rd-floor International departures
6. You will see the counter for check-in or check-in information

For Domestic Arrivals: 

1. Take exit no.3 at the terminal
2. walk past Cafe Amazon
3. Keep walking straights to the smoking area
4. Our bus is opposite the cafe Amazon

Paying for the Phuket Smart Bus

At the time of writing, the charge to ride the Smart Bus is 100 baht, and you can choose to get off at any stop along the way. 

You can pay cash, QR code (if you have a Thai bank account), or with a Rabbit Card. The Rabbit Card is like a loyalty card, and the prices are as follows: 

• 3 Day Pass Unlimited Travel – 499 baht 
• 10 Day Pass Unlimited Travel – 1000 baht

Or, you can simply top up your rabbit card to use when you need it. 

The Smart Bus: An Example of Modern Phuket 

Overall the Phuket Smart Bus is the most straightforward form of public transport in Phuket for foreigners and one of the cheapest options. 

When you first arrive, Phuket can feel overwhelming and confusing at times. However, the Smart Bus is a simple, stress-free experience. And, now you know all the details you could possibly need about how to catch a bus in Phuket! 

Now, moving away from transport… check out our other posts if you’re ready for some mouthwatering Phuket restaurant reviews!