Quick Answer
Best way: Take a private taxi or shared minibus from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport. The journey covers 25–30 km and takes 30–40 minutes. A taxi costs 300–500 THB (8–14 USD), while a shared minibus costs 150–200 THB (4–6 USD) per person. No transfers are needed — both options go directly to the airport terminal.
Train & Railway Options
No train service exists between Laem Ngop Pier and Trat Airport. Thailand's eastern railway line terminates at Chanthaburi Railway Station, which is about 100 km north of Laem Ngop. From there, you would still need a 1.5–2 hour taxi or bus ride to reach the airport — making train travel completely impractical for this route.
Why the train doesn't work here
- No station in Trat province: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates lines to Chanthaburi but not to Trat. The nearest passenger station is Chanthaburi Station.
- Long detour: Reaching Chanthaburi by train from Bangkok takes about 5–6 hours, then you need another 1.5–2 hours by road to Trat Airport — total time far exceeds a direct taxi.
- No Shinkansen or high-speed rail: Thailand does not have a Shinkansen network. The max speed on eastern lines is 80–100 km/h.
If you still prefer a train journey (scenic route)
If you are traveling from Bangkok and want a scenic experience, you can take a train from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong Station) to Chanthaburi, then take a taxi to Trat Airport. But this is not recommended for time-sensitive travelers. The direct taxi from Bangkok to Trat Airport takes about 4–5 hours and costs 2,500–3,500 THB (70–100 USD), which is more practical.
| Mode | Total Time | Cost (THB) | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (BKK → Chanthaburi) + Taxi | 7–8 hours | 600–1,200 THB | 2+ |
| Direct Taxi (BKK → Trat Airport) | 4–5 hours | 2,500–3,500 THB | 0 |
| Minibus (BKK → Trat Airport) | 5–6 hours | 400–600 THB | 0 |
Verdict: For the Laem Ngop Pier → Trat Airport segment, train is not a viable option. Stick to road transport. Source: State Railway of Thailand.
Flight & Air Travel
You cannot fly from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport — the distance is only 25–30 km, which is far too short for any commercial flight. However, Trat Airport (TDX) itself is a functioning regional airport, and many travelers use it to fly to Bangkok (BKK) with Bangkok Airways.
What the flight option really means
If your final destination is Bangkok or beyond, you might be considering this route: Laem Ngop Pier → Trat Airport → fly to Bangkok. In that case, the ground transport from the pier to the airport is the first leg. Here is how it compares to taking a direct bus or taxi all the way to Bangkok:
- Fly via Trat Airport: Drive to airport (30 min) + check-in (60 min) + flight (1 hr) + baggage claim (20 min) = ~2.5–3 hours total from pier to Bangkok city.
- Direct minibus to Bangkok: 5–6 hours door-to-door, but costs much less.
- Direct taxi to Bangkok: 4–5 hours, flexible but more expensive.
Trat Airport flight details
| Airline | Flight Time | Frequency | One-Way Fare (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Airways | 60 min | 3–4 daily | 2,500–4,500 THB (70–130 USD) |
Hidden time consideration: Trat Airport is small — check-in takes only 10–15 minutes. But you still need to arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights. The door-to-door time from Laem Ngop Pier to Bangkok city center via air is about 3–3.5 hours, compared to 5–6 hours by road. The flight saves 2–3 hours but costs significantly more.
Source: Bangkok Airways official site.
Minibus & Shared Van (Best Budget Option)
The shared minibus is the most popular and cost-effective way to travel from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport. These are air-conditioned vans that run throughout the day, connecting the pier directly to the airport terminal.
Key details
- Price: 150–200 THB (4–6 USD) per person.
- Travel time: 30–40 minutes (non-stop).
- Departure: Vans depart when full (usually 8–12 passengers). During peak season (November–March), they leave every 20–30 minutes. In low season, you may wait 30–60 minutes.
- Pick-up point: The minibus stop is at the main road junction near Laem Ngop Pier, about 200 m from the ferry terminal. Follow the signs or ask any local.
How to book
You can buy tickets directly at the minibus counter near the pier. No advance booking is usually needed for this short route. During peak hours (11:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:00), vans run frequently. If you have a flight to catch, it's wise to arrive at the minibus stop at least 1 hour before you plan to depart.
Baggage allowance
Minibuses typically allow 1 large suitcase + 1 carry-on per person without extra charge. Oversized items (surfboards, large boxes) may be charged 50–100 THB extra. If you have excessive luggage, consider a private taxi instead.
Day vs. night service
Daytime (06:00–19:00): Regular minibus service runs throughout the day. Nighttime (after 19:00): Minibuses become scarce. After 20:00, you will likely need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk. Plan accordingly if your flight is early morning or late evening.
Verdict: Best for solo travelers, backpackers, and anyone on a budget. Reliable, cheap, and direct. Source: Rome2Rio transport data.
Taxi & Private Transfer
Taxis are the most convenient and flexible option from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport. They offer door-to-door service, no waiting for other passengers, and operate 24/7. This is the recommended choice for families, groups, or anyone with heavy luggage.
Price range
- Standard taxi: 300–500 THB (8–14 USD) for the 25–30 km trip.
- Fixed-price pier taxis: 400–500 THB (11–14 USD) — these are pre-arranged taxis waiting at the pier.
- App-based taxi (Grab/Bolt): 350–450 THB (10–13 USD) — prices may surge during peak hours.
- Private transfer (pre-booked): 500–700 THB (14–20 USD) — includes meet-and-greet service.
When to choose a taxi
- Late at night (after 20:00): Minibuses stop running. Taxis are the only practical option.
- Early morning (before 06:00): If you have a 07:00–08:00 flight, a taxi is the most reliable.
- Groups of 3–4: Cost per person becomes similar to a minibus, but with more comfort and privacy.
- Excess luggage: Taxis have no baggage restrictions — surfboards, golf bags, and large suitcases are fine.
- Mobility issues: Elderly travelers or those with disabilities will find taxis much easier.
How to get a taxi at Laem Ngop Pier
When you exit the ferry from Koh Chang, you will see a line of taxis waiting. Always agree on the price before getting in. Standard fares are 400–500 THB. If you are quoted more than 500 THB, negotiate or walk to the main road where passing taxis may offer a lower price. You can also use the Grab app (Thailand's Uber) to book a fixed-price ride — search for "Trat Airport" as your destination.
| Type | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pier taxi (fixed) | 400–500 | 11–14 | Convenience, immediate departure |
| Grab/Bolt | 350–450 | 10–13 | Transparent pricing, no negotiation |
| Pre-booked private | 500–700 | 14–20 | Guaranteed availability, meet & greet |
Verdict: Taxis are the most hassle-free option and worth the extra cost if you value time and comfort. Source: Grab Thailand.
Cost & Time Comparison – All Transport Options
Use this table to quickly compare every available way to get from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport. Prices are in Thai Baht (THB) with USD approximations at 1 USD = 35 THB.
| Mode | Time | Cost per Person (THB) | Cost per Person (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Minibus ⭐ | 30–40 min | 150–200 | 4–6 | 0 | Budget solo travelers, backpackers |
| Tuk-tuk | 35–45 min | 200–300 (whole ride) | 6–8 | 0 | Short trips, groups of 2–3 |
| Taxi (pier) | 30 min | 400–500 (whole ride) | 11–14 | 0 | Families, groups, late-night |
| Taxi (Grab) | 30 min | 350–450 (whole ride) | 10–13 | 0 | Tech-savvy, transparent pricing |
| Private Transfer | 30 min | 500–700 (whole ride) | 14–20 | 0 | Premium comfort, guaranteed booking |
| Rental Motorcycle | 25–30 min | 200–300/day + fuel | 6–8 | 0 | Adventurous travelers, no luggage |
Cheapest option: Shared minibus at 150–200 THB (4–6 USD). Fastest & most convenient: Private taxi at 300–500 THB (8–14 USD) for the whole ride. Best value for groups: Taxi split among 3–4 people costs the same or less than minibus per person.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice
Real-world tips to make your journey from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport smoother, cheaper, and less stressful.
🚕 Negotiate your taxi fare
Taxi drivers at the pier often quote 500–600 THB to tourists. Stand your ground — a fair price is 400 THB. If they refuse, walk toward the main road (200 m) and flag a passing taxi. You will almost always get a better price.
⏰ Time your departure based on ferry arrivals
Ferries from Koh Chang arrive at Laem Ngop Pier between 11:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:00. During these windows, taxis and minibuses are plentiful. If you arrive outside these times, you may wait 30–45 minutes for a minibus to fill up. Consider booking a taxi in advance if arriving late.
🧳 Baggage delivery service (Takkyubin alternative)
Thailand has a baggage delivery service called "GrabExpress" or local "shipping companies" that can transport your luggage from Koh Chang to Trat Airport for about 200–300 THB. This allows you to travel hands-free. Ask at your hotel or at the pier for "�ากระเป๋า" (pa-ga-pao) — luggage delivery. Not as widespread as Japan's Takkyubin, but available in tourist areas.
🌦️ Rainy season (June–October) warning
During the rainy season, roads between Laem Ngop and Trat Airport can flood in low-lying areas. Allow an extra 15–20 minutes during heavy rain. Taxis with good tires are recommended — minibuses still run but may be delayed.
🍽️ Where to eat near the pier before your journey
If you have time before heading to the airport, there are several simple Thai restaurants at Laem Ngop Pier serving khao pad (fried rice), pad Thai, and fresh fruit shakes. Prices are 50–100 THB (1.5–3 USD). The airport has only a small cafe with limited options, so eating at the pier is a good idea.
📱 Useful apps for this route
- Grab – book taxis and private cars with fixed pricing.
- Bolt – similar to Grab, often slightly cheaper.
- Google Maps – works well for navigation; the route is straightforward.
- 12Go.asia – check minibus schedules and book tickets in advance (though for this short route, walk-up is fine).
Pro tip: If you are heading to Trat Airport to catch a flight to Bangkok, consider taking a direct minibus from Koh Chang to Bangkok instead of flying. It takes 6–7 hours but costs only 400–600 THB (11–17 USD) and eliminates the airport transfer hassle. Source: 12Go.asia transport booking.
FAQs: Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport
Is there a direct bus from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport?
Yes, shared minibuses run directly from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes and costs 150–200 THB (4–6 USD) per person. Minibuses depart when full, typically every 30–60 minutes during daytime.
How much does a taxi cost from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport?
A private taxi from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport costs between 300–500 THB (8–14 USD). The price depends on your negotiation skill and whether you book in advance. Fixed-price taxis at the pier usually charge 400–500 THB.
How long does it take from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport?
The drive from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport takes approximately 30–40 minutes by car or minibus, covering a distance of about 25–30 km. Tuk-tuks may take slightly longer (35–45 minutes).
Is there a train from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport?
No, there is no train service from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport. Thailand's eastern railway line does not extend to Trat province. The nearest railway station is in Chanthaburi, about 100 km away, making train travel impractical for this route.
Can I take a flight from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport?
No, you cannot fly directly from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport because the distance is only 25 km. However, Trat Airport itself operates flights to Bangkok (BKK) with Bangkok Airways. To reach the airport, you must use ground transport like taxi or minibus.
What is the cheapest way from Laem Ngop Pier to Trat Airport?
The cheapest option is the shared minibus at 150–200 THB (4–6 USD) per person. Tuk-tuks cost around 200–300 THB (6–8 USD) for the whole ride, which can be cheaper per person if you are in a group of 2–3.
Is it easy to find a taxi at Laem Ngop Pier?
Yes, taxis are readily available at Laem Ngop Pier, especially when ferries from Koh Chang arrive. During peak hours (11:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:00) you will find a queue of taxis. Late at night, availability may be limited, and prices can be higher.
What time should I leave Laem Ngop Pier to catch my flight at Trat Airport?
For a domestic flight from Trat Airport, arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. Trat Airport is small with quick check-in. Add 30–40 minutes for the drive from Laem Ngop Pier, plus 15–20 minutes buffer. Total: leave the pier 1 hour 45 minutes before your flight time.