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Leaving Phuket's neon lights and crowds for the quiet golden sands of Khao Lak feels like stepping into a different Thailand. Khao Lak is the gateway to the Similan Islands and to jungle national parks, and the drive north takes you over the Sarasin Bridge into Phang Nga province.
The two places are close, so you can choose between a cheap public bus, a shared van and a private car that delivers you to your resort door. On GoAsia.cc you can compare the options and book.
Phuket to Khao Lak by Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to go. On booking platforms, tickets cost ฿250 to ฿280 (about $7 to $8) in November 2026, and the ride takes 2 to 3 hours.[1] It is not a door-to-door service, so plan the last stretch from the bus stop to your resort.
Phuket to Khao Lak by Van
Shared vans are the middle ground: faster than the bus and far cheaper than a private car. Many pick up at Phuket Airport or Rassada Pier. On booking platforms, a shared van costs ฿600 to ฿1,000 (about $18 to $30) in November 2026 and takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on how many other passengers the driver collects on the way. From Rassada Pier, the shared van costs about ฿800 (about $24) and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.[1]
Phuket to Khao Lak by Private Transfer
A private driver meets you at your hotel, the airport or the pier and takes you straight to your accommodation in Khao Lak. This suits families, groups and anyone with surfboards or diving gear. On booking platforms, transfers start at about ฿1,380 (about $41) for an economy car and take 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Transfers from Rassada Pier cost ฿2,070 to ฿2,760 (about $62 to $82), and a luxury van from Chalong costs about ฿4,200 (about $126). For comfort, choose a 9-seat VIP van, a Mercedes S Class or a Toyota Alphard; the top of the range costs about ฿12,075 (about $361). Prices are from November 2026.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | ฿250 to ฿280 (about $7 to $8) | 2h to 3h[1] |
| Shared van | ฿600 to ฿1,000 (about $18 to $30) | 1h 30m to 4h[1] |
| Private transfer | From about ฿1,380 (about $41) | 1h 30m to 2h 30m[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Phuket to Khao Lak
- Book ahead in peak season: Private transfers and popular van departures fill up quickly in the cool season.
- Choose a private van for bulky gear: Shared vans have limited space for suitcases and sports equipment.
- Bring a drink: Buy water at a convenience store before you board a bus or shared van.
Timetable
| Bus Phuket - Khao Lak $ 7.38–8.26 2h – 3h | |
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| Taxi Phuket - Khao Lak $ 40.72–356.28 1h 30m – 2h 30m | |
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| Van Phuket - Khao Lak $ 17.70–29.51 1h 30m – 4h | |
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| Taxi Rassada Pier - Khao Lak $ 61.08–81.44 2h | |
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| Van Rassada Pier - Khao Lak $ 23.60 2h 30m | |
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| Taxi Chalong - Khao Lak $ 123.92 3h 16m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Phuket to Khao Lak, including current prices and schedules.
The bus, with tickets from ฿250 to ฿280 (about $7 to $8) on booking platforms in November 2026.
A private transfer or a shared van can take as little as 1 hour 30 minutes. A private transfer skips the extra stops.
From about 1 hour 30 minutes by private transfer or shared van to 3 hours by bus. Traffic and your starting point in Phuket decide the exact time.
Yes. You can choose from economy cars, SUVs and luxury vehicles such as a Mercedes S Class or a Toyota Alphard.
Yes. Shared vans and private transfers run from Rassada Pier, which suits arrivals from Koh Phi Phi or Krabi.
Yes. 9-seat VIP vans and luxury vans are available as private transfers and cost less per person when the group shares the fare.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Phuket - Khao Lak. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.