Essential Phuket Airport Arrival Tips for Australians: A Comprehensive Guide

Traveloka Team
15 Sep 2024 - 5 min read

Phuket Airport arrival tips for Australians having some essential tips can ensure a seamless beginning to your trip. Upon landing at Phuket International Airport (HKT), knowing how to manoeuvre through the airport, secure transportation, and optimise your arrival can significantly improve your overall travel experience.

Here's an in-depth guide designed to navigate you through the process with precise, factual information.

Phuket Airport Overview: Navigating HKT Efficiently

Phuket Airport (HKT) has one terminal divided into domestic and international areas. The Domestic area has ten gates, and the International area has 16.

Leading airlines such as Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Jetstar Asia operate flights from both terminals. To ensure smooth travel upon arrival, consult the flight information screens to determine which terminal section to head to.

The Domestic section is on the left side of the terminal, while the International area is on the right.

At the terminal, you'll discover a range of services and facilities. There are numerous dining options, coffee spots, retail outlets, ATMs, and currency exchange services. An interactive airport map is provided to guide you to dining areas, service points, and departure gates. Getting acquainted with arrival advice for Australians at Phuket Airport will make navigating the airport smooth and easy.

Flight From Sydney to Phuket

Sat, 15 Mar 2025

Scoot

Sydney (SYD) to Phuket (HKT)

Start from AU$247.37

Wed, 26 Feb 2025

AirAsia X

Sydney (SYD) to Phuket (HKT)

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Wed, 26 Feb 2025

Jetstar

Sydney (SYD) to Phuket (HKT)

Start from AU$321.89

Connecting Between Terminals

Since HKT Airport functions with just one terminal, you won’t have to switch between terminals. This streamlines your arrival experience, allowing you to quickly move through the terminal without worrying about connections between terminals.

Parking Facilities & Options

Phuket Airport offers simple parking options for individuals picking up or dropping off travellers. Parking at the curbside is not allowed, but specific areas are designated for this purpose.

A designated drop-off area is close to the terminal entrance and identified for ease of use. For pickups, please use the cellphone waiting area near the airport entrance, where you can wait up to two hours for free.

Phuket Airport provides a range of parking alternatives:

Short-Term Parking: Ideal for brief stays, located close to the terminal.
Long-Term Parking: Suitable for extended trips, with rates generally lower than short-term options.
Handicapped Parking: This facility is available near the terminal for travellers with disabilities.
Off-Airport Parking: Economic choices with shuttle services to and from the airport.

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Dining, Shopping, and Amenities

Phuket Airport offers a range of eateries and retail opportunities:

Dining: You can find Burger King and Starbucks in the Departure Hall for a fast bite. S&P Restaurant serves favourites like Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup if you're craving local flavours. Passengers accessing Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge can enjoy various Thai and global dishes.
Shopping: The Thai Silk Shop sells keepsakes, and King Power offers duty-free products. For snacks and necessities, 7-Eleven and Boots Pharmacy are conveniently located.

To find these facilities, refer to Phuket Airport's interactive map, which offers information on all dining options, retail stores, and services within the terminal.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Arrival

If you are thinking, "What do I need to enter Thailand from Australia?” Here are a few suggestions for a seamless arrival experience at Phuket Airport for Australians:

1. Flight Details and Duration

When journeying from Australia to Phuket, the usual path is a non-stop flight to Phuket International Airport (HKT). The length of the flight can differ based on the city from which you depart:

Sydney to Phuket: Roughly 9 hours and 15 minutes
Melbourne to Phuket: About 9 hours and 30 minutes, with some flights including stopovers
Perth to Phuket: Usually between 8 and 16 hours, depending on the duration of stopovers
Brisbane to Phuket: Approximately 13 to 15 hours, often with layovers in cities such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur

How long does it take to get through Phuket Airport on arrival? At the international terminal, you should expect to spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes navigating Passport Control, followed by 10 to 20 minutes to collect your luggage.

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2. Immigration and Customs

Can Australians get a visa on arrival in Thailand? When you land at Phuket Airport, you must go through immigration.

Australian visitors will be granted visa-free entry for 30 days. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months past your entry date.

How long does it take to clear customs at Phuket Airport? The immigration procedure typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, influenced by the time of day and the volume of arriving flights.

To navigate customs smoothly, it's essential to understand Thailand's regulations to prevent bringing in restricted items. Typical limitations involve specific medications and objects that might be deemed illegal or culturally sensitive.

3. Currency Exchange

Phuket Airport provides currency exchange services, although the rates are usually less competitive than those at local banks or ATMs.

To get the most favourable exchange rates, consider withdrawing money from an ATM or utilizing local currency exchange options in Phuket. It is advisable to have some Thai baht readily available when you arrive to manage immediate costs like transport or snacks.

4. SIM Cards and Mobile Data

Australians should consider getting a local SIM card or eSIM once they arrive to avoid expensive roaming fees. Phuket Airport has kiosks where they can buy a prepaid SIM card or eSIM.

To simplify your travel, consider setting up a Thailand eSIM before you leave so that you can access data immediately upon arrival. Plans begin at around USD 5 per week, providing an affordable option for maintaining connectivity.

5. Transportation Options

Phuket Airport offers a range of travel choices:

Car Rentals

Major companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz operate rental counters at the airport, offering a convenient option for those who prefer to explore Phuket independently.

Taxis

Positioned just outside the terminal, taxis offer set rates depending on your destination. Note that airport pickups incur an extra charge.

Ride-Sharing Services

Apps like Grab and Uber are accessible, with specific pickup zones at the airport. However, there may be some service limitations.

Airport Shuttles

These services transport passengers to various locations around Phuket. Shuttles can be reserved ahead of time or upon arrival, with pickup points situated outside the terminal.

Public Transportation

Buses and minibuses provide a more budget-friendly, albeit slower, alternative than other transportation methods.

6. Health and Safety

Travellers to Thailand must follow health and safety protocols. Before your trip, review the most recent travel advisories and health regulations. Phuket offers support from various healthcare facilities and pharmacies if you require medical attention.

These Phuket Airport arrival tips for Australians will assist you in seamlessly manoeuvring through the airport and effortlessly beginning your Sydney to Phuket adventure.

For a smooth travel experience that encompasses hassle-free airport transfers, flights, fun activities, and accommodation arrangements, consider using Traveloka for your bookings to guarantee every detail of your trip is taken care of.

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In This Article

• Phuket Airport Overview: Navigating HKT Efficiently
• Connecting Between Terminals
• Parking Facilities & Options
• Dining, Shopping, and Amenities
• Helpful Tips for a Smooth Arrival
• 1. Flight Details and Duration
• 2. Immigration and Customs
• 3. Currency Exchange
• 4. SIM Cards and Mobile Data
• 5. Transportation Options
• 6. Health and Safety
• Looking for a flight deal to Thailand?

Flights Featured in This Article

Sat, 15 Mar 2025
Scoot
Sydney (SYD) to Phuket (HKT)
Start from AU$247.37
Book Now
Wed, 26 Feb 2025
AirAsia X
Sydney (SYD) to Phuket (HKT)
Start from AU$273.52
Book Now
Wed, 26 Feb 2025
Jetstar
Sydney (SYD) to Phuket (HKT)
Start from AU$321.89
Book Now
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