Quick Answer
Best way: Private taxi or transfer – door-to-door service from Udon Thani (city or airport) directly to Loei Airport. Total time: 2–2.5 hours | Total cost: 1,800–2,500 THB (~$53–$74). No transfers, no waiting. For budget travelers, the bus + tuk-tuk combo costs as little as 200–300 THB ($6–$9) but takes 3–4 hours with one change at Loei Bus Station. Renting a car offers flexibility at 1,000–2,000 THB/day ($29–$59). Trains and flights are not practical for this route.
🚕 Taxi & Private Transfer – The Most Convenient Option
A private taxi or pre-booked transfer is the most hassle-free way to reach Loei Airport from Udon Thani. You’ll be picked up at your hotel, guesthouse, or Udon Thani Airport (UTH) and dropped directly at the Loei Airport departure gate. No route changes, no luggage struggles.
Key Details at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~150 km |
| Travel time | 2 – 2.5 hours (depending on traffic) |
| Cost range | 1,800 – 2,500 THB (~$53 – $74) |
| Booking | Advance booking recommended (Grab, local companies, hotel concierge) |
| Vehicle types | Standard sedan (4 pax), SUV (6 pax), minivan (10 pax) |
| Payment | Cash or bank transfer; some companies accept credit card |
Route & Road Conditions
The most direct route follows Route 210 (Udon Thani – Nong Bua Lamphu) then turns onto Route 201 toward Loei. Roads are well-paved and mostly two-lane highways. The section near Phu Kradueng has some winding mountain curves, but drivers are experienced. In the rainy season (June–October), allow an extra 20–30 minutes for wet roads.
How to Book a Reliable Taxi
- Grab app – available in Udon Thani; prices are fixed and shown upfront. Search "GrabCar" from your location to Loei Airport.
- Local taxi stands – at Udon Thani Airport arrivals hall and the main bus station. Negotiate the price before departure.
- Hotel concierge – most hotels in Udon Thani can arrange a trusted driver for a flat fee (~2,000 THB).
- Online transfer platforms – services like 12Go and Rome2Rio list pre-bookable private transfers.
Who Should Choose This Option?
- Travelers with early morning or late-night flights (no waiting for buses).
- Families with young children or elderly passengers who need door-to-door comfort.
- Groups of 3–4 people – the per-person cost becomes comparable to premium bus tickets.
- Anyone carrying heavy luggage, sports equipment, or fragile items.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Door-to-door, no transfers | Most expensive option |
| Available 24/7 | Requires advance booking for best price |
| Comfortable A/C, spacious | Traffic can add 30 min during peak hours |
| Ideal for groups & families | Language barrier possible with local drivers |
Verdict: If you value time, comfort, and reliability, the taxi/transfer is your best choice for the Udon Thani to Loei Airport journey.
🚌 Bus – The Most Economical Way
Traveling by public bus from Udon Thani to Loei is the cheapest option, but it requires one transfer at Loei Bus Station. This is the preferred choice for backpackers, solo travelers, and anyone looking to save money.
Step-by-Step Journey
- Step 1: Go to Udon Thani Bus Station (Terminal 1) – located on Phosri Road, about 2 km from the city center. Buses to Loei depart from Window 7, Platform 2.
- Step 2: Board a Loei-bound bus (government or private). Departures every 30–60 minutes from 05:30 to 17:30. Journey time: ~3 hours.
- Step 3: Alight at Loei Bus Station (Terminal 1) on Ruam Phatthana Road.
- Step 4: Take a tuk-tuk or songthaew (shared pickup) from the bus station to Loei Airport. Distance: ~5 km, time: 15 minutes, cost: 50–100 THB.
Bus Types & Fares
| Bus Type | Operator | Travel Time | Fare (THB) | Fare (~USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard government bus (blue/white) | Transport Co., Ltd. | 3 – 3.5 h | 150 – 180 | $4 – $5 |
| Air-conditioned private bus | Ratchasima Tour / Phet Prasert | 2.5 – 3 h | 200 – 250 | $6 – $7 |
| VIP bus (24 seats, extra legroom) | Sombat Tour (limited departures) | 2.5 h | 280 – 350 | $8 – $10 |
Note: Fares are subject to change. Always confirm at the ticket counter.
Bus Station Facilities
- Udon Thani Bus Station: Ticket counters, food court, convenience store, luggage storage (20 THB/bag/day), restrooms.
- Loei Bus Station: Small food stalls, ticket counters, restrooms, and a taxi/tuk-tuk stand outside.
Who Should Choose the Bus?
- Budget-conscious travelers – total cost under 300 THB.
- Travelers with light luggage (backpack or small suitcase).
- Those who don’t mind a short transfer at Loei Bus Station.
- Solo travelers and backpackers looking to save money for activities in Loei province.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost – under $10 total | Requires transfer at Loei Bus Station |
| Frequent departures (every 30–60 min) | Not available late at night (last bus ~17:30) |
| No advance booking needed (arrive 30 min early) | Can be crowded during peak hours |
| Eco-friendly – shared transport | Limited luggage space; large bags may incur extra fee |
Verdict: The bus is unbeatable for budget travelers. Just allow an extra hour for the transfer at Loei station.
🚗 Rental Car / Self-Drive – Maximum Flexibility
Driving yourself from Udon Thani to Loei Airport gives you complete freedom to stop, explore, and travel on your own schedule. The route is straightforward and well-signposted in Thai and English.
Rental Companies at Udon Thani Airport (UTH)
| Company | Counter Location | Car Type | Price (THB/day) | Price (~USD/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Arrivals hall | Toyota Vios / Yaris | 1,200 – 1,500 | $35 – $44 |
| Avis | Arrivals hall | Honda City / Jazz | 1,300 – 1,600 | $38 – $47 |
| Budget | Arrivals hall | Nissan Almera / Mitsubishi Attrage | 1,000 – 1,400 | $29 – $41 |
| Thai Rent a Car | Arrivals hall | Mitsubishi Xpander (7-seater) | 1,800 – 2,200 | $53 – $65 |
Prices include basic insurance (third-party) and unlimited kilometers. Fuel is extra. A credit card deposit of 5,000–10,000 THB is typically required.
Driving Route: Udon Thani → Loei Airport
- Start: Udon Thani city center or UTH Airport → head south on Route 210 (direction Nong Bua Lamphu).
- ~60 km: Pass through Nong Bua Lamphu town – good place for a coffee or fuel stop.
- ~100 km: Turn left onto Route 201 (direction Loei / Phu Kradueng).
- ~130 km: Enter Loei province – the road winds through scenic hills.
- ~150 km: Arrive at Loei Airport – located on your right just before Loei city center.
Total driving time: 2 – 2.5 hours. Fuel cost: approximately 400–600 THB ($12–$18) depending on vehicle fuel economy.
Documents Required
- Valid national driving license (from your home country).
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – strongly recommended, mandatory for some rental companies.
- Passport for identification.
- Credit card for the security deposit.
Who Should Rent a Car?
- Travelers who want to explore Loei province (Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Ruea, Chiang Khan) beyond just the airport.
- Groups of 2–4 people who can split the cost.
- Travelers staying in Loei for 3+ days – the daily rate becomes more economical.
- Anyone who prefers privacy and independence from fixed schedules.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete freedom – stop anytime | Requires valid IDP and driving experience |
| Competitive daily rates from 1,000 THB | Fuel cost not included (400–600 THB extra) |
| Easier for group travel than bus | Left-hand traffic – may be unfamiliar to some |
| Can combine with Loei province road trip | Parking at Loei Airport is limited (free, but small lot) |
Verdict: A rental car is ideal for independent travelers planning to explore Loei region. For a pure airport transfer, a taxi is simpler.
🚆 Train – Why It’s NOT Recommended for This Route
While Thailand’s railway network connects many parts of the country, there is no direct train from Udon Thani to Loei. The nearest railway station to Loei is in Khon Kaen (about 100 km away), and any train-based itinerary requires at least one change and a long bus detour.
Why Trains Are Impractical for This Journey
| Factor | Train + Bus via Khon Kaen | Direct Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Total travel time | 6 – 8 hours | 2 – 2.5 hours |
| Number of transfers | 2–3 (train to Khon Kaen, bus to Loei, tuk-tuk to airport) | 0 |
| Total cost (THB) | 350 – 600 | 1,800 – 2,500 |
| Convenience | Low – requires careful timing | High – door-to-door |
If You Still Want to Take a Train (As a Experience)
Some travelers enjoy the nostalgic charm of Thai trains. Here’s how you could do it, but be prepared for a long day:
- Udon Thani Railway Station → take a train to Khon Kaen Railway Station (approx. 1.5–2 hours, 50–120 THB depending on train type).
- Khon Kaen Railway Station → take a tuk-tuk to Khon Kaen Bus Terminal (15 min, 40–60 THB).
- Khon Kaen Bus Terminal → board a bus to Loei Bus Terminal (approx. 2.5–3 hours, 150–200 THB).
- From Loei Bus Terminal → tuk-tuk to Loei Airport (15 min, 50–100 THB).
Total estimated time: 7–9 hours (including waiting). Total cost: 350–600 THB ($10–$18).
Train Types on the Udon Thani – Khon Kaen Section
| Train Type | Class | Time | Fare (THB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (รถธรรมดา) | 3rd class (fan) | 2 h | 50 – 70 | Wooden benches, open windows, very local |
| Rapid / Express | 2nd class (A/C) | 1.5 h | 120 – 200 | Reclining seats, A/C, food trolley |
| Special Express (อีสานวัตนา) | 1st class (sleeper) | 1.5 h | 250 – 400 | Private compartment, A/C, meals included (overkill for this short trip) |
Who Might Still Consider the Train?
- Rail enthusiasts who want to experience Thai railway culture.
- Travelers with plenty of time and a very tight budget.
- Those already planning to visit Khon Kaen as part of their itinerary.
Final word: For the vast majority of travelers, the train is not a practical choice for reaching Loei Airport. Stick with a taxi, bus, or rental car.
✈️ Flight – Not a Viable Option
You might wonder if flying from Udon Thani to Loei is possible – the answer is no direct commercial flight exists. Both Udon Thani Airport (UTH) and Loei Airport (LOE) are regional airports that primarily serve routes to Bangkok (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi).
Why Flying Doesn’t Work
| Route | Total Time | Cost (THB) | Transfers | Practical? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTH → Bangkok → LOE | 5 – 7 hours (incl. layover) | 3,000 – 5,500 | 2 (flight + flight + ground) | ❌ No |
| Direct taxi | 2 – 2.5 hours | 1,800 – 2,500 | 0 | ✅ Yes |
Loei Airport (LOE) – Quick Profile
- Location: 5 km south of Loei city center on Route 201.
- Airlines: Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air – all flying to Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK).
- Runway length: 2,100 m – can handle A320 and Boeing 737.
- Passenger terminals: One small terminal with basic facilities: café, restrooms, ticket counters.
If You’re Connecting from a Long-Haul Flight
If you’re arriving at Udon Thani Airport from elsewhere (e.g., Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Phuket) and need to reach Loei, the best option is still ground transport. Take a taxi from UTH directly to Loei Airport – it’s faster and cheaper than any air-based alternative.
Who Might Consider Flying?
- No one – for this specific route, flying is not a realistic option.
- If you are already booked on a multi-city itinerary that includes a flight into Udon Thani and a separate flight out of Loei, you would need to travel overland between the two airports anyway.
Verdict: Save your money and time – choose a taxi, bus, or rental car instead of trying to fly.
📊 Cost & Time Comparison – All Options Side by Side
Use this table to quickly compare every transport mode from Udon Thani to Loei Airport. The Best Choice and Cheapest options are highlighted.
| Transport Mode | ⏱ Total Time | 💰 Cost (THB) | 💰 Cost (~USD) | Transfers | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi / Private Transfer ← Best Choice | 2 – 2.5 h | 1,800 – 2,500 | $53 – $74 | 0 | Speed, comfort, families, late arrivals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚗 Rental Car (self-drive) | 2 – 2.5 h | 1,000 – 2,000/day + fuel (~400–600) | $29 – $59/day + fuel ($12–18) | 0 | Flexibility, exploration, groups | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚌 Bus + Tuk-tuk ← Cheapest | 3 – 4 h | 200 – 300 | $6 – $9 | 1 (at Loei Bus Station) | Budget travelers, solo backpackers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚆 Train + Bus + Tuk-tuk | 6 – 8 h | 350 – 600 | $10 – $18 | 2–3 | Rail enthusiasts / extreme budget | ⭐⭐ |
| ✈️ Flight via Bangkok | 5 – 7 h | 3,000 – 5,500 | $88 – $162 | 2+ | Not recommended for this route | ⭐ |
Note: Prices are indicative as of 2025 and may vary based on season, availability, and exchange rates (~1 USD = 34 THB).
💡 Traveler Tips & Insider Advice for a Smooth Journey
🧳 Luggage & Baggage Services
- Luggage storage at Udon Thani Bus Station: 20 THB per bag per day – useful if you plan to explore Loei before your flight.
- Loei Airport luggage limit: Domestic flights (Nok Air, AirAsia) allow 15–20 kg checked baggage. If you’re over, excess baggage fees are 100–200 THB/kg.
- Takkyubin-style services in Thailand: Companies like Flash Express and Kerry Express offer door-to-door luggage delivery in Thailand, but for a short 150 km trip, it’s usually not worth the cost (300–600 THB). Better to carry your bags.
🕐 Best Times to Travel
- Morning (07:00 – 10:00): Coolest temperatures, light traffic, and plenty of bus departures.
- Afternoon (12:00 – 15:00): Hot but still fine; bus frequency drops slightly.
- Late afternoon (15:00 – 17:30): Last buses to Loei; taxis still available.
- Evening/Night (18:00 – 06:00): Only taxis or rental cars – bus service ends at ~17:30.
🚦 Navigating Loei Bus Station to Airport
When you arrive at Loei Bus Station, you’ll find a line of tuk-tuks and songthaews outside. The standard fare to Loei Airport is 50 THB per person for shared songthaew, or 100 THB for a private tuk-tuk (up to 3 people). The ride takes 15 minutes. If you have heavy luggage, negotiate the price before boarding.
📱 Useful Apps & Websites
- Grab – for booking taxis and private cars in Udon Thani (available in English).
- 12Go (12go.asia) – for checking bus schedules and booking private transfers.
- Rome2Rio (rome2rio.com) – for route comparison and estimated fares.
- Google Maps – offline maps work well along the entire route; download "Udon Thani" and "Loei" areas beforehand.
⚠️ Important Cautions
- Rainy season (June–October): Roads can be slippery near Phu Kradueng. Allow extra 30 minutes for taxi or self-drive.
- Loei Airport is small: There is no 24-hour convenience store inside. Bring snacks if you have a late flight.
- Flight check-in: For domestic flights from Loei, arrive at least 1 hour before departure. The airport is tiny, so queues move fast, but don’t cut it too close.
- Health: Loei province has cooler evenings (especially November–February). Bring a light jacket if you’re flying out late.
🌄 Bonus: Top Things to Do in Loei Province
- Phu Kradueng National Park – one of Thailand’s most famous hiking destinations (closed June–September).
- Chiang Khan Walking Street – a charming riverside town with night market and traditional wooden houses.
- Phu Ruea – scenic mountain viewpoint and royal palace.
- Loei City’s Dan Sai district – home of the Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) in June/July.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Udon Thani to Loei Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Udon Thani to Loei Airport?
No, there is no direct bus. You must take a bus from Udon Thani Bus Station to Loei Bus Station (approx. 3 hours, 150–200 THB), then a tuk-tuk or songthaew to Loei Airport (15 minutes, 50–100 THB). Total cost is 200–300 THB and total time is 3–4 hours.
2. How much does a taxi from Udon Thani to Loei Airport cost?
A private taxi costs 1,800–2,500 THB (~$53–$74) for the 150 km drive. The price is usually fixed for the whole vehicle (up to 4 passengers). Booking via Grab or a hotel concierge ensures a fair rate. Journey time is 2–2.5 hours.
3. How long does it take to drive from Udon Thani to Loei Airport?
The drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours in normal conditions. The route follows Highway 210 and 201, covering about 150 km. Allow extra time during the rainy season (June–October) or if traveling on a Friday evening when traffic is heavier.
4. Can I fly from Udon Thani to Loei?
No commercial flights operate between Udon Thani (UTH) and Loei (LOE). The only way to fly would be via Bangkok, which takes 5+ hours and costs over 3,000 THB – not practical. Ground transport is faster, cheaper, and more convenient.
5. Is there a train from Udon Thani to Loei?
There is no direct train from Udon Thani to Loei. The nearest railway station to Loei is in Khon Kaen. A train–bus combination via Khon Kaen takes 6–8 hours and is not recommended. Taxis and buses are far better options.
6. What is the cheapest way to get from Udon Thani to Loei Airport?
The cheapest option is the bus + tuk-tuk combo at 200–300 THB ($6–$9). Bus fare from Udon Thani to Loei is 150–200 THB, and the tuk-tuk from Loei Bus Station to the airport is 50–100 THB. Total travel time is 3–4 hours.
7. What is the fastest way to get from Udon Thani to Loei Airport?
A private taxi or transfer is the fastest option – 2–2.5 hours door-to-door. Cost is 1,800–2,500 THB ($53–$74). For a do-it-yourself option, a rental car also takes 2–2.5 hours and costs around 1,000–2,000 THB per day plus fuel.
8. Are there car rental services at Udon Thani Airport?
Yes. Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Thai Rent a Car have counters at UTH Airport. Prices start from 1,000 THB/day ($29) for a compact car. You’ll need a valid driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended.