How to Get from Kamphaeng Phet to Phitsanulok Airport

Taking the train from Kamphaeng Phet Railway Station to Phitsanulok Railway Station is a scenic and budget-friendly option. The rail line follows the historic Northern Line, passing rural farmland and hills. However, no train goes directly to Phitsanulok Airport — you must take a short taxi or songthaew from the station to the airport (8 km, 15–20 minutes).

🚄 Train Types & Seat Classes on the Kamphaeng Phet → Phitsanulok Route

Train Type	Seat Class	Approx. Time	Price (THB)	Price (USD)	Features
Ordinary (No. 211)	3rd class (fan)	2 hr 50 min	50–80	1.5–2.5	Basic wooden seats, open windows, very cheap
Rapid (No. 107)	2nd class (fan)	2 hr 20 min	120–180	3.5–5	Padded seats, fan, dining car available
Rapid (No. 107)	2nd class (AC)	2 hr 20 min	200–280	6–8	Air-conditioned, comfortable, good value
Express (No. 51)	2nd class (AC)	2 hr 05 min	250–300	7–9	Air-conditioned, fewer stops, faster
Express (No. 51)	1st class (AC sleeper)	2 hr 05 min	500–650	14–19	Private cabin, reclining seat, overnight option

Source: State Railway of Thailand (SRT) — timetable and fares subject to change.

🔄 From Phitsanulok Station to the Airport

• Taxi: 100–150 THB (3–4.5 USD), 15 min, fixed price at station taxi stand.
• Songthaew (shared pickup): 40–60 THB (1–2 USD), 20–25 min, departs when full.
• Grab car: 120–200 THB (3.5–6 USD), book via app.
• Hotel shuttle: Some hotels near the station offer free airport drop-off — ask at the information desk.

✅ Train Pros & Cons

• Pros: Very cheap (especially 3rd class), scenic route, frequent departures (5–7 trains per day), no traffic.
• Cons: Requires a separate transfer at Phitsanulok, 3rd class can be hot and crowded, trains sometimes run 20–40 min late.
• Best for: Budget travelers, solo backpackers, anyone who enjoys a relaxed train journey.

There is no commercial flight between Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok. The straight-line distance is only 85 km (53 miles), and the road distance is about 100 km (62 miles) — far too short for commercial aviation. Even a light aircraft would take just 20 minutes of flight time, not counting check-in, security, and ground transfers.

📏 Distance Comparison

Route	Distance (km)	Flight Time	Total Travel Time (incl. airport)	Verdict
Kamphaeng Phet → Phitsanulok (road)	100	—	1–1.5 hr (taxi)	✅ Efficient
Kamphaeng Phet → Phitsanulok (hypothetical flight)	85	20 min	2.5–3 hr (check-in + security + flight + transfer)	❌ Slower than taxi
Kamphaeng Phet → Bangkok → Phitsanulok (via flight)	700+	2 hr total	5–7 hr (including layover and transfers)	❌ Unnecessary detour

Source: Flightradar24 — route analysis.

💡 What If You Really Want to Fly?

If you are determined to use air travel, you would need to go from Kamphaeng Phet to Bangkok (DMK or BKK) by bus or taxi (5–6 hours), then catch a domestic flight to Phitsanulok Airport (1 hour flight). Total cost: 1,500–3,500 THB (43–100 USD) and 7–9 hours — not recommended when a direct taxi takes 1.5 hours for a fraction of the cost.

✅ Verdict

For this route, stick to ground transport. Flying is slower, more expensive, and more complex than simply taking a taxi or bus. The only scenario where flying makes sense is if you are already in Bangkok and need to reach Phitsanulok Airport — but that is a different journey.

Buses are the most economical way to cover the 100 km between Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok. The route is served by both government-run (Bor Kor Sor) and private air-conditioned buses. Note: no bus goes directly to the airport — you disembark at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal (Talad Kao) and take a short local connection.

🚌 Bus Options Compared

Bus Type	Company / Operator	Time	Price (THB)	Price (USD)	Frequency
Government ordinary bus (blue/white)	Bor Kor Sor (SRT)	2.5 hr	80–100	2.5–3	Every 40–60 min, 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Private air-con bus (orange/green)	Phet Prasert / Sombat Tour	2 hr	120–150	3.5–4.5	Every 30–45 min, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
VIP minivan	Local operators at bus terminal	1 hr 40 min	150–200	4.5–6	Departs when full (approx. every 1 hr)

Source: Department of Land Transport (Thailand) — route 101 bus schedule.

🔄 From Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to Airport

• Airport shuttle van: 40–60 THB (1–2 USD), 20 min, departs from the terminal every 30 min.
• Local bus (orange route): 15–20 THB (0.5 USD), 30 min, drops you 500 m from airport entrance.
• Taxi from bus terminal: 100–150 THB (3–4.5 USD), 15 min.
• Motorcycle taxi: 50–80 THB (1.5–2.5 USD), 10 min — best for light luggage.

🌙 Overnight Bus – Does It Exist?

Overnight buses on this short route are rare. Most services stop around 6:00 PM. If you arrive in Kamphaeng Phet after dark, your best bet is a taxi or pre-booked private car. For early-morning flights, consider taking the last bus (around 5:00 PM) and staying overnight near Phitsanulok Airport — there are budget hotels within 1 km of the terminal.

✅ Bus Pros & Cons

• Pros: Cheapest option (as low as 80 THB), frequent departures, air-con available, no need to book in advance for most services.
• Cons: No direct route (must transfer at bus terminal), slower than taxi, luggage space limited on minivans, can be crowded during holidays.
• Best for: Budget travelers, day travelers with flexible schedules, locals.

A private taxi or ride-hailing car is the most convenient and fastest way to get from Kamphaeng Phet to Phitsanulok Airport. The entire journey takes just 1–1.5 hours along Highway 101, a well-paved two-lane road with light to moderate traffic. This option is ideal for travelers with luggage, families, or anyone arriving at odd hours.

💰 Taxi & Private Transfer Pricing

Vehicle Type	Price Range (THB)	Price Range (USD)	Capacity	Booking Method
Standard sedan (Toyota Vios / Altis)	800–1,200	23–34	3–4 pax + luggage	Grab / hotel / street hail
SUV (Toyota Fortuner / Honda CR-V)	1,200–1,500	34–43	4–5 pax + large luggage	Pre-booked / hotel arranged
Minivan (Toyota Commuter)	1,500–2,000	43–57	8–10 pax + luggage	Pre-booked via tour company
Grab Car (standard)	800–1,100	23–31	3–4 pax	Grab app (real-time pricing)
Motorcycle taxi	300–500	9–14	1 pax + small bag	Street hail / Win app

Source: Grab Thailand — average fares for route Kamphaeng Phet → Phitsanulok Airport.

👥 When to Choose a Taxi / Private Car

• Late-night or early-morning flights (before 7:00 AM or after 8:00 PM) — buses and trains have limited hours.
• Traveling with children — car seats can be requested (specify when booking).
• Heavy luggage — no luggage limits, unlike buses or minivans.
• Groups of 3–5 people — cost per person can be as low as 200–300 THB, comparable to bus + transfer.
• Mobility concerns — step-in height is lower than buses, and the driver assists with bags.

📱 How to Book a Reliable Taxi

• Grab app: Most reliable, fixed price (no haggling), available in Kamphaeng Phet city center.
• Hotel reception: Ask your hotel to call a trusted driver — prices are usually fair (800–1,000 THB).
• Local taxi stands: Near the Kamphaeng Phet bus terminal or night market — negotiate the price before getting in.
• Facebook groups: "Kamphaeng Phet Taxi Service" — pre-book a day in advance for guaranteed pickup.

⚠️ Important Note

Metered taxis are extremely rare in Kamphaeng Phet. Almost all rides are negotiated upfront. The prices above are typical for the route; if a driver quotes more than 1,500 THB for a standard sedan, negotiate or try another driver.

Use this table to quickly compare every transport option. Prices are in THB (Thai Baht) with USD equivalents at an approximate rate of 1 USD = 35 THB. All times include the final transfer to the airport terminal.

Transport Mode	Total Time	Total Cost (THB)	Total Cost (USD)	Transfers	Best For
🚕 Taxi / Private Car 🏆	1–1.5 hr	800–1,500	23–43	0 (direct)	Speed, convenience, groups, late-night
🚌 Bus + Airport Van 💰	2.5–3 hr	120–210	3.5–6	1 (bus terminal)	Budget travelers, day trips
🚆 Train (2nd class AC) + Taxi	2.5–3 hr	300–430	9–12	1 (railway station)	Scenic journey, comfort, no traffic
🚆 Train (3rd class) + Songthaew	3–3.5 hr	90–140	2.5–4	1 (railway station)	Ultra-budget, adventurous
🚐 VIP Minivan + Taxi	2–2.5 hr	250–350	7–10	1 (bus terminal)	Faster than bus, still cheap
✈️ Hypothetical flight (via Bangkok)	7–9 hr	1,500–3,500	43–100	2+ (city + airport)	❌ Not recommended

Data compiled from Rome2Rio, SRT, and local transport boards. Prices updated as of 2025.

🏆 Verdict at a Glance

• Fastest: Taxi / private car — 1–1.5 hours, 800–1,500 THB.
• Cheapest: Bus + airport van — 120–210 THB, 2.5–3 hours.
• Best value: Train (2nd class AC) + taxi — 300–430 THB, comfortable and scenic.
• Most convenient: Pre-booked private transfer — fixed price, door-to-door, no negotiation.

Based on feedback from travelers who have made this trip, here are practical observations that can save you time, money, and hassle.

🌟 Real Traveler Experiences

• "The bus is fine, but don't take the last one." — Multiple travelers report that the final bus (around 5:00–5:30 PM) can be overcrowded, and you might have to stand. Aim for buses before 3:00 PM for a guaranteed seat.
• "Grab drivers sometimes cancel." — In Kamphaeng Phet, Grab coverage is thinner than in Bangkok. If your Grab ride is canceled, head to the bus terminal taxi stand — there are always drivers waiting.
• "The train is surprisingly punctual." — Unlike some Thai rail routes, the Kamphaeng Phet → Phitsanulok stretch runs on time more often than not. The track is mostly straight and flat.
• "Airport food is limited." — Phitsanulok Airport has one small cafe and a 7-Eleven. Eat before you arrive or bring snacks, especially for early flights.

📦 Baggage & Luggage Tips

• Bus luggage: Large suitcases go in the underfloor compartment — free of charge. Minivans have limited space; if your bag is over 25 kg, consider a taxi.
• Train luggage: 3rd class has open overhead racks — secure your bag with a small lock. 2nd and 1st class have dedicated luggage areas near the carriage ends.
• Takkyubin (baggage delivery): Thailand has a similar service called "Nim See Seng" or "Flash Express". You can send your luggage from Kamphaeng Phet to Phitsanulok Airport for 150–300 THB per piece — pickup today, arrive tomorrow. Ask at your hotel or a local shipping agent.

🗓️ Seasonal Considerations

• Songkran (April 13–15): Buses and trains fill up weeks in advance. Book at least 3 days ahead. Roads can be slippery from water splashing — allow extra 30 min if driving.
• Loy Krathong (November): Phitsanulok is a celebration hub. Transport demand spikes — pre-book if possible.
• Burning season (February–April): Air quality can be poor in northern Thailand. If you have respiratory issues, choose an air-conditioned taxi or train (windows closed) rather than a fan bus or open-window train.
• Rainy season (June–October): Highway 101 is prone to flooding in low sections near Wang Thong. Check weather alerts before setting out. The train is unaffected by road floods.

⏰ Booking & Timing

• Bus tickets: No need to book for government buses — just show up and buy at the counter. For private air-con buses during holidays, book 1 day ahead at the terminal or via BusOnline.in.th.
• Train tickets: Reserve 1st and 2nd class AC seats up to 30 days in advance via DTicket (SRT official). Walk-up tickets for 3rd class are sold on the day (cash only).
• Taxi pre-booking: For early flights (before 7:00 AM), book your taxi the night before via your hotel or a trusted driver. Grab may not have drivers available at 5:00 AM.

🔁 Navigating Phitsanulok Station & Terminal

• Phitsanulok Railway Station has one platform — you can't get lost. The taxi stand is directly outside the main entrance. Ignore touts offering "special price" — the official taxi queue has fixed rates posted on a board.
• Phitsanulok Bus Terminal (Talad Kao) has two floors: ground floor for local routes, upper floor for intercity buses. The airport shuttle van departs from Bay 12 on the ground floor. Look for the yellow sign "รถตู้สนามบิน".
• Phitsanulok Airport is small — one terminal. Check-in counters open 2 hours before domestic flights. Security is quick (5–10 min). There are ATMs and a 7-Eleven inside.

📡 Connectivity

• SIM cards: AIS and TrueMove have strong 4G/5G coverage along Highway 101 and inside Phitsanulok Airport. Buy a tourist SIM at Kamphaeng Phet bus terminal or 7-Eleven.
• Wi-Fi: Phitsanulok Airport offers free Wi-Fi (30 min session, reconnection allowed). The bus terminal has no free Wi-Fi.

💵 Currency & Tipping

• Carry small bills (20, 50, 100 THB) for bus fares, songthaews, and food at the terminal. Taxi drivers appreciate a 20–50 THB tip for good service.
• ATMs at Phitsanulok Airport charge 220 THB withdrawal fee — withdraw larger amounts in Kamphaeng Phet before you leave.