How to Get from Uttaradit to Phrae Airport

Best for: travelers with luggage, families, early-morning flights, or anyone who values speed and simplicity. This is the most convenient and fastest way to cover the 55 km between Uttaradit and Phrae Airport.

💰 Price & Vehicle Types

Vehicle Type	Price Range (THB)	Price Range (USD)	Capacity	Best For
Standard car (Toyota Vios / similar)	800–1,000	$22–$28	3–4 pax	Couples, solo travelers
SUV / family van (Toyota Fortuner / Innova)	1,000–1,200	$28–$33	5–7 pax	Families, groups
Premium / limousine service	1,200–1,500	$33–$42	3–4 pax	Business, special occasions

⏱️ Total Time Breakdown

• Uttaradit city center → Highway 101: 5–10 minutes
• Highway 101 driving (55 km): 40–45 minutes
• Arrival at Phrae Airport drop-off: 2–5 minutes
• Total: 50–60 minutes (fastest option)

📌 Booking Tips & Recommendations

• Book in advance via your hotel in Uttaradit or a local travel agency. Many hotels can arrange a trusted driver.
• Use ride-hailing apps like Grab (available in Uttaradit) – prices are fixed and transparent. Grab typically charges 900–1,100 THB for this route.
• Negotiate if hailing a taxi on the street: agree on the price before boarding.
• For early-morning flights (before 7:00 AM), pre-booking is essential – drivers are scarce at dawn.
• Most drivers accept cash only; some may accept PromptPay or bank transfer.

🔗 Reference: Grab Thailand – official ride-hailing service | Tourism Authority of Thailand – Uttaradit transport info

Best for: budget-conscious travelers who enjoy scenic rail journeys through northern Thailand. This option combines a low-cost train ride with a short final taxi to the airport.

🚄 Train Types & Schedule

Train Type	Departures (daily)	Duration	2nd Class (THB)	3rd Class (THB)	Notes
Special Express (rot duan)	3–4	55–65 min	40–50 THB ($1.10–$1.40)	25–35 THB ($0.70–$1)	Air-conditioned, reserved seat
Rapid (rot rai)	5–6	1 h 5 min – 1 h 15 min	25–35 THB ($0.70–$1)	15–25 THB ($0.40–$0.70)	Fan-only, non-reserved
Ordinary (rot thammada)	2–3	1 h 15 min – 1 h 30 min	—	10–20 THB ($0.30–$0.55)	Stops at all stations, basic

Note: Schedules change seasonally. Check State Railway of Thailand (SRT) official site for up-to-date timetables.

🗺️ Step-by-Step Route

1. Start at Uttaradit Junction Railway Station (city center) – buy ticket at counter or via D-Ticket app.
2. Board southbound train toward Den Chai / Phrae / Lampang. Most trains stop at Phrae Railway Station (also called Den Chai Junction – the junction for Phrae).
3. Alight at Phrae Station (or Den Chai – confirm with conductor). Journey time: ~1 hour.
4. Take a taxi or songthaew from Phrae Station to Phrae Airport (10 km, 12–15 minutes). Taxi fare: 150–200 THB ($4–$5.50).
5. Total cost: 170–250 THB ($4.70–$7) per person.
6. Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (train + connecting taxi).

💺 Comfort & Luggage

• 2nd class carriages have air conditioning and reclining seats – comfortable for the short ride.
• 3rd class is fan-only, seats are bench-style – fine for 1 hour but can be warm.
• Luggage space: overhead racks and limited floor space. Large suitcases (over 25 kg) may be awkward – consider using Takkyubin (行李快递) for heavy bags.
• Snacks and drinks are sold onboard on most trains.

🔗 Reference: State Railway of Thailand – official timetable & fares

Direct commercial flights between Uttaradit and Phrae do not exist. The distance is only 55 km (35 miles) – far too short for any scheduled air service. Even private charters are impractical due to the short runway at Phrae Airport (PRH).

📊 Flight vs. Ground Transport – Real Comparison

Factor	Hypothetical Flight	Taxi (actual)	Train + Taxi (actual)
Total door-to-door time	2.5–3 h (including airport transfer, check-in, security)	50–60 min	1 h 15 min
Cost per person	1,500–3,000 THB ($42–$83)	800–1,200 THB ($22–$33)	170–250 THB ($4.70–$7)
Carbon footprint	~50 kg CO₂	~12 kg CO₂	~5 kg CO₂
Convenience	❌ Multiple transfers	✅ Door-to-door	✅ Simple

🛩️ If You Are Coming from Farther Away

If you are not starting in Uttaradit but rather from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or other regions, you can fly directly to Phrae Airport (PRH) with:

• Nok Air – daily flights from Bangkok (DMK) to Phrae (PRH). Nok Air official site
• Air Asia – flights from Bangkok (DMK) to Phrae (PRH). Air Asia official site

Once you land at Phrae Airport, you are already at your destination – no further ground transport needed. This is ideal for travelers coming from outside the region.

🔗 Reference: Nok Air – Phrae flight schedule | Air Asia – Phrae flight schedule

Best for: backpackers, budget travelers, and anyone who wants to experience local life. This is the most economical way to reach Phrae Airport, but requires one transfer.

🚍 Bus Types & Fares

Bus Type	Operator	Frequency	Fare (THB)	Fare (USD)	Duration
Local public bus (rot thammada)	Phrae Transport Co.	Every 30–60 min (6:00–18:00)	30–40	$0.80–$1.10	1 h – 1 h 15 min
Minivan (rot duan)	Private operators	Every 1–2 hours (5:00–20:00)	50–60	$1.40–$1.70	45–55 min
Air-conditioned bus	Phetprasert / similar	3–4 daily	60–80	$1.70–$2.20	50–60 min

🗺️ Step-by-Step Route

1. Go to Uttaradit Bus Station (located on Highway 102, about 2 km from city center).
2. Board a bus or minivan heading to Phrae. Tell the driver or ticket seller you want "Phrae" (แผ่).
3. Ride to Phrae Bus Station (also called Phrae Terminal). Journey: 45 min – 1 h 15 min depending on vehicle.
4. From Phrae Bus Station, take a taxi or songthaew to Phrae Airport (10 km, 12–15 min, 150–200 THB / $4–$5.50).
5. Total cost: 180–260 THB ($5–$7).
6. Total time: ~1 hour 15 min – 1 hour 30 min.

🎒 Luggage & Comfort Tips

• Local buses have limited luggage space – a backpack or small duffel is fine; large suitcases may be charged extra or refused.
• No need to book in advance for local buses – just show up and buy a ticket.
• Minivans are faster but can be cramped for tall travelers.
• Night buses are not common on this short route; the last departure is usually around 18:00–19:00.

🔗 Reference: Transport Co., Ltd. – Thai bus routes & schedules

Use this table to quickly compare every available way to get from Uttaradit to Phrae Airport. Best value and fastest option are highlighted.

Mode	Total Time	Cost per Person (THB)	Cost per Person (USD)	Transfers	Best For
✅ Direct Taxi (Best Overall)	50–60 min	800–1,200	$22–$33	0	Speed, convenience, families
🚆 Train + Taxi	1 h 15 min	170–250	$4.70–$7	1	Budget + experience
💰 Cheapest: Bus + Taxi	1 h 15 min – 1 h 30 min	180–260	$5–$7	1	Backpackers, lowest cost
🚐 Minivan + Taxi	1 h 5 min – 1 h 15 min	200–260	$5.50–$7	1	Faster budget option
🚗 Private SUV (group)	50–60 min	1,000–1,200	$28–$33	0	Groups of 5–7
✈️ Flight (via Bangkok)	3+ hours	1,500–3,000	$42–$83	2+	Not recommended for this route

💳 Where to Buy Tickets

• Train tickets: at Uttaradit Junction station counter or via D-Ticket (SRT official app).
• Bus tickets: at Uttaradit Bus Station counters – cash only.
• Taxi / private transfer: book via Grab, hotel reception, or local travel agencies.
• Flight to Phrae (from Bangkok): via Nok Air or Air Asia.

🔗 Reference: SRT official fares | Transport Co. bus routes

After traveling this route multiple times, here are inside tips that will save you time, money, and hassle.

🎒 Luggage & Baggage

• Use Takkyubin (luggage delivery) if you have heavy suitcases. Drop your bags at your hotel in Uttaradit and they will be delivered to Phrae Airport the next day. Cost: ~300–500 THB per bag. Ask your hotel staff to arrange it.
• For train/bus travelers: pack light. A 7–10 kg backpack is ideal for the overhead rack. Large suitcases (over 25 kg) are a struggle on local buses and trains.

🔄 Transfers & Navigation

• Phrae Railway Station (also called Den Chai Junction) is a small station. Don't expect large signs – listen for the conductor's call or use Google Maps.
• Songthaews (red trucks) from Phrae station to the airport are shared and cost ~50–80 THB per person if you're willing to wait for other passengers. Private taxi is faster.
• Grab works well in both Uttaradit and Phrae. If you have the app, you can avoid language barriers.

⏰ Timing & Peak Seasons

• Avoid traveling between 12:00–14:00 if you take a local bus – this is the hottest part of the day and buses may have no air conditioning.
• November–February is peak tourism season in northern Thailand. Book trains and taxis at least 1 day in advance.
• Songkran (April 13–15) and Loy Krathong (November) see heavy local travel – expect sold-out trains and higher taxi prices.

🌙 Late-Night & Early-Morning Travel

• No trains run between 00:00–05:00 on this route. If you have a flight before 7:00 AM, a pre-booked taxi is your only reliable option.
• For sunrise flights: book a taxi the night before. Confirm the driver by 8:00 PM. Price may include a small early-morning surcharge (~100–200 THB).

🍜 Food & Refreshments

• Uttaradit Junction station has a small food stall selling khao tom (rice soup) and coffee – good for early mornings.
• Phrae Bus Station has a decent canteen with khao soi (northern curry noodles) and fresh fruit shakes.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – there are refill stations at both Phrae and Uttaradit bus stations.

🔗 Reference: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Phrae travel tips