A complete guide to transport on the island for expats and long-term residents in 2026
Driving in Phuket is essential for most expats and long-term residents. Whether you're considering a rented scooter for quick trips around Patong and Rawai, or a car for family outings and beach visits, this guide covers everything you need to know about transport, licences, road rules, and safety on the island.
Phuket's roads range from excellent divided highways (like the Phuket-Phang Nga Highway) to narrow soi (alleyways) winding through residential areas. The island saw rapid development over the past decade, which means you'll encounter everything from modern roundabouts in Chalong to unpredictable village traffic near Bang Tao.
This guide focuses on real-world Phuket conditions for 2026, including recent changes to insurance requirements, licence processing at the Land Transport Office, and realistic driving times for common routes.
The scooter is the most common vehicle for tourists and many short-term expats in Phuket. Rental shops are ubiquitous in Rawai, Patong, Bang Tao, and Kamala, and the cost is attractive for budget-conscious travellers. However, scooter riding in Phuket carries significant risk, and you should only rent if you have experience riding in Asian traffic.
Automatic scooters dominate Phuket rentals. The Honda Click and PCX are the workhorses—reliable, fuel-efficient, and cheap to repair. The Yamaha NMAX is slightly larger and more comfortable for heavier riders. Manual transmission scooters are rare and usually more expensive.
| Model | Engine CC | Daily Rental | Monthly Rental | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Click / PCX | 110–125cc | ฿150–180 | ฿2,500–3,500 | Short trips, budget conscious |
| Yamaha NMAX | 155cc | ฿180–220 | ฿3,500–4,500 | Longer comfort rides, highways |
| Honda Scoopy | 110cc | ฿120–150 | ฿2,000–3,000 | Couples/short trips, lightweight |
Technically, you need a Thai motorcycle licence or an International Driving Permit with the motorcycle category endorsed. In practice, rental shops will happily rent to tourists without checking. However, if you're stopped by police during a crackdown (common around Patong during high season), you could face a ฿500–1,000 fine plus confiscation.
If you're staying longer than 90 days and planning to rent regularly, apply for a Thai motorcycle licence at the Land Transport Office. The process is straightforward and takes one day.
Helmets are mandatory by Thai law. The fine for riding without one is ฿500, and passengers face the same penalty. Enforcement is inconsistent in tourist areas like Patong, but you'll see police checking at random roadblocks. More importantly, helmets save your life—road accidents in Phuket are not uncommon, and head injuries can be catastrophic.
Basic rental insurance (often called "basic coverage") is usually not included in daily rental rates. It typically covers damage to the bike but not your medical costs. If you're riding frequently, negotiate for it to be included in monthly rental, or purchase travel health insurance (see section on health insurance below).
Cars are the practical choice for families, retirees, and anyone making an extended stay in Phuket. They're safer than scooters, more comfortable in rain, and allow you to explore the island with luggage and passengers. Car rental is widely available and competitive.
Major chains like Avis and Budget operate at Phuket International Airport (HKT). Local companies such as Phuket Car Rent, Pattaya Car Rent Phuket, and numerous independent operators offer competitive rates, especially for monthly rentals. Most require a credit card for the deposit and an International Driving Permit or Thai Driving Licence.
| Car Type | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate (approx.) | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Jazz / City | ฿800–1,000 | ฿15,000–18,000 | Couples, light luggage |
| Toyota Yaris / Vios | ฿900–1,200 | ฿16,000–20,000 | Families, standard needs |
| Toyota Fortuner / Avanza | ฿1,500–1,800 | ฿22,000–28,000 | Large families, rough roads |
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some premium operators (Avis, Budget) may require 25. You'll need either a valid International Driving Permit or a Thai Driving Licence. Your home country's driving licence alone is not sufficient under Thai law.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Standard rates are ฿200–400 per day and cover damage to the rental vehicle. Without CDW, you're liable for the entire repair bill, which can be substantial.
Road accidents in Phuket are common, particularly around Chalong Circle and on mountain roads like Patong Hill. Many drivers are uninsured or underinsured. CDW provides peace of mind and is worth every baht.
Chalong Circle is the island's busiest intersection, connecting south Phuket (Rawai, Karon, Kata) to central areas (Bang Tao, Kathu, Phuket Town) and east to the airport. Traffic can be chaotic at peak hours (8–10am, 5–7pm).
Rule: Give way to traffic already in the circle. Don't force your way in. At Chalong, many drivers ignore this rule, so stay calm, watch for motorcycles cutting across lanes, and be prepared to wait.
| Route | Distance | Normal Time | Peak Hour Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket Town → Patong (via Bangla) | 22 km | 20 mins | 35–45 mins |
| Phuket Town → Bang Tao (via Thepkrasattri) | 35 km | 35 mins | 45–60 mins |
| Airport → Bang Tao | 25 km | 20 mins | 25–35 mins |
| Airport → Patong | 35 km | 35 mins | 50–75 mins |
| Rawai → Bang Tao (via Chalong) | 40 km | 45 mins | 60–90 mins |
| Chalong to Kata Beach | 8 km | 12 mins | 20–25 mins |
South Phuket bypass: To avoid Chalong Circle, use the bypass roads on the east side of the roundabout. Slightly longer but often faster during rush hour.
Patong: Bangla Road vs Bypass: Bangla Road up the hill to Patong is scenic but steep and narrow. The Kathu bypass (heading north from Phuket Town, then west) is less scenic but avoids the gradient.
Thepkasattri Road (north-south artery): This is Phuket's fastest north-south route for reaching Bang Tao, Kathu, and northern beaches. It's a divided highway with fewer traffic lights than Bangla Road.
Most shopping malls and modern developments offer free or low-cost parking. Central Festival and Jungceylon charge ฿20/hour. Beach parking in Patong and Bang Tao can be tight during high season (Nov–Feb), with unofficial parking attendants asking ฿20–50. Keep valuables out of sight—break-ins are rare but not unheard of.
Whether you drive a scooter or car, you'll need valid identification. For short-term visitors (under 90 days), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is the easiest option. For longer stays, a Thai Driving Licence is required and not difficult to obtain.
An IDP is issued in your home country and is valid for up to 90 days from your date of entry into Thailand. It must accompany your home country driving licence—the IDP alone is not valid.
How to get an IDP: Apply through your home country's motoring club or equivalent organisation:
Most IDPs cost $15–25 USD and take 5–10 business days to issue. Get one before you travel—it's not available in Thailand.
Required for all long-term residents and highly recommended for any stay longer than 90 days. It's valid for 2 years and costs ฿505. The process is straightforward and takes about one day.
Any private clinic or public hospital in Phuket can issue a medical certificate. It's a simple vision and general health check. Cost is ฿200–400. Bangkok International Hospital and Phuket City Hospital (near Saphan Hin) both offer this service.
Visit the Phuket Land Transport Office (Department of Land Transport, Region 8), located near Saphan Hin public park in Phuket Town. The office is open Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm.
The entire process takes 3–4 hours. Bring all documents, including the original medical certificate. If documents are incomplete, you'll be asked to return another day.
Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Thailand. If you have a driving licence from certain countries (USA, Australia, Germany, etc.), you may be able to convert it directly without taking the test. Ask at the DLT Phuket counter with your original licence.
Phuket Land Transport Office (Region 8)
Saphan Hin area, Phuket Town | Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm
For specific inquiries, you can visit the office directly or call ahead through Phuket's provincial police office.
Driving side: Thailand drives on the LEFT. Overtake on the RIGHT.
Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers. Front and rear seat belt use is enforced.
Mobile phones: No mobile phone use while driving, including at red lights. Using your phone can result in a ฿500 fine.
Thailand has a legal alcohol limit of 50mg/100ml blood. This is lower than the USA (80mg), Canada (80mg), and many European countries (50mg). Police conduct frequent roadside breath tests, especially Friday evenings and around national holidays.
If you fail the test (over 50mg/100ml), you face a fine of up to ฿10,000 and possible licence suspension. If you cause an accident while impaired, penalties are severe (up to 4 years imprisonment and ฿50,000+ fines).
Recommendation: If you've had any alcohol, use Grab or Bolt. It's cheaper and far safer than risking a breathalyzer.
Speed cameras are mounted on major roads, particularly the Phuket-Phang Nga expressway. Fines for speeding range from ฿400 (up to 20 km/h over) to ฿1,000+ (40+ km/h over).
Left turns on red: Generally permitted unless a sign or arrow indicates otherwise. Always yield to oncoming traffic.
Overtaking: Keep right (left-hand traffic), so overtake on the right. Many Thai drivers overtake on both sides—stay alert and don't assume a car is going straight because it's not signalling.
Roundabouts: Give way to traffic already in the circle. This is the rule, but enforcement varies. At busy roundabouts like Chalong, expect assertive driving from other vehicles.
Using headlights during the day is not a legal requirement in Thailand but is increasingly recommended for safety. Many newer cars and motorcycles have daytime running lights. During heavy rain, always use headlights and hazard lights.
Motorcycle helmets are mandatory for driver and passenger. Car seatbelts are mandatory. Child seats are recommended but not legally enforced in Thailand.
| Factor | Scooter | Car |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Rental Cost | ฿150–220 | ฿800–1,800 |
| Monthly Cost | ฿2,500–4,500 | ฿15,000–28,000 |
| Fuel Cost | ฿5–8 per day | ฿150–250 per day |
| Parking | Street (free) | Mall parking (฿20/hr), street paid |
| Safety | High risk in traffic | Lower risk, better protection |
| Weather Performance | Poor in heavy rain | Excellent all weather |
| Luggage Capacity | Scooter box only | Large trunk + seats |
| Passenger Comfort | Limited (2 people max) | 4–7 people comfortably |
| Insurance Availability | Basic only, ฿30–50/day extra | CDW standard, ฿200–400/day |
| Skill Required | Asian traffic experience needed | Standard driving licence sufficient |
| Best For | Short beach trips, experienced riders, budget travel | Families, longer stays, rainy season, safety priority |
If you prefer not to drive, several reliable alternatives exist:
Grab operates island-wide with competitive, app-based pricing. Fares are fixed and transparent, no negotiation needed. A typical Patong–Rawai ride costs ฿200–300. Surge pricing applies during peak hours (8–10am, 5–7pm) and rainy weather. Drivers are generally courteous and English-speaking.
Bolt is a newer competitor to Grab in Phuket, often offering slightly cheaper fares and driver incentives for first-time users. The app experience is similar, and coverage is comparable to Grab.
The cheapest option at ฿30–50 per trip on fixed routes. Routes run between major areas: Phuket Town–Patong, Phuket Town–Bang Tao, etc. No apps; hail them on the street or ask your hotel. They stop frequently and aren't always reliable for getting to specific addresses.
Orange-vested motorbike taxi drivers hover near beach areas and tourist spots. Negotiate the fare upfront. A short hop (1–2 km) costs ฿20–50. They're useful for short distances but not recommended for unfamiliar routes or night travel.
Bangkok-style metered taxis are rare in Phuket. Grab and Bolt have effectively replaced them. If you flag down a taxi, negotiate the fare before getting in—expect ฿50–100 base fare plus distance.
Protect yourself from rental damage scams. Download our free checklist of what to inspect before signing a scooter or car rental agreement in Phuket.
Download Free ChecklistPaying rental deposits or car payments abroad? Wise offers real-time exchange rates and low transfer fees for rental company payments and monthly expenses. Save 3–6% on currency conversion compared to bank transfers.
Affiliate partner link — we earn a small commission if you sign up.
Open a Wise AccountGiven Phuket's high road accident rate, travel or expat health insurance is essential. CIGNA Health offers comprehensive plans including emergency evacuation (critical if you're injured on a remote road). Claims processing is typically 48–72 hours.
Affiliate partner link — we earn a commission.
Get a Health Insurance QuoteYes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for up to 90 days from your date of entry into Thailand. You must obtain it in your home country before travelling—it's not available in Thailand. Get one from your country's motoring club (AAA, AA, CAA, etc.). After 90 days, you'll need a Thai Driving Licence.
Scooter rental is common but carries significant risk. Phuket has Thailand's highest per-capita road fatality rate. Only rent if you have experience riding in Asian traffic. Always wear a helmet (mandatory by law), check brakes and tyres before riding, and avoid night driving and alcohol. Consider a car if you're inexperienced on two wheels.
You'll need: passport (original + copy), Non-Immigrant visa or long-stay extension (original + copy), medical certificate from a Phuket hospital/clinic (฿200–400), completed application form (TM.7), and 4x 6x4 cm passport photos. You'll also pass a simple vision/reaction test. The process takes about one day at the Phuket Land Transport Office near Saphan Hin.
The legal alcohol limit is 50mg/100ml blood, which is lower than many Western countries. Police operate roadside checkpoints frequently, especially Friday evenings and around national holidays. Breath tests are common. If you've had any alcohol, use Grab or Bolt instead of driving.
Monthly scooter rental ranges from ฿2,500–4,000 depending on the model and season. Daily rates are ฿150–200. Negotiate for longer rentals and confirm whether the rental includes basic insurance.
The scenic route via Patong Hill (Bangla Road) takes about 20 minutes in normal traffic. For a less steep alternative that avoids winding hill roads, take the Kathu bypass, which takes about 25 minutes and is often faster during rush hour.
Yes, Grab operates island-wide with reliable, app-based fixed pricing. Bolt also operates in Phuket and is often cheaper. Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) are the cheapest option at ฿30–50 per trip on fixed routes, though coverage is limited and schedules are informal.
Yes, absolutely. CDW insurance (฿200–400/day extra) is strongly recommended. Road accidents in Phuket are common, and without CDW you could face substantial repair costs. It's a worthwhile investment for your peace of mind and financial protection.