Phuket International Airport

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is Thailand's second-busiest airport and the main gateway to the Andaman coast's beach resorts. Located approximately 32 km north of Phuket Town and 50 km from Patong Beach, it handles over 18 million passengers annually, with heavy traffic during the high season (November-April).

The airport has two terminals in a single building complex:

• Domestic Terminal: Thai carriers serving Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other domestic routes. Located on the south side of the building.
• International Terminal: All international flights including routes to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Located on the north side.

Both terminals share the same check-in hall but have separate departure gates. The airport underwent major expansion in 2016, significantly improving capacity and facilities. Despite this, queues for immigration can be substantial during peak arrival times (typically 14:00-20:00 when multiple international flights land).

Key layout note: The airport is relatively compact. Walking between the furthest gates takes only 10-15 minutes. However, immigration and security queues can add significant time during busy periods.

Phuket Airport is located on the northern tip of Phuket Island, approximately 32 km from Phuket Town and 50 km from Patong Beach. The single main road (Route 402) connects the airport to all resort areas.

Typical travel times (without heavy traffic):

• Phuket Town: 45-60 minutes
• Patong Beach: 50-75 minutes
• Kata/Karon Beach: 60-80 minutes
• Bang Tao/Laguna area: 20-30 minutes
• Mai Khao Beach: 10 minutes

Traffic warning: The road from the airport can become severely congested, especially during high season (November-April) and around sunset. Journey times can double. Plan accordingly for return flights.

Grab (Rideshare)

Grab is the dominant rideshare app in Thailand (Uber exited the Thai market in 2018). However, Grab service at Phuket Airport is limited due to taxi regulations.

• Availability: Grab cars can drop off at the airport but pickups are restricted
• Workaround: Walk to the airport exit road (about 5 minutes) to find Grab drivers willing to pick up
• Fares: Generally 20-30% cheaper than metered taxis

Note: For airport pickups, metered taxis or pre-booked transfers are more reliable options.

Metered Taxi

Official metered taxis operate from counters inside the arrivals hall. You pay a fixed rate based on your destination zone at the counter, then receive a voucher for your assigned taxi.

Destination	Fare	Time
Mai Khao Beach	THB 200-300 (USD 6-9)	10 min
Bang Tao/Laguna	THB 500-600 (USD 15-18)	25 min
Patong Beach	THB 800-1,000 (USD 24-30)	50-75 min
Kata Beach	THB 1,000-1,200 (USD 30-36)	60-80 min
Karon Beach	THB 1,000-1,200 (USD 30-36)	65-85 min
Phuket Town	THB 600-800 (USD 18-24)	45-60 min

Tips:

• Fares are fixed from the taxi counter; no bargaining needed
• Tolls are included in the fare
• Credit cards not accepted; have Thai Baht cash ready
• Late-night surcharges may apply (midnight-6am)

Airport Limousine

Private car services with fixed rates are available at counters in the arrivals hall.

• Sedan: THB 1,000-1,500 to Patong
• Minivan (up to 8 passengers): THB 1,500-2,000 to Patong
• Pre-booking: Hotels often offer airport transfers; confirm rates when booking accommodation

Airport Bus (Phuket Smart Bus)

The Phuket Smart Bus operates an airport route connecting to major beach areas. This is the most affordable option but takes significantly longer than taxis.

Airport Bus Route:

1. Departs from outside the International Arrivals hall
2. Stops at major beaches along the west coast
3. Final destination: Rawai in the south

Destination	Fare	Journey Time
Bang Tao	THB 100 (USD 3)	30 min
Surin Beach	THB 100 (USD 3)	40 min
Patong	THB 100 (USD 3)	75-90 min
Karon	THB 100 (USD 3)	100-120 min
Kata	THB 100 (USD 3)	110-130 min

Frequency: Every hour from 06:30-20:00 Payment: Cash only, pay on boarding

Airport Bus to Phuket Town

A separate bus route connects the airport to Phuket Town Bus Terminal.

• Fare: THB 100 (USD 3)
• Journey time: 60-75 minutes
• Frequency: Every 90 minutes from 06:30-21:00

Tips:

• Bus service is infrequent; check schedules at phuketsmartbus.com
• Not recommended if you have tight time constraints or heavy luggage
• No buses run late at night; taxis are the only option after 21:00

Short and long-term parking is available directly in front of the terminal.

Type	Rate	Location
Short-term	THB 50/hour	Terminal front
Daily	THB 150/day	Outdoor lot
Weekly	THB 100/day	Outdoor lot (pre-book)

Tips:

• First 15 minutes free for drop-off/pickup
• Payment by cash only at exit booths
• Covered parking available closer to terminal at higher rates

Phuket Airport has improved its dining options significantly since the 2016 expansion, though prices are typically 30-50% higher than in town.

Departures (Airside)

• Magic Food Court: Multiple Thai food stalls, best value airside, pad thai, curries, noodle soups (THB 150-250)
• The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck: International cuisine, burgers, pasta (THB 400-800)
• Dairy Queen: Fast food, ice cream
• Coffee World: Thai coffee chain, espresso drinks

Arrivals and Landside

• Chester's Grill: Thai fast-food chain, fried chicken, burgers
• Amazon Cafe: Popular Thai coffee chain, affordable drinks
• MK Restaurant: Thai suki (hot pot) and noodles
• Subway: Sandwiches

Tips

• Best value: Magic Food Court in departures offers the most authentic Thai food at reasonable airport prices
• Vegetarian options: Most Thai restaurants can prepare vegetarian dishes; look for "jay" (เจ) symbol
• Water: 7-Eleven in arrivals sells water at normal prices (THB 10-15) vs. THB 50+ airside

Free WiFi is available throughout Phuket Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	PhuketAirportFreeWiFi
Registration	Phone number required (Thai or international)
Time limit	2 hours, can reconnect
Speed	Moderate, suitable for browsing and messaging

Alternatives:

• Lounges offer faster, unlimited WiFi
• Purchase a local SIM for reliable connectivity
• Many cafes and restaurants have their own WiFi

Getting a Thai SIM card at the airport is easy and affordable. All major carriers have counters in the arrivals hall immediately after customs.

Airport Locations

• AIS (arrivals hall): Thailand's largest network, best coverage
• DTAC (arrivals hall): Good coverage, competitive prices
• TrueMove H (arrivals hall): Strong data packages, popular with tourists

Tourist SIM Packages

Provider	Package	Price	Data	Validity
AIS	Traveller SIM	THB 299 (USD 9)	15 GB	8 days
AIS	Traveller SIM	THB 599 (USD 18)	30 GB	15 days
DTAC	Happy Tourist	THB 299 (USD 9)	15 GB	8 days
DTAC	Happy Tourist	THB 599 (USD 18)	30 GB	15 days
TrueMove H	Tourist SIM	THB 299 (USD 9)	15 GB	8 days
TrueMove H	Tourist SIM	THB 599 (USD 18)	30 GB	15 days

Tips

• Passport required: Bring your passport for SIM registration (Thai law)
• Staff assistance: Counter staff will install the SIM and set up your phone
• Coverage: AIS has slightly better coverage on remote islands; all three are reliable in Phuket
• Top-up: Add credit via 7-Eleven stores or the carrier's app
• Recommendation: AIS or DTAC offer the best overall value and coverage

ATMs are located throughout the airport in arrivals, departures, and landside areas. All major Thai banks are represented.

Currency

• Thailand: Thai Baht (THB)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 33-35 THB, 1 EUR = 36-38 THB

ATM Tips

• Withdrawal fees: Thai ATMs charge THB 220 (USD 6-7) per withdrawal for foreign cards
• Recommended amounts: Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees (THB 10,000-20,000)
• Decline conversion: When prompted, always choose to be charged in THB, not your home currency
• Bank networks: Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, SCB, Krungthai Bank all available

Currency Exchange

Exchange counters are located in arrivals and departures. However, airport rates are unfavorable.

Method	Rate Quality	Notes
Airport exchange	Poor	3-5% worse than city
ATM withdrawal	Moderate	THB 220 fee, but better rate
City exchange (Patong, Phuket Town)	Best	SuperRich and other money changers

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw Thai Baht from ATMs using a no-foreign-fee debit card
• Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs, then find better rates in town
• Wise or Revolut cards offer good exchange rates without ATM fees (check withdrawal limits)

Cash usage: Thailand is still heavily cash-based outside major hotels. Carry cash for taxis, street food, small shops, and markets.

Phuket Airport offers duty-free shopping in the international departures area, plus various shops throughout both terminals.

Duty-Free (International Departures)

• King Power Duty Free: Main operator, alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics, perfumes
• Thai specialty items: Jim Thompson silk, dried fruits, Thai snacks
• Electronics: Limited selection, prices not competitive

General Shopping

• Boots: Pharmacy and cosmetics
• 7-Eleven: Snacks, drinks, travel essentials (available landside and airside)
• Naraya: Popular Thai fabric bags and accessories
• Thai souvenir shops: Handicrafts, clothing, gifts

Tips

• Duty-free limits: 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes per person
• Better shopping: Phuket Town weekend market and Patong have much better prices and selection
• Last-minute gifts: Thai snacks (dried mango, coconut chips, Tom Yum instant noodles) make good souvenirs

Phuket Airport has limited lounge options compared to major hubs, but several are available for passengers seeking comfort.

Priority Pass Lounges

Coral Lounge (International Departures):

• Location: After passport control, near Gate 6
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, paid entry (THB 1,000 / USD 30)
• Hours: 06:00-23:00
• Amenities: Hot food buffet (Thai and international), bar, showers, WiFi
• Quality: Decent food, can be crowded during peak hours

Coral Lounge (Domestic Departures):

• Location: Near domestic Gate 4
• Access: Priority Pass, paid entry
• Hours: 05:00-22:00
• Amenities: Similar to international lounge, slightly smaller

Airline Lounges

Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge (Domestic):

• Location: Domestic departures
• Access: Thai Airways Business Class, Royal Orchid Plus Gold/Platinum
• Hours: 06:00-21:00
• Amenities: Basic Thai food, drinks, newspapers

Bangkok Airways Boutique Lounge:

• Location: Domestic departures
• Access: Bangkok Airways passengers (all classes)
• Quality: Small but comfortable, light snacks and drinks

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum: Access via Priority Pass
• Visa Infinite/Signature: May have LoungeKey access (check your card benefits)
• Dragon Pass: Accepted at Coral Lounge

Day Pass

Coral Lounge offers walk-in day passes for THB 1,000-1,200 (USD 30-36), bookable at the lounge entrance.

Several hotels are located near the airport for early departures or late arrivals.

Near the Airport

Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa

• 10 minutes from airport
• Resort-style accommodation, pool villas
• From THB 4,000/night (USD 120)
• Good for early flights with beach access

Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central

• Note: In Patong (50+ min from airport)
• Budget-friendly international chain
• From THB 2,000/night (USD 60)

Phuket Airport Hotel

• 5 minutes from terminal
• Basic but convenient
• From THB 1,200/night (USD 36)
• Free airport shuttle

NAI YANG Beach Resort

• 10 minutes from airport
• On Nai Yang Beach (closest beach to airport)
• From THB 2,500/night (USD 75)
• Good layover option with beach access

Sleep Zones

The airport does not have dedicated sleeping pods or transit hotels inside the terminal. For overnight layovers, booking a nearby hotel is recommended.

Overnight in terminal:

• Not officially encouraged but tolerated
• Seating is limited and uncomfortable
• 24-hour cafes available in departures
• Security is present throughout the night

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and a world-renowned beach destination. The west coast features the famous beaches, while the east coast is more local and traditional.

Getting to Key Areas

Destination	Travel Time	Distance	Best For
Patong Beach	50-75 min	50 km	Nightlife, shopping, beach
Kata Beach	60-80 min	55 km	Surfing, families
Karon Beach	65-85 min	53 km	Long beach, quieter than Patong
Phuket Town	45-60 min	32 km	Culture, food, Old Town
Bang Tao/Laguna	20-30 min	18 km	Luxury resorts
Mai Khao Beach	10 min	5 km	Quiet, near airport

Top Attractions

Patong Beach

• Phuket's busiest beach and main tourist hub
• Bangla Road nightlife (bars, clubs, shows)
• Shopping at Jungceylon Mall
• Water sports and beach activities

Phi Phi Islands

• Stunning limestone karst islands
• Full-day boat trips from Phuket (1.5-2 hour ferry)
• Maya Bay (famous from "The Beach" movie)
• Snorkeling and diving

Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island)

• Iconic karst formations rising from emerald waters
• Featured in "The Man with the Golden Gun"
• Full-day tours available (THB 1,500-3,000)
• Includes sea caves and floating villages

Phuket Old Town

• Sino-Portuguese architecture and colorful streets
• Best street food on the island
• Sunday Walking Street market (16:00-22:00)
• Temples and shrines

Big Buddha

• 45-meter marble Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hills
• Panoramic views of the island
• Free entry (donations welcome)
• Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees)

Thai Cuisine to Try

Dish	Description	Where to Find
Pad Thai	Stir-fried rice noodles	Everywhere, try night markets
Tom Yum Goong	Spicy-sour shrimp soup	Restaurants, Phuket Town
Green Curry	Coconut curry with Thai basil	Restaurants throughout
Massaman Curry	Rich, mild curry with peanuts	Muslim restaurants in south
Fresh Seafood	Grilled fish, prawns, crab	Rawai seafood market
Roti	Indian-influenced flatbread	Night markets, Patong
Mango Sticky Rice	Sweet coconut dessert	Street vendors, markets

Travel Tips

• High season: November-April (dry, prices higher, book ahead)
• Low season: May-October (monsoon, some beaches unsafe for swimming, 30-50% hotel discounts)
• Motorbike rental: Common but risky; international driving permit required and accidents are common
• Scooter insurance: Most rental insurance does not cover motorbikes; check your travel insurance
• Tuk-tuks: Negotiate prices before boarding; they are more expensive than taxis for longer distances
• Respect: Dress modestly at temples; remove shoes before entering

Day Trips from Phuket

• Phi Phi Islands: Full-day ferry or speedboat (THB 1,000-2,500)
• Similan Islands: World-class diving (day trip or liveaboard, November-April only)
• Phang Nga Bay/James Bond Island: Full-day tour (THB 1,500-3,000)
• Krabi/Railay Beach: Ferry from Phuket Rassada Pier (2 hours)
• Koh Lanta: Ferry via Krabi (3-4 hours total)

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Not enough time to leave the airport area; enjoy Mai Khao Beach nearby
• 8-hour layover: Visit Phuket Old Town for street food and architecture, or relax at Nai Yang Beach
• 12+ hour layover: Visit Patong Beach, explore Old Town, or take a quick boat trip