Quick Answer
The best way to get from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport for most travellers is the train + taxi combination: take a rapid or express train from Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station to Trang Railway Station (≈2.5 hours, 120–200 THB / 3–6 USD), then a short taxi ride to Trang Airport (≈20 minutes, 300–400 THB / 8–12 USD). Total time: ≈3–3.5 hours, total cost: ≈420–600 THB / 12–18 USD.
If you prioritise speed and convenience, a direct private taxi from door to airport takes 1.5–2 hours but costs 1,500–2,500 THB (40–70 USD). The cheapest option is an ordinary train (≈80 THB / 2 USD) + shared songthaew to the airport (≈100 THB / 3 USD), totalling ≈180 THB (5 USD) at the cost of extra time.
🚆 Train from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang + Taxi to Airport
Taking the train from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang is the most popular and scenic option. The railway runs along Thailand's southern line, passing through lush countryside and rubber plantations. From Trang Railway Station, Trang Airport is just a 20‑minute taxi ride (≈20 km / 12 mi).
Key steps at a glance:
- Board a southbound train at Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟนครศรีธรรมราช).
- Alight at Trang Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟตรัง).
- Take a public taxi, Grab, or songthaew to Trang Airport (ท่าอากาศยานตรัง).
🚄 Train Types & Schedule Comparison
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates several daily services on this route. Below is a comparison of the main train types:
| Train Type | Travel Time (NST → Trang) | Ticket Price (THB / USD) | Frequency | Seat Comfort | Air Conditioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (รถธรรมดา) | ≈3.5 h | 80 THB / 2 USD | 2 x daily | ⭐⭐ Basic padded bench | ❌ Fan only |
| Rapid (รถเร็ว) | ≈2.5–3 h | 120 THB / 3–4 USD | 1 x daily | ⭐⭐⭐ Comfortable recliner | ✅ Yes |
| Express (รถด่วนพิเศษ) | ≈2.5 h | 180–200 THB / 5–6 USD | 1 x daily | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wide reclining seat | ✅ Yes |
Source: State Railway of Thailand (railway.co.th) – timetable and fares subject to change. Always check for current schedules.
🧾 Step-by-Step Guide: Train + Taxi
- Step 1 – Buy your ticket: Purchase at Nakhon Si Thammarat station counter or online via DTicket. Ordinary tickets can be bought on the day; express/rapid are recommended to book 1–3 days ahead.
- Step 2 – Board the train: Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Platforms are clearly marked. Store luggage on overhead racks or at the end of the carriage.
- Step 3 – Enjoy the ride: Southern scenery includes mountains, rivers, and rubber forests. Snacks and drinks are sold onboard on express/rapid services.
- Step 4 – Arrive at Trang Station: Trang station is small and easy to navigate. Taxis and songthaews wait just outside the main entrance.
- Step 5 – To the airport: A metered taxi costs 300–400 THB (8–12 USD) and takes ≈20 minutes. A shared songthaew is cheaper (≈100 THB / 3 USD) but runs only when full.
✅ Recommended: Rapid or Express Train
For the best balance of time, comfort and cost, take the Rapid or Express train. You get air conditioning, a reclining seat, and a shorter journey – all for under 200 THB (6 USD). The Ordinary train is only for budget travellers who don't mind heat and a longer ride.
🚌 Bus & Minivan from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang (+ taxi to airport)
Buses and minivans are the second most common option. They depart from Nakhon Si Thammarat Bus Terminal (สถานีขนส่งนครศรีธรรมราช) and arrive at Trang Bus Terminal (สถานีขนส่งตรัง). From there, you need a taxi or songthaew to reach the airport.
🚌 Bus vs Minivan – Quick Comparison
| Vehicle | Travel Time | Fare (THB / USD) | Frequency | Luggage Space | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Bus (บขส.) | 2–2.5 h | 100–150 THB / 3–4 USD | Every 1–2 h | Large hold underneath | ⭐⭐⭐ Air-con, reclining |
| Private Bus | 2–2.5 h | 120–200 THB / 3–6 USD | Every 2 h | Large hold | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ VIP seats available |
| Minivan (รถตู้) | 1.5–2 h | 180–250 THB / 5–7 USD | Every 30–60 min | Limited – roof rack for big bags | ⭐⭐⭐ Tight legroom, fast |
Sources: Transport Co., Ltd. (transport.co.th) and local minivan operators at NST Bus Terminal. Fares are indicative.
📋 Step-by-Step: Bus + Taxi
- Step 1: Go to Nakhon Si Thammarat Bus Terminal (opposite the Central Plaza shopping centre). Buy a ticket at the counter – no advance booking needed for government buses.
- Step 2: Ride to Trang Bus Terminal. Most buses drop you at the main terminal on Highway 419.
- Step 3: From Trang Bus Terminal, take a taxi (300–400 THB / 8–12 USD) or a local songthaew (≈100 THB / 3 USD) to the airport. The ride is ≈20 minutes.
💡 Tip: Minivans are faster but less comfortable for tall passengers. If you have large suitcases, choose a government bus for easier luggage storage.
🚕 Private Taxi / Transfer Direct to Trang Airport
For maximum convenience, speed and door-to-door service, a private taxi or pre-booked transfer takes you directly from anywhere in Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport without any intermediate stops or mode changes.
This is the only truly seamless option, but it comes at a significant premium.
💰 Price & Time Details
| Service Type | Travel Time | Cost (THB / USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Taxi (metered from rank) | 1.5–2 h | 1,500–1,800 THB / 40–50 USD | Solo travellers & couples |
| Pre-booked Private Car (Grab / local company) | 1.5–2 h | 1,800–2,200 THB / 50–60 USD | Peace of mind, fixed price |
| VIP Van (6–9 seats) | 1.5–2 h | 2,200–2,500 THB / 60–70 USD | Groups, families, lots of luggage |
Source: Grab Thailand app and local NST taxi cooperatives. Prices may vary by season and demand.
⚠️ When to choose a private transfer
- Late night / early morning – trains and buses don't run 24/7.
- Heavy luggage – more than 2 large suitcases per person.
- Mobility concerns – elderly travellers or those with young children.
- Group travel – 4+ people: cost per person becomes comparable to bus + taxi.
- Time-critical – you have a flight to catch and cannot afford delays.
⚠️ Important: Always agree on the fare before departure if using an unmetered taxi. Alternatively, book via Grab Thailand for a transparent price.
✈️ Flying – Why It's NOT an Option
There are no commercial flights from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) to Trang Airport (TST). The straight-line distance between the two cities is only ≈120 km (75 mi), which is far too short for scheduled airline service. Even if a charter were possible, the total air travel time (check-in, security, flight, taxi from Trang airport) would exceed the direct car journey.
What about connecting via another city? You could theoretically fly from NST to Bangkok (DMK or BKK), then take a second flight back to TST – but that would take 6–8 hours minimum and cost 4,000–6,000 THB (115–170 USD), making it the slowest and most expensive option by far. This is not recommended.
📊 Reality check: flying vs ground transport
| Mode | Total Time | Total Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ NST → BKK → TST (via Bangkok) | 6–8 h | 4,000–6,000 THB / 115–170 USD | ❌ Not sensible |
| 🚆 Train + Taxi | 3–3.5 h | 420–600 THB / 12–18 USD | ✅ Best value |
| 🚕 Private Taxi | 1.5–2 h | 1,500–2,500 THB / 40–70 USD | ✅ Fastest |
Flight data sourced from Airports of Thailand and airline schedules. No direct NST–TST route exists.
Bottom line: Don't fly. Stick to the train, bus or taxi.
💰 Cost & Time Comparison – All Options
A single table to compare every transport method from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Total Cost (THB / USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Ordinary Train + Songthaew | 3.5–4.5 h | 180–230 THB / 5–7 USD | 1 (train → songthaew) | 🏆 Cheapest option |
| 🚆 Rapid/Express Train + Taxi | 3–3.5 h | 420–600 THB / 12–18 USD | 1 (train → taxi) | ⭐ Best overall value |
| 🚌 Government Bus + Taxi | 2.5–3 h | 400–550 THB / 11–16 USD | 1 (bus → taxi) | Good budget option |
| 🚐 Minivan + Taxi | 2–2.5 h | 480–650 THB / 14–19 USD | 1 (van → taxi) | Fast public option |
| 🚕 Private Taxi (direct) | 1.5–2 h | 1,500–2,500 THB / 40–70 USD | 0 (door to door) | 🏆 Fastest / most convenient |
| ✈️ Via Bangkok (not recommended) | 6–8 h | 4,000–6,000 THB / 115–170 USD | 2+ flights + transfers | ❌ Avoid |
All costs are per person (except private taxi, which is per vehicle). Prices as of 2025. Sources: SRT, BKS Transport Co., Grab Thailand.
🧳 Traveller Tips & Local Hacks
Insider knowledge to make your journey smoother, cheaper and more enjoyable.
- 📦 Use a luggage delivery service (takkyubin) for large bags. If you're taking the train or bus, ship your heavy suitcase from Nakhon Si Thammarat to your hotel near Trang Airport. Companies like Kerry Express or Thai Post offer affordable next-day delivery (≈200–300 THB / 6–9 USD). Travel light with just a daypack.
- ⏰ Book express/rapid train tickets in advance. These services have limited seats and can sell out, especially on weekends and public holidays. Use DTicket (nofollow) or buy at the station 1–3 days ahead.
- 🌴 Combine with a Trang island trip. Many travellers use Trang Airport as a gateway to Koh Muk, Koh Kradan or Koh Lipe. If you're heading to the islands, consider taking the train to Trang, then a taxi to Pak Meng Pier or Thammalang Pier – both are closer than the airport.
- 🚖 Negotiate taxi fares upfront. At Trang Railway Station, some drivers may quote 500 THB for the airport. Stick to 300–400 THB or use the Grab app to check the market price. A songthaew is even cheaper at ≈100 THB.
- ☀️ Stay hydrated and bring snacks. Ordinary trains have no food service, and bus terminals may have limited options. Carry water and light food, especially if travelling with children.
- 📱 Download offline maps. Mobile coverage is good along the route, but having Google Maps or Maps.me offline will help you navigate from Trang station/bus terminal to the airport without data.
- ⚠️ Avoid travel during peak holidays. Thai New Year (Songkran, mid-April) and Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) see heavy demand. Book everything – train, bus, taxi – at least 1 week in advance. Fares for private transfers may double.
- 🕐 Buffer time for your flight. If you're catching a flight from Trang Airport, arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure for domestic flights. The airport is small but security checks can be slow during peak hours.
Tips compiled from experienced travellers on TripAdvisor forums and local transport blogs.
❓ FAQs: Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport
Is there a direct bus from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport?
No, there is no direct bus. You must take a bus from Nakhon Si Thammarat Bus Terminal to Trang Bus Terminal (about 2–2.5 hours, 100–200 THB / 3–6 USD), then a taxi or songthaew to the airport (≈20 minutes, 300–400 THB / 8–12 USD).
How long is the train journey from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang?
The train takes approximately 2.5–3.5 hours depending on the service. Ordinary trains are slower (≈3.5 h), while rapid and express trains take around 2.5 h. Fares range from 80 THB to 200 THB (2–6 USD).
What is the cheapest way from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport?
The cheapest combination is an ordinary train (80 THB / 2 USD) plus a shared songthaew to the airport (≈100 THB / 3 USD), totalling around 180–230 THB (5–7 USD). Total time is about 3.5–4.5 hours.
How much does a private transfer from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport cost?
A private taxi or transfer costs between 1,500 and 2,500 THB (40–70 USD) depending on vehicle type and provider. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours. This is the fastest but most expensive option.
Are there flights from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport?
No commercial flights operate between Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) and Trang Airport (TST). The distance is only about 120 km (75 mi), too short for air service. All travellers use ground transportation.
What is the fastest way to get from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport?
The fastest way is a direct private taxi or car transfer: 1.5–2 hours, 1,500–2,500 THB (40–70 USD). For public transport, an express train to Trang (2.5 h) plus a taxi to the airport (20 min) totals about 3 hours.
Is it easy to travel with luggage from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport?
Yes, with some planning. Trains have overhead racks and luggage areas; buses store bags in the hold; taxis offer door-to-door service. For heavy luggage, a private transfer is easiest. Consider a luggage delivery service (takkyubin) for large suitcases if using public transport.
How far is Nakhon Si Thammarat from Trang Airport?
The straight-line distance is about 120 km (75 mi). By road, the driving distance from central Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang Airport is approximately 140–150 km (87–93 mi), taking about 1.5–2 hours by car.