Phuket (HKT) HKT: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Phuket International Airport

If you are planning to fly to/from Phuket International Airport, check out our tips on what’s the best way to travel between the airport and the city center. It’s always good to know, what’s the most convenient way to get to your destination. You can also find some data on the Phuket International Airport facilities and some local tips on the airport itself.

Arriving at Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Phuket, an island off the south of Thailand's narrow peninsula, is one of the world's most popular beach destinations. Famous for its child-friendly gentle seas and stunning tropical weather, Phuket is also a major stopover destination for backpackers traveling across Asia. Phuket International Airport is Thailand's third-busiest airport and handles up to 15 million passengers every year. It's a Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Thai Airways hub, and a key airport for global airlines, including Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Finnair, among others. The airport has three terminals and is open 24 hours a day. It's connected to the city center by a designated shuttle bus.

What's the best way to get from Phuket International Airport to the city center?

The best way to get to Phuket city center from Phuket International Airport is via the airport bus, the Phuket Smart Bus. This bus is also a popular way to reach some of the island's most stunning sights and destinations. The bus operates from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and takes between 20 and 45 minutes to reach the city center in light traffic. Buses leave every hour on the hour. Traffic is fairly congested during peak hours on this popular island. Many tourists with heavy luggage prefer to take taxis, mini-buses, or limousines, which are available for hire at the airport's rinks. Taxis take between 30 and 60 minutes to reach the city center, depending on traffic conditions and drop-off locations. 

How far is the city center from Phuket International Airport?

Phuket International Airport is located in Phuket's northern region, 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Phuket's city center. Whether using the Smart Bus or private transportation, travelers are recommended to leave themselves at least one hour for the journey into the city center, and up to two hours if traveling during peak hours, when traffic can be unpredictable and congested. The route mostly comprises highways, and the journey can be as quick as 25 minutes with light traffic. 

What services are there at Phuket International Airport?

Many facilities at Phuket International Airport, including some food establishments, are open 24 hours a day. The airport also has financial services, such as currency exchange stalls and ATMs, as well as luggage storage and lockers for those traveling into Phuket only briefly. There are car rental booths for travelers looking to drive to their hotel or explore the island during their stay. Passengers can freshen up after their journeys at the airport's sauna and spas, and enjoy the shopping amenities at the duty-free and fashion stores. 

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

As at all airports across Asia, travelers are encouraged to check airport policies ahead of time, especially if they need assistance for passengers with limited mobility. Whereas some airports have made great strides in recent years, it's not always safe to assume that their standard of care is as advanced as in other parts of the world. The Phuket Smart Bus shuttle into the city is accessible by wheelchair, with ramps and drivers ready to assist. For getting around Phuket itself, travelers with limited mobility may be best to check with hotel staff or local agencies to ensure they can get the most out of their vacation. 

Local tips: what to know before flying to Phuket International Airport

Locals usually give themselves a lot of time to get out of the airport. The island's popularity has grown significantly over the past decade, leading to fairly frequent delays. Travelers looking to take a taxi to Phuket city center from the airport should note that, like in many other Asian cities, drivers may try to overcharge passengers. To avoid scams, the airport has set up the taxi ranks so that they are metered, and expected costs are clearly spelled out. It's not recommended travelers book a taxi outside of this system. Travelers to any tropical country who are unaccustomed to humidity and heat should be sure to bring plenty of water along whenever they venture outdoors. Those traveling with children or weak swimmers shouldn't assume all beaches are lifeguard-patrolled. In fact, only the major beaches, such as Kata and Karon, have lifeguards on duty.