Quick Answer
The best way to get from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to Buri Ram Airport (BFV) is by taxi or Grab. The journey covers ~35 km and takes 35–45 minutes, costing 300–500 THB (9–15 USD). For budget travellers, a songthaew (shared pick-up truck) costs as little as 50–100 THB (1.50–3 USD) but requires a transfer in the city centre and takes around 1 hour. There is no direct public bus and no railway connection to the airport.
Train: Why Rail Doesn't Directly Serve Buri Ram Airport
Buri Ram Airport (BFV) does not have a railway station. The nearest rail connection is Buri Ram Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟบุรีรัมย์), located about 3 km from the bus terminal in the city centre. While you cannot take a train directly from the bus terminal to the airport, combining train + road transport is an option if you are arriving in Buri Ram from another province.
Step-by-Step: Bus Terminal → Railway Station → Airport
- Buri Ram Bus Terminal → Buri Ram Railway Station: Take a songthaew (15–20 THB, ~10 min) or a short taxi (50–80 THB, ~5 min).
- Buri Ram Railway Station → Buri Ram Airport: Take a taxi or Grab (250–400 THB, ~30–35 min). Songthaews from the station to the airport are infrequent — you may need to walk to the main road (Thanon Romburi) to flag one down.
Thai Railway Network (Northeastern Line) Context
Buri Ram Railway Station is on the Northeastern Line (สายตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ) operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Trains from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat) to Buri Ram run daily, with journey times between 5.5 – 8 hours depending on service class. Fares range from 250 THB (7 USD) for third-class fan carriage to 800–1,200 THB (23–35 USD) for second-class sleeper/AC.
| Segment | Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Buri Ram Railway Station (train) | 5.5 – 8 h | 250 – 1,200 | 7 – 35 |
| Buri Ram Railway Station → Bus Terminal (taxi) | 5 – 10 min | 50 – 80 | 1.50 – 2.50 |
| Bus Terminal → Buri Ram Airport (taxi) | 35 – 45 min | 300 – 500 | 9 – 15 |
| Total (via bus terminal) | ~6.5 – 9 h | 600 – 1,780 | 17 – 52 |
Verdict: Pure train travel is not recommended for the bus-terminal-to-airport leg due to the lack of direct rail. However, if you are already on a train itinerary, the taxi connection from the station to the airport is straightforward. Check SRT schedules here →
Flight: Buri Ram Airport Departures & Why a Local Flight Doesn't Apply
The distance between Buri Ram Bus Terminal and Buri Ram Airport is just 35 km — far too short for any flight. However, once you arrive at the airport, you can fly to Bangkok (both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi) and other domestic destinations. This section clarifies the flight context so you can plan multi-stage journeys.
Domestic Airlines Operating from Buri Ram Airport (BFV)
- Nok Air – daily flights to Bangkok (Don Mueang), ~1 h flight time, fares from 1,200 THB (35 USD).
- Thai Lion Air – flights to Bangkok (Don Mueang), ~1 h, from 1,100 THB (32 USD).
- Thai AirAsia – flights to Bangkok (Don Mueang), ~1 h, from 990 THB (29 USD).
Total Time: Bus Terminal → Airport → Departure Gate
Even if you are connecting to a flight, the road leg remains the same. You must factor in check-in time (recommended 60–90 min before departure) and security screening. A realistic timeline:
- Bus Terminal to Airport (taxi): 40 min
- Check-in & security: 60 min
- Total from bus terminal to gate: ~1 h 40 min – 2 h
Key insight: Flying is not a way to get to the airport — it is what you do after you arrive. For the bus-terminal-to-airport segment, land transport is your only option. Check Nok Air schedules →
| Route | Mode | Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Terminal → Airport | Taxi (road) | 40 min | 300 – 500 | 9 – 15 |
| Bus Terminal → Airport → Bangkok (fly) | Taxi + Flight | ~2.5 h (incl. check-in) | 1,400 – 2,000 | 41 – 58 |
Songthaew & Local Bus: The Budget Choice
For travellers on a tight budget, the songthaew (สองแถว, literally "two rows") — a shared pick-up truck — is the most economical way to cover the 35 km to the airport. However, there is no direct songthaew from the bus terminal to the airport. You must transfer at the Buri Ram City Centre Market (ตลาดเทศบาล).
Step-by-Step Songthaew Route
- Bus Terminal → City Market: Take songthaew route สีแดง (Red) or สีเหลือง (Yellow). Frequency: every 15–20 min, fare 15–20 THB (~0.50 USD). Journey: ~15 min.
- City Market → Airport: Take songthaew route สีฟ้า (Blue) heading toward Ban Nong Kop / Airport area. Frequency: every 20–30 min until 6 PM, fare 30–50 THB (~1–1.50 USD). Journey: ~30–40 min.
Day Bus vs. Night Bus (Limited Service)
- Daytime (6 AM – 6 PM): Songthaews run regularly. The total journey including waiting and transfer takes 50–70 minutes.
- Evening (after 6 PM): Songthaew frequency drops sharply. After 7–8 PM, service is very limited or non-existent. A taxi or Grab is strongly advised.
Luggage & Comfort Notes
Songthaews are open-sided trucks with bench seating. Space for luggage is limited to one small bag or backpack per passenger. Large suitcases (over 24 inches) are not practical. The ride can be bumpy on rural roads, and there is no air conditioning.
| Factor | Songthaew | Taxi / Grab |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (per person) | 50 – 100 THB (1.50 – 3 USD) | 300 – 500 THB (9 – 15 USD) |
| Travel time | 50 – 70 min | 35 – 45 min |
| Transfers required | 1 (at city market) | 0 (direct) |
| Luggage capacity | Small bag only | Unlimited (within reason) |
| AC / comfort | No AC, open-air | AC, private |
| Available after 8 PM | Rarely | Yes |
Verdict: Great for solo budget travellers with light luggage during daytime. Not suitable for families, large bags, or late-night departures. Buri Ram municipality transport info →
Taxi, Grab & Private Transfer: Convenience & Speed
For the majority of travellers, a taxi or ride-hailing service (Grab) offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and cost. The 35 km drive takes 35–45 minutes along Highway 218 and local roads, with very little traffic congestion outside of peak hours.
Price Breakdown
- GrabCar (standard): 280 – 450 THB (8 – 13 USD) depending on demand surge.
- Metered taxi (street pick-up): 300 – 500 THB (9 – 15 USD) — confirm the driver uses the meter or agree on a fixed price before departure.
- Airport taxi (pre-booked): 400 – 600 THB (12 – 17 USD) — includes waiting time and guaranteed availability.
- Private transfer (hotel or agency): 500 – 800 THB (15 – 23 USD) — door-to-door, often with an English-speaking driver.
When to Choose Each Option
| Scenario | Recommended Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime, solo or pair, light luggage | GrabCar | Best value, transparent pricing, no haggling |
| Late night / early morning | Pre-booked airport taxi | Reliable availability, fixed price, safety |
| Group (3–5 people) with luggage | Taxi (large sedan) or GrabXL | More space, cost-per-person drops |
| Business traveller / premium | Private transfer (with signboard) | Professional, punctual, stress-free |
| Family with children & bulky bags | Private minivan | Extra space, child seats on request |
Important Practical Tips
- Payment: Grab accepts credit/debit cards and cash. Street taxis are cash-only — have small bills ready (100 and 20 THB notes).
- Language: Most drivers speak limited English. Show the destination in Thai: "ท่าอากาศยานบุรีรัมย์" (Buri Ram Airport) or use GPS navigation on your phone.
- Airport drop-off point: The terminal is small — taxis stop directly at the departures entrance. No extra fee for airport access.
- Wait time: Grab cars typically arrive within 5–12 minutes in the city area. From the bus terminal, expect a slightly longer wait (10–15 min) because fewer drivers are nearby.
Verdict: Taxi and Grab are the most practical and reliable options for nearly all travellers. The extra cost over a songthaew is justified by direct service, comfort, and time savings. Download Grab Thailand →
Complete Cost & Time Comparison
Use the table below to compare all available transport options from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to Buri Ram Airport side by side. We highlight the best overall and the cheapest options.
| Mode | Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Taxi / Grab (best overall) | 35–45 min | 300–500 | 9–15 | 0 (direct) | High (AC, private) | Most travellers |
| 💰 Songthaew (cheapest) | 50–70 min | 50–100 | 1.50–3 | 1 (city market) | Low (open-air, bench) | Budget solo, day only |
| Private transfer (premium) | 35–45 min | 500–800 | 15–23 | 0 (direct) | Very high (luxury sedan) | Business / families |
| Hotel shuttle (if available) | 30–50 min | 0–200 | 0–6 | 0 (direct) | Medium (depends on vehicle) | Guests of participating hotels |
| Rental car (self-drive) | 35–45 min | 800–1,500/day | 23–44/day | 0 (direct) | High (full control) | Exploring region + airport run |
🏆 Best Overall: Taxi / Grab — direct, affordable, comfortable, available anytime.
💰 Cheapest: Songthaew — at least 3× cheaper but requires a transfer and daytime travel.
⭐ Most Convenient: Private transfer — door-to-door, no negotiation, ideal for groups or late hours.
Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Based on frequent traveller feedback and local knowledge, here are practical tips to make your journey from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to the airport smoother.
🚖 Booking & Payment
- Always confirm the fare before getting into a street taxi. Ask "เท่าไหร่?" (how much?) or use Grab to avoid overcharging. A fair price to the airport is 300–400 THB (9–12 USD).
- Keep small change. Many drivers claim not to have change for 1,000 THB notes. Carry 100s and 20s.
- Grab works well but requires a Thai SIM or roaming data. Free Wi-Fi is available at the bus terminal (ask the information desk for the password).
🧳 Luggage & Baggage
- For songthaew travel: Use a backpack instead of a hard-shell suitcase. Songthaew benches are narrow, and large bags may not fit.
- Airport luggage limits: Buri Ram Airport is small — baggage check-in counters open 2 hours before departure. If you have excess luggage, a taxi is much easier than a songthaew.
- Takkyubin (baggage delivery) not available in Buri Ram region. You must carry your luggage yourself.
⏰ Timing & Peak Hours
- Morning peak (7:00–9:00 AM): Traffic around the bus terminal can add 5–10 minutes. Depart by 8:15 AM for a 9:30 AM flight.
- Evening peak (4:00–7:00 PM): Market area congestion may delay songthaews. Taxis remain quick via Highway 218 bypass.
- Songthaew schedule: The blue songthaew (to airport) runs every 20–30 min until 6:00 PM. After that, wait times exceed 1 hour or service stops entirely.
🌙 Late-Night & Early-Morning Travel
- After 9 PM: Taxis and Grab are the only reliable options. Pre-book with a local taxi hotline: +66 44 611 234 (Buri Ram Taxi Cooperative).
- Early morning (before 6 AM): Grab may have few drivers. Arrange a hotel transfer the night before, or ask your guesthouse to call a trusted driver.
📱 Useful Local Contacts
| Service | Contact / App | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grab Thailand | App (Android / iOS) | Real-time pricing, card or cash |
| Buri Ram Taxi Hotline | +66 44 611 234 | Fixed price, English possible |
| Airport Information | +66 44 666 777 | Flight times, lost luggage |
| Tourist Police (English) | 1155 | 24/7 assistance, can arrange transport |
Pro tip: If you have a long layover at the bus terminal before heading to the airport, the Buri Ram Night Market (ตลาดโต้รุ่ง) is a 10-min walk from the terminal — great for local food. More Buri Ram travel tips from TAT →
FAQs: Buri Ram Bus Terminal to Buri Ram Airport
Is there a direct bus from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to the airport?
No, there is no direct public bus connecting the bus terminal directly to Buri Ram Airport. The most practical options are a taxi (300–500 THB, ~40 min) or a songthaew via the city centre (50–100 THB, ~1 hour).
How much does a taxi from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to Buri Ram Airport cost?
A standard metered taxi or Grab car costs between 300 and 500 THB (approximately 9–15 USD). Fixed-price airport taxis may charge 400–600 THB depending on time of day and luggage volume. Always confirm the price before starting the trip.
How long does it take to get from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to the airport?
By taxi or private car the journey takes 35–45 minutes under normal traffic. By songthaew (shared pick-up truck) you should allow 50–70 minutes including waiting and possible transfers in the city centre.
What is the cheapest way to get from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to the airport?
The cheapest way is by songthaew (public shared pick-up truck), which costs approximately 50–100 THB (1.50–3 USD) per person, though it requires a transfer at the Buri Ram city centre market and takes longer. For a direct ride, a shared taxi with other passengers can lower the cost to around 150–200 THB per person.
Can I use Grab or ride-hailing apps in Buri Ram?
Yes, Grab is available in Buri Ram. GrabCar fares from the bus terminal to the airport typically range from 280 to 480 THB (8–14 USD). Availability is generally good during daytime but may be limited late at night. Other apps like Bolt are not yet widely available in this region.
Is it safe to travel from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to the airport at night?
Yes, but options are more limited. Taxis and Grab remain the safest and most reliable choices after dark. Songthaews rarely operate past 7–8 PM. We recommend pre-booking a taxi or arranging a hotel transfer for late-night departures. The Tourist Police (1155) can also assist with transport if needed.
How much luggage can I take on a songthaew to Buri Ram Airport?
Songthaews have limited luggage space — typically one small suitcase or backpack per passenger. For large suitcases or multiple bags, a taxi or private transfer is strongly recommended. Drivers may charge an extra 20–50 THB for oversized items.
Do I need to pre-book a transfer from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to the airport?
Pre-booking is not essential for taxis or Grab, but it is recommended during peak hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM) and for early-morning flights. Hotel transfers should be arranged at least 24 hours in advance. For peace of mind, you can book a private transfer via Klook or 12Go.