Phuket Airport FAQ: terminals, transport and fares
How many terminals does Phuket Airport have?+
One main building split into an International Terminal (opened 2016) and a Domestic Terminal, linked by a short covered walkway of about five to ten minutes. A separate X-Ray (TX) terminal handles some seasonal charter flights and is not always in use.
What's the cheapest way from Phuket Airport to the beaches?+
The Phuket Smart Bus. It runs a single west-coast route from the airport down to Rawai, stopping at Nai Yang, Bang Tao, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata, at a flat 100 baht however far you go. It's slow — allow around 90 minutes to Patong — but by far the cheapest option. Shared minivans are the next step up at roughly 180–300 baht per person.
How long does it take to get from the airport to Patong?+
By taxi or private car, about 45–60 minutes for the roughly 35 km to Patong in normal traffic, longer in the evening rush. Kata and Karon are farther south, around 45 km and closer to an hour. The Smart Bus takes much longer because of all the stops.
Is there a train or metro from Phuket Airport?+
No. Phuket has no rail link of any kind — every option is by road. Your choices are the Smart Bus, a shared minivan, a metered taxi or AOT limousine, a ride-hailing app like Grab, or a pre-booked private transfer.
Should I take a metered taxi or a Grab from Phuket Airport?+
Metered taxis and fixed-price AOT limousines queue at the official desks in arrivals — expect roughly 700–800 baht to Patong and 1,000–1,200 to Kata or Karon. Grab and Bolt work at the airport too, with an up-front app fare, but pickup points and availability vary. Whichever you pick, make sure the price or meter is agreed before you set off.
Which beaches are closest to Phuket Airport?+
The airport is in the north of the island, so Nai Yang (about 4 km) and Mai Khao (the long beach right beside the runway) are the nearest — 15 minutes or less. Bang Tao, Surin and Kamala are 20–30 minutes south. The busy resort beaches — Patong, Karon, Kata — are the farthest, 45 minutes to an hour away.
Do I need to fill in an arrival card before landing in Phuket?+
Thailand has moved to an online arrival process (the Thailand Digital Arrival Card), so foreign visitors may need to complete it before arrival rather than on paper. Requirements change, so check the current rules for your nationality before you fly.
How do I book a private transfer?+
Use the booking widget on any page — enter your destination beach and passenger count to get a fixed-price quote and booking through GetTransfer, with a driver meeting you at arrivals.