How to Get from Phuket Airport to Kathu: Public & Private Transport Guide
Arriving in Phuket and wondering how to get from Phuket International Airport to Kathu?
The good news is that Kathu and the Samkong area are relatively easy to reach from the airport, with options ranging from an affordable public airport bus to taxis, ride-hailing services and private transfers.
If you’re staying at NOORÉ Phuket, getting here is especially straightforward. We are located directly opposite Lotus Samkong, one of the most recognisable landmarks in the area and a convenient point for airport transport.
Whether you’re travelling solo, carrying lots of luggage or simply want the easiest possible arrival, here are the main ways to reach us.
The journey from Phuket International Airport to the Samkong/Kathu area is approximately 30 kilometres and normally takes around 30-40 minutes by car, depending on Phuket traffic.
Your main options are:
| Transport | Approx. Cost | Approx. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Bus #8411 | Around ฿100 | 60–90 mins* | Budget travellers |
| Airport Taxi | Around ฿750–1,000 | 35–50 mins | Convenience |
| Grab | Varies in app | 35–50 mins | Easy app booking |
| Private Transfer | Varies by provider | 35–50 mins | Maximum convenience |
*Journey times vary according to traffic and the number of stops.
For travellers looking for an affordable way to reach NOORÉ, the Phuket Airport Bus #8411 is one of the best options.
The orange airport bus runs between Phuket International Airport and Phuket Town and serves areas along the bypass road. The bus operator identifies Tesco Lotus/Samkong as one of its connection points, making this route particularly convenient for our location.
The operator currently advertises travel between Phuket Airport and Phuket Town for 100 THB. Tickets can be purchased on board, with cash and QR payment available according to Phuket International Airport’s official transport information.
After arriving at Phuket International Airport, follow the signs for public transportation.
According to Phuket International Airport, Airport Bus #8411 can be accessed from the public transportation area near Exit 3.
Tell the driver or conductor that you would like to get off at Lotus Samkong / Tesco Lotus Samkong.
Because NOORÉ Phuket is located opposite Lotus Samkong, you will already be very close to the property once you arrive.
The airport bus is ideal if you:
Current timetables can change, so we recommend checking the official Airport Bus timetable shortly before travelling. The operator publishes its latest schedule online.
If you have just stepped off a long flight and want the simplest option, an airport taxi is difficult to beat.
Taxis are available from Phuket International Airport and can take you directly to NOORÉ without transfers or additional stops.
A taxi journey from Phuket Airport towards Phuket Town or Samkong generally takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Current published fares for Phuket Town are commonly around ฿750 – ฿1,000 per vehicle, although your actual fare can vary depending on the service, vehicle and destination.
When giving the driver your destination, we recommend saying: “Lotus Samkong, Phuket.”
Then provide your NOORÉ location pin or booking confirmation.
Grab is another convenient way to travel from Phuket Airport to Kathu.
Phuket International Airport officially supports Grab services, including options such as JustGrab, GrabCar and GrabSUV, with fares displayed through the Grab application.
This is particularly useful if you prefer to know the quoted fare before confirming your journey.
Simply open Grab and enter your destination as: NOORÉ Phuket
Then follow the application’s instructions for the designated airport pick-up location.
If you have several large bags, selecting an SUV or larger vehicle may be more comfortable.
For the easiest arrival experience, you can also arrange a private airport transfer in advance.
Your driver can meet you at Phuket International Airport and take you directly to the accommodation without waiting for public transport or organising a ride after landing.
A private transfer is especially useful after a long international journey or when travelling as a family or group.
Depending on traffic, the drive to NOORÉ normally takes approximately 35–50 minutes.
Prefer a stress-free arrival? NOORÉ guests can arrange a private airport transfer in advance. Send us your flight number and arrival time, and we’ll help organise your journey from Phuket International Airport directly to NOORÉ.
You may also come across the Phuket Smart Bus when researching transport from Phuket Airport.
Its main Route 1 connects the airport with Phuket’s west-coast destinations including Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai, rather than travelling directly through Samkong.
For a stay near Lotus Samkong, Airport Bus #8411 is generally the more straightforward public-transport option.
So if your destination is NOORÉ, don’t confuse the two:
The easiest landmark is Lotus Samkong.
NOORÉ Phuket is located opposite Lotus Samkong, so mentioning the shopping centre can make your destination easier for local drivers to recognise.
We also recommend keeping your accommodation location pin ready on your phone before leaving the airport.
If you’re travelling on a budget, take the Airport Bus #8411.
If you have luggage and want an easy door-to-door journey, choose a taxi or Grab.
And if you want everything organised before you land, a pre-booked private transfer is the most convenient option.
One of the advantages of staying around Samkong and Kathu is exactly this: you’re well positioned for arriving from the airport while still being within convenient reach of Phuket Town, Patong and other parts of the island.
At NOORÉ Phuket, our location makes it easy to experience more than one side of the island.
With Lotus Samkong directly opposite, Phuket Town nearby and convenient road connections towards Kathu and Patong, NOORÉ works as a comfortable base whether you’re visiting Phuket for a weekend or staying a little longer.
Get here. Drop your bags. And start exploring.