How to Get from Chong Mek (Border to Laos) to Ubon Ratchathani Airport

Best for: Travellers who value speed, comfort, and door‑to‑door service — especially those with heavy luggage, families, or late‑night arrivals.

Journey time: 50–60 minutes from the Chong Mek border gate to Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP). The route follows Highway 217 and the Ubon‑Sirindhorn bypass, mostly straight and well‑maintained.

Cost: 800–1,200 THB (≈22–33 USD) for the entire vehicle. Prices are negotiable; agree on the fare before boarding. After dark or during holidays expect 1,200–1,500 THB (≈33–42 USD).

Where to Find a Taxi at Chong Mek

• Border gate area: Drivers wait near the Thai immigration exit. Look for cars with yellow licence plates.
• Local taxi stands: A small stand is located about 100 m from the border checkpoint.
• Hotel booking: Most hotels in Chong Mek or Sirindhorn can arrange a pick‑up for you.

Advantages & Disadvantages

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Direct, no transfers	Most expensive option
Air‑conditioned	Price may surge after dark
Space for 3–4 passengers + luggage	Not bookable via apps (Grab unavailable)
Operates early morning to late evening	Drivers may not speak English — have destination written in Thai

💡 Tip: Write “ไปสนามบินอุบลราชธานี” (to Ubon Ratchathani Airport) on your phone or a piece of paper. Most drivers understand basic English, but a Thai phrase helps.

权威来源: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Ubon Ratchathani

Best for: Solo travellers or pairs on a tight budget who don’t mind one transfer and a bit more time.

Total time: 1.5–2 hours (songthaew 55–65 min + transfer and wait 20–30 min).

Total cost: 160–250 THB (≈4.50–7.00 USD) per person.

Step‑by‑Step

1. Songthaew from Chong Mek → Ubon Bus Terminal — cost 60–100 THB (≈1.70–2.80 USD). Songthaews (red pick‑up trucks with benches) leave from the main road near the border checkpoint. Frequency: every 30–60 min during daylight (06:00–17:30).
2. Local taxi / tuk‑tuk from Bus Terminal → Ubon Airport — cost 100–150 THB (≈2.80–4.20 USD). The airport is only 5 km from the city centre; a ride takes 10–15 min.

Important Details

• 行李限制: Songthaews have limited luggage space. Large suitcases may incur an extra 20–40 THB fee.
• 运营时间: Songthaews run less frequently after 16:00. Aim to cross the border before 15:00 for a smoother connection.
• 下车点: Ubon Bus Terminal (also known as Bangkok Bus Terminal or Terminal 2) is on Chayangkun Road. From there, taxis line up outside the main entrance.

Leg	Vehicle	Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)
Chong Mek → Ubon Bus Terminal	Songthaew	55–65 min	60–100	1.70–2.80
Ubon Bus Terminal → Airport	Taxi / tuk‑tuk	10–15 min	100–150	2.80–4.20
Total	—	1.5–2 h	160–250	4.50–7.00

💡 Tip: If you arrive at Ubon Bus Terminal and want to save even more, you can walk to the Ubon City Market (500 m) and catch a local songthaew route #2 to the airport for 20 THB — but this adds complexity and may not suit large luggage.

权威来源: Department of Land Transport – Thailand Bus Services

Best for: Travellers who want the convenience of a taxi with the reliability of a confirmed booking — especially for early‑morning flights or group travel.

Cost: 900–1,400 THB (≈25–39 USD) depending on vehicle type (sedan vs. SUV) and booking platform. Slightly more than a street‑negotiated taxi, but you get guaranteed pickup time and vehicle condition.

Journey time: Same as taxi — 50–60 minutes.

How to Book

• Hotel concierge: Most guesthouses in Chong Mek and Sirindhorn can arrange a car. Price usually includes a sign with your name at the border.
• Local travel agencies: Agencies in Ubon city (e.g., Ubon Tour or Sirindhorn Travel) offer cross‑border pick‑ups. Expect to pay 1,000–1,200 THB.
• Online platforms: Klook and 12Go sometimes list private transfers from Chong Mek — check availability at least 24 h in advance.

Pros vs. Street Taxi

Pre‑booked	Street Taxi
Fixed price, no negotiation	Price may vary with demand
Vehicle guaranteed at your time	May need to wait for available car
Often includes meet‑and‑greet	No show if driver accepts another fare
Usually newer, cleaner cars	Variable condition

💡 Tip: If you book via a hotel, ask if they offer a “border meet” service — the driver will wait near the immigration exit with a sign. This is especially helpful for first‑time visitors.

权威来源: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Travel Advisories

Best for: Experienced drivers who want to explore the Ubon region at their own pace. Not recommended for first‑time visitors due to left‑hand traffic and limited English signage.

Cost: Rental from ≈800–1,500 THB/day (≈22–42 USD) plus fuel (≈400–600 THB for a full tank). Deposit required: 3,000–5,000 THB (≈84–140 USD) or passport hold.

Journey time: 50–60 minutes on the same route as taxis.

Where to Rent

• Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP): Major agencies (Budget, Hertz, Thai Rent a Car) have desks at arrivals. You’d need to get to the airport first, then rent — so this option works best if you’re starting from Ubon city.
• Chong Mek area: Limited rental options. Some guesthouses rent scooters (300–500 THB/day) but not cars. A car rental in Ubon city with delivery to Chong Mek may be arranged for an extra fee.
• International companies: RentalCars.com shows a few options in Ubon with pick‑up at the airport or city centre.

Driving Tips

• Documents: Bring your valid national driving licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and passport. Police checkpoints are common on Highway 217.
• Route: From Chong Mek, head west on Highway 217 (约15 km), then merge onto the Ubon‑Sirindhorn bypass (Highway 231) heading north — follow signs for “สนามบินอุบลฯ” (Airport).
• Fuel: The last petrol station before the airport is at the Ban Dan intersection (约8 km from airport). Fill up there.
• Parking at UBP: Short‑term parking is 20 THB/hour; long‑term is 100 THB/day. Both are secure and well‑lit.

💡 Tip: If you plan to return the car at the airport, confirm with the rental company that drop‑off is allowed. Most agencies charge a 300–500 THB one‑way fee.

权威来源: Thai Rent a Car – Ubon Branch

Note: There is no train service from Chong Mek itself. The nearest train station is Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station in the city centre, about 5 km from the airport. If your final goal is to continue by train to Bangkok or other Thai cities, here’s how to connect:

From Chong Mek to Ubon Railway Station

• By songthaew: 60–100 THB, drop at Ubon Bus Terminal, then walk or take a short tuk‑tuk ride (50 THB) to the railway station. Total ≈1 h 15 min.
• By taxi: 800–1,200 THB directly to the railway station, 50 min.

Train Services from Ubon Station

Route	Train Types	Time	Price (3rd class)	Price (1st/2nd class)
Ubon → Bangkok (Hua Lamphong)	Express / Rapid / Special Express	8–10 h	≈250–350 THB	≈800–1,500 THB
Ubon → Warin Chamrap	Local train	20 min	≈10 THB	—
Ubon → Si Sa Ket	Express / Local	1.5–2 h	≈50–100 THB	≈300–600 THB

💡 Tip: The Ubon–Bangkok overnight sleeper train is a popular budget option. Book at least 2 weeks in advance via DTicket (State Railway of Thailand). If you’re arriving from Laos, consider taking a taxi directly to the station rather than the bus terminal to save time.

权威来源: State Railway of Thailand – Official Site

Note: There is no flight from Chong Mek. But once you reach Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP), you can fly to several domestic destinations. Here’s what you need to know:

Domestic Routes from UBP

Destination	Airlines	Flight Time	Frequency	One‑way Fare (THB)
Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi BKK)	Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion, Nok Air	1 h 05 min	5–7 flights/day	1,200–2,500
Bangkok (Don Mueang DMK)	Nok Air, Thai Lion	1 h 10 min	3–4 flights/day	1,000–2,200
Chiang Mai (CNX)	Nok Air (via DMK)	2 h 30 min (1 stop)	1–2 flights/day	2,500–4,500

Airport Facilities

• Terminal: One compact terminal with 3 gates. Check‑in counters open 2 h before departure.
• Food & shops: Small café (coffee, snacks), a 7‑Eleven, and a souvenir kiosk.
• ATMs: 2 ATMs in the arrivals hall. Currency exchange available but with limited hours (07:00–17:00).
• Transport from airport to city: Taxi stand outside arrivals — 100–150 THB to city centre, 10 min.

💡 Tip: If you’re flying out of UBP, aim to arrive at the airport 1.5 h before departure for domestic flights. The airport is small but can get busy during holiday weekends (Songkran, New Year).

权威来源: Airports of Thailand – UBP Information

Use this table to quickly compare every way to get from Chong Mek to Ubon Ratchathani Airport.

Transport Mode	Total Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	Best For
✅ Private Taxi (direct)	50–60 min	800–1,200	22–33	0	Speed & comfort
Pre‑booked Transfer	50–60 min	900–1,400	25–39	0	Reliability
Songthaew + Taxi	1.5–2 h	160–250	4.50–7.00	1	💰 Budget (cheapest)
Rental Car (self‑drive)	50–60 min	800–1,500/day + fuel	22–42/day	0	Independence
Train (via Ubon station)	1 h 15 min to station + train time	60–100 to station + ticket	1.70–2.80 + ticket	1–2	Continuing by rail

🏆 Best overall value: Private taxi for its balance of speed, cost, and convenience. 🏆 Cheapest: Songthaew + taxi combo.

Real‑world advice gathered from frequent cross‑border travellers and local drivers.

1. Border Crossing Hours

Chong Mek–Vang Tao border is officially open 06:00–22:00 daily. However, transport options (songthaews) dwindle after 17:00. If you arrive late, pre‑book a taxi or private transfer — don’t rely on public transport.

2. Currency & Payments

Drivers prefer cash in Thai Baht. There are ATMs at the border (by the Thai immigration building) but they sometimes run out of cash on weekends. Carry enough for your fare. Most songthaew drivers do not accept credit cards or foreign currency.

3. Luggage Delivery (Takkyubin‑style)

If you have heavy bags and want to travel light, use Thailand Post or Kerry Express in Ubon city to forward luggage to your hotel. There’s no baggage delivery service at Chong Mek itself — plan ahead.

4. Sim Card & Internet

Buy a Thai SIM (AIS, TrueMove, or dtac) at the border convenience store. 30‑day tourist packages cost ≈300–600 THB. Having data helps you use Google Maps and call your driver.

5. Songthaew Etiquette

• Hail the driver by waving. The vehicle will stop anywhere along the main road.
• Pay when you alight. Tell the driver your destination — if language is a problem, show “ไปสถานีขนส่งอุบลฯ” (to Ubon Bus Terminal).
• Seats are bench‑style. If the vehicle is full, you may need to wait for the next one (usually 20–30 min).

6. Peak Season Warning

During Songkran (April), New Year, and Chinese New Year, demand for taxis surges. Book private transfers at least 3 days in advance. Expect 20–30% price increase.

💡 Pro tip: Join the “Ubon Ratchathani Travellers” Facebook group to ask for current taxi rates and driver recommendations — it’s an active community of expats and locals.

权威来源: Thailand Post – Luggage Services