Is there a direct flight from the UK to Phuket?

Yes. Virgin Atlantic flies nonstop from London Heathrow to Phuket three times a week from 18 October 2026, and Norse Atlantic Airways flies nonstop from London Gatwick three times a week from 4 December 2026 to 16 April 2027. TUI also operates nonstop flights from Gatwick and Manchester, mostly as part of package holidays. All three routes are seasonal and run during the winter months.

How long is the flight from London to Phuket?

A nonstop flight from London to Phuket takes roughly 11 to 13 hours, with the return usually taking a little longer because of headwinds. One-stop journeys through Helsinki, Istanbul or Bangkok typically take 15 to 22 hours in total, depending on the length of the connection.

How much does a flight to Phuket from London cost?

Norse Atlantic one-way fares from Gatwick start from around £292 in January and £283 in April, and from £370 in early December. One-stop returns can start from around £347 at the end of November. Fares over Christmas are much higher, with Norse one-way fares above £600 for most departures between 11 and 28 December.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Phuket in 2026?

British passport holders do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 30 days. This limit applies from 15 September 2026, when Thailand reduced its visa exemption from 60 days. All visitors must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online in the 72 hours before landing.

What is the time difference between the UK and Phuket?

Phuket is seven hours ahead of the UK during the British winter and six hours ahead during British Summer Time. Thailand does not change its clocks, so the difference depends only on the UK's daylight saving dates.

How do I get from Phuket Airport to Patong?

The Phuket Smart Bus runs from the airport to Patong for a flat 100 baht and takes about 90 minutes. A taxi from the official counter in the arrivals hall takes 45 to 60 minutes, with a fixed 100 baht airport fee added to the fare. Grab is also available from a designated pick-up area outside the terminal.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

The best months are December to February, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm. November, March and April are also good, though April is very hot. May to October is the rainy season, with rough seas and frequent red flags on the west coast beaches.

Flights to Phuket from the UK 2026: Virgin Atlantic, Norse Atlantic and Every Route Compared - Flugalternativen

This winter, UK travellers can choose between two scheduled nonstop airlines to Phuket, one from Heathrow and one from Gatwick, alongside TUI's holiday flights and one-stop routes through Helsinki, Istanbul and Bangkok.