A Passenger’s Guide to Phuket International Airport (Thailand)

Phuket International Airport is an airport serving Phuket, a popular tourist destination in Southern Thailand. The airport is the busiest air field in Thailand outside of Bangkok, the nation’s capital, serving dozens of both domestic and international travel destinations.

Airlines & Aviation

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is served by 50 scheduled airlines, both domestic and international, serving more than 14 million airline passengers a year.

The country’s second busiest airport, it links the island with dozens of  travel destinations around the world. If you’re planning a trip to Phuket or Khao Lak, here’s how to book the best flights:

Airlines Serving Phuket International Airport (HKT) & Their Destinations

Recommended Airlines

As an affiliate of AirAsia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air Lines, here are some top choices for flights to Phuket:

• AirAsia – Best for budget travelers, offering frequent flights across Southeast Asia. Book AirAsia flights here
• Etihad Airways – Premium service connecting Phuket to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Book Etihad flights here
• Lufthansa  – Ideal for European travelers, linking Phuket to Germany,  and other European hubs.
• Qatar Airways – Offers long-haul flights with connections through Doha. Book Qatar Airways flights here
• Swiss Air Lines – Ideal for European travelers, linking Phuket to and other European hubs. Book Lufthansa flights here | Book Swiss Air Lines flights here

For travelers looking for alternative airlines, compare fares on TripAdvisor.

• Aeroflot – Direct flights to Moscow (SVO), connecting to Europe and North America.
• Air Arabia – Flights to Sharjah (SHJ), linking to Middle East and South Asia.
• Air Astana – Connects Phuket to Almaty (ALA), with onward flights to Central Asia and Europe.
• Air China – Direct flights to Beijing (PEK), offering connections across China and North America.
• Air India – Links Phuket to Delhi (DEL), with connections to India, Europe, and the U.S..
• AirAsia  – Extensive network across Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
• Bangkok Airways – Domestic routes to Bangkok (BKK), Koh Samui (USM), and Chiang Mai (CNX).
• Batik Air Malaysia – Flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), connecting to Australia and Southeast Asia.
• Cathay Pacific – Direct flights to Hong Kong (HKG), linking to global destinations.
• China Eastern Airlines – Connects Phuket to Shanghai (PVG), with onward flights to North America and Europe.
• China Southern Airlines – Flights to Guangzhou (CAN), offering connections to China and beyond.
• Condor – Seasonal flights to Frankfurt (FRA), linking to Germany and Europe.
• El Al Israel Airlines – Direct flights to Tel Aviv (TLV), connecting to Europe and the Middle East.
• Emirates – Flights to Dubai (DXB), offering connections to Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
• Etihad Airways  – Direct flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH), linking to Europe, Africa, and North America.
• Finnair – Seasonal flights to Helsinki (HEL), connecting to Scandinavia and Europe.
• Hainan Airlines – Flights to Shenzhen (SZX), linking to China and Southeast Asia.
• HK Express – Direct flights to Hong Kong (HKG), connecting to Japan and South Korea.
• Hong Kong Airlines – Flights to Hong Kong (HKG), offering connections to Asia and North America.
• IndiGo – Direct flights to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), linking to India and the Middle East.
• Jetstar Airways – Flights to Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD), connecting to Australia and New Zealand.
• Korean Air – Direct flights to Seoul (ICN), linking to North America and Asia.
• Lufthansa – Flights to Frankfurt (FRA), connecting to Germany and Europe.
• Malaysia Airlines – Flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), linking to Australia and Southeast Asia.
• Nok Air – Domestic flights to Bangkok (DMK), connecting to Thailand’s regional airports.
• Oman Air – Flights to Muscat (MCT), linking to Middle East and Europe.
• Qatar Airways – Direct flights to Doha (DOH), offering connections to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
• Scoot – Flights to Singapore (SIN), linking to Australia and Southeast Asia.
• Shanghai Airlines – Connects Phuket to Shanghai (PVG), with onward flights to North America and Europe.
• Singapore Airlines – Flights to Singapore (SIN), offering connections to global destinations.
• Swiss Air Lines – Flights to Zurich (ZRH), linking to Switzerland and Europe.
• Thai AirAsia – Domestic and regional flights across Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
• Thai Airways International – Flights to Bangkok (BKK), connecting to Europe, Australia, and North America.
• Thai Lion Air – Domestic and regional flights across Thailand and Southeast Asia.
• Turkish Airlines – Direct flights to Istanbul (IST), linking to Europe and the Middle East.
• Uzbekistan Airways – Flights to Tashkent (TAS), connecting to Central Asia and Russia.
• VietJet Air – Flights to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN), linking to Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

For travelers looking for alternative airlines and destinations, compare fares on TripAdvisor.

Flight Booking Tips

• Book early – Flights are typically cheaper when booked 4-6 weeks in advance.
• Fly midweek – Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares.
• Use flight comparison tools – Platforms like TripAdvisor help find the best rates.

Khao Lak is located about 80 km north of Phuket International Airport and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach. Travelers can choose private transfers for a comfortable journey, costing between ฿1,500 and ฿2,500. A more budget-friendly option is a shared minivan, available for ฿300 to ฿500. Taxis are also an option, but they typically cost around ฿1,500 or more, so negotiating a fare in advance is advisable.

Koh Lanta is about 175 km southeast of Phuket Airport and requires a combination of land and ferry transport, making the total travel time between 5 to 7 hours. Minivans, which include ferry transport, cost between ฿650 and ฿800, while a speedboat and local bus combination offers a faster alternative at a higher price, ranging from ฿1,100 to ฿4,500. Private taxis combined with ferry transport can cost upwards of ฿3,500.

Koh Phi Phi, situated around 50 km east of Phuket Airport, is accessible via ferry or speedboat. A standard ferry from Rassada Pier costs between ฿600 and ฿1,000 and takes about 2 hours. Travelers looking for a faster option can take a speedboat, costing between ฿1,500 and ฿3,000, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, booking a taxi to the pier and then taking the ferry is an option, with total costs starting at ฿1,000.

Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi, located about 30 km east of Phuket Airport, can be reached within 1.5 to 2 hours. Speedboats from Bang Rong Pier provide a quick transfer, costing between ฿300 and ฿500. Traditional longtail boats are available as a cheaper alternative at ฿200 to ฿400, though they take slightly longer. Travelers can also opt for a taxi to the pier and then take a boat, with total costs starting at ฿800.

Krabi lies around 160 km east of Phuket Airport, with a travel time of about 3 to 4 hours. Travelers can take a bus from Phuket Bus Terminal for an affordable option, costing between ฿200 and ฿400, though the trip takes around 4 hours. Minivans provide a faster alternative at ฿500 to ฿800, while taxis are the quickest but most expensive, starting at ฿2,500 for a 3-hour journey.

Phang Nga Bay is approximately 40 km northeast of Phuket Airport, with a travel time of 1 to 2 hours. Travelers can explore the stunning limestone formations via private boat tours, which cost between ฿2,500 and ฿5,000 for a half-day experience. Group tours from Phuket, which include kayaking and sightseeing, are available at ฿1,500 to ฿3,000. Those preferring independent travel can take a taxi to the pier and arrange a boat transfer for around ฿1,000 or more.

In addition to Phuket, Phuket Airport serves the following nearby destinations:

Chartered flights link the airport to additional travel destinations, many of them operating on a seasonal basis.

Changing Money at Phuket International Airport

Ground Transportation 

If you are staying at a hotel, your hotel might provide a complimentary or a paid shuttle service.

Otherwise, you will be on your own. Your options include …

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels near Phuket International Airport offer complimentary or paid shuttle services. It’s best to check with your hotel in advance to confirm availability and pricing.

Private Airport Transfer by Car

• Most comfortable but also the most expensive option.
• Best to reserve in advance through a transfer service or hotel concierge.
• Prices typically range from ฿900 to ฿1,500, depending on the vehicle type and distance.

Taxi Meters

• Always insist on a metered taxi, but expect a ฿100 airport surcharge on top of the fare.
• If the taxi does not use a meter, negotiate the fare before starting the ride.
• Metered taxis from the airport typically cost ฿600–฿1,000, depending on the destination.

Phuket Airport Bus

• Buses depart hourly for Phuket Bus Terminal in Phuket Town between 6:30 AM and 9:30 PM.
• Fare: ฿90 for large buses, ฿100 for minibuses.
• Additional routes: Buses to Patong, Kata, and Karon depart hourly from 7:30 AM, costing ฿150–฿200.

Minivans

• Cheapest option, but not the fastest or most convenient.
• Fare range: ฿120–฿200 per person.
• Minivans may wait to fill up before departing, leading to longer travel times.

Ride-Sharing Services at Phuket International Airport

Phuket International Airport now allows ride-sharing services like Grab and Bolt, providing travelers with a convenient alternative to traditional taxis. These apps offer fixed pricing, eliminating the need for fare negotiations.

Grab vs. Bolt: Which One to Use?

• Grab – More widely available, with shorter wait times and a variety of vehicle options, including GrabCar, GrabSUV, and GrabTaxi.
• Bolt – Typically 25–50% cheaper than Grab, but availability may be lower, leading to longer wait times.

Pricing & Vehicle Options

• Bolt Economy – Base fare ฿50, minimum fare ฿100 (most affordable).
• Bolt Standard – Base fare ฿100, minimum fare ฿200 (regular cars).
• GrabCar – Standard private car service, pricing varies by distance.
• GrabSUV & GrabVan – Ideal for groups or travelers with extra luggage.

Booking & Pick-Up Locations

• Grab Pick-Up Point (International Arrivals) – Exit Gate 8, follow signs toward the Domestic Terminal, then turn right before reaching the terminal.
• Grab Pick-Up Point (Domestic Arrivals) – Exit Gate 1, turn right, and follow signs to the Grab booth.
• Bolt Pick-Up – Available at designated ride-hailing areas, but may have longer wait times compared to Grab.

Ride-sharing apps provide cash and card payment options, making them a flexible choice for airport transfers. Would

Airport Location

The airport is located in the northwestern part of the island, right behind Mai Khao Beach. It is 32 kilometres north of Phuket City.

The closest beach resorts are located in Nai Yang, with many of them offering complimentary shuttle bus services to and from the airport.

Booking Flights to Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Phuket International Airport is Thailand’s second busiest airport, serving 50 scheduled airlines and connecting travelers to 37 international destinations. If you’re planning a trip to Phuket or Khao Lak, here’s how to book the best flights:

Recommended Airlines

As an affiliate of AirAsia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air Lines, here are some top choices for flights to Phuket:

• AirAsia – Best for budget travelers, offering frequent flights across Southeast Asia. Book AirAsia flights here
• Etihad Airways – Premium service connecting Phuket to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Book Etihad flights here
• Qatar Airways – Offers long-haul flights with connections through Doha. Book Qatar Airways flights here
• Lufthansa & Swiss Air Lines – Ideal for European travelers, linking Phuket to Germany, Switzerland, and other European hubs. Book Lufthansa flights here | Book Swiss Air Lines flights here

For travelers looking for alternative airlines, compare fares on TripAdvisor.

Flight Booking Tips

• Book early – Flights are typically cheaper when booked 4-6 weeks in advance.
• Fly midweek – Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares.
• Use flight comparison tools – Platforms like TripAdvisor help find the best rates.