THE SHORT VERSION
Penang (George Town) to Phuket Town at a glance.
- To
- Phuket Town ภูเก็ต
- Road distance
- About 662 km
- Straight line
- 348 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~8 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Not listed as direct
- Border
- Malaysia → Thailand. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Penang (George Town) to Phuket Town?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Penang (George Town)
Penang is a Malaysian island whose capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage city. Buses from Thailand arrive at Sungai Nibong terminal on the island or at Butterworth on the mainland.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
Arriving in Phuket Town
From the terminal, songthaews, taxis and ride-hail apps reach Phuket Town and the beaches. Local buses to the beaches leave from near the old-town market.
- Phuket Bus Terminal 2
About 4 km north of Phuket Town. The main long-distance terminal. - Phuket Bus Terminal 1
The small old terminal in town. Some regional and local services. - Rassada Pier
Ferries to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Tuk-tuk drivers at the terminal may say the local bus has finished. Check for yourself.
- Beach towns such as Patong and Karon are a separate drive from the bus terminal.
KEEP GOING
From Phuket Town, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Phuket Town
More buses from Penang (George Town)
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Penang (George Town) from Phuket Town by road?+
About 662 km by road (348 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Penang (George Town) to Phuket Town take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 8 h 30 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Penang (George Town) include Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth), and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Phuket Town to Penang (George Town)?+
12Go's public route list doesn't include Phuket Town to Penang (George Town) as a direct route. You may need to change in another town.
Where does the bus from Penang (George Town) arrive in Phuket Town?+
It depends on the operator. In Phuket Town, services use Phuket Bus Terminal 2, Phuket Bus Terminal 1, Rassada Pier. From the terminal, songthaews, taxis and ride-hail apps reach Phuket Town and the beaches. Local buses to the beaches leave from near the old-town market.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Phuket Town?+
From the terminal, songthaews, taxis and ride-hail apps reach Phuket Town and the beaches. Local buses to the beaches leave from near the old-town market.
What kind of vehicle runs from Penang (George Town) to Phuket Town?+
12Go lists minivan (shared van) services on this route rather than full-size buses. Vans are usually quicker but have less luggage space, so check the luggage allowance for your departure before you book.
Can I book the Penang (George Town) to Phuket Town bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Phuket Town by bus?+
Direct buses from Phuket Town include Patong, Karon, Khao Lak, Krabi Town, Railay and more. See all connections on our Phuket Town bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Penang (George Town) to Phuket Town?+
This journey crosses from Malaysia into Thailand. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Penang (George Town) → Phuket Town on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Penang (George Town) to Phuket Town bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Phuket (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →