Phuket is a beautiful island located in southern Thailand, famous for its beaches and vibrant culture. Kolkata, a major city in eastern India, serves as a key starting point for travelers heading to Southeast Asia. Many travelers choose this route to explore Phuket’s tropical charm after experiencing Kolkata’s rich heritage.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Kolkata to Phuket. You will learn about flights, overland options, and driving routes, along with practical tips to make your journey easier and more enjoyable.

Getting from Kolkata to Phuket – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the most popular and fastest way to reach Phuket from Kolkata. Direct flights are limited, so most travelers take connecting flights via Bangkok or other hubs.

• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata offers daily flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is the main gateway to Phuket.

• From Bangkok, you can take a domestic flight to Phuket International Airport (HKT), which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with fares ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000.

• Flight duration from Kolkata to Bangkok is around 2 hours 30 minutes, and combined travel time including layovers usually ranges from 5 to 8 hours depending on connections.

• Airlines like Thai Airways, IndiGo, and AirAsia operate on these routes with multiple flights daily, offering flexibility and competitive fares.

• Booking flights 2-3 weeks in advance can secure better prices, especially during peak tourist seasons like December to February.

• Be prepared for longer immigration and security checks at Bangkok airport when transferring between international and domestic terminals.

Train plus Bus

This option suits adventurous travelers who want to experience overland travel through India and Southeast Asia, but it is time-consuming and complex.

• Start by taking a train from Kolkata’s Howrah Station to the India-Myanmar border at Moreh, which takes about 30-40 hours with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,500 depending on class.

• From Moreh, cross into Myanmar and continue by bus or shared taxi to Mandalay, then to Yangon, covering several hundred kilometers over multiple days.

• From Yangon, take a flight or bus to Bangkok, then proceed to Phuket by bus or flight; this leg can take 1-2 days depending on transport choices.

• This route involves multiple visa requirements, border checks, and language challenges, so thorough planning and local guidance are essential.

• Train and bus services in northeast India and Myanmar may be less frequent and less comfortable, especially during monsoon season when roads can be slippery and slow.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Phuket is possible but requires careful planning, international permits, and crossing several international borders.

• The route covers approximately 2,500 to 3,000 kilometers, passing through India’s northeast states, Myanmar, and Thailand, taking at least 4-6 days of continuous driving.

• Major highways include NH27 from Kolkata to Moreh border, then Myanmar’s National Highway 1 to Mandalay and Yangon, followed by Thailand’s Route 4 to Phuket.

• International driving permits and vehicle insurance valid in Myanmar and Thailand are mandatory, along with multiple visas for transit countries.

• Road conditions vary widely; Indian and Myanmar roads can be challenging during monsoon, and tolls apply on some Thai highways.

• Rest stops are limited in remote areas; plan fuel and food breaks carefully, especially in Myanmar where petrol stations may be sparse.

• Local traffic rules and driving customs differ; hiring a local guide or driver for parts of the journey is advisable for safety and smoother border crossings.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Phuket, focusing on the flight option for convenience and speed.

• Book your international flight from Kolkata to Bangkok online via IRCTC Air or airline websites at least 2 weeks before travel to get better fares and seat options.

• Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, follow signs for domestic transfers and clear immigration; allow 2-3 hours for transfer to your Phuket flight.

• Purchase your connecting flight to Phuket either in advance or at the airport counter; budget airlines like Thai AirAsia offer frequent flights.

• Pack light and carry essential documents like passport, visa for Thailand, and flight tickets to avoid delays at check-in counters.

• On arrival at Phuket International Airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Grab for safe and fixed-price rides to your hotel or beach area.

• Keep local currency (Thai Baht) handy for small expenses, and consider buying a local SIM card at the airport for easy communication and navigation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a printed and digital copy of your passport, visa, and flight tickets; Indian travelers often face strict document checks at international borders.

• Drink bottled water only and avoid street food until you are sure of hygiene standards to prevent stomach issues common among travelers.

• Book flights and accommodations well in advance during peak tourist seasons like December and January to avoid last-minute price surges.

• Use Ola or Uber in Kolkata to reach the airport safely and on time, especially during early morning or late-night flights.

• Pack a universal power adapter and a power bank, as charging points may be limited during long layovers or road travel.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause flight delays and road disruptions; check weather updates and allow extra travel time.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Phuket is during the cooler and dry months from November to February. This period offers pleasant weather in both places and fewer travel disruptions.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon months (June to September) when heavy rains can cause flight delays and road blockages, especially in northeast India and Myanmar.

• Peak travel periods like Christmas, New Year, and Thai festivals see higher flight prices and crowded airports, so book early or avoid these dates.

• Early morning flights from Kolkata tend to be less delayed and offer smoother connections in Bangkok.

• Fog in Kolkata during December and January mornings can occasionally delay flights; plan buffer time for connections.

• Phuket’s high season from December to March has busy beaches and higher hotel rates, so plan accordingly.

Arrival at Phuket & What to Expect

Phuket International Airport is well-equipped with modern facilities and easy access to local transport. Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Grab for convenient travel to your accommodation.

Popular areas to stay include Patong Beach, Kata, and Karon, all reachable within 30-60 minutes from the airport. Tuk-tuks and local buses are also available but less comfortable for luggage-heavy travelers. Prepaid taxis avoid haggling and ensure fixed fares, making your arrival hassle-free.

Conclusion

Flying via Bangkok is the most efficient and practical way to reach Phuket from Kolkata, balancing speed, comfort, and cost. While overland and self-drive options exist, they require significant planning, time, and permits, making them suitable only for experienced travelers.

Plan your flights well in advance, consider seasonal weather, and prepare your documents carefully to ensure a smooth journey. With the right preparation, you can confidently enjoy the vibrant culture of Kolkata and the tropical beauty of Phuket on your trip.