Good to know about Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport (airport code: HKT) has two terminals: international and domestic terminals are in separate buildings. The International terminal has been up and running for a while. Extensions have been massive, and despite a difficult start and long queues at the opening, it solved many past issues such as parking and crowded areas. Phuket International Airport is located on Mai Khao Beach, on the west coast of Phuket Island.
Arriving at Phuket 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
How to get 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 got your suitcase out of the carousel and cleared both immigration and customs, you have five options.
Note: UBER no longer exists in Thailand, but you can use Grab Taxi. However, be aware that they cannot pick you up at the airport, only drop you off 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. 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 hotel 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 did a few thousand miles, and you are carrying big suitcases! The Smart bus is cheap and stops at every beach but 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
(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 mini-van might take a bit of time, and if you are unlucky, you will be the last to be dropped off.
Car Rental at Phuket Airport
Easy, they are 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 anyway. 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
Again, 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 flight for a domestic trip. But lately, traffic is 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 stay near the 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
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 Aiport
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
Practical information about Phuket
More pages about Phuket International Airport
Phuket Plane Spotting – Where to See Planes Landing in Phuket?
Thai Airways First Class – Flying 1st Class on A380