Complete guide to bus travel from Bangkok to Phuket — schedules, prices, operators and booking tips.
The Bangkok to Phuket bus is the budget traveller's classic — a 12 to 14 hour overnight journey that costs a fraction of a flight and gets you to Thailand's most famous island by morning.
Travelling from Bangkok to Phuket by bus is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach Thailand's most famous island. With tickets starting from just 450 THB, the overnight bus saves you both the cost of a flight and a hotel night — you board in the evening and wake up in Phuket.
All buses from Bangkok to Phuket depart from Sai Tai Mai (Southern Bus Terminal). This terminal is less central than Mo Chit, so budget extra time to get there — take a taxi or Grab from most parts of Bangkok (approximately 30–45 minutes from Sukhumvit depending on traffic).
The journey covers 867 kilometres through Thailand's southern peninsula. Most services make one or two rest stops along the way. Buses arrive at Phuket Bus Terminal 2 on the eastern edge of Phuket Town, from where you can take a local bus, taxi or Grab to your final destination.
For a journey of this length, VIP 32-seat coaches are strongly recommended. The seats recline almost fully and the extra legroom makes the overnight trip much more comfortable. Many services also provide a small blanket. Standard class buses are noticeably less comfortable and not recommended.
Book early during the high season (November to April) and Thai public holidays. The Phuket route is one of Thailand's busiest and buses do sell out, especially on Friday evenings.
The following operators run regular services on the Bangkok–Phuket route:
Compare prices across all operators before booking — fares can vary significantly by class and season.
Departures: Evening 17:00–20:00
From: Sai Tai Mai (Southern Bus Terminal), Bangkok
To: Phuket Bus Terminal 2, eastern Phuket Town
Schedules may vary by operator and season. Confirm departure times when booking, particularly during Thai public holidays.
✅ VIP seats are essential for this 12–14 hour journey. Bring a jacket — the AC is cold.
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Book 1–2 days ahead on weekdays. During Songkran (April), New Year and long weekends, book at least one week in advance — buses sell out fast on popular routes.