Systems and techniques for a physical access control systems with localization-based intent detection are described herein. In an example, an access control system may regulate access to an asset. The access control system is adapted to establish a first connection with a key-device. The access control system may be further adapted to receive a credential for a user over the first connection. The access control system may be further adapted to establish a second connection with the key-device. The access control system may be further adapted to determine an intent of the user to access the asset. The access control system may use location data derived from the second connection to determine the intent of the user. The access control system may be further adapted to provide the credential to an access controller, based on identifying an intent of the user to access the asset.