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Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and its busiest beach destination, with clear water, long sandy bays and easy boat trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay. Flights from Europe usually involve one stop, so the price mostly depends on which connection you pick. You can compare live fares below.
Phuket at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Airport | Phuket International (HKT), in the north of the island |
| From Europe | Usually one stop, via a Gulf hub, Istanbul or Bangkok |
| From Bangkok | About 1 h 20 min, with many daily flights |
| Domestic airlines you will often see | Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet |
| Best season | November to April |
Routes change by season. Check the search results for the current options from your city.
Fly via Bangkok or another hub?
- Via a Gulf hub or Istanbul: some airlines fly from their hub straight to Phuket, so you only change planes once.
- Via Bangkok: fly to Bangkok, then take a domestic flight. A good choice if you want a few days in the city first. Allow plenty of time if the two flights are on separate tickets, and check whether your domestic flight leaves from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK).
Planning Bangkok too? See our Bangkok travel guide.
When is it cheapest to fly to Phuket?
- High season, November to April: dry, sunny and calm seas. Prices peak at Christmas, New Year and in February.
- Low season, May to October: the southwest monsoon brings showers and rough seas on the west coast beaches, but flights and hotels can be much cheaper.
- Shoulder months: late April, May and October often mix decent weather with lower prices.
Which beach to choose
| Beach | Approximate time from the airport | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Patong | About 45 min to 1 h | Nightlife, shopping, lively atmosphere |
| Kata and Karon | About 1 h | Families, wide sandy beaches, quieter evenings |
| Kamala | About 40 min | Relaxed, between Patong and the north |
| Bang Tao | About 25 to 30 min | Upscale resorts and a long beach |
| Phuket Town | About 40 min | Old Sino-Portuguese streets, food and culture |
Times depend on traffic.
Tips to pay less
- Compare routes via Bangkok and via a Gulf hub.
- Consider Krabi (KBV) if you plan to stay on the mainland coast or nearby islands.
- Book three to six months ahead for the December to February peak.
- Travel in May or October for lower prices, accepting some rain.
Compare flights to Phuket from your city.
Entry rules
Thailand’s visa-free stay rules and its digital arrival card (TDAC) have changed recently. Check the official Thai government and embassy websites for the current rules before you travel.
Book the rest of your Thailand trip
- Airport transfer: a driver meets you at arrivals, ideal after a long-haul flight.
- Thailand eSIM: mobile data from the moment you land.
- Tours and activities: temples, island trips, cooking classes and more.
- Travel insurance: worth having on a long-haul trip, mainly for medical cover.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from Europe to Phuket?
Most travellers fly with one stop. Some seasonal direct flights may operate, so check the search results for your dates.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Phuket?
May, June and September are often among the cheapest, in the rainy season.