Quick Answer
The best way to get from Prasat Muang Tam (Muang Tam Temple) to Buri Ram Airport (BFV) is by private taxi or pre-booked car. It takes 40–50 minutes and costs 600–800 THB (US$17–23). For budget travelers, a songthaew + shared taxi combo costs under 250 THB (US$7) but takes 1.5–2 hours. There is no direct public transport from the temple to the airport.
🚕 Taxi & Private Car – Fastest & Most Convenient
Best for: travelers who value speed, comfort, and door-to-door service. This is the most recommended option for most visitors.
Travel time: 40–50 minutes direct from Muang Tam Temple to Buri Ram Airport (BFV).
Cost: 600–800 THB (US$17–23) for a standard metered taxi; fixed-price airport transfers range from 800–1,000 THB (US$23–29).
How it works:
- Taxis are not waiting at the temple – pre-book through your hotel, a local driver, or a ride-hailing app like Grab (available in Buri Ram).
- The route follows Route 219 and Route 2074, passing through Prakhon Chai and Buri Ram town.
- Most drivers speak basic English; have your destination written in Thai: วัดเมืองต่ำ ไป สนามบินบุรีรัมย์.
Pros: fastest, direct, flexible departure time, comfortable with A/C.
Cons: more expensive than public transport, requires booking in advance.
🚌 Local Bus & Songthaew – Most Economical
Best for: backpackers and budget travelers who are familiar with local transport and have extra time.
Total travel time: 1.5–2 hours (including waiting and transfers).
Total cost: 180–250 THB (US$5–7) per person.
Step-by-step:
- Songthaew from Muang Tam Temple to Prakhon Chai market – 20–30 minutes, ~30–50 THB (US$1–1.50). Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) pass by the temple entrance on Route 2074 every 20–30 minutes.
- Bus from Prakhon Chai to Buri Ram Bus Station – 40–50 minutes, ~50–80 THB (US$1.50–2.30). Buses depart every 30–45 minutes from the market area.
- Shared taxi or minivan from Buri Ram Bus Station to Airport – 20–30 minutes, ~80–120 THB (US$2.30–3.50). Minivans run every 1–2 hours; shared taxis leave when full.
Key tip: At Buri Ram Bus Station, look for the white minivans marked "สนามบินบุรีรัมย์" (Buri Ram Airport). The last minivan departs around 18:00, so plan accordingly for evening flights.
Pros: very cheap, authentic local experience.
Cons: multiple transfers, longer travel time, limited luggage space, no direct service.
🚙 Private Airport Transfer – Comfort & Reliability
Best for: families, groups of 3–4, or anyone with heavy luggage who wants a hassle-free experience.
Travel time: 40–50 minutes direct.
Cost: 800–1,200 THB (US$23–35) depending on vehicle type (sedan vs. SUV).
How it works:
- Pre-book online via platforms like Klook, 12Go, or Booking.com (transfer services).
- Your driver will meet you at the temple entrance at your chosen time, holding a name sign.
- Vehicles are air-conditioned, with space for 2–4 suitcases.
- Payment is usually by credit card or PayPal – no need to handle cash.
Pros: guaranteed vehicle, fixed price (no surge), English-speaking driver available, flight monitoring for delays.
Cons: slightly more expensive than a standard taxi, requires advance booking (at least 4–6 hours before).
Source: 12Go – Buri Ram Transfer Options
🚗 Rental Car (Self-Drive) – Independence & Flexibility
Best for: travelers who want to explore multiple sites in Buri Ram (e.g., Phanom Rung, Muang Tam, and the airport) on their own schedule.
Travel time: 40–50 minutes (driving).
Cost: rental from ~800–1,200 THB (US$23–35) per day, plus fuel ~200–300 THB (US$6–9).
How it works:
- Rental agencies in Buri Ram town: Buri Ram Car Rental, Thai Rent a Car, and Budget (at the airport).
- Most agencies offer one-way drop-off at Buri Ram Airport for an extra fee (~300–500 THB / US$9–14).
- You'll need a valid driver's license (international permit recommended) and a credit card for deposit.
- The route is straightforward: from the temple, head north on Route 2074 to Route 219, then follow signs to Buri Ram Airport (BFV).
Pros: complete freedom, cost-effective for groups, no waiting, can visit other attractions along the way.
Cons: driving on the left (opposite to most Western countries), need to navigate Thai road signs, fuel costs not included.
🔀 Combined & Budget Options – Mix & Match
If you want a balance between cost and convenience, consider these hybrid approaches:
- Songthaew + Grab Taxi: Take a songthaew from the temple to Buri Ram city center (~60–80 THB), then book a Grab Car to the airport (~300–400 THB). Total: ~360–480 THB (US$10–14) and about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hotel Shuttle + Taxi: If staying near the temple, ask your hotel if they offer a shuttle to Buri Ram town (often free or 100–200 THB). From the hotel drop-off point, take a taxi to the airport.
- Private car sharing: Use Facebook groups like "Buri Ram Travelers" or "Buri Ram Ride Share" to find travelers splitting a taxi. Cost per person: ~200–300 THB (US$6–9).
Important: Always confirm the price before starting the ride. For Grab, the app shows the fixed fare upfront.
📊 Cost & Time Comparison – All Options at a Glance
| Transport Mode | Travel Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Private Car | 40–50 min | 600–800 | US$17–23 | 0 (direct) | ⭐ Speed & convenience |
| Private Airport Transfer | 40–50 min | 800–1,200 | US$23–35 | 0 (direct) | Families / heavy luggage |
| Rental Car (self-drive) | 40–50 min | 1,000–1,500 (incl. fuel + drop-off) | US$29–43 | 0 (direct) | Explorers / groups |
| Songthaew + Bus + Shared Taxi | 1.5–2 hr | 180–250 | US$5–7 | 3 | 💰 Cheapest option |
| Songthaew + Grab Car | 1 hr 15 min | 360–480 | US$10–14 | 1 | Budget + efficiency |
⭐ Best overall: Taxi / Private Car – best balance of cost, time, and comfort.
💰 Cheapest: Songthaew + Bus + Shared Taxi – under 250 THB (US$7).
Note: Prices are indicative and may vary based on traffic, time of day, and season. Always confirm with the service provider.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Based on feedback from travelers who have made this journey, here are practical tips to make your transfer smoother:
- Pre-book your taxi the night before – especially if you have an early morning flight. Your hotel or guesthouse can arrange a reliable driver.
- Download Grab – it works in Buri Ram and provides fixed pricing. Search for "Buri Ram Airport" as your destination.
- Carry small bills – songthaew and bus drivers often cannot change large notes (500+ THB).
- Check flight times carefully – Buri Ram Airport is small; it closes between flights. If your flight is very early or late, confirm the airport will be open.
- Beware of songthaew schedules after 17:00 – frequency drops significantly. If you're leaving the temple late, a taxi is much more reliable.
- Combine with Phanom Rung – many visitors tour Phanom Rung Historical Park and Muang Tam on the same day. If you have a rental car, you can visit both and then drive to the airport.
- Luggage storage – if you want to explore the temple without bags, some shops near the entrance offer bag storage for ~50 THB (US$1.50).
- Takkyubin (baggage delivery) – not available in Buri Ram. You must carry your luggage with you.
Traveler quote: "We took a songthaew from the temple to Prakhon Chai and then a bus to Buri Ram. It was an adventure, but with big suitcases it was tough. Next time we'll book a taxi." – Sarah & Tom, July 2024.
❓ FAQs: Muang Tam Temple to Buri Ram Airport
Is there a direct bus from Muang Tam Temple to Buri Ram Airport?
No, there is no direct bus. You need to take a songthaew or local bus to Buri Ram Bus Station, then a taxi to the airport. Total travel time is about 1.5–2 hours.
What is the fastest way to get from Muang Tam Temple to Buri Ram Airport?
A private taxi or car is the fastest option, taking approximately 40–50 minutes directly, depending on traffic.
How much does a taxi cost from Muang Tam Temple to Buri Ram Airport?
A standard metered taxi or private car costs around 600–800 THB (US$17–23). Fixed-price airport transfers are usually 800–1,000 THB (US$23–29).
Can I rent a car and drive myself from Muang Tam Temple to Buri Ram Airport?
Yes, rental cars are available in Buri Ram town. The drive is about 40–50 km via Route 219 and Route 2074. Most rental agencies offer one-way drop-off at the airport.
What is the cheapest way to reach Buri Ram Airport from Muang Tam Temple?
The cheapest option is a songthaew (shared pickup truck) to Buri Ram Bus Station (50–80 THB / US$1.50–2.30), then a shared taxi to the airport (100–150 THB / US$3–4). Total under 250 THB (US$7).
Is it easy to get a taxi from Muang Tam Temple to the airport?
Taxis are not readily waiting at the temple. It's best to pre-book via your hotel, a local driver, or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Your hotel can arrange a reliable driver.
How early should I leave Muang Tam Temple for a flight from Buri Ram Airport?
For domestic flights, aim to arrive at least 1 hour before departure. With a 40–50 minute taxi ride, leave the temple 2–2.5 hours before your flight. For international departures (if available), add another 30 minutes.
Are there any shared minivan services from Muang Tam Temple to Buri Ram Airport?
Shared minivans do not operate directly from the temple. You must first get to Buri Ram Bus Station or the city center, where minivans to the airport depart every 1–2 hours. Cost is about 80–120 THB (US$2.30–3.50).