London to Phuket (LGW–HKT) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days (extended from the previous 30-day allowance). No fee, no advance application. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. A single 30-day extension is available at any Thai immigration office for THB 1,900 (about $53), giving a total possible stay of 90 days.

You need proof of onward travel (airline ticket out of Thailand within 60 days). Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds: THB 20,000 (about $560) in cash or equivalent per person, or THB 40,000 per family. This is rarely checked but enforced sporadically, especially at land borders. For longer stays, apply for a 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa at the Thai embassy in London for GBP 30, or a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for GBP 150 (valid 6 months, 60 days per entry).

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok (BKK) run about 11 hours 30 minutes on Thai Airways and British Airways. The Thai baht (THB) trades at roughly 35.5 THB per $1. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals, though hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) handles most international flights, Don Mueang (DMK) handles budget carriers. Transfer between them takes 45 to 90 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus.

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from London Victoria to the South Terminal in 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes (from £21.50 one-way; advance fares cheaper online). Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon are slower (35–45 min) but significantly cheaper; often £10–13 on Oyster or contactless. Southern trains also serve the route.National coaches (National Express, Megabus) connect Gatwick to Victoria Coach Station for £6–15. Taxis from central London cost £70–100+ depending on traffic. Driving via M23 and A23 takes 35–60 minutes; multi-storey car parks are directly connected to both terminals by a 2-minute monorail shuttle.