Why Take a Taxi from Phuket Airport
Have you just landed at Phuket International Airport and are wondering how to make your way to your destination on the island? Phuket airport taxis are one of the most convenient options. Readily available, they provide safe and door-to-door rides. Thus, although they are both dependent on traffic levels, taxis in Phuket airport are far more comfortable than buses that are time-consuming -as they make a lot of intermediate stops- and often get crowded.
On the other hand, Phuket airport taxis come with a bad reputation. Indeed, scamming incidents do occur, especially to first-time visitors who aren’t familiar with the taxi system in Phuket. However, scams usually involve unlicensed drivers who are touting passengers at the Arrivals halls of the two HKT airport terminals. Hence, as long as you catch your taxi from the official taxi stands, you should be satisfied with the provided services. That being said, you shouldn’t enter a cab that isn’t well maintained, doesn’t display the company’s logo on the front doors, or isn’t equipped with a taximeter. Moreover, it’s important to keep in mind that Phuket airport taxis are yellow and red and have a Taxi light on their roofs.
Apart from the metered taxis at Phuket Airport, several private companies also provide their services at the airport. Thus, passengers can opt for a ride with a limousine or a Taxi minibus. Alternatively, ride-hailing companies, such as Grab and Cabb, are also allowed to operate at HKT Airport.
Our Tip: Metered taxis can accommodate one or two passengers and have limited luggage space. However, there are also minivans with a capacity of up to 6 passengers.
Phuket Airport Taxi Prices
Taxis at Phuket Airport are metered. Thus, they charge according to their taximeters, depending on the traveling time and the traversed distance to the passenger’s destination. Their fares are implemented by the government. Hence, all taximeters charge based on the same rates. Specifically, the rates are as follows:
- Initial Fare (for the first 2km/1.2 miles): ΤΗB 50 ($1,44/€1,36)
- From 2-15km (1.2-9.3 miles): THB 12 ($0,34/€0,32) per km
- For the next 15km (9.3 miles): THB 10 ($0,29/€0,27) per km
- Waiting time: THB 3 ($0,086/€0,081) per minute
- Called taxis: THB 50 (1,44/€1,36) surcharge
- Airport Surcharge: THB 100 ($2,87/€2,71)
Payments are usually made in cash. Verily, most taxi drivers don’t accept payments via bank cards. Still, this isn’t a rule. Therefore, you should ask your driver before the beginning of the ride. In any case, you should always carry Thai baht with you to be on the safe side. In fact, small bills are recommended as Phuket airport taxi drivers often don’t have change. As for tipping, it is optional. Thus, you can round up the final fare or leave a small tip to your driver if you are satisfied with the provided services. In other words, it’s up to you!
Our Tip: The private taxi companies that operate at the airport offer fixed fares. However, they are always open to negotiation. In fact, if your bargaining skills are strong, you could secure a much lower rate. That being said, you should know the average cost of the ride to negotiate the price efficiently.
HKT Airport Taxi Rates to Popular Destinations
What’s your final destination in Phuket? Are you heading to the town of Phuket or the popular Patong Beach? Depending on your journey’s end, you can check the average fare for taxi rides from Phuket Airport to some of the island’s key locations:
| From | To | Price (THB)* | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket Airport | Phuket Town | 700 | 20,11 | 19 | 60 min |
| Phuket Airport | Patong Beach | 780 | 22,41 | 21,18 | 70 min |
| Phuket Airport | Karon Beach | 780 | 22,41 | 21,18 | 85 min |
| Phuket Airport | Kata Beach | 780 | 22,41 | 21,18 | 80 min |
| Phuket Airport | Nai Harn Beach | 790 | 22,70 | 21,45 | 85 min |
| Phuket Airport | Mai Khao Beach | 700 | 20,11 | 19 | 20 min |
| Phuket Airport | Laguna | 690 | 19,83 | 18,74 | 35 min |
| Phuket Airport | Laem Hin Pier | 700 | 20,11 | 19 | 50 min |
| Phuket Airport | Surin Beach | 700 | 20,11 | 19 | 45 min |
*Prices are for standard vehicles that can accommodate up to 2 passengers.
Where are the Phuket Airport Taxi Ranks
Both Phuket Thailand airport terminals feature taxi stands. Thus, you’ll find a taxi rank outside the Arrivals level (1st floor) of the International terminal building and the first level of the Domestic terminal. Taxi booths (both for private taxi companies and the metered taxis) are to be found close to the areas where the taxi vehicles are lining up. Hence, passengers have to pass through the taxi counters first to grab their cab.
Seating areas are located near the airport taxi ranks, allowing passengers to comfortably wait for their taxi in case there are waiting lines.
Airport Taxi from Phuket Airport to Hotel
Have you settled on a taxi ride from Phuket Airport to your hotel in Phuket Town? Indeed, taxis from Phuket Airport are widely chosen by HKT passengers looking to reach their accommodation quickly and hassle-free after their long flight. Unfortunately, during rush hours, when traffic levels around Phuket are high, taxi rides from HKT Airport to Phuket are longer. Thus, although they usually last 45-60 minutes, their traveling time can be up to 100 minutes when roads are congested. Similarly, although the average fare for the journey to Phuket is around THB 700 ($20,11/€19) for a standard taxi (with a capacity of up to 2 passengers), the metered taxi journeys can be costlier during peak hours. In any case, several hotels around Phuket offer airport shuttle services, some even for free. Thus, you should check your lodging’s services before choosing the transit option for your ride from Phuket Airport.
Tips And Hints about Phuket Airport Taxis
- Some taxi drivers offer tours during airport rides to increase the final rates. Generally, it is recommended to decline such offers to avoid being overcharged.
- Once you enter the Phuket airport taxi, you should check that the taximeter works properly.
- Fortunately, most taxi drivers at Phuket Airport can communicate in English.
- Tipping the driver isn’t obligatory in Phuket.
FAQs
Are there taxis at Phuket Airport?
Both terminals at HKT Airport (Domestic and International) feature taxi ranks. Thus, passengers can easily catch a Phuket airport taxi as soon as they exit the Arrivals hall of their terminal. Indeed, both taxi ranks are located on the terminals’ first level, right outside the exit doors.
Is it safe to take a taxi from Phuket Airport?
As long as you catch your taxi from the taxi ranks and visit one of the taxi counters located in the area, you should be certain about your cab’s legitimacy. That being said, you should avoid rides with old vehicles and deny any offer by individual drivers. Moreover, if your driver suggests taking you on a tour before reaching your hotel, you should be prepared for an overpriced journey if you accept the offer.
Can I take Grab from Phuket Airport?
Ride-hailing companies also provide their services at Phuket International Airport. Thus, passengers can book taxi rides through the relevant apps and even pay with a bank card. Grab is one of the companies present at HKT Airport. Therefore, you can use its services.
How much is a taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong?
Phuket airport taxis are metered. Therefore, their rides depend on factors such as traffic level, the exact location of the destination, and others. Overall, the approximate fare for the 70-minute ride from Phuket Airport to Patong is around THB 780 ($22,41/€21,18). Please note that the price is for journeys with taxis that can accommodate up to two passengers.