Traveling from Phuket to Khao Sok and Khao Sok to Phuket is one of the most popular routes in the south of Thailand, and we have done it as well.
The distance between them is about 150km, and the fastest way to travel between Phuket and Khao Sok is by van, which takes two and a half hours.
Since going between them offers the same transportation options, we gathered all the information in this one complete guide to traveling between Phuket and Khao Sok.
Even though Phuket and Khao Sok are not that far apart, their scenery is very different. The landscape changes dramatically from the sunny seaside paradise of Phuket to the lush jungle landscape of Khao Sok.
Best ways to travel from Phuket to Khao Sok and back
There are two main ways to travel between Phuket and Khao Sok:
- By minivan/bus
- By private transport/taxi
You can buy your tickets on the spot at your hotel or a travel agent in town. However, the best way to secure tickets is on 12go, our preferred platform for booking buses, trains, ferries, and more in Thailand. Click here to check tickets.
Please note that the estimated travel time between Phuket and Khao Sok usually doesn’t include the time to get to the bus station or the time for the pickup and drop-off (if your ticket includes it).
For this journey between Phuket and Khao Sok, you should expect to spend an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on where you stay in Phuket and Khao Sok. Pick-ups and drop-offs can be delayed by 30 minutes.
Bus and van transport
The best way to travel between Phuket and Khao Sok is by standard minivan (bus) service. The total travel time is 3 to 4 hours.
When traveling from Khao Sok to Phuket, we recommend booking the early morning trip to allow for possible delays, especially if you’re heading to the airport.
On the way to Khao Sok from Phuket, we recommend booking the trips between 7 and 8 a.m., so you can also allow for possible delays and arrive by hotel check-in time.
Please note that this route runs 99% of the time with minivans. So even though it might be called a bus on the ticket or booking platform, it’s almost certainly a van – unless it’s the 465 Surat Thani – Khao Lak – Phuket line, an actual big bus.
The minivans can be quite uncomfortable, especially when full, as the luggage is often stacked next to the last row of people. But they get you to your destination.
Private transfer or taxi
The only way to have a more comfortable journey between Phuket and Khao Sok is to book a private transfer.
A private transfer/taxi between Phuket and Khao Sok costs upwards of 80 USD, depending on the pickup location. Cheow Lan Lake pier pickup/drop-off costs 10 to 20 USD more.
Click here to check the latest price and availability. We recommend booking with Call Me Taxi.
| Taxi Phuket - Khao Sok $ 75.70–464.51 1h 30m – 4h | |
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| Taxi Rassada Pier - Khao Sok National Park $ 82.58–110.11 3h | |
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| Taxi Phuket - Khao Sok National Park $ 82.58–110.11 2h 45m – 7h 12m | |
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Getting to your hotel or the airport
Depending on the trip you book, your hotel pickup and drop-off might not be included in the original ticket price.
However, we highly recommend booking the one with pickup in advance, as the price difference is minimal (a few dollars).
On the other hand, it’s always worth checking with your hotel to see if they offer a pickup or drop-off service.
Phuket to Khao Sok hotel arrival
You’re usually dropped off at the “Khao Sok van station” just outside the village. Then, depending on where you stay, it’s a 15 to 45-minute walk.
Before getting to Khao Sok, we arranged a pickup with our hotel, which was nice and convenient. We stayed at the amazing Our Jungle Camp.
Plus, we stayed another two nights right after in a treehouse at their other property, Our Jungle House! Both were incredible and unique stays.
- Also read: Our Jungle House Review and Khao Sok Hotel Guide
Khao Sok to Phuket hotel arrival
On the way from Khao Sok to Phuket, we recommend booking a trip with a hotel drop-off.
And you’re in luck, because you can get dropped off in all the main areas: Kata/Karon, Patong, Kamala, and Surin. > Check all hotel drop-off options.
If you don’t book the right trip, you are usually dropped off at the Phuket Bus Terminal 1 or Phuket Bus Terminal 2, and it’s best to avoid that if you’re not planning to stay in the Old Town.
Phuket is a huge island, and transferring to another bus or taxi to your hotel is a hassle. We know from experience!
We recommend reading our Phuket Hotel Guide to learn about the best areas to stay and hotels worth staying at.
- Best hotels in Phuket?
$ Da Bungalows – $$ Sunwing Resort – $$$ Anantara Vacation Club
Khao Sok to Phuket Airport arrival
Trips from Khao Sok to Phuket Airport are super convenient if you fly the same day.
Online-bookable vans to Phuket Airport arrive throughout the day, at 8:45, 9:30, 11:00, 15:30, 17:00, 19:00, and 20:30.
We recommend booking a private airport transfer if the van arrivals don’t fit your flight time. While more expensive, it’s worth it for the peace of mind and knowing you won’t miss your flight.
Optional: rent a bike at the station
If you’re traveling light and are a skilled motorbike driver, you can rent a scooter right outside both Phuket Bus Terminals and ride it to your hotel. Similarly, you can rent a bike just a few steps from the Khao Sok van station.
A scooter rental in Phuket and Khao Sok costs about 300 THB daily (9 USD).
Make sure to read our article “Driving in Thailand as a Tourist,” which details everything you need to know.
TRAVEL TIP
You may need to leave your passport or pay a deposit of about 3000 THB (around $90) to rent a motorbike. We mainly left the cash deposit, as we don’t like anyone else having our passports.
Save money on conversion fees and ATM transactions. Get a Wise card!
Phuket to Khao Sok Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus journeys from Khao Sok to Phuket. The air conditioning can be pretty strong.
- We always recommend to book your transport in advance, and we always do it ourselves. It’s essential, especially if you want a specific type of transport that gets booked out in the high season.
- Bring some snacks onboard, as stops are limited and may not always have the best choice.
- Best activities in Phuket?
Classic Phang Nga Bay Tour and Phi Phi & Maya Bay Day Trip plus Bamboo Island
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no flight between Phuket and Khao Sok, and you can only travel between them by road (bus/van or private transfer/taxi).
The journey between Khao Sok and Phuket takes 3 to 4 hours (taking into account possible delays).
You should book your Phuket to Khao Sok transport in advance to secure your ticket, especially in the high season. We recommend booking your transport online.
Final thoughts
Traveling between Phuket and Khao Sok is hassle-free, especially if you book a combo ticket and organize a hotel pickup and drop-off in advance. That way, there’s little to go wrong, and the journey should be about three hours door to door.
Going to Krabi or Koh Tao next? Read our Phuket to Krabi guide or Khao Sok to Koh Tao article.
Related:
- Staying in a Floating Bungalow (Khao Sok Lake Guide)
- Khao Sok National Park (Guide)
- Best Things To Do in Phuket (Travel Guide)
Conclusion: The best way to travel between Phuket and Khao Sok is by van. However, a private transfer is the most comfortable way (and the most secure when traveling to the airport).
Ready to book your transport? Check the prices and timings below.
Don’t know what to visit in Phuket or Khao Sok?
Read: Phuket Travel Guide & Khao Sok Travel Guide
| Bus Phuket - Khao Sok $ 11.07 3h 40m – 4h 20m | |
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| Taxi Phuket - Khao Sok $ 75.70–464.51 1h 30m – 4h | |
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| Van Phuket - Khao Sok $ 26.93–32.91 2h 30m – 5h | |
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| Taxi Rassada Pier - Khao Sok National Park $ 82.58–110.11 3h | |
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| Taxi Phuket - Khao Sok National Park $ 82.58–110.11 2h 45m – 7h 12m | |
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| Van Rassada Pier - Khao Sok $ 32.91 4h | |
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