Phuket Airport

IATA code: HKT

ICAO code: VTSP

Number of passengers: ~ 18 million

So, you’re interested in going to Phuket? Ah yes, gorgeous beaches covered in white sand, palm trees, amazing food… And all the other exotic things you want to experience on your vacation. 

But how to get there, you wonder? Have no fear, dear reader. We’ve got you covered. The airport serves the Phuket Province and is located about 32 kilometers from the centre of Phuket City. In addition, it is located about 38 kilometers from the beautiful beach resort town known as Patong. 

In this airport guide, we will present you with all the useful and necessary information about HKT. After reading it you’ll know everything there is to know. Let’s start with some basic information about the airport.

First of all, Phuket International Airport is the third busiest airport in Thailand. Also, we should mention it is one of the best airports in all of Asia! It owes its popularity mainly to tourism because, as mentioned before, Phuket is gooorgeous. 

Furthermore, it has 3 terminals. Terminal 1 is for international travelers, terminal 2 is for domestic travelers and terminal X is for charter flights.

Now let’s start with some serious Phuket Airport info.

Getting from Phuket Airport to Phuket

Whether you want to go from the airport to Phuket city centre, or continue your journey outside of Phuket, HKT offers multiple transportation options. Here are all of them described in detail.

Airport Bus

Airport Bus Phuket service is one of the cheapest ways to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket City. This is the official Government bus company. The buses are bright orange and easy to spot (right in front of the Domestic Terminal exit). They depart every hour. Furthermore, the buses operate from 8:30 am until 8:30 pm. The journey lasts a bit more than an hour and the price should be around 100 THB per passenger.

Smart Bus

Smart Bus is perhaps the most popular option among travelers. In fact, it is even more popular than taxis. That is because Phuket is known for its “taxi mafia”. Furthermore, Smart Buses stop at every beach, meaning there are 15 stops. Ouch!

Therefore, the trip lasts a bit longer than you’d like to after you’ve just landed. However, they depart every hour starting from 9:00 am until 10:30 pm.

The price is around 100 THB and you pay directly to the driver. In addition, you can get a QR code or a refillable bus pass if you’re staying a bit longer. Also, keep in mind that children under 7 ride for free. Lastly, where to board the bus? That’s easy. They stop near Domestic Terminal Gate 1-3.

Shared Minibus

If you’re traveling on a budget and feeling lucky this is the perfect option for you. How come? Well, shared minibusses are very cheap. However, if your stop is the last stop, you’ll get a lot of panoramic sightseeing during your ride. Nonetheless, they are usually quicker than buses. The prices usually go from 180 to 200 THB, depending on your destination. In addition, you can purchase tickets at counters throughout the Arrivals hall.

Taxi

As mentioned above, Phuket is known for the “taxi mafia”. Therefore, this is not a very popular transportation option. However, if you find yourselves in a hurry and without other options, a taxi will do. Just make sure you are getting a taxi and not a limo service (we know, it seems unnecessary to mention but it happens).

It is easy to spot them as they are yellow and red. These taxis are metered and you can find them in front of the exits next to the counters marked “taxi meter”. Keep in mind that you will be charged an additional 100 THB for the airport surcharge.

Alternatively, you can install Grab, InDriver, or Bolt apps (both similar to Uber) and order your ride, oftentimes for a cheaper price.

Car rental

If you prefer to explore the area on your own and don’t want to depend on taxis and public transfer, the best option is to hire a car directly at the airport. Car rental counters are located in front of the domestic terminal gate and on the ground floor of the international terminal. They include internationally known brands such as Avis, Hertz, National, and Budget. The easier option is to also rent a car online and avoid potential queues.

Transfer

Lastly, if you prefer convenient online ways of booking transport in advance, a door-to-door transfer is a great option. A professional driver will wait and welcome you at the airport when you arrive and take you directly to your accommodation in the city.

Phuket Airport airlines

Phuket Airport serves as a focus city for Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, and Thai Airways International.

Furthermore, the most popular international destinations include Singapore Changi Airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Hong Kong Airport.

The most popular domestic routes are the ones to Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok–Don Mueang, and Chiang Mai airports.

Below is the list of the most important airlines offering departures and arrivals from HKT:

• AirAsia 
• Bangkok Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Jetstar Asia
• Juneyao Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Nok Air
• Shanghai Airlines
• Singapore Airlines 
• Spring Airlines
• Thai AirAsia
• Thai Lion Air
• Thai Smile
• Thai VietJet Air

Phuket Airport facilities

For passengers on a layover or awaiting their flight, the airport offers a number of services and amenities. Therefore, don’t worry, you won’t be bored. Here is the list of services offered by HKT:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Free WiFi
• ATMs
• Banks
• Lounges
• Currency exchange
• Luggage wrapping
• Luggage storage
• VAT refunds
• Muslim prayer room
• Post service
• Lost and found center
• Tourist information services

Phuket Airport accommodation

If you need to spend the night at the airport, there are numerous accommodation options near the airport. One of them is Phuket Airport Hotel. It is located on a beach, just a few minutes walk from HKT. Although close to the airport, they guarantee you a peaceful stay.

Phuket Airport FAQs