Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket

Kuala Lumpur has two international airports, approximately an hour apart. Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket leave from the larger, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) serves as a regional airport with limited mainland flights. If planning to transfer through Kuala Lumpur to Phuket, pay close attention to the airport code for connecting flights. Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket require a valid passport.

AirAsia, Malaysian Airlines, and Malindo Air offer direct, cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket daily. Malaysian Airlines and Malindo Air allow travellers to check-in and drop off luggage downtown, several hours ahead of scheduled departure. Even last-minute flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket can be highly affordable, but try to book at least two weeks in advance.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport has three terminal buildings: KLIA main terminal, Satellite A, and KLIA2. KLIA main terminal and Satellite Terminal A are connected by a two-minute shuttle ride, with all check-in counters in the main terminal. These two buildings handle departures for most airlines, including Malaysian Airlines and Malindo Air. A mile away from the main terminal, the KLIA2 terminal building handles check-in and departures for AirAsia and other low-cost airlines. Transfers from KLIA to KLIA2 offer free shuttle service, but passengers still have to pass through immigration and security. Total transfer time between KLIA and KLIA2 can take up to four hours.

Both terminals have Burger King and KFC as well as sit-down restaurants such as Malaysian Wok in KLIA and Bumbu Desa in KLIA2. Shopping options available in both terminals include airport-owned Eraman Malaysia Duty Free, pharmacies, bookstores, and chocolate shops like Chocolate Safari. Passengers flying direct from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket should arrive at the appropriate terminal at least three hours before departure.

Phuket International Airport (HKT) has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket arrive in Terminal 1, the international terminal. Restaurants in this airport include Burger King and Bill Bently Pub. This airport also has several convenience stores, such as 108 Shop and Bookazine.

Prices and Currency in Phuket

Although the total cost of living in Phuket is slightly higher than Kuala Lumpur, cost of travel can be substantially less. With some careful planning, especially with regard to hotels and restaurants, Phuket is considerably cheaper. The Thai Baht, the currency of Phuket, is worth approximately a tenth of a Malaysian Ringgit. Travellers from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket can exchange currency at the airport or withdraw money from any ATM on arrival.

Phuket Time Zone and Weather

Phuket belongs to the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which is one hour behind the Malaysia Time Zone (MYT). Neither time zone recognises Daylight Savings Time. Travellers from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket should set clocks back one hour on arrival.

Like Kuala Lumpur, Phuket tends to be warm and humid year round. Due to being more sheltered from the ocean, Phuket has some relief from the monsoon season in January and February.