Many of our guests want to know about the prices for taxis and other transportation before arrival or even before they decide to stay with us in Phuket. They ask what it will cost to get around if they don’t rent cars or scooters.
Not unlike taxis in other parts of the world, Thailand taxis have a reputation for trying to overcharge the customer. I think it is sometimes true in Phuket, but it is important to know that this does not apply to most drivers. Also I think it is less prominent here than in other parts of Thailand and the world.
We have put together a price list of fares for common trips on Phuket Island that you can use as a guideline. Some will charge a little more, but with this list, you can know if you are being charged fairly. We have had issues with some guests arguing with drivers over fares that they think are inflated when we know they are not. Also you can use this list to identify when you are being taken advantage of.
I personally don’t mind if I am overcharged just a little bit, just as long as they don’t go crazy with it. Remember you are here to enjoy yourself instead of worrying about small expenses.
The prices below apply to 4-5 seat taxis as well as 7 seat SUVs. However you may find some drivers that want to charge more for the larger vehicles.
The rules state that the drivers are supposed to use a meter to determine your fare and some people say you should insist on it. My experience is that no driver is willing to do that. So if you turn down taxis that don’t use a meter, then you will not get where you want to go.
These prices were assembled by asking actual drivers in the area. The person asking them was a Thai, but she explained that we expect these fares to apply to tourists. The drivers assured us they do.
The Coolwater is in Kamala. All taxi fares to and from any location in Kamala to another location in Kamala is 300 baht. This includes popular stops such as Kamala Beach, Big C, Phuket Fantasea, and of course, The Coolwater.
Fares for one-way trips to or from The Coolwater and Kamala area to other locations:
- Patong – 500 baht
- Rawai Beach – 1200 baht
- Surin Beach – 500 baht
- Phuket Town – 900 baht
- Thalong – 600 baht
- Chalong Pier – 1000 baht
- Rassada Pier – 1000 baht
- Laguna area – 600 baht
- Layan Beach – 800 baht
- Kata, Karon Beach – 800 baht
- Kathu – 600 baht
- Phuket Zoo – 900 baht
- Phuket Airport – 900 baht
(trip from the airport to Kamala – 700 baht)
You can also have a full day tour of Phuket Island attractions with a personal driver. Details on the Coolwater Day Trip are here.
