Quick Answer
Best way: Take a taxi or private car from Loei City Center to Loei Airport. Total distance is only 5–6 km, journey time 10–15 minutes, and cost 150–250 THB (4.35–7.25 USD). For the budget option, a songthaew (shared pick-up truck) costs just 50–100 THB (1.45–2.90 USD) but takes 20–30 minutes. There is no train and no long-distance bus to the airport — the airport is very close to town, so road transport is your only option.
🚐 Songthaew (Local Pick-Up Truck) – The Budget Way
The songthaew (สองแถว, meaning "two rows") is Loei's version of a shared taxi or minibus. These red or blue pick-up trucks with covered benches run along Route 201 from the city center toward Loei Airport. They are the cheapest motorized option and a favorite among local Thais and backpackers.
How It Works
- Route: Songthaews ply the main road (Route 201) connecting central Loei (near the clock tower or Loei Municipality Market) to the airport turn-off. The driver will drop you at the airport entrance — it's a short walk to the terminal.
- Frequency: Approximately every 15–30 minutes from 05:30 to 18:00. After dark, songthaews become very rare; a taxi is your only option.
- Fare: 50–100 THB (1.45–2.90 USD) per person. Confirm the price before hopping on. Drivers may charge 100 THB if you have large luggage.
- Travel time: 20–30 minutes, depending on how many passengers are picked up/dropped off along the way.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Very cheap (50–100 THB) | No direct drop-off at terminal (short walk) |
| Local experience | Limited luggage space |
| Frequent during daytime | No service after 18:00 |
| No advance booking needed | Not suitable for large groups (max 8–10 seats) |
Verdict: Ideal for solo travelers or pairs with light backpacks who arrive during daylight. Not recommended for early morning flights (before 07:00) or late arrivals.
🚕 Taxi & Private Car – Fastest & Most Convenient
For most travelers, a taxi or private car is the best way to reach Loei Airport. The short distance (5–6 km) means the fare is low, and you get door-to-door service with no waiting.
Standard Taxi (Metered or Fixed Price)
- Cost: 150–250 THB (4.35–7.25 USD) — always agree on a price before starting the trip. Most drivers will quote a flat rate of 200 THB.
- Travel time: 10–15 minutes from most central hotels.
- Where to find: Taxis queue near Loei Clock Tower, Loei Municipality Market, and major hotels (e.g., Loei Palace Hotel, Loei Grand Hotel). You can also flag one down on Route 201.
- Airport taxis: From the airport to town, fixed-price taxis at the terminal cost 200–300 THB (5.80–8.70 USD).
Private Car / Pre-Booked Transfer
- Cost: 250–400 THB (7.25–11.60 USD) — higher for premium sedans or SUVs.
- Booking: Use apps like Grab (available in Loei) or ask your hotel to arrange. Grab prices are typically 180–250 THB for the airport route.
- Best for: Families with children, travelers with heavy luggage, early morning/late night flights, or business travelers.
Price Comparison: Taxi vs Grab vs Hotel Car
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Cost (THB) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metered taxi (street hail) | 150–200 | 4.35–5.80 | Solo travelers, day trips |
| Grab car | 180–250 | 5.20–7.25 | Convenience, transparent pricing |
| Private hotel transfer | 250–400 | 7.25–11.60 | Families, premium comfort |
| Airport fixed-price taxi | 200–300 | 5.80–8.70 | Arrivals at the airport |
Pro tip: If you're taking a late-night flight (after 20:00), pre-book a taxi through your hotel or Grab — street taxis become scarce after 21:00.
Source: Grab Thailand – Official Pricing & Loei Airport Official Transport Information
🏨 Hotel Shuttle & Private Transfer – Comfort & Reliability
Many hotels in Loei City Center offer complimentary or paid shuttle service to Loei Airport. This is especially common for mid-range and upscale properties.
Which Hotels Offer Airport Shuttles?
- Loei Palace Hotel – offers a free shuttle for guests (advance reservation required).
- Loei Grand Hotel – charged shuttle at 200 THB (5.80 USD) per trip.
- My Place Hotel Loei – free drop-off for early morning flights (06:00–08:00).
- B2 Loei Hotel – no shuttle but can arrange taxi at 180 THB.
Private Transfer Services
Local transport companies offer dedicated airport transfers. Prices range from 250–500 THB (7.25–14.50 USD) for a standard sedan. These are bookable online or via your hotel concierge.
| Service Provider | Vehicle | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loei Airport Transfers Co. | Sedan (up to 3 pax) | 300 | 8.70 | Pre-book only, 24hr service |
| Loei Grand Hotel Shuttle | Minivan (up to 8 pax) | 400 | 11.60 | For hotel guests & outside guests |
| Local private driver (via concierge) | SUV (up to 5 pax) | 350–500 | 10.15–14.50 | Best for families with car seats |
Verdict: If your hotel offers a free shuttle — use it! It saves money and hassle. For paid shuttles, compare with Grab prices; often the hotel shuttle is slightly more expensive but more reliable.
🚗 Rental Car / Self-Drive – Maximum Flexibility
If you plan to explore Loei province (Phu Kradueng National Park, Chiang Khan Walking Street, etc.), renting a car gives you complete independence. Driving from Loei City Center to the airport is straightforward.
Rental Options in Loei
- Budget: Counter at Loei Airport (open 08:00–17:00) — from 800 THB/day (23.20 USD) for a compact car.
- Thai Rent a Car: Office near Loei Clock Tower — from 700 THB/day (20.30 USD).
- Local agencies: Several small operators near the market — 500–600 THB/day (14.50–17.40 USD) for older models.
Driving Directions (5–6 km, 10 min)
- Start from Loei Clock Tower (city center).
- Head south on Route 201 (Samphan Khit Road) toward the airport.
- After 4.5 km, turn left at the Loei Airport sign (clearly marked).
- Follow the access road for 500 m to the terminal.
| Rental Company | Daily Rate (THB) | Daily Rate (USD) | Pick-up Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 800–1,200 | 23.20–34.80 | Airport terminal |
| Thai Rent a Car | 700–1,000 | 20.30–29.00 | City center office |
| Local agencies | 500–800 | 14.50–23.20 | Various (near market) |
Parking at Loei Airport: Free parking is available for up to 7 days in the open lot. Covered parking is 50 THB/day (1.45 USD).
Source: Budget Car Rental – Loei Airport
📊 Cost & Time Comparison – All Transport Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare every way to get from Loei City Center to Loei Airport. Best choice and cheapest option are highlighted.
| Transport Mode | Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Luggage | 24/7? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi (fastest) | 10–15 min | 150–250 | 4.35–7.25 | ✅ Any size | ✅ Yes | Everyone — speed + value |
| 🚐 Songthaew (cheapest) | 20–30 min | 50–100 | 1.45–2.90 | ⚠️ Light only | ❌ No (daytime only) | Budget solo travelers |
| 🏨 Hotel Shuttle (free) | 10–15 min | 0–200 | 0–5.80 | ✅ Any size | ⚠️ Depends on hotel | Guests of participating hotels |
| 🏨 Private Transfer (paid) | 10–15 min | 250–500 | 7.25–14.50 | ✅ Any size | ✅ Yes (pre-book) | Families, executives |
| 🚗 Rental Car (self-drive) | 10 min | 500–1,200/day | 14.50–34.80/day | ✅ Any size | ✅ Yes | Travelers exploring region |
| 🚶 Walking | 60–75 min | 0 | 0 | ⚠️ Backpack only | ✅ Yes | Not recommended |
🏆 Best overall: Taxi (150–250 THB / 4.35–7.25 USD) — fast, cheap, and available 24/7.
💰 Cheapest: Songthaew (50–100 THB / 1.45–2.90 USD) — unbeatable price, but daytime only.
💡 Traveler Tips & Local Insights – Make Your Trip Smoother
After hundreds of trips between Loei City Center and the airport, local travelers and drivers share these insider tips:
1. Luggage: Use "Takkyubin" Style Services? Not in Loei, But…
Loei doesn't have a luggage forwarding service like Japan's Takkyubin. However, if you're traveling to Bangkok after Loei, some bus companies (e.g., Phet Prasert) allow you to store large bags underneath the bus for a small fee. For airport trips, just take a taxi if you have heavy luggage — the songthaew is not suitable for large suitcases.
2. Early Morning Flights: Plan Ahead
Loei Airport's first departures are around 07:00–07:30. Songthaews start running at 05:30, but they may not reach the airport before 06:00. Book a taxi the night before — your hotel can arrange one for 200 THB (5.80 USD). Do not rely on street-hailing before 06:00.
3. Late Night Arrivals: Limited Options
The last flight from Bangkok lands around 21:00–21:30. After that, the airport taxi counter may be closed. Pre-book a Grab or hotel transfer if arriving after 20:00. The airport parking lot is well-lit and safe if you need to wait.
4. Peak Season & Holidays: Book Ahead
During Thai New Year (Songkran, April 13–15), Loy Krathong (November), and Chinese New Year (January/February), taxis and songthaews fill up quickly. Book at least 24 hours in advance for any pre-paid transfer. Rental cars should be reserved 1–2 weeks ahead.
5. The Airport is Tiny — Arrive 60 Minutes Before Departure
Loei Airport (LOE) is a small regional airport with one terminal, 4 check-in counters, and a single gate. Security is quick. Arriving 60 minutes before domestic departure is plenty. This means you don't need to leave the city center more than 45 minutes before your flight (including travel time).
6. Cash is King for Songthaews
Songthaew drivers rarely have change for large bills. Carry 20, 50, and 100 THB notes. Taxis and Grab accept digital payments (PromptPay, credit cards), but cash is preferred for street-hailed taxis.
❓ FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Loei City Center to Loei Airport
1. Is there a direct train from Loei City Center to Loei Airport?
No. Loei province has no railway station. The nearest train stations are in Udon Thani (150 km away) or Khon Kaen (130 km away). From those stations, you can take a bus or taxi to Loei. But for the direct city-to-airport trip, only road transport (taxi, songthaew, shuttle, or rental car) is available.
2. What is the cheapest way to get from Loei City Center to Loei Airport?
The songthaew (shared pick-up truck) at 50–100 THB (1.45–2.90 USD) per person is the absolute cheapest. It runs along Route 201 and takes 20–30 minutes. For 2+ people, a shared taxi (150–250 THB total) works out to a similar per-person cost with more comfort.
3. How much does a taxi from Loei City Center to Loei Airport cost?
A standard taxi costs 150–250 THB (4.35–7.25 USD) for the 5–6 km trip, taking 10–15 minutes. Fixed-price airport taxis charge 200–300 THB (5.80–8.70 USD). Grab fares are typically 180–250 THB. Always confirm the price before departing.
4. How long does it take to get from Loei City Center to Loei Airport?
By taxi or private car: 10–15 minutes. By songthaew: 20–30 minutes. By hotel shuttle: 10–15 minutes. Walking takes 60–75 minutes but is not recommended due to traffic and lack of pedestrian infrastructure.
5. Does Loei Airport have flights to Bangkok?
Yes. Loei Airport (LOE) operates daily flights to Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport (DMK) with Nok Air and Thai Lion Air. Flight time is approximately 1 hour. There are 3–4 flights per day, with more during peak season. Check the airline websites for current schedules.
6. Can I walk from Loei City Center to Loei Airport?
Not recommended. The distance is 5–6 km along Route 201, a busy road with no dedicated sidewalk. There are sections with narrow shoulders and fast-moving trucks. If you absolutely must walk (e.g., no other option), stay far on the left shoulder, wear bright clothing, and walk facing traffic. A bicycle is marginally safer, but a songthaew or taxi is strongly advised.
7. Is there a night bus from Loei City Center to Loei Airport?
No. Songthaews and public taxis stop running around 18:00–19:00. There is no night bus service to Loei Airport. For early morning (before 06:00) or late night (after 20:00) travel, you must use a pre-booked taxi, Grab, hotel shuttle, or rental car.
8. Which is better for Loei Airport transfer: taxi or songthaew?
Taxi is better for speed, comfort, and luggage — 10 minutes, 150–250 THB, door-to-door. Songthaew is better for budget — 50–100 THB but slower and daytime-only. Recommendation: If you're traveling solo with a small backpack and it's daytime, take the songthaew. For everything else (groups, heavy bags, early/late hours, families), take a taxi or pre-booked transfer.