Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Loei Airport (LOE) to Udon Thani is by a combination of taxi to Loei City and then a direct bus or train. There are no direct flights or trains from the airport itself. For most travelers, the recommended route is: Taxi/Van from LOE to Loei Bus Terminal (30 min, ~300 THB) → Direct VIP Bus from Loei to Udon Thani (4-5 hours, ~250-400 THB). Total cost is approximately 550-700 THB, and total travel time is 5-6 hours. For maximum convenience regardless of cost, book a private taxi door-to-door (3-3.5 hours, 2,500-3,500 THB).
Taking the Train from Loei to Udon Thani
While Loei Airport has no train station, rail travel is possible by first reaching a major railway line. This involves a road transfer followed by a scenic train journey into Udon Thani. It's more of an adventure than a efficient transfer.
Step-by-Step: Airport to Udon Thani by Train
- Step 1: Loei Airport to Den Chai Railway Station. This is the crucial first leg. Den Chai (Station Code: DCI) in Phrae province is the nearest mainline station, about 150 km (~2.5 hours) from Loei Airport.
- Option A: Private Taxi. The easiest way. Pre-book or hire on arrival. Cost: 1,800 - 2,500 THB. Confirm the price includes waiting time while you buy train tickets.
- Option B: Shared Minivan to Phrae/Loei City then Local Bus. Cheaper but complex. Take a van to Loei Bus Terminal, then a bus to Den Chai town, then a tuk-tuk to the station. Total cost: ~400 THB. Time: 4+ hours.
- Step 2: Train from Den Chai (DCI) to Udon Thani (UDN). Den Chai is on the Northern Line. Trains to Udon Thani run south towards Bangkok first, then branch off at Nakhon Sawan.
Train No. & Type Depart Den Chai Arrive Udon Thani Duration Fare (3rd/2nd/Sleeper)* Notes 132 Rapid ~09:45 ~19:35 ~9h 50m ~200 / 400 / 800 THB Day train, scenic. 102 Special Express ~13:55 ~22:20 ~8h 25m N/A / ~750 / 1,200 THB More comfortable, includes dinner. 14 Sleeper Express ~20:15 ~04:50+1 ~8h 35m N/A / N/A / ~1,300 THB Overnight, arrives early AM. *Fares are approximate and vary by class (Fan vs. Air-Con). Check latest schedules on the State Railway of Thailand website.
- Step 3: Arrival at Udon Thani Station. The station is centrally located. Use a tuk-tuk, taxi, or ride-hail app (Grab) to reach your final destination.
Is a Thailand Rail Pass Worth It?
For just this journey, no. The Thailand Rail Pass is designed for extensive national travel. The cost of the pass far exceeds the single fare from Den Chai to Udon Thani. However, if your itinerary includes long-haul trains like Bangkok-Chiang Mai and Bangkok-Surat Thani, then calculate its value.
Flying from Loei to Udon Thani: Is It Possible?
Direct Answer: There are no direct commercial flights between Loei Airport (LOE) and Udon Thani International Airport (UTH). Both are small domestic airports served primarily by flights to/ from Bangkok. Attempting to fly is highly inefficient.
The "Theoretical" Flight Route & Why It's Not Recommended
To attempt flying, you would need to: Fly from Loei (LOE) to Don Mueang (DMK) in Bangkok (1 hr) → Wait for connection (2-4 hrs) → Fly from DMK to Udon Thani (UTH) (1 hr). Total "airport-to-airport" time: 4-6 hours. However, you must add:
- Loei Airport to City Time: Loei Airport is close to town, minimal.
- Udon Thani Airport to City Time: UTH is 3 km from center, ~15 min taxi.
- Bangkok Transfer Time & Stress: Changing terminals/waiting.
Total "Door-to-Door" Time: Likely 7-9 hours or more, costing 3,000 - 6,000 THB for two one-way tickets, not including baggage fees on LCCs. Conclusion: Flying is slower and more expensive than a direct bus or taxi for this route.
Alternative Air Travel Consideration
If you are coming from an international destination and your final goal is Udon Thani, consider flying directly into Udon Thani International Airport (UTH), which has direct flights from cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Guangzhou, as well as many domestic flights. This completely avoids the need to transit through Loei.
By Bus: The Most Economical & Practical Choice
The bus network is the backbone of regional travel in Isaan (Northeastern Thailand). For the Loei to Udon Thani route, buses offer the best balance of cost, frequency, and convenience.
Step-by-Step Guide: Bus from Loei Airport to Udon Thani
- Get from Loei Airport to Loei Bus Terminal 2 (Main Terminal).
- Taxi/Metered Cab: Available outside arrivals. Fixed price ~300 THB. Journey: 20-30 minutes.
- Shared Songthaew or Tuk-Tuk: May be available if there are enough passengers. Ask drivers. Cost: ~50-100 THB per person.
- Board the Bus at Loei Bus Terminal to Udon Thani.
Services are operated by several companies. Key options:
Service Type Operator Example Frequency Duration Approx. Fare Key Features VIP / 1st Class (24-seat) Nakornchai Air (NCA), 999 4-5 daily ~4 hours 350 - 450 THB Reclining seats, A/C, blanket, snack, toilet on board. Most Recommended. 2nd Class (Air-Con) Local Cooperatives Every 1-2 hours ~4.5-5 hours 250 - 300 THB Standard bus, less legroom, stops more frequently. Ordinary (Fan Bus) Local Cooperatives Few daily ~5-6 hours ~200 THB Basic, hot, windows open. For budget travelers only. Pro Tip: For evening travel, choose a VIP night bus. They are safe, comfortable, and save on a night's accommodation.
- Arrival at Udon Thani Bus Terminal. You will arrive at Udon Thani's main bus terminal, Buses Station 2 (Bor Kor Sor 2), on the outskirts. From here, take a local tuk-tuk (80-120 THB) or a Grab taxi to your city hotel.
Booking Bus Tickets
You can book in advance via:
- At the Station: Buy tickets at Loei Bus Terminal counter upon arrival.
- Online: Use Thai booking platforms like 12Go.Asia (English-friendly) or BusOnlineTicket.
By Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
This is the premium option, offering maximum comfort, privacy, and flexibility, especially for groups, families, or those with heavy luggage.
Options for Private Road Transfer
- Standard Sedan Taxi (最常用): Can be arranged at the airport taxi counter. Fixed price for the long journey. Ensure the meter is not used; agree on a fixed fare beforehand.
- Private Minivan (for 3-8 people): Ideal for groups or families. More space for luggage.
- Pre-Booked Online Transfer (Recommended): Book via platforms like Kiwitaxi or Booking.com's taxi service. Driver meets you with a name sign, fixed price, often includes tolls.
Cost Breakdown & Journey Details
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Price (THB) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (4-seater) | 2,500 - 3,200 | 3 - 3.5 hours | Couples, solo travelers, business. |
| SUV (4-6 seater) | 3,000 - 3,800 | 3 - 3.5 hours | Small families, extra luggage. |
| Minivan (up to 10) | 3,800 - 4,500 | 3 - 3.5 hours | Groups, large families. |
Route: The driver will typically take Route 210 south from Loei, then connect to the major Mittraphap Road (Route 2) east into Udon Thani. The roads are generally in good condition.
When Is a Private Taxi Worth It?
- Traveling with young children or elderly companions.
- Arriving on a late-night flight when other transport has stopped.
- Having excessive or bulky luggage (e.g., sports equipment).
- Your time is more valuable than money and you want a seamless, direct journey.
Important: Always confirm if the quoted price includes all tolls and the driver's return fee. Have the hotel name/address written in Thai to show the driver.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Loei Airport to Udon Thani
This table summarizes all options for quick decision-making. Costs are per person unless stated for the vehicle.
| Transport Mode | Approx. Total Travel Time | Approx. Cost (per person/vehicle) | Comfort Level | Flexibility | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi / Van (Door-to-Door) | 3 - 3.5 hours | 2,500 - 4,500 THB (for the car) | Very High | Very High (leave when you want) | Families, groups, luxury, tight schedule |
| VIP Bus (via Loei Bus Terminal) | 5 - 6 hours (incl. transfer) | 650 - 750 THB (300 taxi + 350 bus) | High | Medium (fixed bus schedule) | Best Value for Money for most solo/couple travelers |
| Standard Air-Con Bus | 5.5 - 6.5 hours | 550 - 600 THB | Medium | Medium | Budget travelers |
| Train (via Den Chai Station) | 10 - 12+ hours (incl. 2.5h taxi to station) | 2,000 - 3,500 THB (taxi to station + sleeper train) | Medium-High (on train) | Low (infrequent train times) | Train enthusiasts, those with overnight time |
| Flight (via Bangkok DMK) | 7 - 9+ hours (incl. waits & transfers) | 3,000 - 6,000+ THB | High (in air), Low (during transfers) | Low (flight schedules) | Not recommended for this specific route |
Winner for Speed: Private Taxi. Winner for Budget: Standard Bus. Winner for Overall Value: VIP Bus.
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips for the Journey
Top 5 Practical Tips from Seasoned Travelers
- Manage Your Luggage Smartly.
- If taking the bus, luggage is stored below. Keep a small bag with essentials (water, jacket, wallet) with you.
- For a complex train+bus journey, travel light. Porter services are scarce at Den Chai station.
- Navigate Loei Bus Terminal Confidently.
- Terminal signs are in Thai and English. Look for the ticket counter with your destination (Udon Thani) displayed.
- Double-check the departure bay number (ช่องทางที่) on your ticket.
- Handle Food & Hydration.
- VIP buses provide a small snack/drink. Still, buy water and snacks at Loei terminal before departure.
- The route has rest stops every 1.5-2 hours where you can buy hot food and use clean toilets.
- Prepare for the Climate.
- Buses and taxis are heavily air-conditioned. Bring a light sweater or scarf.
- If traveling in hot season (Mar-May), having a handheld fan and wet wipes can be a relief during transfers.
- Communication & Connectivity.
- Have your destination address saved in Thai on your phone (ask your hotel).
- Purchase a local Thai SIM card (e.g., AIS, dtac) at a major airport upon entry for data to use maps and Grab.
- Download offline Google Maps of Loei and Udon Thani.
What to Do Upon Arrival in Udon Thani
If arriving by bus, use the Grab app (SE Asia's Uber) to get a fixed-fare ride to your hotel. It's more transparent than negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers at the station. The city center is compact; many hotels are walkable from the central Nong Prajak Park area.
FAQs: Getting from Loei Airport to Udon Thani
Is there a direct train from Loei Airport to Udon Thani?
No, there is no direct train from Loei Airport (LOE) to Udon Thani. Loei Airport is a small regional airport without a train station. The most common route involves taking a taxi or shared van from the airport to Loei City or Den Chai Station, then catching a train to Udon Thani.
What is the cheapest way to get from Loei Airport to Udon Thani?
The cheapest way is by combining a local bus or shared songthaew from the airport to Loei Bus Station (approx. 50-100 THB), followed by a standard public bus from Loei to Udon Thani (approx. 200-300 THB). Total cost can be under 400 THB, but travel time is long (5-7 hours).
How long is the taxi ride from Loei Airport to Udon Thani?
A direct private taxi ride takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The distance is about 240-260 km via Route 210 and Route 2. It's the most convenient but also the most expensive option (2,500 - 3,500 THB).
Can I fly from Loei Airport to Udon Thani?
There are no direct commercial flights between Loei Airport (LOE) and Udon Thani International Airport (UTH). Both are domestic regional airports with limited connectivity. You would need to fly via Bangkok (DMK or BKK), making air travel highly impractical and time-consuming for this route.
Is it safe to travel by night bus from Loei to Udon Thani?
Yes, reputable bus companies like Nakornchai Air (NCA) and 999 Bus operate safe and comfortable night buses on this route. They are popular among locals and tourists. Choose VIP or First Class for more comfort. Always keep valuables secure and consider booking a lower bunk for easier sleep.
Where can I buy train tickets from Den Chai to Udon Thani?
You can buy tickets at Den Chai Railway Station on the day of travel, but for sleeper trains or during holidays, booking in advance is recommended. Advance bookings can be made: 1) At any major Thai railway station up to 60 days ahead, 2) Online via the official State Railway of Thailand website (dticket.railway.co.th), though the interface is in Thai.
What is the best option for a family with luggage?
For a family with luggage, a pre-booked private van or taxi from Loei Airport directly to your Udon Thani hotel is the best option. It eliminates multiple transfers with bags, provides door-to-door service, and offers flexibility. While costly, it reduces stress significantly. Some van services offer larger vehicles for groups.
Are there any scenic stops worth making on the way?
Yes, if you have time, consider stopping at: 1) Phu Ruea National Park (near Loei) for stunning mountain views, 2) Wat Phra That Sri Song Rak in Dan Sai for its unique architecture, 3) Nong Han Lake in Udon Thani province before reaching the city. This is only feasible with a private car/ taxi hire.