Tips · Thailand
Phuket Airport (HKT) to Patong and Old Town
Phuket Airport (HKT) to Patong, Kata and Old Town by ride-hailing app, official taxi counter or airport bus: times, fares, areas and an arrival checklist.
Published · Updated
Phuket Airport (HKT) is in the north of the island
A Phuket trip starts at Phuket Airport (HKT). When you book, check which airport is on your ticket and make sure it says Phuket (HKT).
The airport is in the island's north, so the southern beaches are a fair drive. There are three main ways out: a ride-hailing app (about 45-60 min to Patong, about 600-900 THB), the official taxi/limousine counter in arrivals (about 45-60 min to Patong, about 800-1,200 THB) and the airport bus (over 1 hour to Patong, about 50-170 THB by distance).
The right choice depends on which beach you are staying at and whether you travel solo or in a group. Below we cover each option and how to reach each area. All times and fares are approximate, so double-check them with the official information before you go.
Ride-hailing app: fares set upfront
With a ride-hailing app the fare is set upfront in the app. Patong takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic, for about 600-900 THB.
Once you have arrived, it is also the easiest way between beaches, with transparent fares. Pickups can take a while in the evening.
Official taxi/limousine counter: fixed fares by destination
Book a fixed fare by destination at the official counter in arrivals. Patong takes about 45-60 minutes and costs about 800-1,200 THB. It is safer than touts outside.
Taxis and tuk-tuks around the island are often negotiated rather than metered. Agree on the destination and price before getting in.
Airport bus: cheap rides to the west-coast beaches
The Smart Bus and other airport buses link the airport with west-coast beaches (Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai). Fares are about 50-170 THB by distance, cheap for solo travelers. Patong takes over 1 hour.
Check routes and timetables on the official airport site before you go, and see whether the bus stops near your hotel.
Getting to each area
Which option suits you depends on where you are staying. Here are five main areas and how to reach each from the airport.
- Kamala and Surin (resort stays): a quiet upscale resort stretch on the west coast between the airport and Patong, on the airport bus beach list
- Patong (first visit, nightlife): about 45-60 min by ride-hailing app or the official counter, over 1 hour by airport bus. It is loud late, so pick a hotel a block or two back if you want quiet
- Karon and Kata (families, relaxed beaches): on the airport bus beach list. Quieter than Patong, with wide beaches
- Phuket Old Town (cafés, architecture, value): Set Old Town as your destination in a ride-hailing app or at the official counter and check the fare. You will drive to the beaches
- South (Rawai, Chalong; quiet stays, boat departures): Rawai is on the airport bus beach list. Fewer tourists, and close to piers where some island tours depart
At a glance
All times and fares are approximate values. Double-check them with the official information before you travel.
- Ride-hailing app: about 45-60 min to Patong (traffic), about 600-900 THB, fare set upfront in the app
- Official taxi/limousine counter: about 45-60 min to Patong, about 800-1,200 THB, fixed fare by destination, booked in arrivals
- Airport bus (Smart Bus and others): over 1 hour to Patong, about 50-170 THB by distance, serves west-coast beaches (Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai)
- Phuket Old Town: not on the airport bus beach list, so check the fare in a ride-hailing app or at the official counter
- After arrival: hilly roads between beaches need wheels; Patong and Kata beachfronts and the Old Town are fine on foot
Arrival-day checklist
Sort out the items below and your first trip from the airport to your hotel will be easy. Phi Phi and Phang Nga tours usually include hotel pickup, so if you have booked one, give your hotel as the pickup point. Boats may be cancelled in bad weather.
- Check which airport is on your ticket and make sure it is Phuket (HKT)
- If you take a taxi, use the official counter in arrivals rather than touts outside
- If you plan to take the airport bus, check routes and times on the official airport site before you go
- Agree on the destination and price before getting into a taxi or tuk-tuk
- Ride-hailing pickups can take a while in the evening
- If you rent a motorbike, always wear a helmet, and know that without a motorbike license your insurance may not cover accidents
- Entry requirements and documents can change, so check official Thai government sources before you travel
Plan your Phuket trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
FAQ
How long does it take from Phuket Airport to Patong?
About 45-60 minutes by ride-hailing app or the official taxi/limousine counter, and over 1 hour by airport bus. Traffic can change this.
What is the cheapest way?
The airport bus, at about 50-170 THB by distance, cheap for solo travelers. Check routes and times on the official airport site before you go.
How do I get to Phuket Old Town?
Check the official airport information to see whether the airport bus stops at Old Town. Set Old Town as your destination in a ride-hailing app or at the official counter in arrivals and check the fare.
Where do I get an airport taxi?
Book a fixed fare by destination at the official taxi/limousine counter in arrivals. Patong costs about 800-1,200 THB, and it is safer than touts outside.
Related reading
ⓘ Photo credits
- Airport rail platform (Hong Kong Airport Station) · MNXANL / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Railay & Phra Nang Cave Beach · Shivashanky / CC BY-SA 4.0