Landmarks on the way, in order
| Where | What it is like |
|---|---|
| The airport | You start in the north of the island and join Highway 402 heading south. |
| Heroines Monument, Thalang | The roundabout is the first landmark on the drive. |
| The Phuket bypass road | The car leaves the main road here and goes round Phuket Town instead of through it. |
| Chao Fa Road | The road that leads down to Chalong Circle. |
| Chalong Circle | A large roundabout. The car turns toward the west coast here. |
| Route 4028 | The road to Kata Karon, and the last stretch of the trip. |
| Karon Circle and Patak Road | The roundabout at the top of the beach, with Patak Road running behind the sand. |
The total is 43 km. The driver adjusts lanes and turns to the traffic on the day.
Why 43 km takes 1 hour 10 minutes
The distance is the same as the time only on an empty road. This trip has a fast section on the main highway, a long run of junctions and roundabouts on the way to Chalong, and a final approach through resort streets. A hotel at the far end of the beach adds a few minutes.
The 1 hour 10 minutes counts driving only. Immigration, baggage claim and the walk to the meeting gate come first, and the driver waits for you.
Karon next to the other southern beaches
Kilometres and minutes do not move together here. Rawai is farther than Karon and takes less time, and Nai Harn is farther again and takes the same.
| From the airport to | Distance | Time by road |
|---|---|---|
| Patong | 40 km | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Karon | 43 km | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Kata Beach | 46 km | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Rawai | 47 km | 1 hour |
| Nai Harn | 48 km | 1 hour 10 minutes |
The fare is the same for all of them, from 999 THB per car. Karon prices are on the price page.
When the drive is quicker or slower
Late at night and early in the morning the highway is clear and the trip runs close to the stated time. During the day local traffic builds around the junctions on the way to Chalong Circle, and rain slows everything. If you have a connection or a booked dinner, leave a margin.
Questions about this transfer
How many kilometres is it from Phuket airport to Karon?
43 km by road to central Karon. A hotel at the far end of the beach can add a little.
How long does the drive take?
About 1 hour 10 minutes in normal traffic. It can take longer in rain or in busy hours.
Is Karon quicker to reach than Nai Harn?
They take about the same time, 1 hour 10 minutes, but Karon is shorter at 43 km against 48 km for Nai Harn.
Is Karon farther than Kata Beach?
No. Karon is 43 km and 1 hour 10 minutes from the airport, and Kata Beach is 46 km and 1 hour 15 minutes.
Does the time include getting out of the airport?
No. It is driving time only. The driver waits at Gate 2 or Gate A while you clear immigration and collect your bags.