Phuket airport

Gateway to Phuket island

Phuket airport is the port of entry for most of the millions of tourists visiting Phuket. It is the third busiest airport in Thailand, after Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang, both in Bangkok.

Phuket has two terminals, a domestic and a new international terminal. There are several hotels right next to the airport, for those who arrive very late or depart at night.

Landing at Phuket airport

The runway at Phuket starts right at the beach. During the dry season planes approach the airport over the Andaman Sea flying over Mai Khao Beach. During the rainy season the approach is from the East when planes land towards the sea.

Airlines & destinations

Phuket airport is a hub for Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai Air Asia. These airlines serve mostly domestic destinations as Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Pattaya and both of Bangkok’s airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang.

Dozens of international destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Russia are served by airlines as Aeroflot, Emirates, TUI Airways and a number of Chinese airlines. Some flights are operated during the winter months only, the high season in Thailand.

Airport lounges

Phuket airport has two airport lounges, where passengers can relax away from the crowds. Both lounges are in the international departure terminal. They can be used by all passengers departing from that terminal regardless of ticket, including economy class.

The Coral Executive lounge on the 4^th floor offers premium food, snacks, beer, Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines without extra charge. Entry is 1,000 Baht.

The Coral First Class lounge also on the 4^th floor offers the same plus some extra benefits like a free 15 minute massage. Entry is 1,900 Baht.

Money exchange & ATM

You will find several banks in the arrivals hall where you can exchange money to Thai Baht. As the exchange rates are not very good, change only what you need to get to your destination and find a place that offers better rates there. If there is a long queue at the bank, withdraw money from one of the ATMs in the arrival hall. Most banks charge a fee for ATM withdrawal abroad.

Sim cards

Prepaid Thai Sim cards can be bought in the arrival hall. You have a choice of several plans with a validity of 8, 15 or 30 days, varying calling credit and internet mobile data from 4 GB to unlimited. Prices from mobile service providers as AIS, DTAC and TrueMove range from 299 Baht to 1,650 Baht.

Duty free

The duty-free shop in the departure hall sells perfumes and cosmetics as Dior, Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Kiehl’s and other international brands. Other products include liquors, tobacco, dried Thai fruits and souvenirs among others.

Restaurants & coffee shops

Food and drinks are available in both terminals. Thai Catering restaurant on the 3rd floor in the domestic terminal serves authentic Thai food. It opens daily from 6 am until 9 pm. For Thai food at low prices, head to the food court in the domestic terminal. There are several coffee shops as well as fast-food restaurants as McDonald's and Burger King around both terminals.

Location

Phuket airport is located at the North tip of Phuket island. Distances and travel time by car to some of the major destinations are:

Airport transfers

There are multiple ways to get from the airport to your destination. Some hotels offer free airport transfer, which is by far the most convenient and comfortable option. Other options are limousine taxi, metered taxi, minivan and the Phuket Smart Bus, each with their own level of comfort and price.

Buy tickets
Transfer from airport to Phuket hotel can be booked online at the 12Go website.

Limousine taxi
A private and comfortable option is to use a limousine taxi. You can book one in the arrival hall. Prices are fixed and higher than a metered taxi. The limousine taxi will drop you off at your hotel.

Metered taxi
Metered taxis are private, comfortable and usually cheaper than limousine taxis. You can find them on the parking outside of both terminals. Fare details are displayed at the taxi meter counter. Fares start at 150 Baht including an airport surcharge and increase with a charge per kilometer and time traveled. The fare to Patong Beach is in the region of 800 to 1,000 Baht, to Kata Beach 900 to 1,100 Baht.

Mini van
A cheaper but less comfortable alternative is to use a shared mini van. Tickets can be bought at the taxi minibus service shop at the main exit in the arrivals hall. Usually the driver waits until the van is full. He will drop you off at your hotel. The ride can take long if other passengers are dropped off first. Fares to beach resorts on the West coast like Patong, Kata and Karon vary between 200 and 250 Baht per person.

Minivans often stop at a travel agent along the way where they will try to sell you tours and accommodation. Don’t be pressured into buying. Tours can be booked at travel agents all over Phuket as well as online.

Phuket Smart Bus
The cheapest option is the airport bus, called the Phuket Smart Bus. Buses wait outside the arrival hall. The bus only stops at bus stops and will not drop you off at your hotel. Fare from airport to Rawai is 170 Baht one way, payable to the driver. Service runs from 6 am until 9 pm, there is a bus every hour.

The Phuket Smart Bus route is:

• B1   Phuket International Airport
• B2   Thalang Public Health Office
• B3   Baan Khian
• B4   Boat Avenue Cherngtalay
• B5   Tesco Lotus Cherngtalay
• B6   Surin Beach
• B7   Phuket FantaSea (Kamala)
• B8   Big C Kamala
• B9   Bangla Police Box (Patong)
• B10 Karon Circle
• B11 Kata
• B12 Sai Yuan (Rawai)
• B13 Rawai Beach

Hotels near Phuket airport

There are several hotels very close to Phuket airport. They are a good option for the first night or last day. When you arrive late tired from a long flight it’s great to be picked up by hotel staff and driven there just minutes away. When your flight departs late in the evening, spend the day relaxing at the airport hotel pool. Most airport hotels offer a 24-hour airport shuttle service.

The Slate
The Slate is a luxury five-star resort a few kilometers South of Phuket airport on Nai Yang Beach. 24-Hour airport shuttle is available at an additional charge. The resort has luxury suites and private villas in beautifully landscaped gardens. There is plenty to do. The Slate has three pools, two tennis courts, pool tables, a fitness centre, a playground and a children’s pool. Take aerobics or yoga classes, go surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving or pamper yourself at the spa. Nine restaurants serve international and Thai food.

Phuket Airport Hotel
The Phuket Airport Hotel is just a few hundred meters away from the airport. The three-star hotel offers spacious rooms with balcony at very affordable prices. There is a swimming pool, restaurant and a bar. The hotel’s 24 hour-airport transfer service is free.

Perennial Resort
The three-star Perennial Resort has rooms, suites and villas. It is located right next to the airport in walking distance from Mai Khao Beach. The resort is set in a quiet area with well kept gardens; there is a pool, a restaurant and a bar. The 24-hour airport shuttle service is free.

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Attractions in Phuket

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