By Phuket News Property Editorial Team · February 3, 2026
For many years, renting a car or motorbike was considered almost essential for getting around Phuket. Today, that pattern is shifting. The growing availability of smart taxi services and ride-hailing applications is changing how residents, tourists, and long-stay visitors travel across the island.
Convenience, safety concerns, parking limitations, and app-based pricing transparency are all contributing to a steady move away from traditional self-drive rentals.
Ride-hailing services now widely available
App-based transport services such as Grab, Bolt, and local smart taxi platforms now operate across most of Phuket’s populated areas. Users can request transport, view pricing in advance, and pay digitally without negotiating fares.
These services are now commonly used for daily errands, school runs, dining trips, nightlife travel, and airport transfers. Availability has expanded beyond tourist zones into residential areas including Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong, Kamala, and Bang Tao.
Declining reliance on rental cars and motorbikes
Car and motorbike rentals remain available, but many visitors and residents now prefer ride-hailing for shorter stays or daily travel. Rising fuel costs, insurance concerns, accident risk, and unfamiliar road conditions have encouraged travellers to choose on-demand transport instead of driving themselves.
Long-stay residents also increasingly use smart taxis for social outings and short trips, reducing the need to own or rent a vehicle full-time.
Safety and compliance influence behaviour
Road safety remains an ongoing concern in Phuket, particularly for inexperienced motorbike riders. Ride-hailing services offer a way to move around without exposure to driving risks or licensing requirements.
At the same time, digital trip records, driver registration, and app-based accountability have improved passenger confidence compared with informal taxi arrangements of the past.
Parking and congestion considerations
As Phuket’s population and vehicle numbers grow, parking availability has become more limited in busy areas. Ride-hailing allows passengers to be dropped off directly at destinations without needing long-term parking.
This has made app-based transport particularly popular for beachfront dining areas, shopping districts, schools, and entertainment zones.
Impact on local transport patterns
Traditional taxi operators and rental businesses are adapting to this shift. Some have joined ride-hailing platforms, while others now focus on longer-term rentals for residents who still prefer private vehicle use.
The overall transport ecosystem on the island is becoming more diversified, with digital booking systems now playing a central role.
A more connected island going forward
As smartphone usage, digital payments, and location-based services continue to expand, app-driven transport is expected to remain a key part of daily life in Phuket.
For residents and visitors alike, moving around the island is becoming less dependent on vehicle ownership and more focused on convenience, flexibility, and digital access.
