If you’re planning a trip to the stunning island of Phuket in Thailand, you’ll likely find yourself at the Phuket International Airport (HKT). This bustling airport is the second busiest in Thailand, after Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, and serves as the gateway to one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Phuket Airport, from its location to its terminals, airlines, check-in procedures, and much more.
Read also: How to Get from Bangkok to Phuket and Back: Plane, Bus & Train 2024
Where is Phuket International Airport Located?
Phuket International Airport is strategically situated on the northern end of the island, providing convenient access to the stunning beaches and vibrant towns that make Phuket a traveler’s paradise. Located at an elevation of 82 feet above sea level, the airport offers a unique perspective of the island’s beauty.
- Distance to Phuket City: The airport is approximately 20 miles away from Phuket Town, making it a convenient drive that takes around 50 minutes by car.
- Distance to Patong: If you’re heading to the famous Patong Beach, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s just 24 miles from the airport, which translates to a similar 50-minute drive.
Phuket Airport (HKT) Terminals
Phuket International Airport is equipped with three terminals, each serving a specific purpose:
- Domestic Terminal: This terminal caters to domestic flights, ensuring that travelers can easily connect to various parts of Thailand from Phuket.
- International Terminal: As the name suggests, this terminal handles international flights, making it the gateway for visitors from around the world to explore the wonders of Phuket.
- Charter Flight Terminal: A smaller terminal on-site is dedicated to charter flights, providing additional options for travelers seeking a more personalized experience.
In 2016, Phuket Airport underwent a significant renovation that included the construction of a new international terminal. This expansion substantially increased the airport’s capacity, allowing it to handle up to 20 million passengers annually, up from the previous 6.5 million.
How to Travel Between Terminals
Transferring between the domestic and international terminals at Phuket Airport is a breeze. Travelers have two options:
- Walking: If you prefer a leisurely stroll, you can walk between the terminals, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
- Shuttle Bus: For added convenience, a free shuttle bus runs frequently between the terminals, ensuring you can swiftly make your connection.
Airlines Operating at Phuket Airport
Phuket Airport serves as a hub for several airlines, facilitating seamless connections for travelers. These include:
- Bangkok Airways
- Thai AirAsia
- Thai Airways
In addition to these carriers, you’ll also find major international airlines like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Hainan Airlines, and Korean Air operating at the airport. Phuket Airport boasts busy international routes to destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Chengdu, Dubai, Moscow, Doha, and Chongqing. For domestic travelers, most flights are to and from Bangkok, ensuring easy access to the capital city.
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The Check-In Experience
To ensure a smooth check-in process at Phuket Airport, consider the following guidelines:
- Long-Haul Flights: If you’re embarking on a long-haul international flight from Phuket, plan to arrive at least three hours before your departure time.
- Regional Flights: For regional flights, allow at least two hours for check-in.
- Domestic Flights: Domestic flight check-in typically starts 90 minutes before departure.
- Traffic Considerations: Keep in mind that Phuket’s traffic can be unpredictable, especially during rush hours. It’s advisable to add an extra half-hour to an hour to your journey to account for potential delays.
Additionally, international travelers departing from Phuket Airport are required to pay an International Departure Tax of approximately 700 Thai Baht per person. Be prepared for this fee as you plan your departure.
Arrival at Phuket Airport
Upon your arrival at Phuket International Airport, your first stop will be immigration. It’s important to note that the airport is known for its sometimes lengthy immigration lines, so patience is key. To expedite the process, ensure that you have your arrival card filled out before reaching the counter.
Once you’ve cleared immigration, you’ll find baggage carousels nearby. Be prepared for potential delays in baggage retrieval, as it can sometimes take a while for your luggage to arrive. If you’re looking to store your luggage temporarily, a convenient option is available near the police counter at the international terminal. The cost for this service is approximately 100 baht per day.
Read also: Luggage Delivery in Phuket 2024: from Bangkok, Airport & More
Currency Exchange and Dining Options
For travelers in need of currency exchange, Phuket International Airport offers several options both in the arrival and departure halls. However, keep in mind that airport exchanges may not provide the most favorable rates. If you’re in a hurry, numerous ATMs are available, but be aware of potential fees and withdrawal limits. It’s wise to inform your bank of your travel plans in advance. Read More >>
Dining in Phuket Airport: Where to Eat?
When it comes to dining, Phuket Airport has you covered. You’ll find a diverse range of dining options in both the arrival and departure sections of both terminals. The domestic terminal features a food court offering a variety of delicious dishes at affordable prices, ranging from 60 to 120 baht. Even if you’ve landed on the international side and are hungry, consider making the short walk to enjoy these delectable options.
For a more relaxed dining experience, visit the Yellow Orchid Restaurant on the third floor of the domestic terminal. This sit-down restaurant offers an authentic taste of Thai cuisine while providing stunning views of the airport runway and the sea. It’s the perfect spot to savor your first or final meal on the island.
Getting to and from Phuket Airport
Now that you’ve arrived or are preparing to depart from Phuket Airport, let’s explore your options for getting to and from this bustling travel hub. There are several convenient choices, each catering to different budgets and preferences.
Airport Shuttle Bus/Smart Bus
- Duration: Varies (0-2 hours)
- Starting from: 50 THB with Rabbit Card, and 100 THB ($2.90) without
The airport shuttle service operated by Phuket Smart Bus provides a cost-effective option to reach the island’s west coast. Priced at a fixed fare from 50 to 170 THB with Phuket Rabbit Card or 100 THB with cash, this shuttle bus may take a bit longer due to multiple stops to drop off passengers. However, it’s an excellent choice if your destination is near one of its scheduled stops:
- Kamala Beach
- Patong Beach
- Karon Beach
- Kata Beach
- Rawai Beach (near Phuket’s southern tip)
Smart bus departures from the airport run from 09:00 to 21:00. Payment can be made in cash, preferably with exact change. Rabbit Card holders can also use this card for payment. Read More >>
The Phuket Smart Bus route covers:
- Phuket Airport – Thalang Public Health Office – Baan Khian – Boat Avenue Cherngtalay – Tesco Lotus Cherngtalay – Surin Beach – Phuket Fantasea – Big C Kamala – Bangla Police Box – Karon Circle – Kata – Sai Yuan – Rawai Beach
Phuket Airport Bus (Orange)
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Starting from: 125 THB ($3.50)
The orange airport bus is an economical choice for travelers heading to Phuket Town. Operating between the airport and Phuket Town’s old bus terminal, it costs 125 THB ($3.50) for a 1.5-hour ride. Payment is made onboard the bus. Read More >>
Airport bus departures from Phuket Airport are hourly from 08:30 to 20:30. If you’re heading to the airport, catch the bus from the Phuket Bus Terminal 1, with departures every hour from 06:00 until 18:00.
This option is popular among budget-conscious travelers, but it’s important to note that the bus primarily serves Phuket Town and may not reach many beach destinations.
Shared Minivan
- Duration: Varies (1-1.5 hours)
- Starting from: 200 THB ($5.50)
For those seeking a direct transfer to their accommodation without additional stops, shared minivans outside the arrival hall offer a convenient solution. Shared van fares are around 200 THB ($5.50) per person, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to taxis.
However, shared vans operate on a shared basis, so you may need to wait until the van fills up, and it can take extra time due to multiple stops at passengers’ hotels. Service counters for shared minivans are located both inside and outside the arrival hall at both Domestic and International terminals.
Taxi to/from Phuket Airport
- Duration: Varies (30-60 minutes)
- Starting from: 655 THB ($18.50)
If you prioritize speed and convenience, taxis are readily available just outside the Phuket Airport’s arrival area. A taxi counter provides metered taxi services, although some drivers may attempt to negotiate a flat rate. Ensure the meter is turned on before your journey begins. Read more about taxi >>
Here are some estimated taxi fares to popular destinations:
- Phuket Town: 30 minutes, 600 THB ($16.50)
- Patong Beach: 40 minutes, 650 THB ($18.00)
- Kata Beach/Karon Beach: 1 hour, 700 THB ($19.50)
Please note that these fares exclude an additional 100 THB ($2.80) airport surcharge fee. To ensure a hassle-free experience, consider booking a taxi online in advance via Klook, with fixed fares starting around 655 THB ($18.00) for a 3-person car. This option offers a fixed fare for all destinations across Phuket.
Note: Grab taxis are a convenient mode of travel within Phuket, but they are not allowed to pick up passengers at Phuket Airport.
Airport Transfers: WelcomePickups
For a hassle-free and pre-arranged airport transfer, consider using Welcome Pickups, a worldwide provider offering reliable transportation services. Read More >>
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or seeking a comfortable and convenient ride, Phuket Airport provides various options to meet your transportation needs. From the affordable shuttle bus to the speedy taxi service, you’ll find a mode of transportation that suits your preferences.
Conclusion: Phuket Airport
In conclusion, Phuket International Airport is not just a transit point; it’s the beginning and end of your journey to the enchanting island of Phuket. With its modern facilities, diverse dining options, and essential travel information, you’ll find that your airport experience sets the tone for your entire Phuket adventure. So, whether you’re arriving or departing, Phuket Airport is ready to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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