Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Buri Ram Airport (BFV) to Buri Ram Bus Terminal is by pre-booked private transfer or taxi, taking 20-30 minutes and costing 200-350 THB. For budget travelers, a combination of local songthaew and motorcycle taxi is the cheapest option at ~50-100 THB, but takes 45-90 minutes. There is no direct public bus.
Option 1: Taxi & Private Transfer (Most Convenient)
This is the most straightforward and recommended method for most travelers, especially those with luggage or on a tight schedule. The route follows Highway 218, a direct road connecting the airport to the city.
How It Works:
- At the Airport: Upon exiting the arrivals hall, you will find an official airport taxi counter. Here, you pay a fixed fare based on your destination and receive a coupon to give to the driver.
- The Journey: The driver will take you directly to the entrance of the main Buri Ram Bus Terminal.
- Payment: Cash (Thai Baht) is essential. While some newer taxis may accept cards, do not rely on it.
| Feature | Airport Taxi (Pre-Paid) | Pre-Booked Private Car (e.g., Klook) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | 200 - 350 THB | 600 - 1,200 THB (for the car) |
| Travel Time | 20 - 30 minutes | |
| Pros | Readily available for flights, fixed price, door-to-door. | Guaranteed availability, meet & greet, comfortable for groups/families, fixed online price. |
| Cons | Limited cars; long wait possible if multiple flights arrive. | Higher cost for solo travelers. |
| Best For | Solo travelers or couples arriving on scheduled flights. | Families, groups of 3+, or anyone valuing convenience and certainty. |
æå¨æ¥æºåè: Fares are based on current reports from the Buri Ram Airport information and traveler feedback on forums like Tripadvisor.
Option 2: Local Transport (Songthaew & Motorcycle Taxi) - The Budget Choice
For the adventurous and cost-conscious, local transport offers an authentic experience at a fraction of the price, albeit with more time and effort.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Stage 1: Airport to City Center (e.g., Buri Ram Clock Tower or Big C)
- Walk out of the airport to the main road (Highway 218).
- Look for a songthaew (a converted pick-up truck with two benches in the back). These run fixed routes and act as shared taxis/buses.
- Flag one down and ask if they are going towards the city center ("Muang Buri Ram" or "Big C").
- Cost: Approximately 30-50 THB per person.
- Note: They depart when reasonably full, so waiting time can vary (5-20 mins).
Stage 2: City Center to Main Bus Terminal
- Once in the central area, you need to reach the main bus terminal, which is on the outskirts.
- The easiest way is to take a motorcycle taxi. Find a driver (usually at vests at key intersections) and say "Bus station, mai?" (Bus station, yes?).
- Cost: 40-60 THB for the ride.
- Alternative: You might find another songthaew with a route passing the bus terminal, but this requires local knowledge.
Critical Analysis & Warnings:
- Luggage: This method is not suitable for large suitcases. Songthaews have limited space, and motorcycle taxis can only handle a small backpack.
- Time Uncertainty: Total journey time can be 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, heavily dependent on waiting times.
- Language Barrier: Minimal English is spoken by drivers. Have your destination written in Thai or show on a map.
- Weather: You are exposed to heat, rain, and dust during the songthaew ride.
In summary: A viable adventure for backpackers with light luggage, but a significant logistical challenge for others.
Cost & Time Comparison: Buri Ram Airport to Bus Terminal
Use this table to quickly compare all your options based on key decision-making factors.
| Transport Method | Estimated Cost (THB) | Travel Time | Convenience / Effort | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Booked Private Car | 600 - 1,200 (for car) | 20-30 min | â â â â â (Door-to-door, meet & greet) | Families, groups, luxury/comfort seekers |
| Airport Taxi (Metered/Pre-Paid) | 200 - 350 | 20-30 min | â â â â â (Direct, but may wait for taxi) | Most travelers, especially couples |
| Songthaew + Motorcycle Taxi | 50 - 100 (per person) | 45-90 min | â ââââ (Multiple transfers, waiting, exposure) | Solo backpackers on a tight budget, light luggage |
Key Takeaway: The airport taxi offers the best balance of cost, time, and convenience for the average traveler. The private car is best for groups, while the songthaew combo is the clear budget winner.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
1. Managing Luggage for a Bus Journey
If you have large bags and are continuing by bus, the bus terminal has luggage storage services. However, a better seamless strategy is to take a taxi directly from the airport to the bus terminal, check in your large luggage for your bus (if allowed in advance), and then explore the city lightly before departure.
2. The "Last Flight" Dilemma
The last commercial flight into BFV often arrives by early evening. Do not assume taxis will wait indefinitely. If you are on this flight, pre-booking a transfer is almost mandatory to avoid being stranded. Local songthaew services drastically reduce after ~6 PM.
3. Verify Your Drop-Off Point
When taking a taxi, clearly state "Bor Kor Sor Mai" (the new main bus terminal) or show the Thai script: สà¸à¸²à¸à¸µà¸à¸à¸ªà¹à¸à¸à¸¸à¸£à¸µà¸£à¸±à¸¡à¸¢à¹. There are smaller van stops in the city, and drivers might assume you want those if not specified.
4. Currency and Connectivity
There are no ATMs or currency exchange inside Buri Ram Airport. Have at least 500-1000 THB in cash before you land. Purchase a local SIM card at a major airport like Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi before your domestic flight to Buri Ram for navigation and communication.
5. Consider Your Next Leg
If your final destination is a specific hotel in Buri Ram city, it may be more efficient to take your taxi directly there, drop your bags, and then take a cheap motorcycle taxi to the bus terminal later. This splits the cost and saves you hauling luggage around.
FAQs: Buri Ram Airport to Bus Terminal
Is there a direct bus from Buri Ram Airport to the Bus Terminal?
No. There is no direct public bus service connecting Buri Ram Airport (BFV) directly to the main Buri Ram Bus Terminal. Travelers must use a taxi, private transfer, or take a local songthaew to the city center and then transfer.
What is the cheapest way to get from BFV Airport to the bus station?
The cheapest option is the local songthaew + motorcycle taxi combo, costing roughly 50-100 THB per person. It involves walking to the main road, taking a shared songthaew to the city center (~30-50 THB), and then a motorcycle taxi to the bus terminal (~40-60 THB).
How much is a taxi from Buri Ram Airport to the Bus Terminal?
A metered or pre-paid taxi from the official airport counter costs between 200 and 350 Thai Baht (THB) for the 20-30 minute journey. Always confirm the price or ensure the meter is on before starting your trip.
How long does the transfer take?
A direct transfer by taxi or private car takes 20-30 minutes. If using local transport (songthaew + motorcycle taxi), factor in waiting and transfer time, making the total journey 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Can I book a private transfer in advance?
Yes, and it is highly recommended for groups, families, or late arrivals. Book via platforms like Klook or 12Go.asia. Prices range from 600-1200 THB for a car, offering a fixed price and a guaranteed meet-and-greet service.
What should I do if my flight arrives late at night?
Pre-book a private transfer. While some taxis may meet the last flight, availability is not guaranteed. Do not rely on finding a songthaew or motorcycle taxi at night, as services are extremely limited or nonexistent.
Is the bus terminal the same for buses to Bangkok and Surin?
Yes. The main Buri Ram Bus Terminal (the "new" bus station) serves all major intercity routes, including Bangkok, Surin, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). Ensure your driver takes you here.
Is it easy to find taxis at Buri Ram Airport?
Taxis are generally available for scheduled flight arrivals, but the fleet is small. During peak season or if multiple flights arrive simultaneously, you may face a wait. For absolute certainty, advance booking is the safest strategy.