How to Get from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et Airport

While there is no direct train from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et Airport, a multi-stage rail journey is technically possible. This option is not recommended for most travelers due to the long travel time, multiple transfers, and infrequent services, but we provide full details for completeness.

Step-by-Step Train Route

1. Maha Sarakham Railway Station → Khon Kaen Railway Station – Take a local train on the Northeastern Line. Journey time: 1.5–2 hours. Fare: ฿50–120 (US$1.40–3.30). There are 3–4 departures daily.
2. Khon Kaen Railway Station → Khon Kaen Bus Terminal – Take a local songthaew or tuk-tuk (฿30–50, 10 min).
3. Khon Kaen Bus Terminal → Roi Et Bus Terminal – Board a public bus (departs every 30–60 min). Journey time: 1.5–2 hours. Fare: ฿80–120 (US$2.20–3.30).
4. Roi Et Bus Terminal → Roi Et Airport – Take a local songthaew or short taxi ride (฿50–100, 20 min).

Total Combined Journey

Segment	Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)
Train: Maha Sarakham → Khon Kaen	1.5–2 hr	฿50–120	US$1.40–3.30
Songthaew: Khon Kaen Station → Bus Terminal	10 min	฿30–50	US$0.80–1.40
Bus: Khon Kaen → Roi Et	1.5–2 hr	฿80–120	US$2.20–3.30
Songthaew: Roi Et Bus Terminal → Airport	20 min	฿50–100	US$1.40–2.80
Total	4–5 hr	฿210–390	US$5.80–10.80

Important Considerations

• Train frequency: Only 3–4 trains per day from Maha Sarakham to Khon Kaen, mostly in the morning and early afternoon. Missing a connection could mean a long wait.
• Luggage: Local trains have limited luggage space. Large suitcases may be difficult to manage, especially during boarding.
• Comfort: Trains are non-air-conditioned on most local services, which can be challenging in hot weather (March–May).
• Recommendation: Only consider this route if you have plenty of time, are on a very tight budget, or specifically want a rail experience. Otherwise, taxi or bus is far more practical.

Source: State Railway of Thailand (SRT) official timetable

There are no direct flights from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et Airport — the distance is just 70 km. However, understanding the flight options from Roi Et Airport is essential if you are planning to fly to Bangkok or beyond. This section explains the air travel context and compares it with ground transport alternatives.

Domestic Flights from Roi Et Airport (ROI)

Roi Et Airport (ROI) is a domestic airport with one primary route:

• Roi Et (ROI) → Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) – Operated by Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Frequency: 4–6 flights daily. Flight time: ~1 hour. One-way fare: ฿1,200–2,500 (US$33–69) depending on booking time and season.

Door-to-Door Time Comparison: Ground Transport + Flight vs. Direct Ground

Scenario	Total Time (Maha Sarakham → Bangkok)	Total Cost
Taxi to Roi Et Airport + Flight to DMK	4–5 hr (1 hr taxi + 1 hr flight + 2–3 hr check-in/security/waiting)	฿2,000–3,700 (US$55–102)
Bus to Roi Et + Flight to DMK	5–6.5 hr	฿1,330–2,720 (US$37–75)
Direct Taxi from Maha Sarakham to Bangkok	6–7 hr (driving only)	฿3,500–5,000 (US$97–139)
Bus from Maha Sarakham to Bangkok (direct)	7–9 hr	฿500–800 (US$14–22)

Alternative Airport: Khon Kaen Airport (KKC)

Khon Kaen Airport (KKC) is about 1.5 hours by car from Maha Sarakham (120 km) and offers more flight options, including routes to Bangkok (BKK & DMK), Phuket (HKT), and Chiang Mai (CNX). If your destination is beyond Bangkok, flying from Khon Kaen may be more flexible. However, the extra driving time (1.5 hr each way) reduces the time advantage of flying.

Key Reminders

• Hidden time: Factor in 1–1.5 hours at Roi Et Airport for check-in and security (domestic).
• Luggage fees: Budget airlines charge extra for checked bags (฿200–600 per piece).
• Flight cancellations: During low season, flights may be consolidated. Always check the airline's schedule 24 hours before departure.

Sources: Nok Air | Thai AirAsia

Taking the public bus from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et is the most economical way to reach Roi Et Airport. While it requires one transfer at Roi Et Bus Terminal, the cost is dramatically lower than a private taxi. This section covers both daytime buses and shared minivans.

Route Overview

• Step 1: Maha Sarakham Bus Terminal (Bori Ban Bus Station) → Roi Et Bus Terminal. Buses depart every 30–60 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Journey time: 1.5 hours. Fare: ฿80–120 (US$2.20–3.30).
• Step 2: Roi Et Bus Terminal → Roi Et Airport. Take a local songthaew (shared pickup truck) or a short taxi ride. Songthaew: ฿50–80 (US$1.40–2.20), 20 min. Taxi: ฿100–150 (US$2.80–4.20), 15 min.

Daytime Bus vs. Shared Minivan

Mode	Frequency	Time (incl. transfer)	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Comfort
Public Bus (air-con)	Every 30–60 min	2–2.5 hr	฿130–220	US$3.60–6.10	Good – air-conditioned, reclining seats
Public Bus (non air-con)	Every 30–60 min	2–2.5 hr	฿80–150	US$2.20–4.20	Basic – open windows, hard seats
Shared Minivan	Hourly (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM)	1.5–2 hr	฿200–350	US$5.50–9.70	High – fast, AC, limited stops

Night Bus Option

There is no dedicated overnight bus from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et because the distance is too short (70 km). However, if you are connecting from a longer-distance night bus (e.g., from Bangkok to Maha Sarakham), you can arrive in Maha Sarakham early morning and then take the first bus to Roi Et (departing around 5:30 AM). This allows you to reach Roi Et Airport by 8:00–8:30 AM — suitable for late-morning flights.

Booking & Practical Tips

• No advance booking needed for the bus – just buy a ticket at the terminal.
• Minivan booking: Shared minivans can be booked through local travel agents or via 12Go for a small fee.
• Luggage limit: Buses allow 1–2 bags per person in the cargo hold. Minivans have limited space – large suitcases may incur an extra charge.
• Songthaew at Roi Et: Songthaews to the airport depart from the main road near the bus terminal. Look for white/blue vehicles with "สนามบิน" (airport) sign. Frequency: every 20–30 minutes during daytime.

Source: Department of Land Transport, Thailand

For travelers who value time, comfort, and reliability, a private taxi from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et Airport is the clear winner. This door-to-door service eliminates all transfers and is available 24/7, making it ideal for early morning or late-night flights.

Taxi Service Overview

Service Type	Time	Price (THB)	Price (USD)	Best For
Standard Taxi (metered)	50–60 min	฿800–1,000	US$22–28	Solo travelers & couples
Pre-booked Private Car	50–60 min	฿900–1,200	US$25–33	Families, business travelers
Minivan (up to 9 pax)	50–60 min	฿1,200–1,800	US$33–50	Groups, large luggage
Grab Car	50–60 min	฿900–1,400	US$25–39	Convenience, app tracking

When to Choose a Taxi

• Early morning flights (before 8:00 AM): Public buses start at 5:30 AM, but you may not reach the airport in time for a 7:00–8:00 AM departure. Taxi is the only reliable option.
• Late-night arrivals: After 6:00 PM, buses to Roi Et are very limited. A taxi is your only practical ground option.
• Traveling with children: Taxis offer car seats on request (confirm when booking).
• Heavy luggage: If you have more than one large suitcase per person, a pre-booked car or minivan is strongly recommended.
• Business travelers: Time-sensitive travelers who cannot afford delays.

How to Book

• Local taxi stands: In Maha Sarakham city, taxis can be found near the clock tower roundabout and at the bus terminal.
• Hotel concierge: Most hotels in Maha Sarakham can arrange a reliable driver. Expect to pay ฿900–1,100.
• Online platforms: Grab is active in Maha Sarakham, though availability may be limited during off-peak hours. 12Go also offers pre-booked transfers.
• Airport transfer services: Companies like Klook offer private car bookings with fixed pricing.

Important Note on Pricing

Metered taxis from Maha Sarakham are rare — most drivers will quote a fixed price before the trip. Always confirm the fare before boarding. Prices above are typical for foreigners; local knowledge may secure a slightly lower rate. During Thai holidays (Songkran, Loy Krathong, New Year), expect a 20–30% surcharge.

Source: Grab Thailand pricing data

Use the table below to quickly compare every available transport mode from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et Airport. We highlight the best overall, cheapest, and most convenient options.

Mode	Total Time	Cost Range (THB)	Cost Range (USD)	Transfers	Best For
★ Taxi (Private)	50–60 min	฿800–1,200	US$22–33	0 (door-to-door)	Fastest & most convenient
Grab Car	50–60 min	฿900–1,400	US$25–39	0 (door-to-door)	App convenience, tracking
Private Minivan (up to 9 pax)	50–60 min	฿1,200–1,800	US$33–50	0 (door-to-door)	Groups & families
★ Bus (air-con) + Songthaew	2–2.5 hr	฿130–220	US$3.60–6.10	1 (Roi Et Bus Terminal)	Cheapest option
Bus (non air-con) + Songthaew	2–2.5 hr	฿80–150	US$2.20–4.20	1 (Roi Et Bus Terminal)	Ultra-budget travelers
Shared Minivan	1.5–2 hr	฿200–350	US$5.50–9.70	0–1 (varies)	Balance of speed & cost
Train + Bus (via Khon Kaen)	4–5 hr	฿210–390	US$5.80–10.80	3 (Station, Bus Terminal, Airport)	Rail enthusiasts only

Key Takeaways

• Fastest: Private taxi – 50–60 min, ฿800–1,200.
• Cheapest: Non air-con bus + songthaew – ฿80–150, but comfort is low.
• Best value: Air-con bus + songthaew – ฿130–220, good comfort, moderate time.
• Most convenient: Pre-booked private car – fixed price, door-to-door, no waiting.
• Not recommended: Train route – too long and complex for a 70 km journey.

All prices are indicative and may vary by season, demand, and provider. Always confirm the fare before travel.

Based on local knowledge and traveler feedback, here are practical tips to make your trip from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et Airport stress-free.

1. Luggage & Baggage Services

• Use a luggage delivery service (Takkyubin-style): In Thailand, services like Kerry Express and Flash Express offer door-to-door luggage shipping. You can send your suitcases from Maha Sarakham to Roi Et Airport or even to Bangkok. Cost: ฿200–500 per 20 kg bag. This is ideal if you want to travel light on the bus.
• Airport luggage limits: If flying from Roi Et, Nok Air and AirAsia allow 7 kg carry-on + 20 kg checked bag. Excess baggage fees are steep (฿300–600/kg).

2. Timing & Schedules

• Book flights in advance: Roi Et–Bangkok flights fill up fast during Thai holidays. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
• Bus frequency drops after 6:00 PM: If you arrive in Maha Sarakham late, a taxi may be your only option.
• Allow buffer time: For flights, arrive at Roi Et Airport at least 1 hour before domestic departure. The airport is small but can get busy during peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM).

3. Navigating Roi Et Airport

• Airport size: Roi Et Airport is compact – one terminal, one gate. Check-in counters open 2 hours before departure.
• Food & drinks: There is a small café after security with basic snacks and drinks. Prices are reasonable (฿40–80).
• No ATM after security: Withdraw cash before entering the departure area. There is an ATM in the arrivals hall.

4. Managing Transfers (Bus Option)

• Roi Et Bus Terminal → Airport: Songthaews to the airport wait near the main road entrance of the bus terminal. If you don't see one, ask at the information desk – they can call one for you.
• Alternative: Use the Indriver app (available in Roi Et) to book a local taxi from the bus terminal to the airport. Cost: ฿80–120.

5. Weather & Road Conditions

• Rainy season (June–October): Roads between Maha Sarakham and Roi Et are generally well-paved, but heavy rain can cause delays. Allow an extra 20–30 minutes if traveling during a storm.
• Flooding: In rare cases, low-lying areas near Roi Et may flood. Check local news or ask your hotel before departure.

6. Local Phrases That Help

• "Pai sanam bin Roi Et" – "Go to Roi Et Airport."
• "Kee lai baht?" – "How many baht?"
• "Lot mee air mai?" – "Does the bus have air conditioning?" – Useful when choosing between bus types.

Sources: Lonely Planet Thailand forum | TripAdvisor Thailand Travel Forum