Asia > Thailand > Phuket (HKT)
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Phuket can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Phuket ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Phuket ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Phuket?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
📍 Getting Around Phuket — the Reality
Phuket is large, hilly, and spread out, with no real urban core in the way European cities have.
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Beaches are widely separated
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Roads are often busy and congested
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Public transport is limited and indirect
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Walking only works within very local areas
Despite its popularity, Phuket is not designed around easy public transport.
🚌 Public Transport: Limited and Tourist-Oriented
Phuket does have transport options, but they come with compromises.
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Local songthaews are slow and infrequent
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Routes often run via Phuket Town, even when beaches are close together
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Airport buses exist but don’t solve day-to-day movement
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Evening travel without taxis can be awkward
Public transport works for budget travel, but not for flexibility.
🚕 Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely used — and widely criticised.
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Prices are high by Thai standards
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Short journeys can be disproportionately expensive
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Negotiation is often required
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Ride-hailing exists but doesn’t fully normalise pricing
Many visitors find costs add up quickly.
🚗 Where Renting a Car Makes Sense
A rental car can significantly improve the experience if you:
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want to move freely between beaches
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plan early mornings or sunset trips
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stay outside major resort hubs
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value air-conditioning and independence
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travel as a couple or small group
Driving distances are short, and parking is usually available near beaches and attractions.
⚠️ Things to Be Aware Of
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Traffic congestion can be heavy, especially around Patong
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Driving standards are informal
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Scooters are common but come with safety risks
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Choose a small, easy-to-park car
Renting a car is about convenience, not speed.
🏝️ Island Hopping Changes the Equation
It’s also worth noting that many Phuket highlights don’t involve cars at all.
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Island trips are by boat or ferry
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Phi Phi and other islands are car-free
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Excursions are usually organised
A car is useful on Phuket itself, not for everything beyond it.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Phuket?
Often yes — but mainly to reduce friction rather than because there’s no alternative.
Phuket can be navigated with taxis and limited public transport, but costs and constraints add up. Renting a car gives you control, comfort, and flexibility, especially if you want to explore beyond one beach or resort.
💡 Rule of thumb:
Phuket isn’t impossible without a car — it’s just much easier with one. 🚗🌴