Phuket Airport Guide: What Actually Works in 2026
You just landed at HKT. Good news: it’s clean, AC works, and immigration moves fast. Bad news: taxis will try to rip you off, and the food court is hidden in the Domestic Terminal.
Two terminals. International handles overseas flights. Domestic covers Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui. Walking between them takes 5 minutes. Expansion underway, but right now it’s manageable.
Layout & Navigation
Phuket Airport splits into International and Domestic terminals. Total area exceeds 103,000 sqm, but you won’t get lost. Signs in English everywhere. Walking distances are short.
International Terminal handles flights from Asia, Europe, Middle East. Domestic Terminal covers Thai routes. If you’re connecting, follow the signs. No shuttle needed.
Baggage claim is fast. Immigration rarely has long queues. Customs officers speak English. Visa on arrival available if you need it.
Essential Facilities
ATMs: Both terminals have machines. Withdraw cash here before heading to the taxi stand. Exchange rates are standard.
SIM Cards: Currency exchange counters sell tourist plans. Expect 300-500 THB for 7-15 days of data. Klook offers cheaper pre-booked options you can collect at the airport.
Luggage Storage: Left luggage service near baggage claim in both terminals. Prices around 100-200 THB per bag per day. Useful if you’re doing a day trip before your flight.
Showers: Available in Miracle Lounge and Thai Airways Lounge. Pay-per-use if you’re not a member. Expect 300-500 THB for access. Towels included.
Food Options: Domestic Terminal food court is your best bet. Pad Thai, fried rice, noodle soups. International Terminal has duty-free dining, but prices triple. Burger King meal costs 250 THB.
Getting to the City
Airport sits 32km north of Phuket Town. You have three options: metered taxi, Grab, or private transfer.
Metered Taxis: Official stand outside arrivals. Fares run 800-1,200 THB to Patong, Phuket Town, Karon, Kata. Meter should be on. If the driver refuses, walk away. 24/7 availability.
Grab/Bolt: Download the app before you land. Fares run 600-900 THB to beaches and town. Pickup zone is clearly marked outside arrivals. Drivers speak basic English.
Pre-book a private transfer via Kiwitaxi if you have heavy luggage or arrive late at night. Fixed price, no haggling, driver meets you at arrivals.
Need to head back? Check routes from Patong to Phuket International Airport or Phuket Town to Phuket International Airport for schedules and prices.
Heading out after landing? Popular routes include Phuket International Airport to Patong, Phuket International Airport to Phuket Town, and Phuket International Airport to Kata-Karon.
Survival Tips
WiFi: Free airport WiFi works well. No registration needed. Speed is decent for messaging and browsing.
Charging Points: Plentiful in both terminals. Lounges have the most outlets. Waiting areas near gates also have USB ports.
Sleeping: Benches without armrests exist near gates in International. Domestic Terminal has fewer options. Lounges offer day rooms if you need proper rest.
Safety: Airport is safe. Keep an eye on your bags. Pickpockets rare, but don’t leave valuables unattended.
Onward Travel: If you’re heading to other islands, check Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Krabi or Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Surat Thani for ferry connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong?
Metered taxis cost 800-1,200 THB. Grab runs 600-900 THB. Avoid touts inside the terminal who quote 1,500+ THB.
Is there luggage storage at Phuket Airport?
Yes. Left luggage service near baggage claim in both terminals. Around 100-200 THB per bag per day.
Where to get a SIM card at Phuket Airport?
Currency exchange counters in both terminals sell tourist SIM plans. Prices run 300-500 THB for 7-15 days. Pre-book cheaper options on Klook.
Does Phuket Airport have showers?
Yes. Miracle Lounge and Thai Airways Lounge offer pay-per-use showers. Expect 300-500 THB for access with towels included.
Is Grab available at Phuket Airport?
Yes. Pickup zone is clearly marked outside arrivals. Fares to Patong, Phuket Town, and beaches run 600-900 THB.
Patong to Phuket Airport: Bus $4 vs Taxi $20 vs Grab $25-35 (2026)
You have five ways to get from Patong to HKT. Smart Bus is cheapest at 150 THB but takes 90 minutes in traffic. Metered taxi costs 700 THB and gets you there in 60 minutes. Grab runs $25-35 with surge pricing. Private transfer is fastest but hits $55. Skip the shared minivan unless you enjoy waiting for strangers.
Phuket Airport to Patong: Taxi vs Bus vs Grab (2026)
You have 5 options. Smart Bus is cheapest at 150 THB but takes 1h 25m with traffic. Public taxi costs 700-800 THB and gets you there in 40-60 min. Grab’s convenient but surge pricing hits 1250 THB. Private transfer is fastest with zero stress but pricey. Pick your poison.
Phuket Airport to Phuket Town: Bus ฿100 vs Taxi ฿800 (2026 Guide)
You have 4 options. Airport Bus 8411 is cheapest at ฿120 and dead reliable. Taxi costs ฿800 but gets you door-to-door in 45min. Shared shuttle via Klook is ฿100 but fills up fast. Skip the minivan unless you’re in a group.
Phuket Airport to Kathu: Bus ฿100 vs Taxi ฿1000 (32-55min, 2026)
You have 5 ways to reach Kathu from HKT. Grab or public taxi is fastest at 32 minutes. Airport bus costs ฿100 but takes 55 minutes with stops. Got luggage? Skip the bus. Tired after your flight? Private transfer saves you the headache.
Phuket Airport to Kata-Karon: Bus ฿150 vs Taxi ฿1000 (2026 Guide)
You have 5 ways to reach Kata-Karon from HKT. Meter taxi is fastest at 45 min but costs ฿1000. Smart Bus saves cash at ฿150 but takes 1h 35m with stops. Grab surges during peak. Shuttles split the difference. Pick based on your luggage situation and patience level.
