When the VIP minibus is worth it
It suits executives, families who want a more comfortable cabin and groups going to a wedding or an event. It also suits the long drives, where the hours inside the van count for more than on a 30-minute hop to Bang Tao.
On the short routes the premium over the standard minibus is 500 THB per car. On the long routes it is 1,000 THB. Whether that buys you enough comfort depends on the group, so the table shows the gap in baht and lets you decide.
VIP minibus against the standard minibus
| From Phuket airport to | Drive time | Minibus (9) | VIP Minibus (8) | Extra for VIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patong | 1 h 5 min | 1,499 THB | 1,999 THB | 500 THB |
| Khao Lak | 1 h 30 min | 2,999 THB | 3,999 THB | 1,000 THB |
| Khao Sok | 2 h 20 min | 3,999 THB | 4,999 THB | 1,000 THB |
| Krabi | 2 h 40 min | 5,399 THB | 6,399 THB | 1,000 THB |
| Koh Lanta | 3 h | 6,199 THB | 7,199 THB | 1,000 THB |
Both prices are per vehicle and include fuel, tolls, the airport pick-up, a child seat, waiting time and free cancellation up to 6 hours before pick-up. The VIP minibus seats one fewer, so a party of nine goes in the standard minibus. Trips on 24 December to 5 January carry a holiday surcharge of 400 THB per car.
What the premium cabin means here
The class is defined by two things we state as fact: a premium cabin and a maximum of 8 passengers. The exact van can vary, for example a Toyota Commuter, and we do not promise a model or particular fittings. If a feature matters to you, such as seat layout, ask on WhatsApp before booking and we will confirm it for your date.
The long routes, where VIP pays off
Three drives from the airport run beyond two hours: Khao Sok at 135 km, Krabi at 165 km and Koh Lanta at 205 km. Khao Lak is 80 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes. A group that will be sitting for that long may prefer the premium cabin, and the price does not rise with the number of passengers, only with the car.
The drive times in the table are normal-traffic figures from the airport.
Pick-up and drop-off
The driver follows your flight number and meets you at Gate 2 next to Exit 2 for an international arrival, or at Gate A for a domestic one. The service runs 24/7. Fast Track is optional and available on arrival only. On the way out, the driver collects you from the hotel at the agreed time and stops at the departures hall.
Questions about this transfer
How many people fit in a VIP minibus in Phuket?
Up to 8 passengers, in a premium cabin. For 9 passengers book the standard minibus.
How much more is the VIP minibus than a standard minibus?
On the short routes 1,999 THB against 1,499 THB, so 500 THB more. On Khao Lak, Khao Sok, Krabi and Koh Lanta the difference is 1,000 THB.
Can I ask for a specific van model or seat layout?
A model is not promised. Write to us on WhatsApp before booking and we will tell you what we can confirm for your date.
Is the VIP minibus available at any hour?
Yes, the service runs 24/7 at a fixed price per car, and the driver follows your flight number.
Does a smaller group still pay the full VIP price?
Yes. The price is for the vehicle. A group of three in a VIP minibus pays the same as a group of eight. For a small party the sedan or SUV / MPV is usually the cheaper choice.