Good to know about Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport (HKT) serves as the gateway to Thailand’s largest island, located on Mai Khao Beach along Phuket’s west coast. The airport features two terminals, one for international and one for domestic flights, housed in separate buildings. The international terminal, operational since a significant expansion, resolved previous congestion issues, including parking and overcrowding.
Immigration queues can be unpredictable, so patience is essential, especially as luggage delivery often lags. ATMs and currency exchange counters are conveniently located post-customs. To catch a flight from Phuket, travellers should allow extra time for traffic, particularly during peak hours, to ensure a smooth journey.
➡️ See our complete guide: Phuket Airport Transfers – Compare all transport options with current prices, booking links, and tips for getting to your hotel.
Arriving at Phuket International Airport
Everyone knows that the most stressful time for any traveller resides between leaving home and reaching your hotel room in Phuket. Everything in between is just a long list of things to worry about: taxi, luggage, lost passport, how far the gate is, why the queue is so long, etc. Of course, we can’t predict everything, but at least we can give you a few hints about Phuket International Airport.
Be ready to queue. Immigration is a lucky draw; the queue you are about to pick will always be the wrong one anyway. But think about this: even if the immigration queue goes faster than expected, your luggage hasn’t arrived! So take it easy; you’ll get through eventually. Hotel representatives are not allowed inside the Airport terminal, so if you booked a transfer with your hotel, go straight outside and find your name.
Fast Track
Transfers from Phuket Airport to your Hotel?
Did you book your transfer in advance? No problem! It may even be a good thing since hotel transfers are ridiculously expensive. So once you get your suitcase out of the carousel and clear both immigration and customs, you have a few options. Here are some estimated prices
| Transport | To Patong | To Kata/Karon | To Kamala |
| Airport Limo | 800 Baht | 1,000 Baht | 750 Baht |
| Taxi Meter | 700-800 Baht* | 800-900 Baht* | 700-800 Baht* |
| Grab | 900-1,250 Baht | 1,000-1,400 Baht | 850-1,100 Baht |
| Private Van | 700 Baht | 800 Baht | 700 Baht |
| Shared Minibus | 180 Baht/person | 200 Baht/person | 180 Baht/person |
| Smart Bus | 100 Baht | 100 Baht | 100 Baht |
*Taxi meter prices include 100 Baht airport surcharge. Grab prices vary by time of day and vehicle type.
*Taxi meter prices include a 100 Baht airport surcharge
Grab Taxi
UBER no longer exists in Thailand, but you can use Grab Taxi. They now pick you up at the airport’s domestic terminal. Any other company will pick you up outside the airport, which can be quoted as a walk if you have big suitcases (They only drop you off at the terminal on your departure day).
Private Airport Pickup
The best way is to get to your hotel in a comfortable van, especially if you are more than two people and have too much luggage. Some can take you to Patong Beach for only 700 baht (1 to 4 people) and Kata or Karon for 800 baht (1 to 4 people)
Airport Limousine
Airport Limousines are a comfortable and more luxurious way to reach your hotels and are not as expensive as you may think. Several counters are located right outside the baggage claims. Staff at counters appear a bit pushy, but it’s because of competition: if they don’t convince you, the next counter will (or might). It costs a bit more than a taxi meter, but it’s hassle-free as prices are displayed (Patong 800 baht, Kata Karon 1,000, Phuket Town 650 baht, Kamala 750 baht. You get a nice Camry, and it is cheaper than hotel transfers.
Taxi Meter
Taxi meters are outside the Terminals and are available all day until late. As usual, ensure the taxi turns on the meter, but this doesn’t seem to be a problem in Phuket. Please be informed that there is a 100 Baht surcharge for the airport. Readers shared that Patong by taxi meter costs 600 + 100 baht airport tax at the airport, while it would cost 800 by limo. For the anecdote, taxis used to stop at their office on the way to your hotel, and a travel agent would come to the car, trying to convince you to change hotels for all kinds of silly reasons, the real one being their commission, of course. It doesn’t seem to happen often anymore, but firmly refuse and ask to continue to your hotel if it does.
The Smart Bus
Seriously? Phuket International Airport is on Mai Khao Beach, 30 to 40 km from your hotel, and you just done a few thousand miles, and you are carrying big suitcases! The Smart bus is cheap and stops at every beach, but it is also very slow. So it might be better to keep the Smart Bus going from beach to beach once you settle down and have plenty of time. Also, the bus will drop you in the middle of the beach, and you still have to take your heavy suitcase to your hotel. If you want to know more, read about Phuket Smart Bus.
Where to catch the Smart Bus at Phuket Airport
Important note: shared minivans are only available at the domestic terminal (just next to the international terminal)
Probably the best option if you are on a budget. Shared Minibuses can usually carry up to 10 people and cost around 180 to 200 baht per person to reach the popular destinations of Patong, Kata and Karon Beaches. However, filling up the minivan might take a bit of time, and if you are unlucky, you will be the last to be dropped off.
Car Rental at Phuket International Airport
They are easily found just outside the domestic terminal gate or on the ground floor of the international terminal. When you arrive at the domestic airport, walk outside, and you will spot the logos from far away. Take an internationally known brand, and make sure you have your international license; later, I’ll tell you how fun it is to drive in Phuket! Rates for a Honda Jazz or Honda City start at 1,000 baht/day with insurance. You can rent a GPS for 100 Baht/day. Read more about Car Rental in Phuket.
Read more about airport transfers.
Changing Money at Phuket Airport
Several ATMs are past customs, all from public banks and safe to use, and the exchange rate is reasonable. – Once you pick up your luggage, there is STILL one duty-free shop! Your last chance to pick a bottle of something. Read more about changing money in Phuket.
Leaving Phuket
There are two terminals located next to each other. There is not much excitement here inside the airport, especially since you are leaving. Proceeding to the check-in counters is simple, but time varies, like anywhere else. Once you pass immigration and move inside the international lounge, you’ll find more restaurants and the unavoidable collection of duty-free shops for perfumes, alcohol and cigarettes. However, you can still find a few exciting deals.
How early should I arrive at Phuket Airport?
Theoretically, you should be there 2 hours before an international flight and 1 hour before a flight for a domestic trip. Lately, traffic has become an additional factor, and it can easily add a good 30 minutes! Avoid the stress and leave your hotel as early as 30 minutes to 1 extra hour if it’s at rush hour, 5 pm. (that makes 2.30 to 3 hours for international and 1.30 to 2 hours for domestic)
If you plan to leave your car for a domestic flight somewhere, it costs 200 baht per day and finding a parking spot can be stressful at certain hours, so allow extra time. Keep in mind that traffic is unpredictable at the end of the afternoon, so consider at least one hour drive between your hotel and the airport.
WHERE TO SHOP FOR SOUVENIRS
Khun Mae Ju
Khun Mae Ju (sometimes written as Khun Mae Chu) is a convenient last stop on the road to Phuket International Airport (just 10 km), with on-site parking that supports quick visits before departure. The shop specialises in Phuket-made snacks and cooking ingredients, presented in gift-ready packaging at reasonable prices compared with similar tourist outlets.
Location: 10 km to Phuket Airport
Address: 159 21 Moo 5 Thep Krasattri Rd, Thep Krasatti, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Hours: 7.30 am – 7 pm
Phone: 076621226
WHERE TO STAY NEAR PHUKET AIRPORT?
Dewa Phuket 
Dewa Phuket Resort and Villas, is an upscale hotel situated near the serene Nai Yang Beach, just a short drive away from Phuket International Airport on the western coast of Phuket Island. With its tranquil setting, the hotel provides a calm and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect option for travellers in search of a peaceful escape, as opposed to the frantic beaches of Patong or Kata. Nai Yang is an unexpectedly quiet area with great beachfront restaurants, local markets, a Thai temple, and an exquisite beach, all within a short stroll from Dewa Phuket. Read more
Address: 65 Moo 1 Sakoo Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 076 372 300
More hotels near Phuket Airport
Where to eat near the airport?
Natural Restaurant Airport
The Natural Restaurant Airport, located 2.4 km from Phuket International Airport, is a great spot for Thai cuisine in a pleasant setting. Whether you need a meal before your flight or are in the area for any other reason, this restaurant is an ideal choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Read more
Address: 3/10 Moo 1, Baan Nai Yang, Sakhu, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Distance to the airport: 2.4 km
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 10 PM
Phone: 076 606 614
Lertrod Kitchen is just next to Phuket International Airport, tucked between two shops on the main road, almost impossible to find from the outside. Being so close to the airport, this modest place is perfect for travellers wanting authentic Southern Thai food before departure. Lertrod Kitchen (ครัวเลิศรส) is a great example of how great local food can be found in the most unexpected places.
Distance to the airport: 600 m
Location: Mai Khao Beach – next to Phuket Airport
Address: 17, 1 Soi 7, Sakhu, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: 090 323 2321
Price: very affordable
More restaurants near the airport
Do I need a Visa for Phuket?
Use this link to check if your country requires a visa on arrival (and how to get one online)
Distances from Phuket Airport to Beaches:
| Destination | Distance in Km | Time (average) |
|---|---|---|
| Mai Khao Beach | 8 km | 18 mn |
| Bang Tao Beach | 21 km | 30 mn |
| Surin Beach | 23 km | 30 km |
| Kamala Beach | 28 km | 36 mn |
| Phuket Town | 33 km | 40 mn |
| Patong Beach | 38 km | 53 mn |
| Chalong | 40 km | 50 mn |
| Kata Beach | 48 km | 1 hour |
| Karon Beach | 43 km | 1 hour |
| Panwa | 44 km | 1 hour |
| Rawai | 48 km | 1 hour |
Phuket Airport Facts
| ⛱️ Airport location: | Maikhao Beach |
| 📍 Address: | Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110 |
| ✈️ Phuket Airport Code: | HKT |
| 📞 Phone: | +66 76 351 122 |
| 🕗 Open: | 24 hours |
| 🛫 Runway Length: | 3,000 m (9,843 ft) |
| 🧳 Passengers per Year: | 18,855,637 |
Airport Luggage Storage
If you don’t want to carry your luggage with you, you can leave it at the International terminal, near the Police counter. The price for one bag is 100 baht per day.
What to do near Phuket International Airport
Planes landing over the beach
Watching planes landing over Mai Khao beach in Phuket has become a top-rated attraction in recent years. It’s easy to reach, fun, and truly impressive, and with such a beautiful beach as a background, it is an excellent photo playground!
Naiyang Beach
Naiyang Beach is a hidden gem that is off the beaten path and lesser known to first-time visitors, but it’s a hit among returning travellers. It offers a peaceful atmosphere, much like other northern beaches in Phuket, as it is not located near the main roads. The beach is picturesque, shaded, and dotted with small bars and restaurants that add to its charm.
Splash Jungle
Splash Jungle Water Park is a great place for families with kids to spend a fun day. It’s located near Phuket International Airport on Mai Khao Beach and has activities for everyone, including swimming and eating. It’s not too big and can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it for a fun experience.
Phuket Airport Map
Phuket Airport Photos
More pages about Phuket International Airport
