Chapter 5 of 15 · Getting around
Getting around Phuket: bike, car, taxi and Grab
How to get around Phuket: scooter and car rental, licences and rules, taxis, Grab/Bolt and local songthaews. With average prices and the safety basics that matter.
Your options
Scooter / bike
from 200–300 ฿/dayThe most popular option. Honda Click or Scoopy, rented by the day. You need an international permit (IDP); a helmet is mandatory. Deposit or passport copy.
Car rental
from 1000–1500 ฿/dayHandy with family or in the rain. International licence and insurance required. Use a reputable company with full insurance, not a random shop.
Grab / Bolt / InDrive
fixed app priceRide-hailing apps — the price is set upfront, no haggling. The best choice without your own vehicle. Pay by card or cash.
Songthaew & Smart Bus
30–170 ฿Songthaews (pickup minibuses) are cheap between Old Town and the beaches. The Phuket Smart Bus runs along the west coast from the airport.
Licence, rules and safety
- Traffic drives on the left — unusual for the first days, stay alert.
- An international permit (IDP) is required for both bikes and cars. Without it: a fine and insurance problems in an accident.
- A helmet is mandatory by law. Police checkpoints are frequent; the fine for no helmet/licence is ~500 ฿.
- Phuket roads are tricky: hills, rain, heavy traffic. If you have no bike experience, don’t learn here.
- Always take insurance and photograph the bike/car at pickup (scratches) so you aren’t charged for prior damage.
PhuketStayPro
Don't want to deal with licences and rentals?
We’ll arrange a vetted bike or car with insurance and delivery to you, or a car with a driver — no deposits, no haggling, no risk. Plus advice on licences and routes.
FAQ
Do I need a licence to rent a bike in Phuket?
Yes. A scooter and a car both require an international driving permit (IDP), category A/B. Without it you risk a fine at checkpoints, and insurance won’t pay in an accident.
How much does a scooter rental cost in Phuket?
On average 200–300 ฿ a day for a Honda Click/Scoopy, cheaper by the week or month. Fuel is separate — a tank is ~60–80 ฿.
Bike or Grab — which is better?
If you’re not experienced with bikes and left-hand traffic, take Grab/Bolt: fixed price, no risk. A bike suits confident, independent travellers.
Is it safe to ride a bike in Phuket?
Roads are busy and tourist accidents are common. A helmet, insurance and experience are essential. Beginners are better off with taxi/Grab or a car with a driver.
You can get around — now where to go?
300+ vetted spots across 5 districts with a map — in the PhuketStayPro members guide.
Open the guide