When the beaches and nightlife of Phuket lay just beyond the doors, getting through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible is paramount. We’ve put together this guide to the Phuket International Airport with that thought in mind. We’ll guide you through your arrival and immigration at the international terminal and tell you where to find your choice of island transportation and how much you should expect to pay. We’ll also point out where in the airport you can stop for food, cash and a sim card.
Lastly, if you need to find a hotel near Thailand’s Phuket airport, we’ll tell you about Sugar Marina – AVIATOR Phuket Airport. Our hotel near Phuket airport has stylish and comfortable rooms, a large swimming pool, and a modern fitness room. It’s also home to Midway Café, a warm and friendly casual restaurant and bar serving Thai and international food and beverages all day.
Arriving in Paradise
Phuket International Airport went through an upgrade in 2016, and it now serves over 20 million passengers a year, making it second only to Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok in terms of size and passenger volume.
When you arrive at the international terminal, you’re first guided to immigration. If you land during a busy period, you can face long lines. Filling out your arrival card on the plane beforehand is one way to shorten the waiting time.
Picking Up Necessities
Once you pass through immigration, you enter the terminal and baggage claim area. The international terminal has two baggage conveyor belts, and electronic signs will direct you to the correct conveyor belt by flight number. Once you’ve collected your luggage, you can browse the shops and services for anything you may need before heading out to see the sights of Phuket. There are money exchange points, banks, and ATMs. There are also small cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets selling Thai and international food. Wi-Fi is free in the airport for the first two hours, and this is also an excellent place to buy a local SIM card. The staff will be happy to help you set it up on your phone.
Hitting the Road in Phuket
There are four main types of public transportation for tourists on the island. Going from the least expensive to the costliest are buses, minivans, private taxis, and airport limousines. There are also fairly inexpensive car rentals available from well-known international rental agencies for travellers with an international driver’s permit.
Phuket Smart Bus and Orange Bus
The Smart Bus travels from the airport down the west coast of the island as far south as Rawai Beach. It hits all the major tourist towns like Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata Beaches. It leaves from the airport every hour from 6 AM to 9 PM and costs 170 THB.
The Orange Bus travels to Phuket Town between 6 AM and 7:30 PM, costs 100 THB, and the trip takes about an hour and a half. The bus stops at the airport are located at the end of the domestic terminal.
Phuket Minivans
The next step up from a public bus is the minibus. These air-conditioned minibuses are available from counters inside the domestic terminal and only cost 200 THB. However, you’re getting a shared ride to your destination, and the buses can hold up to ten passengers, which means you may be in for a long ride if your accommodation is at the end of the line.
Private Taxis
The third type of transportation is the private taxi. They’re located right outside the international terminal. These are well-maintained, air-conditioned cars; the only downside is they can be relatively expensive. Fares from the airport to Patong Beach can run between 1,000 and 1,500 THB for about an hour’s ride. However, they can be the right choice if you’re travelling as a group.
Airport Limousines
Airport limousines are readily available at counters right outside the baggage claim in the international terminal. These cars offer a personalised experience. The driver will tend to all your bags, drop you right at your doorstep in Phuket, and unload your bags for you. These limousines charge by the distance travelled. Expect to pay between 500 and 6,000 THB, depending on your destination.
Book a Convenient Room Near the Airport
For travellers facing an almost impossible early morning flight time or business travellers needing to catch up with a client in Phuket and then fly out, or those who fall in love with the Nai Yang area of the island with its long, white-sand beaches, booking a hotel nearby to Phuket International Airport is the way to go. Sugar Marina – AVIATOR Hotel is the perfect solution for busy travellers who appreciate style and comfort when they travel. We look forward to serving you on your next visit to the island.
