Transport Guide — Phu Quoc (2026)
The complete guide to getting around: motorbike rental, Grab (taxi), buses and airport pickup. Prices, safety tips, whether you need a licence, and how to manage without a bike.
Phu Quoc has no metro, no trams and no developed public transport. At 574 km², the island is large, and without your own wheels you are tied to your immediate neighbourhood. The good news: getting around is simple and cheap — a bike at $5/day solves 90% of the problem.
In this guide:
1. Motorbike rental — the main option
90% of tourists and 99% of locals get around on bikes. It is the most convenient, fastest and cheapest way to travel on Phu Quoc.
| Detail | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Price/day | $5-7 (automatic 110-125cc) |
| Price/month | $100-120 |
| Fuel | $0.80/litre, 4L tank = 100-150 km |
| Fuel/month | $10-15 |
| Models | Honda Vision, Yamaha NMax, Honda Wave |
| Helmet | Included (1-2 units) |
| Licence | IDP recommended; rarely checked in practice |
| Deposit | Passport (not recommended) or $50-100 in cash |
Tip: never leave your passport as a deposit — make a photocopy and offer a $50-100 cash deposit instead. We help our guests rent bikes from trusted companies.
2. Grab — app-based taxi
Grab is the Vietnamese equivalent of Uber. Download the app in advance and link your card.
| Route | Grab Car | Grab Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Within Duong Dong | $2-3 | $1-2 |
| Duong Dong → Long Beach | $3-4 | $1.50-2.50 |
| Duong Dong → Grand World | $4-6 | $2-3 |
| Airport → Duong Dong | $5-8 | $3-5 |
| Duong Dong → An Thoi | $10-15 | $5-8 |
Wait time: 3-10 min in the centre, 10-20 min in outlying areas. In the evening and in rain, expect longer. Grab Bike is for a single passenger (motorbike taxi).
3. Airport pickup
Phu Quoc Airport (PQC) is 10 minutes from Duong Dong. Your options:
- Our pickup: $12-15 — we meet you with a sign, drive you to your apartment and show you around the neighbourhood. Recommended for a first visit.
- Grab: $5-12 (depending on the area). Download the app and buy a Vietnamese SIM at the airport before you leave the terminal.
- Taxi: $10-18 at the airport exit. Agree on the price before getting in. Avoid anyone quoting $25+.
- Bus: $1-2 to Duong Dong (if a route happens to be running when you land — schedules are unreliable).
4. Buses
Phu Quoc's bus network is still developing. A handful of routes link Duong Dong with the main points (airport, Grand World, An Thoi). The fare is $1-2 and frequency is every 30-60 min. The catch: schedules are unstable, stops are not always marked, and Google Maps does not always show the routes. For tourists it is an unreliable option. For budget travellers without a bike, it is an alternative to Grab.
5. Car rental
$30-50/day, international licence required. Handy for families with small children (child seat). Parking on the island is usually free. The main roads are good but narrow. We do not recommend it for newcomers — Vietnamese driving style is unpredictable. Better: a bike plus Grab for longer trips.
6. Comparing the transport options
| Transport | Price/month | Convenience | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike | $110-135 | ★★★★★ | Everyone (the main option) |
| Grab | $150-300 | ★★★★ | No bike, short trips |
| Car | $900-1,500 | ★★★ | Families with small children |
| Bus | $30-60 | ★★ | Extra-tight budget |
| On foot | $0 | ★ (Duong Dong only) | Within the neighbourhood |
7. Bike safety
- Helmet is mandatory — $4-8 fine. Always carry your helmet, even for 500 metres.
- Speed: 40 km/h in town, 60 km/h out of town. Police with radar are rare but do appear.
- Rain: roads are slippery, especially during the first 10 minutes of rain. Cut your speed in half.
- At night: headlight is mandatory. Locals often ride without lights — stay alert.
- Insurance: $30-50/month covers medical costs in an accident. Strongly recommended.
- Alcohol: zero tolerance (officially). In practice, don't risk it — fines are steep.
FAQ
$5-7/day, $100-120/month. Automatic scooter, 110-125cc. Fuel is $0.80/litre, a 4L tank = 100-150 km. Average spend: $10-15/month. Helmet included. Tip: don't leave your passport as a deposit — offer a $50-100 cash deposit or a photocopy. We help arrange rentals from trusted companies.
Yes. Grab Car: $2-12 across the island. Grab Bike: $1-5. Wait time: 3-10 min in the centre, 10-20 in outlying areas. Download the app in advance and link your card. Tip: buy a Vietnamese SIM at the airport ($5-7 unlimited) — you need it for Grab.
Our pickup is $12-15 (we meet you, drive you in, show you the apartment). Grab $5-12. Taxi $10-18 (haggle). Bus $1-2 (if running). For a first visit we recommend a pickup or Grab. The airport is 10 min from Duong Dong.
Officially you need a category A IDP (International Driving Permit). It is issued in your home country for $15-30. In practice, police check licences once or twice a year on the popular roads. Fine for riding without one: $8-15 (300,000-400,000 VND). Helmet is mandatory ($4-8 fine). Insurance ($30-50/month) is strongly recommended.
Bottom line: a bike is the best transport on Phu Quoc
$110-135/month for complete freedom of movement. Without a bike, Grab handles most needs ($150-300/month). In Duong Dong you can manage on foot for everyday errands.