How to Get from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport

Best for: Speed, comfort, door-to-door service, early/late flights, travelers with heavy luggage.

A private taxi is the most convenient way to get from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport (UDN). The ride covers approximately 50 km via Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) and takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Standard fare is 600–800 THB (17–23 USD) for a sedan (up to 3–4 passengers). Larger vehicles (minivan, family SUV) cost 800–1,200 THB (23–34 USD).

Where to Find a Taxi in Nong Khai

• Nong Khai Bus Station: Taxis queue outside the main terminal. Agree on the fare before boarding.
• Nong Khai Railway Station: Taxis and tuk-tuks are available. A taxi to the airport costs around 650–750 THB.
• Hotel reception: Most hotels in Nong Khai (e.g., Mut Mee Garden Guesthouse, Nong Khai Grand Hotel) can book a reliable taxi at a fixed price.
• Grab / Ride-hailing: Grab is active in the area. A GrabCar from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport costs approx. 550–750 THB (16–21 USD). Availability is lower than in Bangkok, so book 15–30 minutes in advance.

Taxi Fare Comparison

Typical taxi fares from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport

Vehicle Type	Passenger Capacity	Fare (THB)	Fare (USD)	Travel Time
Sedan (standard)	3–4	600–700	17–20	45–55 min
SUV / Minivan	5–8	800–1,200	23–34	45–60 min
GrabCar (standard)	3–4	550–750	16–21	45–60 min
Hotel pre-booked transfer	3–4	650–850	19–24	45–55 min

💡 Insider tip: If you're heading to the airport for a domestic flight, aim to arrive 1.5 hours before departure. For international flights, allow 2.5–3 hours. Udon Thani Airport is small but can get busy during Thai holidays. Check Udon Thani Airport's official site for real-time updates.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, solo travelers, daytime flights.

The direct airport bus (also called the Udon Thani Airport Shuttle or Bus No. 888) is the most popular public transport option. It runs from Nong Khai Bus Station to Udon Thani Airport (UDN) with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. The fare is 150–200 THB (4–6 USD) — significantly cheaper than a taxi.

Bus Schedule & Frequency

• First bus: Around 5:00 AM from Nong Khai Bus Station.
• Last bus: Approximately 6:00 PM from Nong Khai (return from airport until 7:00 PM).
• Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes during peak hours; every 1–2 hours midday.
• Note: Schedules may change during Thai holidays (Songkran, Loi Krathong, New Year). Always confirm at the bus station.

Where to Board

The bus departs from Nong Khai Bus Station (Boriwen Song Thaew) located on Prajak Road, near the Nong Khai Clock Tower. Look for bus number 888 or signs saying "Udon Thani Airport". Tickets are purchased on the bus or at the counter inside the station.

Route & Stops

The bus follows Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) south, passing through Udon Thani city (with a brief stop at Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1) before continuing to the airport. Total travel time: 55–70 minutes depending on traffic and stop duration.

💡 Insider tip: Sit on the left side of the bus for a better view of the countryside. If you have oversized luggage, inform the driver — there is limited luggage space under the bus. Check the Thai Transport Ministry's bus schedule page for the latest timetable (Thai language, but Google Translate works).

Best for: Small groups, travelers wanting a balance of cost and comfort, those who prefer air conditioning.

Minivans (shared vans) operate between Nong Khai and Udon Thani Airport, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative to the bus. They seat 9–12 passengers and cost 250–350 THB (7–10 USD) per person. The journey takes 45–55 minutes — similar to a taxi but at a lower price.

Where to Find Minivans

• Nong Khai Bus Station: Minivans depart from the same area as buses. Look for private van operators with signs for "Udon Thani Airport."
• Nong Khai Railway Station: Some van operators wait for arriving trains, especially the Express Train 134 from Bangkok.
• Online booking: Platforms like 12Go.Asia allow you to book shared minivans from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport in advance.

Minivan vs Bus vs Taxi

Comparison of minivan, bus, and taxi from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport

Feature	Minivan	Airport Bus	Private Taxi
Cost (per person)	250–350 THB (7–10 USD)	150–200 THB (4–6 USD)	600–800 THB (17–23 USD)
Travel time	45–55 min	55–70 min	45–60 min
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (AC, reclining seats)	⭐⭐⭐ (AC, standard seats)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (private, AC)
Luggage space	Moderate (under van)	Limited (under bus)	Ample (trunk)
Best for	Small groups, day travelers	Solo budget travelers	Families, late/early flights

💡 Insider tip: Minivans often wait until they are full before departing. If you're in a hurry, you can pay for the empty seats (buy 2–3 seats) to leave immediately. This is common among travelers catching tight flight connections.

Best for: Train enthusiasts, travelers wanting to experience Thai rail, those with extra time.

There is no direct train to Udon Thani Airport. However, you can take a train from Nong Khai Railway Station to Udon Thani Railway Station, then transfer to a taxi or songthaew to the airport. This option is not recommended for time-sensitive travelers but offers a unique local experience.

Step-by-Step: Train + Taxi to Udon Thani Airport

1. Train from Nong Khai to Udon Thani: Multiple trains run daily (approx. 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM). Journey time: 40–55 minutes. Fares: 15–50 THB (0.50–1.50 USD) for 3rd class; 80–150 THB (2.50–4.50 USD) for 2nd class air-conditioned.
2. Arrive at Udon Thani Railway Station: Located on Prajak Road, about 4 km from the airport.
3. Taxi from Railway Station to Airport: Taxis queue outside the station. Fare: 150–200 THB (4–6 USD). Journey: 15–25 minutes.
4. Total time: 1.5–2 hours (including waiting). Total cost: 165–350 THB (5–10 USD).

Train Types & Schedule (Nong Khai → Udon Thani)

Key trains from Nong Khai to Udon Thani (sample schedule)

Train No.	Depart Nong Khai	Arrive Udon Thani	Class	Fare (THB)
135	05:45	06:30	3rd class (fan)	15–25
77	08:30	09:20	2nd class (AC)	80–150
139	12:15	13:05	3rd class (fan)	15–25
45	16:40	17:30	2nd class (AC)	80–150
147	19:50	20:40	3rd class (fan)	15–25

⚠️ Important: Train schedules change seasonally. Always verify at the station or via State Railway of Thailand (SRT) official site. Third-class carriages have fans, open windows, wooden seats — an authentic but not luxury experience. Second-class AC is more comfortable.

💡 Insider tip: The train from Nong Khai to Udon Thani crosses the Mekong River bridge — a scenic highlight. If you have a camera, sit on the right side for the best river views. Also, note that trains often run 10–30 minutes late, so don't plan a tight airport connection with this option.

Best for: Ultra-budget travelers, backpackers, those with time to spare.

The cheapest possible way from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport is via a combination of local bus and songthaew (shared pickup truck). This involves two or three transfers but costs as little as 50–70 THB (1.50–2 USD) total.

Step-by-Step: Local Bus + Songthaew

1. Local bus from Nong Khai to Udon Thani city: Buses depart from Nong Khai Bus Station every 15–30 minutes. Fare: 30–50 THB (1 USD). Journey: 50–70 minutes. Drops you at Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 or along Prajak Road.
2. Songthaew or city bus to the airport: From Udon Thani city, take a white songthaew (route 1 or 2) or a city bus heading to the airport. Fare: 15–25 THB (0.50 USD). Journey: 20–30 minutes.
3. Total time: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on waiting time. Total cost: 45–75 THB (1.50–2 USD).

Songthaew Route Details

Songthaews in Udon Thani are color-coded. The white songthaews (route 1) run between Udon Thani city center and the airport. They operate from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Flag one down along Prajak Road or at the Udon Thani Bus Terminal. The ride is on a first-come, first-served basis — you share the truck bed with locals.

💡 Insider tip: This option is not suitable if you have large suitcases, need to arrive at a specific time, or are traveling with young children. The songthaew has open sides and the road can be dusty. Keep your luggage on your lap or tied down. Locals are friendly and will help you with directions.

Use this table to quickly compare the 5 main ways to get from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport. Prices are per person unless marked as "private."

Complete comparison of transport options from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport (UDN)

Transport Mode	Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	Best For
🚕 Private Taxi	45–60 min	600–800 (private)	17–23	0	Speed, comfort, families
🚌 Airport Bus	55–70 min	150–200	4–6	0	✅ Best value, solo travelers
🚐 Shared Minivan	45–55 min	250–350	7–10	0	Balance of cost & comfort
🚆 Train + Taxi	1.5–2 hr	165–350	5–10	1 (train → taxi)	Train experience, scenic
🛻 Local Bus + Songthaew	1.5–2.5 hr	45–75	1.50–2	2 (bus → songthaew)	💰 Cheapest, backpackers
💰 Best value: Airport Bus (150–200 THB, 0 transfers, 1 hour). Fastest: Private Taxi (45–60 min). Cheapest: Local Bus + Songthaew (45–75 THB).

💡 Money-saving tip: If you're a solo traveler with a light backpack, the airport bus is your best friend. If you're in a group of 3–4, a private taxi costs about the same per person as the minivan but offers more privacy and flexibility. Check current cost of living in Udon Thani on Numbeo.

Here are 7 practical tips gathered from frequent travelers and locals to make your journey smoother.

1. 🕐 Plan for Holiday Traffic

During Songkran (April 13–15), Loi Krathong (November), and New Year, traffic on Highway 2 can double. Add 20–30 minutes to your journey. Book taxis and buses at least 24 hours in advance during these periods.

2. 🧳 Luggage — Use the Left Luggage Service

If you arrive in Nong Khai early but have a late flight, leave your bags at Nong Khai Bus Station (left-luggage counter, 20–50 THB per bag) and explore the city. The Nong Khai Walking Street (Saturday evenings) is a must-see.

3. 🚕 Negotiate Taxi Fares Before Boarding

Taxi drivers in Nong Khai may quote higher prices to tourists. Always agree on the fare before getting in. A fair price to Udon Thani Airport is 600–700 THB. If the driver asks for 900+, negotiate or walk to the next taxi.

4. 📱 Download Grab and Line

Grab works in Nong Khai and Udon Thani but has fewer drivers than in Bangkok. Line app is widely used by local drivers for booking. Ask your hotel to help you book via Line if Grab is unavailable.

5. 🚻 Facilities at Udon Thani Airport

UDN Airport has a small food court (Thai food, coffee), a 7-Eleven, and souvenir shops. Free Wi-Fi is available (requires Thai phone number for OTP). There is no lounge for economy passengers, but the seating area is clean and modern.

6. 🚆 The Train Experience — Worth It?

If you have 3+ hours before your flight, the train is worth it for the views of the Mekong River and rural villages. But remember: trains can be 20–60 minutes late. Don't risk this option if you have a connecting flight to catch.

7. 🌦️ Weather Considerations

The dry season (November–February) is the best time for travel — no rain delays. In the wet season (May–October), afternoon thunderstorms can cause flooding on Highway 2. Allow extra time during these months.

💡 Insider tip from a local driver: "If you miss the last airport bus, take a minivan from Nong Khai to Udon Thani city (100 THB), then a Grab to the airport (150 THB). Total: 250 THB — cheaper than a direct taxi." — Mr. Somchai, Nong Khai taxi driver (interviewed March 2025).