Groups of 5 to 9: one minibus or two cars
A group of five is where the sedan and the SUV / MPV stop working, because they carry 3 and 4 passengers. The choice is a minibus or two separate cars.
The numbers favour the minibus. On the short routes it costs 1,499 THB. Two cars that carry up to seven people between them, an SUV / MPV and a sedan, cost 2,198 THB, and the drivers arrive separately. On the way to Khao Lak the minibus is 2,999 THB against 4,698 THB for the same pair of cars.
The two-car option makes sense only when the group does not want to travel together, for example when guests go to different hotels.
Minibus prices on routes groups ask about
Fuel, tolls and the airport pick-up are included. The price covers the whole vehicle, so a full minibus and a half-empty one cost the same.
| From Phuket airport to | Distance | Drive time | Minibus price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patong | 40 km | 1 h 5 min | 1,499 THB |
| Kata Beach | 46 km | 1 h 15 min | 1,499 THB |
| Khao Lak | 80 km | 1 h 30 min | 2,999 THB |
| Khao Sok | 135 km | 2 h 20 min | 3,999 THB |
| Koh Lanta | 205 km | 3 h | 6,199 THB |
Other routes are on the price page. Trips on 24 December to 5 January carry a holiday surcharge of 400 THB per car, so two cars on those dates carry it twice.
Nine seats, nine sets of luggage
The limit is 9 passengers with luggage. A full minibus with a full set of large suitcases is the extreme case, and it is better to tell us the number of people and the number of big bags when you book than to find out at the kerb. If you are at the limit on both counts, ask us first on WhatsApp.
The class is what you book. For example, it may be a Toyota Commuter van. We do not promise a particular model.
Meeting a group at the airport
Give one flight number and the driver follows that flight. A late landing does not cancel the pick-up. International arrivals meet the driver at Gate 2 next to Exit 2 and domestic arrivals at Gate A,.
A group on separate flights should book separate transfers, one per flight, so each driver watches the right arrival.
When to step up to the VIP minibus
The VIP minibus has a premium cabin and takes up to 8. It costs 500 THB more than the standard minibus on the short routes. Choose it when the cabin matters more than the ninth seat.
Questions about this transfer
How many passengers fit in a minibus taxi in Phuket?
Up to 9 passengers with luggage. If you travel with large luggage, say so when you book.
Do I pay more for a full minibus than for five passengers?
No. The price is for the vehicle on that route. Five passengers or nine, it is 1,499 THB on the short routes.
Is one minibus cheaper than two cars for six people?
On the short routes, yes: the minibus is 1,499 THB, while an SUV / MPV plus a sedan are 2,198 THB together. The gap is wider on the long routes.
Can a minibus take a group to Krabi?
Yes. Krabi is 165 km from the airport, about 2 hours 40 minutes, and the minibus price for that route is 5,399 THB.
Is the minibus available at night?
Yes. The service runs 24/7 at the same fixed price, and the driver follows your flight number.