Ruth Haines
Phuket International Airport is Thailand's third-busiest airport, serving as a gateway to the country's largest island. The airport underwent a significant expansion in 2016, increasing its capacity to 20 million passengers per year. When arriving at the airport, passengers are first guided to immigration, which can often be busy, so it is recommended to fill out your arrival card in advance. After passing through immigration, passengers enter the terminal and baggage claim area, where they can also find shops, banks, and ATMs. For transportation, the airport offers bus, minibus, taxi, and limousine services to various destinations across the island, including popular tourist towns and beaches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Mai Khao Beach, Phuket’s west coast |
| Elevation | 82 feet above sea level |
| Distance from Phuket City | 20 miles |
| Distance from Patong | 24 miles |
| Runway orientation | East to west |
| Number of terminals | 2 or 3 |
| Annual passenger capacity | 12.5 million to 20 million |
| Airlines | Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Air China, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, and more |
| Arrival procedure | Filling out arrival card before reaching the counter is recommended |
| Transportation options | Airport limousines, taxis, buses, minibuses, rental cars, vans, hotel shuttles |
| Hotels near the airport | Sugar Marina – AVIATOR Phuket Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Immigration and customs
Phuket Airport is fairly small, and the immigration procedures are usually fast. However, there can be long queues at times, especially when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.
To avoid the queues, you can opt for a fast-track service, which costs 1,300 baht per adult for arrival and 14,000 baht per adult for departure. With this service, an assistant will meet you at the air bridge and guide you through the immigration process, using a dedicated lane. They will also assist with your luggage and customs clearance.
If you are not using the fast-track service, make sure you complete the landing card before joining the queue at the immigration desks. The luggage collection area is right after immigration, and your bags should be there quickly.
On departure, you will need to queue outside for security screening of your checked luggage, join the check-in queue, go through immigration, and then have your hand luggage screened before entering the departure lounge.
If you plan to eat before your flight, it is best to do so before passing through immigration, as the options beyond that point are limited to light snacks, tea, coffee, and beer.
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Transport to and from the airport
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is located on Mai Khao Beach, 20 miles from Phuket City and 24 miles from Patong. The airport features two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights, housed in separate buildings.
There are several transport options available to and from Phuket International Airport.
Bus
The Smart Bus travels from the airport down the west coast of the island as far south as Rawai Beach, stopping at all the major tourist towns like Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata Beaches. It leaves the airport every hour from 6 am to 9 pm and costs 170 THB. The Orange Bus travels to Phuket Town between 6 am and 7:30 pm, costing 100 THB, and the trip takes about an hour and a half. The bus stop is located at the end of the domestic terminal.
The public bus is a good option for those who don't want to drive, with stops throughout the city and buses leaving every hour. The schedule is clear, but it is important to allow time for travel as the queue will only be available for a few hours as scheduled.
Minibus
Air-conditioned minibuses are available from counters inside the domestic terminal and cost 200 THB. However, the ride may be long if your accommodation is at the end of the line as these buses can hold up to ten passengers.
Private Taxi
Private taxis are available outside the terminals and can be booked in advance. Ensure the taxi turns on the meter, but this doesn't seem to be a problem in Phuket. There is a 100 Baht surcharge for the airport.
Limousine
Airport limousines are available at counters outside the baggage claim in the international terminal. These cars offer a personalised experience, with the driver tending to your bags and dropping you at your doorstep. They charge by the distance travelled, with prices ranging from 500 to 6,000 THB depending on your destination.
Car Rental
For those who want to maintain privacy, speed, and safety, car rental services are available on the first floor of the airport.
Hotel Shuttle
Some hotels, like the Sugar Marina – AVIATOR Phuket Airport, offer a shuttle service to and from the airport.
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Food, cash, and SIM cards
Phuket Airport (HKT) is an international airport located about 20 miles (32 km) from the centre of Phuket City. The airport has two terminals: terminal 1 for international flights and terminal 2 for domestic flights.
There are various facilities available at the airport, including banks, ATMs, currency exchange services, car rental services, and sleeping pods. The official currency in Phuket is the Thai Baht (THB). You can find currency exchange services and ATMs at the airport to obtain local currency.
For food options, while there isn't specific information on restaurants or cafes within the airport, it is likely that there will be some available, as it is an international airport.
If you need a local SIM card, you can purchase one at the airport. There are multiple SIM card providers available, such as AIS, with outlets located in the arrival halls of both terminals. According to a 2018 Tripadvisor forum, there is a SIM card shop right after you exit customs, where you can choose a plan, provide your passport, and get your SIM card set up. Additionally, there is a 7/11 store in the airport where you can buy SIM cards from different providers.
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Luggage storage
If you are looking for a more temporary solution, there are a few options for transportation to and from the airport that can accommodate your luggage. Airport limousines, for example, are readily available outside the baggage claim and offer a personalised experience, with drivers tending to your bags and unloading them for you upon arrival. These limousines charge by distance travelled, with prices ranging from 500 to 6,000 THB.
Additionally, airport buses are a good option if you don't have a lot of luggage. The schedule is clear and convenient, with buses leaving every hour from stops throughout the city. The airport shuttle service is another alternative, providing transportation to and from the airport and various destinations in Phuket.
Lastly, if you prefer more privacy, speed, and safety, car rental services are available on the first floor of the airport. You can book these in advance through the Sawasdee by AOT Application and enjoy special prices and privileges from various car rental brands.
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Hotels near the airport
There are several hotels near Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is located 2.1 miles from Sa Khu city centre.
The Kim Lung Airport Hotel is a 3-star hotel located in Patong Beach, 1.2 miles from Nai Yang Beach and 2.2 miles from Blue Canyon Country Club. David Residence is located in Nai Yang Beach, 1.4 miles from the beach itself and offers free bikes, free private parking, a garden and a restaurant. Khao Oat Airport is also located in Nai Yang Beach, 1.4 miles from the beach, 1.7 miles from Sai Kaew Beach, and 1.9 miles from Blue Canyon Country Club. Hop On Phuket is 1.2 miles from Nai Yang Beach and 1.9 miles from Blue Canyon Country Club, with clean and spacious rooms.
Louis' Runway View Hotel is located in Nai Yang Beach, within 1.2 miles of the beach and 2.2 miles of Blue Canyon Country Club. It offers a terrace and free WiFi. DOS'S HOUSE is also located in Nai Yang Beach, 1.7 miles from the beach and 1.9 miles from Sai Kaew Beach. It offers a terrace, free private parking, and free WiFi. The Nai Yang Residence is located 1.2 miles from Nai Yang Beach and 1.6 miles from Sai Kaew Beach, with access to a terrace and free private parking.
The Airhub Hostel Phuket Airport is located in Ban Bo Han, 1.2 miles from Nai Yang Beach, and offers free WiFi and free private parking. De Piraya Residence is a 4-star condo hotel located in Ban Bo Sai Klang, offering garden views, a terrace, and a shared lounge. Phuket Airport Place is located in Nai Yang Beach, 1.7 miles from the beach and 2.3 miles from Blue Canyon Country Club. It is perfect for a quick stopover after a late-night flight. Coriacea Boutique Resort is a peaceful beachfront property on Mai Khao Beach, offering an outdoor pool and free WiFi access.
The Sugar Marina – AVIATOR Phuket Airport Hotel is located near the airport and offers stylish and comfortable rooms, a large swimming pool, and a modern fitness room. The hotel also houses the Midway Café, a casual restaurant and bar serving Thai and international food and beverages all day.
The Sixteenth Hotel in Phuket is a comfortable and well-appointed hotel located near the airport, ideal for those transiting to or from Phuket.
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Frequently asked questions
Travellers are recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their flight's departure time. This is to account for the time-consuming procedures involved, such as checking in and dropping off luggage.
Phuket International Airport features three terminals—one for international flights, one for domestic flights, and one for charter flights. The airport provides lounges, food, shops, and services such as currency exchange, banks, and ATMs. Additionally, there are car rental services, airport limousines, and various bus routes available for transportation to and from the airport.
There are several transportation options available from Phuket International Airport. These include airport limousines, private taxis, and public buses. The Smart Bus travels down the west coast of the island, covering major tourist towns like Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata Beaches. The Orange Bus connects the airport to Phuket Town, while the minibus offers an air-conditioned shared ride option.
