Transit Options from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town
Phuket Town is one of the most popular destinations around the island. The scenic and historical Old Town with its Sino-Portuguese architecture, the street markets, the authentic restaurants, and the fascinating cultural facilities are some of the reasons behind the area’s popularity. So, are you looking for the available transit options from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town? Airport taxis and private airport transfers are, undoubtedly, the most convenient alternatives. Moreover, airport car rentals are recommended to visitors who plan to travel around the island, exploring its remote areas as well. On the other hand, a bus line also links the airport to Phuket Town, offering cheap but time-consuming rides to the old Phuket Bus Terminal on Phang Nga Road.
| Options | Price (THB) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 700 | 20,11 | 19 | 60 min |
| Bus | 100 | 2,87 | 2,71 | 85 min |
Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by Taxi
Phuket airport taxis are yellow and red and are metered, meaning that their rides are charged based on their taximeter. That being said, some private taxi companies provide fixed-priced rides and even negotiate fares. However, you are advised to bargain taxi prices only if you are absolutely sure about the average cost of your taxi journey. In any case, all taxis are available at the airport taxi ranks, outside the Arrivals halls (first level) of the HKT terminal buildings. Taxi counters also lie nearby. Hence, passengers should visit them before catching their cabs.
You should always hire your taxi from the airport taxi rank. Indeed, many unlicensed drivers tout travelers at Phuket Airport, offering overpriced services.
Overall, the taxi ride from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town lasts about one hour. Still, during rush hours, journeys are longer, sometimes reaching up to 100 minutes. Similarly, the fare for the 31km/20-mile journey depends on traffic levels. Under normal traffic conditions, it costs around THB 700 ($20,11/€19). The fare applies to standard taxis that can accommodate up to 2 passengers and limited luggage. Vans with a 6-passenger capacity are more expensive. Moreover, tipping isn’t obligatory. Hence, satisfied passengers usually tip their driver by rounding up the final fare. In general terms, payments can be made in cash (in Thai baht). Verily, most Phuket airport taxis aren’t equipped with POS.
Our Tip 1: The government has set the taxi’s pricelist. Thus, the flag rate is ΤΗB 50 ($1,44/€1,36), while kilometers 2 to 15 are charged at THB 12 ($0,34/€0,32) per km. From that point onward (for the next 15km), the fee per kilometer is THB 10 ($0,29/€0,27). What’s more, a THB 100 ($2,87/€2,71) fee applies to rides from HKT Airport.
Our Tip 2: Ride-hailing companies (such as Grab) also operate at the airport in Phuket.
Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by Bus
The 8411 Airport Bus Phuket links HKT Airport to Phuket Town. Coaches are orange and gray and depart from the bus stop outside the domestic terminal’s first level. Passengers arriving at the Domestic terminal should exit Door 3 and turn on the left. The bus stop is easily accessible. On the other hand, international travelers need to walk from the International terminal to the Domestic terminal to catch the bus from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town. Fortunately, it’s just a 5-10-minute walk. The 8411 Airport Bus Phuket runs hourly from 08:30 am to 09:30 pm and heads to the old Bus Terminal in Phuket Town. Reaching its terminus takes about 85 minutes, provided traffic levels are normal. Tickets are available online and onboard. Online tickets must be displayed to the conductor. Inside the bus, you can purchase your ticket from the conductor in cash or scan the QR code. Overall, the bus is a time-consuming option for the ride from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town. However, it is also the cheapest one, as a one-way ticket costs as much as THB 100 ($2,87/€2,71).
Car Rental from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town
Airport car rentals are widely favored by travelers who plan to explore the island. Thus, if you want to discover the hidden gems of this Thai destination, and not just its touristic and easily accessible locations, you should rent a car and enjoy an independent trip from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town. Several car hire providers operate at HKT Airport. Their desks are located on the first level of the two terminal buildings, landside in the Arrivals hall. Hence, if you check your options, you’ll definitely find the rental vehicle of your choice. Moreover, various car rental companies provide their services at the airport but don’t have desks inside the terminals. They are typically slightly cheaper but certainly less convenient than Phuket airport car rental agencies.
Please bear in mind that the traffic in Phuket moves on the left side of the road.
The journey from Phuket Airport to Phuket Old Town usually lasts around one hour. However, if roads are congested, you should expect a longer ride. Thus, you may need up to 100 minutes to reach your destination. Are you wondering where to park your Phuket car rental? Generally, street parking is the most popular option. However, it is rather challenging, especially in the city center. On the other hand, although they aren’t numerous, paid parking facilities are also scattered around Phuket Town.
Private Airport Transfers from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town
When comfort is the priority, private airport transfers are typically the best option. Welcome services at the airport, door-to-door rides, and many extra amenities are only some of their plus points. As-good-as-new vehicles and highly skilled drivers who know Phuket like the back of their hand and can not only drive passengers to their destination but also provide useful info about Phuket are also guaranteed when booking a private airport transfer. Overall, private airport transfers are regarded as the most luxurious way to travel from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town.
FAQs
How far is Phuket Town from the airport?
HKT Airport is located 32km/20 miles from Phuket Town. Thus, rides from Phuket Airport to Phuket Old Town (via taxis, rental cars, or private airport transfers) usually last one hour. However, when roads are congested, the duration of the journey may increase significantly.
How do I get from Phuket Airport to the town?
Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most convenient ways to travel from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cheap alternative, you should opt for a bus ride, while if you enjoy autonomous rides, you should rent a car from Phuket Thailand Airport.
How much is a taxi from Phuket Airport to Phuket City?
Taxis in Phuket are metered. Thus, their fares are calculated by their taximeters based on government-implemented rates. Overall, the approximate cost of the 60-minute journey from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town is THB 700 ($20,11/€19). Nevertheless, during rush hours, journeys can be longer and pricier.