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ThailandAndaman coastWinter sunChecked Oct 2026

London to Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is at its best in the UK winter, and for 2026/27 there's a non-stop flight from Heathrow for the first time in years. This guide compares every practical way to get there, how to reach the beaches from the airport, and what UK travellers need to enter Thailand.

~11–12hNon-stop, Heathrow to Phuket (Virgin Atlantic)
Nov – AprDry season on the Andaman coast
~1hTaxi from Phuket Airport to Patong

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✈️ Search flights to Phuket🏨 Hotels in Phuket

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The short answer

The simplest way is Virgin Atlantic's non-stop flight from Heathrow to Phuket, which runs three times a week until late March 2027 and takes about 11–12 hours. On other days, fly non-stop to Bangkok with Thai Airways or EVA Air and take a short domestic flight to Phuket, or fly with one stop via the Gulf. From Phuket Airport, a taxi to Patong takes about an hour.

⚡ FastestFly non-stop from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic15–16h door to door · £££💰 CheapestFly with one stop via the Gulf18–22h door to door · £👍 Best for mostFly non-stop from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic15–16h door to door · £££

Thailand essentials

What UK travellers need to know before flying to Phuket.

Best time to go

November to April is the dry season on Phuket's west coast, with calm seas and lots of sunshine. December to February is the most comfortable and the busiest, so book flights and hotels early.

Entry for UK travellers

UK passport holders can currently visit Thailand for a holiday without a visa. Thailand has been reviewing how long visa-free stays can be, so check GOV.UK's travel advice for Thailand for the latest rules. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

Digital arrival card

All visitors must fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days before arriving, and show the QR code at immigration. Use the official government website only.

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Bolt work around the island but can't pick up at the airport, so use the official taxi counter or the airport bus when you arrive.

Every way to get there

From London to Phuket, best options first. Times are typical door to door; check live schedules for your dates.

1

Fly non-stop from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic

Fastest
Door to door15–16h
£ Cost£££
Best forThe quickest trip, no change of plane
  1. London Heathrow (LHR) to Phuket (HKT)About 11–12 hours. Virgin Atlantic flies on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, leaving Heathrow mid-afternoon and arriving the next morning. The route runs until 26 March 2027. Check current schedules.
  2. Phuket Airport to the beachesAn official taxi to Patong takes about an hour and usually costs 700–900 baht at a fixed price. The Phuket Smart Bus costs 100 baht and takes about 90 minutes, running roughly hourly from 9:00 to 22:30.
Find LHR–HKT flightsExpediaSkyscannerBook a private transferWelcome PickupsBus and train: Phuket International Airport → Patong Beach

With only three flights a week, these seats sell out fastest around Christmas and New Year. Coming home, the flight leaves Phuket late morning and lands at Heathrow the same evening.

2

Fly non-stop to Bangkok, then a domestic flight

Best for most
Door to door17–20h
£ Cost££
Best forAny day of the week, adding a stay in Bangkok
  1. London Heathrow (LHR) to Bangkok (BKK)About 11–12 hours non-stop. Thai Airways and EVA Air fly from Heathrow every day between them. Check current schedules.
  2. Bangkok (BKK) to Phuket (HKT)About 1h 20m, with many flights a day. Booking both flights on one ticket protects you if the first one is delayed.
Find LHR–BKK flightsExpediaSkyscannerFind BKK–HKT flightsExpediaSkyscanner

A great way to add two or three nights in Bangkok at the start or end of your trip. Some low-cost domestic flights use Bangkok's other airport, Don Mueang (DMK), so check before booking.

3

Fly with one stop via the Gulf

Cheapest
Door to door18–22h
£ Cost£
Best forLower fares, and flying from Birmingham or Manchester
  1. London (or Birmingham / Manchester) to a Gulf hubEmirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) fly from UK airports with one change, about 6–7 hours to the hub. Check current schedules.
  2. Gulf hub to Phuket (HKT)About 6–7 hours. Connections vary from 2 hours to most of a day, so compare total journey times.
Find LHR–HKT flightsExpediaSkyscannerFind MAN–HKT flightsExpediaSkyscanner

Often the cheapest choice, and the best option if you'd rather fly from your local airport instead of Heathrow.

Where to stay in Phuket

Compare hotels and apartments, many with free cancellation. Book early for December weekends.

Hotels in Phuket on Expedia Hotels.com Vrbo homes Booking.com KKday

Plan the rest of your trip

🎟️ Things to do on Expedia 🎟️ Tours & tickets 🚕 Airport transfer 📶 Travel eSIM 🚗 Car hire on Expedia 🚗 Localrent 🎫 City passes 🧳 Luggage storage ⏱️ Flight delay claim

All options compared

Typical times and relative costs. £ is cheapest, £££ is priciest.

OptionDoor to doorCostBest for
Fly non-stop from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic15–16h£££The quickest trip, no change of plane
Fly non-stop to Bangkok, then a domestic flight17–20h££Any day of the week, adding a stay in Bangkok
Fly with one stop via the Gulf18–22h£Lower fares, and flying from Birmingham or Manchester

Where to stay and easy day trips

Phuket is a big island, so where you stay changes your holiday.

Your base

Phuket

Patong is lively with the most nightlife; Kata and Karon are calmer beaches popular with families; Phuket Old Town has colourful shophouses and good food. The north-west coast is quieter and closer to the airport.

Hotels in Phuket Expedia
Full-day boat trip

Phi Phi Islands

Speedboat and ferry trips leave from Phuket for snorkelling and the famous bays. Book with a licensed operator and expect busy beaches at peak times.

Hotels in Phi Phi Islands Expedia
Day trip by boat

Phang Nga Bay

Limestone islands rising from calm water, with sea-cave kayaking and James Bond Island. Most tours include hotel pick-up.

Hotels in Phang Nga Expedia
About 2h 30m by road or ferry

Krabi

Railay's cliffs and quieter beaches make a good second stop. Ferries run between Phuket and Ao Nang in the dry season.

Hotels in Krabi Expedia

Local tip: Buy travel insurance before you go and check it covers scooters if you plan to ride one; many policies don't unless you hold the right licence and wear a helmet.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to what people ask most about this trip.

Is there a direct flight from London to Phuket?

Yes, for winter 2026/27. Virgin Atlantic flies non-stop from Heathrow to Phuket three times a week (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) until 26 March 2027. The flight takes about 11–12 hours.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

November to April, the dry season on the Andaman coast. December to February has the most comfortable weather and is also the busiest and most expensive.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Thailand?

UK passport holders can currently visit for a holiday without a visa, but you must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within three days before arriving. Check GOV.UK's travel advice for the latest rules.

How do I get from Phuket Airport to Patong?

An official taxi takes about an hour and usually costs 700–900 baht. The Phuket Smart Bus is cheaper at 100 baht but takes about 90 minutes. Grab and Bolt can't pick up at the airport.

Is it better to fly via Bangkok or direct?

Direct is quickest but only runs three days a week. Flying via Bangkok works any day and lets you add a city stop. One-stop flights via the Gulf are often cheapest and leave from more UK airports.

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Times and prices are typical estimates, checked Oct 2026. Always confirm with the operator before booking. Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.