Phuket International Airport (HKT) is Thailand's second-busiest airport and the gateway to some of the country's most popular beach destinations. It's smaller and easier to navigate than Suvarnabhumi, but the transport situation to your resort can be confusing. This guide has you covered.
Airport Overview
Phuket Airport has a single international terminal (Terminal 1) that opened in 2016, replacing the old terminal which now handles domestic flights. The international terminal is modern and well-organized. It handles around 18 million passengers per year, with the majority arriving on international flights from Europe, Australia, Russia, and China.
Immigration
Immigration at Phuket is generally faster than Bangkok, with wait times averaging 15â30 minutes. During peak season (NovemberâMarch), waits can be longer when multiple European flights arrive simultaneously. Have your TDAC QR code and passport ready.
Have your TDAC QR code ready
Open the confirmation email on your phone before you leave the aircraft.
Join the immigration queue
Follow signs to 'Foreign Passport' counters. E-gates are limited at HKT.
Fingerprint & photo
Standard biometric capture at the counter â takes about 10 seconds.
Collect bags and exit
Baggage carousels are right after immigration. Exit through customs (green channel if nothing to declare).
Transport from Phuket Airport
| Transport | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metered Taxi | 600â1,000 THB | Official taxi counter outside arrivals. Fixed-price zones. |
| Airport Minibus | 200 THB | Shared van to major beaches. Can take 60â90 min with stops. |
| Grab / Bolt | 500â800 THB | App-based ride. Pick up from designated area. |
| Smart Bus | 100 THB | Route to Patong via major beaches. Runs every 30 min, 06:00â21:00. |
Beach Distance Guide
| Beach/Area | Distance | Drive Time | Best Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patong Beach | 35 km | ~45 min | Smart Bus (100 THB) or Grab |
| Kata Beach | 40 km | ~50 min | Taxi or Grab |
| Karon Beach | 43 km | ~55 min | Taxi or Grab |
| Kamala Beach | 25 km | ~35 min | Taxi or Grab |
| Bang Tao / Laguna | 20 km | ~25 min | Taxi or hotel shuttle |
| Phuket Town | 30 km | ~40 min | Smart Bus or Grab |
Hotel shuttle tip
Many resorts and hotels in Phuket offer free airport shuttle services. Check with your hotel before booking separate transport â it can save you 500â1,000 THB.
Is Grab available at Phuket Airport?
What's the cheapest way to get to Patong from Phuket Airport?
Can I rent a car at Phuket Airport?
Are there ATMs at Phuket Airport?
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