Phuket Airport Guide | Arrivals, Food, Hotels & Transportation to Town

Phuket Airport (HKT) is the hub of air travel in Phuket, Thailand, receiving both international and domestic flights. It serves as the gateway to everything that this tropical island paradise has to offer, from the beautiful white sand beaches like Kata Beach and Karon Beach, to the legendary nightlife on Bangla Road. As you will likely be arriving and departing from Phuket International Airport when visiting Phuket, it can help to know what to expect. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know to ensure a smooth journey through the airport.

Phuket International Airport overview

Phuket International Airport is located on the northern end of the island, at an elevation of 82 feet above sea level. It is 20 miles away from Phuket City and 24 miles from Patong, which translates into about a 50-minute drive by car to both. The single runway is oriented east to west, offering unique views of the landscape and the Andaman Sea during takeoff and landing.

Terminals

There are three terminals at Phuket International Airport – a domestic terminal, an international terminal, and a smaller terminal used for charter flights. It plays an essential role in encouraging and facilitating tourism to Phuket. The airport underwent a massive renovation in 2016, which saw the construction of the new international terminal and increased its capacity from 6.5 million to 20 million passengers a year.

Airlines

Phuket Airport serves as a hub for Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Thai Airways. Other major airlines serving the airport are Air China, Bangkok Airways, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Hainan Airlines, and Korean Air. Its busiest international routes are between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Chengdu, Dubai, Moscow, Doha, and Chongqing. Most domestic flights arrive from and depart to Bangkok. Numerous seasonal charters operate out of the airport as well.

Traffic

Phuket International Airport is the third busiest airport in Thailand in terms of passenger and freight traffic. It receives around 17 million arrivals and departures a year, a number that has been rising quickly over the past decade and that was bolstered by the 2016 expansion. More than 100,000 flights touch down on the runway annually.

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Arrival at Phuket Airport

Your first step when arriving at Phuket International Airport is to go through immigration. The airport does have a reputation for long and slow lines, so it is important to be patient and make sure you use the restroom before getting into the queue! You can help things move along more quickly by having your arrival card filled out prior to reaching the counter. There is no rush, as the baggage often takes a while to arrive as well. You will find the baggage carousels right after completing immigration.

If you aren’t heading to a hotel as soon as you arrive and you need a place to store your luggage, then you can drop it off at the international terminal near the police counter for a small fee of about 100 baht a day. (During COVID-19 travel restrictions, passengers should check with airlines and immigration officials for updates about traveling to Phuket.)

Changing money

If you want to exchange money when you arrive at Phuket International Airport, you will find several currency exchanges in the arrival hall. An exchange is also available in the departures hall when you leave. Note that the currency exchanges can get very busy when flights land. If you are in a hurry, you can use one of the many ATMs available, but be aware of any applicable fees and withdrawal limits and make sure you’ve alerted your bank ahead of time that you are traveling. Also note that you likely aren’t going to get the best exchange rates at the airport. If you need cash right away, it’s a good idea to withdraw only enough to get to your destination and find a local money exchanger when you arrive.

Phuket Airport dining

There are several dining options throughout Phuket Airport, in the arrival and departure sections of both terminals. You’ll find a food court in the domestic terminal serving a wide variety of filling and tasty dishes for just 60 to 120 baht. It’s worth making the short walk over even after landing on the international side if you are hungry.

Yellow Orchid Restaurant, the only sit-down restaurant in the airport, can be found on the third floor of the domestic terminal. It’s a great place to have your first taste of authentic Thai cuisine when you land or your last taste before departing. The dining experience is complete with lovely decor and excellent views out over the runway and the sea.

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Phuket Airport transportation options

There are many different options for getting from Phuket International Airport to every major tourist destination on the island. What you choose should depend on your budget, your comfort preferences, and your travel plans. It is generally not necessary to book a hotel transfer ahead of time, as the other transportation options are just as convenient and typically much more affordable.

Metered taxi

Metered taxis are available outside both the domestic and international terminals, and fares are displayed on the taxi counter. There is a 100 baht surcharge for taking a taxi from the airport. The cost of a taxi ride to Phuket City is usually around 600 to 900 baht, while the cost of a ride to Patong is around 750 to 1,000 baht. Be aware that taxis tend to be on the smaller side and often cannot accommodate large luggage. You will have to consider a different option if you have a lot of baggage.

Limousine

Travel in style by booking an airport limousine (typically a larger sedan) from the limousine counters just after the baggage claim. This is the most comfortable and convenient transportation choice from the airport, and therefore the priciest. However, the prices are very fair, and many travelers appreciate the comfortable ride when going further distances. You’ll show up at your hotel refreshed and ready to tackle your vacation. Considering the taxi surcharge, it doesn’t cost that much more to take a limousine.

Minibus

The airport minibus is a top choice for travelers looking for a more affordable option. You’ll find minibus counters in the arrival hall where you can book your spot on one of the buses. A minibus will take you directly to your hotel as well, making it a highly convenient option. However, traveling by minibus does take a bit longer than by taxi or airport limousine as the operators will wait for the bus to be full before departing. The bus will also be making frequent stops to drop off other passengers.

Phuket Smart Bus

The Phuket Smart Bus is the most affordable way of getting from Phuket Airport to a number of major beach destinations. It heads down the west coast and goes all the way to Rawai Beach, passing through Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach on the way. The Phuket Smart Bus departs hourly from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. It is a slower journey than the other options because of all the stops, but you’ll save considerable money. Keep in mind that you will have to walk from the bus to your hotel, so it’s best to book a place close to where you will be dropped off.

Car rental

If you prefer to drive yourself around during your vacation, then you can find several car rental counters on the ground floor of the international terminal. A rental car will give you the freedom to explore Phuket at your leisure, and will ultimately be cheaper than traveling around by taxi. The rental companies at Phuket Airport include Avis, Alamo, Europcar, and Hertz. You’ll find even more companies just outside the airport. You will need a valid international driver’s license to rent a car in Phuket.

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Phuket Airport departures

Like at most airports, it is recommended that you arrive at least three hours before an international flight and one to one-and-a-half hours before a domestic flight. Your airline will likely provide you with more specific detail and times, if necessary. Make sure you also take into account the time of day and the traffic. Getting to the airport from Phuket City or Patong can take longer than an hour, depending on congestion. The small and compact size of Phuket Airport makes it fairly easy to navigate when you arrive, and you shouldn’t have much trouble finding your departure gate.

Duty-free shopping

The small size of Phuket Airport also means that there isn’t very much shopping available. However, there are some duty-free shops in the departure hall where you can find typical goods like alcohol, cigarettes, and perfume. You’ll also find electronics, local foods, and small trinkets and souvenirs to bring back home for friends and family. The departure hall is open-concept and easy to navigate, just make sure you listen for any flight announcements as you look around.

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Recommended hotels near Phuket Airport

If you need to stay near the airport on the day you arrive or the night before you depart, then there are several fantastic options to choose from, all within walking distance of the terminals. Take a breather after a long journey or relax before you take off at one of the following five properties.

Marina Express-AVIATOR-Phuket Airport

Located in a lively commercial area less than a mile away from the airport, Marina Express-AVIATOR-Phuket Airport offers everything you need. Rooms come with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, aviation-themed decor, and private outdoor space. The hotel also has a fitness center and an outdoor pool, as well as a pool for kids. Many room bookings include breakfast, letting you fill up before you jet off.

Himaphan Boutique Resort

Himaphan Boutique Resort offers a serene location surrounded by tropical greenery, all within easy distance from the airport. Rooms have lovely views over the garden and come with flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private patios. There is a great outdoor pool for guests to cool off in and a restaurant on-site as well. Breakfast is offered for a small extra cost.

Dos’s House

If a short distance to the airport is your main priority, it doesn’t get much closer than Dos’s House. Located right across the street from the domestic terminal, this property offers 18 modern and well-appointed rooms to choose from. WiFi and parking are both included for free, and there is a 24-hour front desk to look after all of your needs. Children are also welcome at this hotel.

BS Airport at Phuket

BS Airport at Phuket offers relaxed lodgings and ample conveniences. Choose from 25 tastefully furnished rooms that come with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a minifridge, and tea and coffee makers. There is also a convenience store and an informal restaurant on-site, and guests are welcome to take out loaner bikes. A complimentary airport shuttle will have you at the terminal in no time after you check out.

My Place Phuket Airport Mansion

A relaxed, 10-room hotel just minutes from the airport, My Place Phuket Airport Mansion offers a hassle-free stay for any traveler. Enjoy convenient amenities like free WiFi, express check-in and check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms come with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs, and there is a restaurant on the property. The hotel also offers a car park if you have a rental car, and children are welcome as well.

Top attractions near Phuket Airport

Have some extra time before your flight or want to head out and see Phuket as soon as you arrive? Phuket International Airport is located close to several excellent attractions that are worth adding to your itinerary. Best of all, they are just a short and affordable taxi ride away. Here are some top places to check out.

Sirinat National Park

Sirinat National Park is a small, 26-square-mile coastal park right beside Phuket International Airport. It is a beautiful place to come and stretch your legs with a brisk walk beside the ocean or through the tropical forests. There are several beaches inside the park where you can go for a swim or to just enjoy the views out over the water. Highly commercialized, the park has plenty of facilities, restaurants, and resorts.

Nai Yang Beach

One of the beaches inside Sirinat National Park and just five minutes from the airport, Nai Yang Beach is a great place to relax. It is a popular spot among locals and a fantastic introduction to Phuket beach life. There are plenty of shady spots and picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal from one of the many food vendors that line the beach. On the north end of the beach, there is even a beautiful reef. While there aren’t many beach activities here, the main attraction of Nai Yang Beach is that it is not overly crowded, and it is a wonderful place to take a walk and listen to the waves.

Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao Beach is also located inside Sirinat National Park, though it is further north and takes around 16 minutes to reach from the airport by car. This is actually the single longest expanse of sand in Phuket, stretching out in a straight line for almost seven miles. It is often known as “Airport Beach,” not only due to its proximity to the airport but to the planes that swoop incredibly low overhead on their way to land. The southern end of the beach offers the best plane-viewing.

Splash Jungle Waterpark

Located directly north of the airport, Splash Jungle Water Park is just a 12-minute drive from the terminals. It’s a great place for families, with rides and attractions for people of all ages. You can splash around in the wave pool, float down the lazy river that circles the park, or experience an adrenaline rush on one of the giant slides. There is also a kids’ area with smaller slides and fun games for the little ones. When you’ve had your fun and fill of thrills, you can grab lunch at one of the restaurants or have a drink at the pool bar.

Soi Dog Foundation

Soi Dog Foundation is a unique organization just a few minutes past Splash Jungle Water Park. The mission of the foundation is to help improve the welfare of stray dogs and cats in Thailand. They provide care to animals in need and run a sterilization program to help control the stray animal population in a sustainable and humane way. Visitors are welcome to come and take a free guided tour. Tours are offered at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, as well as at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

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