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Phuket International Airport Insider Guide
HKTThailand's second busiest airport, located at the north end of Phuket island. Two terminals — International (T1) and Domestic (T2). Modern facilities after major expansion. Immigration queues can be very long during peak tourist season.
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45min
Transit to city
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35min
Immigration
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35min
Security buffer
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Leave with 3–6 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
3–6h
6–10h
10h+
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Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | Coral Executive Lounge | Priority Pass / paid | Yes | Thai food, bar, comfortable | ~THB 1,200 (~$34 USD) |
| International | Miracle Lounge | Priority Pass / paid | No | Snacks, drinks, basic seating | ~THB 1,000 (~$28 USD) |
| Domestic | Coral Executive Lounge (Domestic) | Priority Pass / paid | No | Snacks, drinks | ~THB 900 (~$25 USD) |
Coral Executive Lounge (international) is the best option — good Thai food and shower facilities. Miracle Lounge is a decent backup for PP holders.
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Traveler notes
- Immigration on arrival can take 30–60+ minutes in peak season. Visa on Arrival line is separate and slower.
- Airport is at the north tip of the island — most beach areas are 30–60 min south.
- International and domestic terminals are separate buildings; connected by a short walkway.
- Watch for unofficial taxi touts — use the official taxi/limo counters.
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Sleep / Rest
- No airside sleep facilities.
- Hotels near airport: Holiday Inn Express (free shuttle), Courtyard by Marriott, Nai Yang beach hotels within 5 min.
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Food
- Thai and international options in both terminals; post-security in international has more variety.
- Airport prices are inflated compared to the island. 7-Eleven available landside.
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Showers
- Coral Executive Lounge (international) has showers. No public shower facilities.
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Luggage Storage
- Luggage storage available at arrivals; approximately THB 100–200 per bag per day.
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Transit to City
- Taxi (metered): ~45 min to Patong, ~30 min to Phuket Town. Around THB 600–1,000 ($17–28 USD).
- Airport Bus (Smart Bus): Runs to Phuket Town and some beach areas, ~THB 100–170, hourly service.
- Grab: Available and often cheaper than airport taxis. Pickup from arrivals.
- No rail or metro connection.
- Buffer: Back at HKT 3h international, 2h domestic.
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Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: AIS, DTAC, TrueMove counters in arrivals; tourist SIMs ~THB 300–600 ($8–17 USD) with good data.
- ATMs: Plentiful; dispense THB. Beware 220 THB ATM fee for foreign cards — Bangkok Bank charges less.
- Wi‑Fi: Free airport Wi-Fi, decent speed.
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