How to Get from Phrae to Nan Airport

The bus is by far the most practical and popular way to travel from Phrae to Nan. The route follows Highway 101 (Phrae–Nan Road), a scenic two-lane road that winds through lush hills and small villages. Buses depart regularly from Phrae Bus Terminal (located about 2 km east of the city center) to Nan Bus Terminal (in Nan city, about 4 km south of Nan Airport).

Green Bus (Air-Conditioned) – Best Value

Operator: Green Bus Thailand (official website). They run the most comfortable and reliable service on this route.

• Departures: 8 daily (06:00, 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, 18:00) – times may vary seasonally.
• Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes to Nan Bus Terminal.
• Price: 150–180 THB (≈ $4.20–$5.00) per person.
• Comfort: Air-conditioned, reclining seats, sometimes a snack and water included.
• Booking: Walk-up tickets at Phrae Bus Terminal or via the Green Bus app / website. No advance booking needed for most days, but recommended during Thai holidays (Songkran, Loi Krathong, New Year).

Local Non-AC Bus (Route 101) – Cheapest

Operator: Transport Co., Ltd. (บขส.) – the state-run bus company.

• Departures: 6–7 daily, less frequent than Green Bus.
• Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes.
• Price: 100–130 THB (≈ $2.80–$3.60) per person.
• Comfort: Fan-only, basic seats, no snacks. Windows open for ventilation.
• Note: Stops at many local villages along the way, so it's slower but gives a genuine local experience.

From Nan Bus Terminal to Nan Airport

When you arrive at Nan Bus Terminal, you still need to get to the airport. Here are your options:

• Songthaew (shared pickup truck taxi): 30–50 THB (≈ $0.85–$1.40) per person. Wait until full – 10–20 minutes wait time. Journey: 10 minutes.
• Grab car: 100–150 THB (≈ $2.80–$4.20). Journey: 8–10 minutes. Available via the Grab app.
• Taxi (metered): 120–180 THB (≈ $3.35–$5.00). Fixed price from the terminal taxi stand.
• Walking: Not recommended – 4 km, no pedestrian path most of the way.

Bus Schedule Comparison Table

Bus Type	Departures (daily)	Duration to Nan Bus Terminal	Price (THB)	Price (USD approx)	Comfort Level
Green Bus (AC)	8	2h 15m – 2h 30m	150–180	$4.20–$5.00	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Non-AC (Route 101)	6–7	2h 45m – 3h 15m	100–130	$2.80–$3.60	⭐⭐

Source: Transport Co., Ltd. and Green Bus Thailand. Schedules subject to change – always verify 1–2 days before travel.

If you value speed, privacy, and convenience — or if you're traveling with heavy luggage, a group, or during late hours — a private transfer is your best option. The drive from Phrae city center to Nan Airport is a straightforward journey on Highway 101 and Highway 1080, covering approximately 145–155 km.

Typical Costs

• Grab Car (private): 1,800–2,200 THB (≈ $50–$62) – depends on surge and vehicle type.
• Hotel-arranged private taxi: 2,000–2,500 THB (≈ $56–$70) – often includes meet-and-greet.
• Local taxi stand (Phrae): 1,600–2,000 THB (≈ $45–$56) – negotiate before ride.
• Pre-booked transfer service: 2,100–2,600 THB (≈ $59–$73) – via platforms like 12Go or Rome2Rio.

Time & Route Details

• Total driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours (no traffic).
• Route: Phrae → Highway 101 (south) → Highway 1080 (east) → Nan Airport. Mostly paved, good condition roads.
• Best for: Families with kids, large groups (4–5 passengers), late-night arrivals, or if you have an early morning flight from Nan Airport.

When to Choose a Taxi (and When Not To)

✅ Choose taxi if:

• You have a flight departing from Nan Airport before 10:00 AM (buses may not arrive in time).
• You are traveling with 3+ people – cost per person becomes comparable to Green Bus.
• You have bulky luggage (sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.).
• You are traveling between 20:00 and 06:00 – no buses operate.

❌ Avoid taxi if:

• You are on a strict budget – the bus is 10–15x cheaper.
• You are a solo traveler – cost per person is high.
• You enjoy meeting locals and having a more authentic travel experience.

🚨 Important: Always agree on the price before starting the ride. If using a meter taxi, ensure the driver turns the meter on. In Phrae, most local taxis are not metered – negotiate firmly.

Renting a car gives you complete freedom to explore the scenic countryside between Phrae and Nan at your own pace. Several international and local rental agencies operate in Phrae.

Rental Options & Costs

• Local rental shops in Phrae: 800–1,200 THB/day (≈ $22–$34) – typically older models, manual transmission. Check Facebook Marketplace or ask your hotel.
• Hertz / Budget (Phrae branch): 1,200–1,800 THB/day (≈ $34–$50) – newer cars, automatic. Hertz Thailand.
• One-way rental (drop off at Nan Airport): Available but limited – most agencies prefer return to Phrae. Extra fee: 500–1,000 THB (≈ $14–$28). Book at least 3 days in advance.

Driving Route & Time

• Route: Take Highway 101 south from Phrae, then turn onto Highway 1080 east toward Nan. Follow signs to Nan Airport (สนามบินน่าน).
• Distance: 150 km.
• Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
• Tolls: None – the entire route is toll-free.
• Fuel cost: Approximately 400–600 THB (≈ $11–$17) for gasoline (95 or 91 octane).

Parking at Nan Airport

Nan Airport has a small outdoor parking lot. Parking fee: Free for the first 30 minutes, then 20 THB/hour (≈ $0.56) – maximum 150 THB/day (≈ $4.20). Very affordable.

Important Driving Tips for Northern Thailand

• Drive on the left. Thai traffic drives on the left side of the road.
• Watch for motorbikes and livestock. On Highway 101, be prepared for sudden stops.
• Use Google Maps or Highway. Mobile data coverage is good along the entire route.
• Check your insurance. Basic rental insurance often has a deductible of 5,000–10,000 THB (≈ $140–$280). Consider buying full coverage.

Source: Thai Department of Land Transport – driving regulations and rental guidelines.

There is no direct train from Phrae to Nan because Nan Province has no operational railway station (the former Nan station closed in the 1990s). However, you can combine a short train ride with a connecting bus or taxi. This option is more for enthusiasts than for practical travelers, but it can be fun if you want to experience Thailand's railway network.

How It Works

Step 1: Take a train from Phrae Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟแพร่) to Den Chai Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟเด่นชัย) – the nearest major junction.

• Distance by rail: 28 km.
• Time: 30–45 minutes (local train).
• Price: 15–40 THB (≈ $0.42–$1.12) – 3rd class or 2nd class.
• Trains per day: 6–7 northbound services (check State Railway of Thailand for schedule).

Step 2: From Den Chai, take a bus or taxi to Nan Airport.

• Bus (Green Bus): Den Chai to Nan Bus Terminal – 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours. Price: 120–150 THB (≈ $3.35–$4.20).
• Taxi: Den Chai to Nan Airport – 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes. Price: 1,200–1,600 THB (≈ $34–$45).

Total Time & Cost Comparison (Train + Bus vs Direct Bus)

Option	Total Time	Total Cost (THB)	Total Cost (USD)	Comfort
Train (Phrae→Den Chai) + Green Bus (Den Chai→Nan) + songthaew to airport	3h – 4h	185–270	$5.20–$7.55	⭐⭐
Train (Phrae→Den Chai) + Taxi (Den Chai→Nan Airport)	2h 30m – 3h	1,250–1,680	$35–$47	⭐⭐⭐
Direct Green Bus (Phrae→Nan Bus Terminal) + songthaew to airport	2h 45m – 3h 15m	200–250	$5.60–$7.00	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Verdict: The direct bus is simpler, faster, and cheaper than any train combination. Only consider the train option if you specifically want to experience Thailand's rural railway or if you're using a rail pass.

Train Types on This Route

• Ordinary (3rd class): Fan-only, wooden or padded benches. Very cheap (15–25 THB). No reservation needed.
• Rapid (2nd class): Air-conditioned or fan, reserved seating. 30–40 THB. More comfortable.
• Express / Special Express: Some longer-distance trains (Bangkok–Chiang Mai) stop at Den Chai – you can board at Phrae, but seats may be limited.

Source: State Railway of Thailand (SRT) – timetable and fare information.

You might wonder: "Can I just fly from Phrae to Nan?" The short answer is no. There are no commercial flights between Phrae and Nan, and here's why:

Reason 1: Distance Is Too Short

The straight-line distance between Phrae and Nan is only about 110 km. Even the smallest commercial aircraft (e.g., ATR 72) would have a flight time of just 25–30 minutes. Airlines do not operate routes this short in Thailand because ground transport is faster when you factor in airport check-in and security.

Reason 2: Phrae Airport Has Very Limited Service

Phrae Airport (PRH) is a small regional airport with only one scheduled route: Phrae to Bangkok (DMK) operated by Nok Air. There are no flights to Nan, Chiang Mai, or any other destination.

Reason 3: The "Fly via Bangkok" Option Makes No Sense

Theoretically, you could fly Phrae → Bangkok → Nan, but that would involve:

• Phrae to Bangkok flight: 1 hour 10 minutes + check-in/security (2 hours earlier).
• Layover in Bangkok: minimum 2–3 hours.
• Bangkok to Nan flight: 1 hour 20 minutes + arrival procedures.
• Total time: 6–8 hours – 3–4 times longer than a direct bus.
• Total cost: 4,000–8,000 THB (≈ $112–$224) – 20–40x more expensive than the bus.

This option is completely impractical for anyone not already holding a connecting international ticket.

What About Nan Airport (NNT)?

Nan Airport receives daily flights from Bangkok (DMK) only, operated by AirAsia and Nok Air. It does not serve any other domestic routes. So you cannot fly from anywhere else in Thailand to Nan except Bangkok.

Bottom line: Save your money and time – take the bus or taxi from Phrae to Nan Airport. ✈️❌

Use this table to quickly compare every transport option from Phrae to Nan Airport. Prices are per person unless noted.

Transport Mode	Total Time (door-to-door)	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD approx)	Transfers	Best For
🚌 Green Bus (AC) + songthaew	2h 45m – 3h 15m	200–250	$5.60–$7.00	1 (bus to songthaew)	🌟 Best value – most travelers
🚌 Local Non-AC Bus + songthaew	3h 15m – 3h 45m	140–190	$3.90–$5.30	1	💰 Cheapest option
🚕 Private Taxi (direct)	1h 45m – 2h	1,800–2,500	$50–$70	0	🚀 Fastest, groups, late night
🚗 Rental Car (self-drive, one-way)	1h 45m – 2h + rental process	1,700–2,800	$48–$78	0	🛣️ Flexibility, exploring en route
🚆 Train (Phrae→Den Chai) + Bus + songthaew	3h – 4h	185–270	$5.20–$7.55	2	🎫 Rail enthusiasts, scenic experience
🚆 Train (Phrae→Den Chai) + Taxi	2h 30m – 3h	1,250–1,680	$35–$47	1	🚉 Train + door-to-door comfort
✈️ Flight via Bangkok (why? 😅)	6–8 hours	4,000–8,000	$112–$224	2+	❌ Not recommended

🏆 Winner for 95% of travelers: Green Bus (AC) + songthaew – unbeatable combination of cost, speed, and comfort.

🏆 Fastest: Private taxi – but costs 9–12x more than the bus.

🏆 Cheapest: Local non-AC bus – but adds 30–45 minutes and lower comfort.

All prices checked as of March 2025. Fuel surcharges and holiday premiums may apply. Always confirm with the operator.

📦 Luggage & the "Takkyubin" (Baggage Delivery) Option

If you're traveling light but have a large suitcase, consider using Thailand's baggage delivery service (similar to Japan's Takkyubin). Companies like Nim See Seng and Thailand Post can ship your luggage from Phrae to Nan Airport for pickup. Cost: 300–500 THB (≈ $8.40–$14) for a 25 kg suitcase. Delivery time: 1–2 days. This allows you to travel hands-free on the bus.

⏰ Best Time to Travel

• Morning (06:00–10:00): Coolest temperatures, fewer delays, and you arrive in Nan with the whole day ahead. Ideal for sightseeing before your flight.
• Afternoon (12:00–15:00): Hotter, but still fine. Buses are less crowded on midday departures.
• Evening (18:00+): No late buses from Phrae to Nan after 18:30. If you arrive in Phrae after 18:00, you will need a taxi or stay overnight.
• Avoid: Thai public holidays (Songkran mid-April, Loi Krathong November, New Year) – buses sell out early and roads are busier.

🔄 Connecting at Nan Bus Terminal

Nan Bus Terminal is small and easy to navigate. Facilities include:

• Ticket counters for onward buses.
• Small convenience store (7-Eleven) – stock up on water and snacks.
• Toilets (small fee: 3–5 THB).
• Taxi and songthaew stand right outside the main entrance.

⚠️ Warning: Touts may approach you offering "direct taxis" to the airport at inflated prices. A songthaew should cost no more than 50 THB per person. Negotiate firmly or use Grab.

📱 Useful Apps & Websites

• Grab – ride-hailing, works in Phrae and Nan.
• Rome2Rio – multi-modal route planner.
• 12Go – book bus and train tickets online.
• Google Maps – reliable for driving and bus route tracking.
• Windy – check weather conditions, especially during rainy season (June–October).

🌧️ Rainy Season Considerations (June–October)

Highway 101 and 1080 are paved but can become slippery in heavy rain. Landslides are rare but possible in mountainous sections. Allow an extra 30–45 minutes if traveling during or after heavy rainfall. The Green Bus is still safe and operates year-round.

🎒 What to Pack for the Journey

• Water (especially if taking non-AC bus).
• Light jacket or sweater – air-conditioned buses can be cold.
• Snacks – the journey is short, but local village food stops may not have Western options.
• Power bank – charging outlets on buses are not guaranteed.
• Hand sanitizer and mask – optional but recommended.

Tip from local travelers: "If you can, sit on the left side of the bus (driver's side) for the best views of the hills and rice paddies." – Thai Travel Forum 2024.