How to Get from Nam Nao National Park to Phetchabun Airport

A private taxi or pre-booked transfer is the most convenient and recommended way to travel from Nam Nao National Park to Phetchabun Airport. The journey covers approximately 65 km via Highway 12 and Highway 21, taking about 1 hour in normal traffic.

Cost Breakdown by Vehicle Type

Vehicle Type	Price (THB)	Price (USD)	Capacity	Best For
Standard Sedan (Toyota Vios / Honda City)	800–1,000	$23–29	3–4 pax + luggage	Solo travelers & couples
SUV (Toyota Fortuner / Honda CR-V)	1,000–1,200	$29–34	4–5 pax + luggage	Small groups & families
Minivan (Toyota Commuter)	1,200–1,500	$34–43	8–10 pax + luggage	Large groups & tours

How to Book

• Hotel/Resort Concierge: Most accommodations near Nam Nao can arrange a taxi — prices are usually fair and reliable.
• Local Taxi Stands: In Nam Nao town or at the national park entrance, you can flag down a local taxi. Negotiate the fare before departure.
• Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab / Bolt): Coverage is limited near the park but available in Lom Sak town (~50 km away). Use apps as a backup.
• Pre-book Online: Platforms like 12Go.asia or Rome2Rio offer private transfer bookings with fixed prices.

Pros & Cons

✅ Advantages	❌ Disadvantages
Door-to-door service	Most expensive option
Fast (~1 hour)	Not available for solo budget travelers
Comfortable with A/C	Need to negotiate or pre-book
Available 24/7 (with surcharge at night)	Night surcharge (200–300 THB extra)

Verdict: If you value time, comfort, and reliability, a private transfer is the best choice for most travelers.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — recommended transport options for Phetchabun province.

For budget-conscious travelers, the local public bus + songthaew (shared pickup truck) combination is the cheapest way to reach Phetchabun Airport. This route requires one transfer in Lom Sak town.

Step-by-Step Route

1. Nam Nao → Lom Sak (Bus): Take a local yellow-orange bus or shared minivan from Nam Nao town to Lom Sak bus terminal. Frequency: every 30–60 minutes (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Fare: 80–120 THB ($2–3). Travel time: 40–50 minutes.
2. Lom Sak → Phetchabun Airport (Songthaew / Taxi): From Lom Sak bus terminal, take a songthaew (red pickup truck) or motorcycle taxi to the airport. Songthaew fare: 40–80 THB ($1–2). Travel time: 20–30 minutes. Taxi from Lom Sak to airport: 200–300 THB ($6–9).

Schedule & Frequency

Route	First Bus	Last Bus	Frequency	Fare (THB)	Fare (USD)
Nam Nao → Lom Sak	6:00 AM	5:00 PM	Every 30–60 min	80–120	$2–3
Lom Sak → Airport (songthaew)	6:30 AM	6:00 PM	Every 20–30 min	40–80	$1–2

Important Notes

• No direct bus: There is no single bus from Nam Nao National Park to Phetchabun Airport — you must transfer in Lom Sak.
• Limited evening service: After 5:00 PM, public bus options are scarce. You may need to take a taxi from Lom Sak.
• Luggage: Buses have limited luggage space. Large suitcases may incur an extra fee (20–50 THB).
• Payment: Cash only — carry small bills and coins.

Verdict: Best for solo budget travelers and backpackers. Total cost: 120–250 THB ($3–7). Total time: 1.5–2.5 hours.

Source: Thailand Department of Land Transport — local bus routes and fares.

While there is no direct night bus from Nam Nao National Park to Phetchabun Airport (the distance is only 65 km), long-distance highway buses from Bangkok (Mo Chit) and other major cities serve the Phetchabun region. These are useful if you are arriving from afar and need to reach the airport area.

Long-Distance Highway Bus Options

Route	Operator	Duration	Fare (THB)	Fare (USD)	Notes
Bangkok (Mo Chit) → Phetchabun	Phetchabun Tour / Sombat Tour	5–6 hours	300–500	$9–14	Day & night services available
Chiang Mai → Phetchabun	Green Bus / Phetchabun Tour	6–7 hours	400–600	$11–17	Limited night service; book in advance
Khon Kaen → Phetchabun	Phetchabun Tour / local buses	3–4 hours	200–350	$6–10	Daytime only

From Phetchabun Bus Terminal to Airport

All long-distance buses arrive at Phetchabun Bus Terminal (also called Phetchabun Central Bus Station) in Muang Phetchabun district. From there, you have two options to reach the airport (located in Lom Sak district, ~35 km away):

• Local bus + songthaew: Take a local bus from Phetchabun terminal to Lom Sak (40–60 THB, 30 min), then a songthaew to the airport (40–80 THB, 20 min). Total: 80–140 THB ($2–4).
• Taxi directly: From Phetchabun bus terminal to the airport costs 400–600 THB ($11–17), taking about 35–45 minutes.

Night Bus Specifics

• Bangkok → Phetchabun night bus: Departs Mo Chit at 9:00 PM, 10:30 PM, and 12:00 AM. Arrives Phetchabun around 3:00–5:00 AM. Fare: 350–500 THB ($10–14).
• Comfort level: A/C buses with reclining seats, but roads are winding — bring a travel pillow.
• Arriving early morning: If you arrive at Phetchabun terminal at 3:00–5:00 AM, taxis are available but with a night surcharge (200–300 THB extra).

Verdict: Best for travelers coming from Bangkok or other major cities. Combine with a local taxi for the final leg to the airport.

Source: Sombat Tour & Phetchabun Tour — official bus schedules and fares.

Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility to explore Nam Nao National Park and drive to Phetchabun Airport at your own pace. The route is straightforward and well-maintained.

Route Details

• Distance: ~65 km
• Driving time: 50–70 minutes (depending on traffic and stops)
• Route: Start on Route 12 (Nam Nao → Lom Sak), then connect to Route 21 southbound to the airport.
• Road condition: Paved two-lane highway, generally good condition. Watch for wildlife (deer, wild boar) near the national park.

Rental Cost Comparison

Car Type	Daily Rate (THB)	Daily Rate (USD)	Fuel Cost (est.)	Total (THB)	Total (USD)
Economy (Toyota Yaris / Suzuki Swift)	800–1,000	$23–29	200–300	1,000–1,300	$29–37
Mid-size (Toyota Corolla / Honda Civic)	1,000–1,300	$29–37	250–350	1,250–1,650	$36–47
SUV (Toyota Fortuner / Honda CR-V)	1,300–1,800	$37–51	350–500	1,650–2,300	$47–66

Rental Companies & Booking Tips

• Local agencies: Phetchabun Rent A Car (THB 800/day) — reliable for regional travel.
• International chains: Budget, Avis, and Hertz operate in Phetchabun province — check RentalCars.com for comparisons.
• Documents needed: Valid driver's license (international driving permit recommended), passport, and credit card deposit (3,000–5,000 THB).
• Insurance: Basic insurance is included, but collision damage waiver (CDW) is recommended (200–400 THB/day).

Parking at the Airport

Phetchabun Airport has a small parking lot (capacity ~50 cars). Parking is free for the first 2 hours, then 20 THB/hour ($0.60). Maximum daily rate: 150 THB ($4).

Verdict: Great for travelers who want independence and plan to visit multiple destinations. Note that one-way rentals (drop off at airport) may incur an extra fee (300–500 THB).

Source: Thai Rent A Car — official partner of Thailand tourism.

For the adventurous and agile traveler, a motorbike taxi (or self-rental motorbike) can be a thrilling way to cover the 65 km to Phetchabun Airport. This option is not for everyone — it requires confidence on two wheels and tolerance for heat and dust.

Motorbike Taxi Service

• Availability: Motorbike taxis are common in Nam Nao town and near the park entrance. Look for drivers in blue vests.
• Fare: 400–600 THB ($11–17) for the full trip to the airport. Negotiate upfront.
• Duration: ~1 hour (slightly faster than a car due to lane splitting).
• Safety: Helmets are required by law — ensure your driver provides one. Roads have moderate traffic; be cautious on curves near the park.

Self-Rental Motorbike

Bike Type	Daily Rate (THB)	Daily Rate (USD)	Fuel Cost (est.)	License Required
Honda Wave / Scoopy (110cc)	200–300	$6–9	60–100	Motorcycle license (any)
Honda Click / PCX (125–150cc)	300–400	$9–11	80–120	Motorcycle license (any)
Honda CB300R / Kawasaki (300cc+)	500–800	$14–23	100–150	International motorcycle license

Important Warnings

• Weather: Rainy season (June–October) makes roads slippery — not recommended.
• Wildlife: Deer and wild boar crossing near the park at dusk — ride slowly.
• Luggage: Limited carrying capacity. Use a backpack or bungee cords.
• Fuel: Fill up in Nam Nao town — there are no gas stations on Route 12 between Nam Nao and Lom Sak.

Verdict: Suitable for experienced riders on a tight budget. Total cost: 200–600 THB ($6–17). Not recommended for families or first-time riders.

Source: Ride Asia — motorcycle travel guide for Thailand.

While there is no direct train from Nam Nao National Park to Phetchabun Airport, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates services on the Northern Line that stop at Lom Sak Railway Station, approximately 50 km from the park. This option is not recommended for most travelers due to limited schedules and multiple transfers, but it's included here for completeness.

Nearest Railway Stations

Station	Distance from Park	Train Services	Frequency
Lom Sak Railway Station	~50 km (40 min by bus)	Ordinary & Rapid trains to Bangkok (Hua Lamphong), Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai	4–6 trains/day
Phitsanulok Railway Station	~80 km (1.5 hr by bus)	All services including Express & Special Express to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond	15–20 trains/day

Sample Train Connection (via Lom Sak)

1. Nam Nao → Lom Sak Station: Take a local bus (80–120 THB, 40 min) to Lom Sak town, then a songthaew (40 THB, 10 min) to the railway station.
2. Lom Sak → (optional train ride): You could take a train from Lom Sak to Phitsanulok (1.5 hours, ~50 THB) or Bangkok (6–7 hours, 200–400 THB), but this does not get you to the airport.
3. Lom Sak → Airport (final leg): From Lom Sak station, take a songthaew or taxi to Phetchabun Airport (15 km, 20–30 min, 40–200 THB).

Why Train Is Not Recommended

• Limited schedules: Lom Sak station has only 4–6 trains per day, mostly early morning and late afternoon.
• Multiple transfers: You need at least 2–3 vehicle changes (bus → songthaew → train → songthaew).
• Longer total time: Minimum 2.5–4 hours vs. 1 hour by taxi.
• No time saving: The train does not go directly to the airport — you still need road transport for the last 15 km.

Verdict: Only consider the train if you are a rail enthusiast or need to reach destinations beyond Phetchabun (e.g., Phitsanulok or Bangkok) after your flight.

Source: State Railway of Thailand (SRT) — official timetables and fare information.

Phetchabun Airport (PHY / ICAO: VTPB) is a small domestic airport located in Lom Sak district, approximately 65 km from Nam Nao National Park. Flights from PHY primarily serve Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK), with 1–2 departures per day.

Flight Overview

Airline	Route	Flight Time	Frequency	One-Way Fare (THB)	One-Way Fare (USD)
Nok Air	PHY → DMK (Bangkok)	~1 hour	1–2 daily	1,500–2,500	$43–71
Air Asia	PHY → DMK (Bangkok)	~1 hour	1 daily (seasonal)	1,200–2,800	$34–80

Getting from Nam Nao to the Airport for Your Flight

Since the airport is only 65 km away, you do not need a flight to get there. Instead, use one of the ground transport options above (taxi, bus, rental car) to reach the airport. Once at PHY, you can fly to Bangkok or connect to international flights via DMK.

Total Door-to-Door Time (Taxi + Flight)

• Nam Nao → Airport (taxi): 1 hour
• Check-in & security: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure (airport is small, but recommended).
• Flight to Bangkok: 1 hour
• Total (Nam Nao → Bangkok DMK): ~3–4 hours (vs. 6–7 hours by bus or 8–9 hours by train).

Airport Facilities

Phetchabun Airport is small but functional: waiting area, snack shop, restrooms, and basic parking. There are no ATMs inside the terminal — bring cash.

Verdict: Flying is only relevant if you are continuing to Bangkok or beyond. For the Nam Nao → Airport leg, use ground transport.

Source: Nok Air & Air Asia — official flight schedules and fares.

Here is a complete comparison of all transport options from Nam Nao National Park to Phetchabun Airport. Use this table to make your final decision.

Comprehensive Cost & Time Table

Transport Mode	Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	Convenience	Best For
Taxi / Private Transfer ⭐	~1 hour	800–1,200	$23–34	0 (door-to-door)	★★★★★	Everyone (best overall)
Local Bus + Songthaew 💰	1.5–2.5 hours	120–250	$3–7	1 transfer (Lom Sak)	★★☆☆☆	Budget solo travelers
Rental Car (Self-Drive)	~1 hour	1,000–1,650	$29–47	0 (flexible)	★★★★☆	Groups & explorers
Motorbike Taxi	~1 hour	400–600	$11–17	0	★★★☆☆	Adventurous riders
Self-Rental Motorbike	~1 hour	260–400	$7–11	0	★★☆☆☆	Experienced riders
Train (via Lom Sak)	2.5–4 hours	200–500	$6–14	2–3 transfers	★☆☆☆☆	Rail enthusiasts only
Highway Bus (Bangkok → Phetchabun) + Taxi	5.5–7.5 hours	700–1,100	$20–31	1–2 transfers	★★★☆☆	Travelers from Bangkok
Flight (only from PHY onward)	1 hour (flight)	1,200–2,800	$34–80	+ ground transport	★★★★☆	Continuing to Bangkok

Key Takeaways

• Best overall: Taxi/Private Transfer — fastest, most convenient, reasonable cost for groups.
• Cheapest: Local Bus + Songthaew — only 120–250 THB ($3–7) but requires patience.
• Most flexible: Rental Car — ideal if you plan to explore the region.
• Least recommended: Train — too many transfers and longer total time.

All prices are indicative and may vary by season, demand, and negotiation. Always confirm fares before departure.

Insider advice from seasoned travelers to make your journey from Nam Nao National Park to Phetchabun Airport smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

1. Luggage & Baggage

• Use a backpack if taking public transport: Buses and songthaews have limited luggage space. A 40–60L backpack is ideal.
• Takkyubin (luggage delivery) not available here: Unlike Japan, luggage forwarding is scarce in Phetchabun. Carry your bags.
• Weight limits for flights: Nok Air and Air Asia allow 15–20 kg checked baggage. Weigh your bag before heading to the airport.

2. Timing & Schedules

• Book morning flights: Phetchabun Airport has limited afternoon/evening flights. Morning departures (7:00–9:00 AM) are more reliable.
• Check holiday schedules: During Songkran (April) and Loi Krathong (November), bus and train tickets sell out days in advance — book early.
• Rainy season warning: June–October roads can be slippery and visibility low. Allow extra 30–45 minutes for travel.

3. Money & Payments

• Cash is king: Most local buses, songthaews, and taxis accept cash only. ATMs are available in Lom Sak but not at the airport.
• Negotiate taxi fares upfront: Always agree on the price before getting in. Use phrases like "How much to airport?" (ไปสนามบินเท่าไหร่).
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (20–50 THB for good service).

4. Local SIM & Connectivity

• Get a Thai SIM: AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC have coverage along Route 12 and 21. Buy at 7-Eleven (50–100 THB for a tourist SIM).
• Use Grab for backup: If you're stuck in Lom Sak, the Grab app can help you find a ride. Download it before you travel.

5. Safety & Comfort

• Wildlife caution: Deer, wild boar, and occasionally elephants cross roads near Nam Nao. Drive slowly at dawn and dusk.
• Stay hydrated: The Phetchabun region can be hot (35–40°C / 95–104°F) in March–May. Carry water.
• Motion sickness: Route 12 has winding sections. If you're prone to nausea, take medication before the trip.

6. Eco-Travel Tip

Nam Nao National Park is a protected area. Minimize plastic use and avoid feeding wildlife. Choose shared transport when possible to reduce your carbon footprint.

Pro tip: If you have a late flight, spend the morning hiking the Nam Nao Nature Trail (2 km loop) or visiting the park's visitor center. Then take a 12:00 PM taxi to the airport and arrive stress-free.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — travel tips for Phetchabun province.