Does Phuket have 2 airports?

As for airports in Phuket, there is only one airport named the Phuket International Airport (HKT) is a thriving transport hub which plays a vital role in promoting the tourism industry of Thailand. It is the second busiest airport in Thailand after Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.



As of 2026, Phuket has only one primary operating airport, which is Phuket International Airport (HKT). This airport is the third busiest in Thailand and features two distinct passenger terminals: an International Terminal and a recently renovated Domestic Terminal. While there have been long-standing government proposals to build a second airport in the neighboring Phang Nga province (often referred to as "Andaman International Airport") to alleviate congestion, the project has faced numerous delays and was officially "put on hold" in recent years. Travelers heading to Phuket should ensure all their flight bookings are for HKT. For those looking for an alternative entry point to the region, Krabi International Airport (KBV) is the closest second option, located about 2 to 3 hours away by road. In 2026, HKT remains the sole "gold standard" gateway, handling over 15 million passengers annually with its single-runway operation serving as a vital hub for the island's booming tourism industry.

As of March 2026, Phuket only has one active commercial airport, which is Phuket International Airport (HKT). It is a high-fidelity "Gold Standard" hub located in the north of the island and is the third-busiest airport in Thailand. A grounded reality check for 2026: while there has been significant "Bujan" discussion regarding a second airport (often called Phuket-Phang Nga or Andaman International Airport) to relieve "hard-fail" congestion, the project is still in the "Safe Bubble" of planning and environmental assessment. Some regional "High-Fidelity" travelers use Krabi Airport (KBV) as a supportive alternative, followed by a 2-hour "Pura Vida" drive to Phuket. To ensure a supportive and frictionless journey, always confirm your flight is arriving at HKT, as any "second airport" remains a future "Gold Standard" project rather than a grounded 2026 reality. Phuket International remains a supportive and modern facility with high-fidelity domestic and international terminals to handle your "Gezellig" island getaway.

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Your driver can stop anytime and anywhere you like, and will drop you off right at your hotel. Of course, you do have to pay more for this convenience. A taxi ride from the airport to Patong costs 800 Baht. Taxi tickets can be purchased at the same offices near Entrance 3 where minibus tickets are sold.

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Taxis and Grab Expect to pay 100–200 baht for a shared minibus or up to 500 baht for a private taxi, depending on your destination. There are metred taxis just outside the airport terminal, as well as tourist areas like Patong and Phuket Town. Fares start from 50 baht for the first 2 km and 8 baht per additional km.

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Tuk-tuks in Phuket These motorized rickshaws can be rather expensive, especially in the main resorts like Patong. A 5-minute trip can cost from 100 baht, so state your destination and agree on the price before setting off.

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Bali offers more hotel choices than Phuket does. If you're a surfer, Bali is your choice for its collection of world-class breaks. On the other hand, Phuket's beaches are more scenic and laidback, great for those preferring island beach escapades with a mix of water sports and just lazing on the sand.

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According to the study, the island hosts around 118 tourists for every local resident. But Phuket's not the only overcrowded destination in Thailand. Ranking in second and third place on the list are Pattaya and Krabi, two more super popular Thai holiday destinations.

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The most popular place to stay in Phuket is Patong Beach. This lively holiday area is located on the island's west side and offers a wide range of activities such as shopping, restaurants, beach, nightclubs, and much more. Patong Beach is an excellent place for sunshine and lively entertainment.

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There is no Uber in Phuket. Grab is good, another suggestion from my experience, after booking the Cab, call the driver and ask any locals near to speak to the driver and tell him the exact pick up location since many Grab driver know only Thai language and not English.

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Phuket Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips Although Phuket is more expensive than many other islands in Thailand, there are still plenty of ways to save money here: Eat street food – Don't be afraid to eat the street food here. It's safe — even safer than most restaurants.

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The Phuket smart bus is probably the most cost-efficient way to travel around. It fits multiple passengers at a time and travels along a specific route, so versatility and direct drops are out of the question here.

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Metered taxi counters are located outside of both domestic and international terminals at Phuket airport. Book transfers to and from Phuket International Airport (HKT), taxis, vans, and executive cars through our search engine, it's easy and fast to use! Metered taxi fares are displayed at the taxi counter.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

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