Traveling can be stressful and inconvenient, especially for those who don't do it often. When it comes to flying, a little local knowledge can really help save time and frustration and make your travels go smoother. In most respects, Phuket Airport is like every other airport, but there are some aspects of traveling through the island's only air travel hub that are unique.

Getting There

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There's always the standard option that many tourists choose when visiting Phuket - booking a taxi. Many expats, especially those who travel often, have the number of a specific driver who they prefer to use. Usually, this has to do with reliability, driving style, or price. It's worth noting that a proper taxi must be used as tuk-tuks will generally not take you to the airport. 

Driving your own car or motorbike is always an option if you want to stay independent. Motorbike parking is free but is outdoor, unprotected, and unsecured. Access the lot at the domestic terminal (just to the north of the international terminal). For car parking, there is an indoor lot in front of the international terminal and remote lots at varying distances from the airport. At the time of writing, the indoor lot is THB 200/day, lots across the street from the airport are THB 100, and lots farther away are around THB 80 and shuttle you to and from the airport.

Depending on where you live in Phuket and your travel schedule, public transport may be a good option. There is a government-run airport bus that runs along Thepkrasattri Road, the bypass road, by Central Festival, and continues into Old Town Phuket. It operates from 6 am to 10:30 pm with tickets ranging from THB 30-100.

For those heading to or from the airport to west coast beaches, the Phuket Smart Bus is a convenient option. These smaller buses, several of which are electric, start from Rawai Beach and continue up the coast. The route also goes through Cherng Talay and Thalang where it meets Thepkrasattri Road, and reaching its destination at the domestic terminal. Starting at 6:45 am in Rawai with the last bus hitting the airport at 9:15, there are even earlier options from Kata Beach (check their schedule for up-to-date times). It's a flat THB 100 and the buses conveniently have WiFi.

For those who are not yet familiar with the intricacies of the Thai visa system, if you possess a single-entry visa you must get a reentry permit before leaving the country. Failure to do so will complicate your return to Thailand and may result in your visa being canceled. Reentry permits are available at the airport, are much more expensive, and must be obtained before flying out of Thailand. 

If your travels are taking you abroad, you can sometimes get a much better price by booking tickets from Phuket to Bangkok separately than the ticket from BKK to your international destination. Depending on the time of year, a round-trip Phuket-BKK ticket can be less than THB 2000.

If you happen to have a Thai spouse, another helpful thing worth noting is that immigration will typically allow you to join your spouse in the Thai passport line. During busy times in the high season, this can potentially save you hours of waiting.