Quick Answer
Best option: Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Pattani Bus Terminal to Pattani Airport (PAT). Total time: 15–20 minutes. Total cost: 200–300 THB (6–9 USD). No transfer needed — direct door-to-door service. If you are on a tight budget, a songthaew (shared pickup truck) costs only 20–40 THB (0.6–1.2 USD) but takes 25–30 minutes and may require a short walk.
🚖 Taxi & Private Transfer (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Best for: travelers with luggage, families, late-night arrivals, or anyone who values speed and comfort. This is the recommended option for most visitors.
Fare & Time
- Fare: 200–300 THB (6–9 USD) — negotiable; some drivers may ask 350 THB after dark.
- Duration: 15 minutes (non-stop, door-to-door).
- Distance: ~6 km via Route 42 / Yarang Road.
Where to Find a Taxi
- At the taxi stand outside the bus terminal main entrance.
- Via ride-hailing app Grab (available in Pattani — select "GrabCar").
- Ask at the bus terminal information counter for a recommended driver.
Important Tips
- Always agree on the fare before getting in. Most taxis in Pattani do not use meters.
- For private pre-booked transfer, rates are typically 350–500 THB (10–15 USD) — includes waiting time and flight tracking.
- If you have more than 2 large suitcases, request a sedan or minivan; tuk-tuks have limited space.
| Type | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (on-street) | 200–300 | 6–9 | 15 min | Negotiate before ride |
| GrabCar | 250–350 | 7.5–10.5 | 15 min | Fixed price via app |
| Pre-booked private car | 350–500 | 10.5–15 | 15 min | Includes waiting |
Source: Grab Thailand — fare estimates as of 2025.
🛺 Tuk-tuk & Motorcycle Taxi (Affordable & Flexible)
Tuk-tuk and motorcycle taxi are widely available at the bus terminal and offer a good balance between cost and convenience for solo travelers or couples.
Tuk-tuk (三轮摩托)
- Cost: 100–200 THB (3–6 USD) per ride — fits 2–3 passengers with light luggage.
- Time: 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
- Tip: Tuk-tuks in Pattani are less aggressive than in Bangkok; still, agree on the price before departing.
Motorcycle Taxi (摩托车出租)
- Cost: 50–80 THB (1.5–2.5 USD) — the cheapest motorized option.
- Time: 10–12 minutes (fastest, can filter through traffic).
- Best for: solo travelers with only a backpack. Not suitable for large suitcases.
- Drivers wear numbered vests; look for the motorcycle taxi queue near the terminal entrance.
| Vehicle | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Time | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk | 100–200 | 3–6 | 15–20 min | 2–3 pax + light bags |
| Motorcycle taxi | 50–80 | 1.5–2.5 | 10–12 min | 1 pax + backpack |
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — local transport guidelines.
🚐 Songthaew (Shared Pickup Truck) — The Budget Choice
Songthaew (สองแถว — "two rows") is a shared pickup truck that operates like a local bus. It is the most economical way to travel between Pattani Bus Terminal and Pattani Airport, though it requires a short walk at the airport end.
Route & Operation
- Route: Songthaews depart from the bus terminal forecourt and travel along Yarang Road (Route 42) toward the airport area.
- Cost: 20–40 THB (0.6–1.2 USD) per person — paid to the driver.
- Time: 25–30 minutes (includes picking up/dropping off other passengers).
- Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes from 06:00 to 19:00. Service reduces after dark.
Where to Get Off
The songthaew does not enter the airport terminal area. Ask the driver to drop you at the Pattani Airport junction (ทางเข้าสนามบินปัตตานี), then walk approximately 300 meters to the terminal building. This walk takes about 4 minutes.
When to Choose Songthaew
- ✅ You are traveling solo or as a pair with minimal luggage.
- ✅ You want to spend less than 50 THB.
- ✅ You arrive during daytime (before 7 PM).
- ❌ Not ideal for families with large suitcases or late-night arrivals.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | 20–40 THB (0.6–1.2 USD) |
| Duration | 25–30 min |
| Operating hours | 06:00–19:00 |
| Walk from drop-off to terminal | ~300 m (4 min) |
| Best for | Budget travelers, daytime trips |
Source: Rome2Rio — local songthaew route data; Pattani Provincial Government — public transport info.
✈️ Flight from Pattani Airport (PAT) — Where Can You Go?
Pattani Airport (IATA: PAT) is a small domestic airport serving the southern region. Once you arrive at the airport from the bus terminal, you can catch flights to Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK). Below is everything you need to know.
Current Airlines & Destinations
- Nok Air — flights to Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) — 1 hr 35 min — ~1,500–3,500 THB (45–105 USD) one-way depending on advance booking.
- Air Asia — seasonal/service may vary; check Air Asia for current schedule.
- No international flights operate from PAT.
Total Door-to-Door Time (Bus Terminal → Airport → Boarding)
It is crucial to account for the full journey, not just the flight time:
- Bus terminal to airport: 15 min (taxi) or 30 min (songthaew).
- Check-in & security: recommend arriving 60–90 minutes before departure (airport is small, but staff may be limited).
- Total minimum time from bus terminal to boarding: 1 hour 30 minutes (taxi) to 2 hours (songthaew).
Pattani Airport vs Hat Yai Airport (HDY) — Which to Use?
| Factor | Pattani Airport (PAT) | Hat Yai Airport (HDY) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Pattani Bus Terminal | 6 km (~15 min) | 95 km (~1.5 hr by van) |
| Flight to Bangkok | Nok Air to DMK (1 hr 35 min) | Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion, Nok Air to DMK & BKK (1 hr 30 min) |
| Frequency | Low (1–3 flights/day) | High (10–15 flights/day) |
| Typical one-way fare | 1,500–3,500 THB | 1,200–2,800 THB |
| Overall door-to-door time to Bangkok | ~3.5–4 hr (taxi + flight) | ~4–4.5 hr (van + flight) |
Source: Nok Air official schedule; Hat Yai Airport Guide.
Getting from Bangkok Airports to City Center
- Don Mueang (DMK): Take the SRT Red Line train to Bang Sue (20 min, 20 THB) or a taxi (30–45 min, 200–300 THB).
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (30 min, 45 THB) or taxi (35–50 min, 250–400 THB).
🚆 Train Connection (Alternative — Not Direct to Airport)
Pattani has a railway station — Pattani Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟปัตตานี) — located on the southern line. While there is no direct train from the bus terminal to the airport, you can use the train to reach Pattani from other cities and then take a short taxi to the airport.
Pattani Railway Station — Key Details
- Location: 4 km from Pattani Bus Terminal, 6 km from Pattani Airport.
- Train services: Ordinary, Rapid, and Express trains connecting Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) to Hat Yai and Yala.
- Sample route: Bangkok → Pattani (~12–14 hours, 350–800 THB depending on class).
How to Connect Train → Airport
- Arrive at Pattani Railway Station by train.
- Take a motorcycle taxi (40–60 THB, 10 min) or tuk-tuk (80–120 THB, 15 min) from the station to the airport.
- Total time from station to airport: 15–20 minutes.
Train Options Compared
| Train Type | Speed | Cost (Bangkok→Pattani) | Comfort | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (3rd class) | Slow (~14 hr) | 350–450 THB | Basic, wooden seats | Budget-friendly, but long |
| Rapid (2nd class) | Moderate (~13 hr) | 500–650 THB | Air-con, reclining seats | ✅ Best value for money |
| Express (1st/2nd class) | Fastest (~12 hr) | 700–1,200 THB | Air-con, sleeper berths | Good for overnight travel |
Source: State Railway of Thailand (SRT) — timetable and fare data.
Important Note
Using the train to reach Pattani Airport is only recommended if you are already traveling from another city by rail. For the short hop between the bus terminal and airport, taxi or tuk-tuk is far more practical.
💰 Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
Use the table below to quickly compare every way of getting from Pattani Bus Terminal to Pattani Airport. Best option and cheapest option are highlighted.
| Transport Mode | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Time | Walking Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Taxi (recommended) | 200–300 | 6–9 | 15 min | No | All travelers, families, luggage |
| Tuk-tuk | 100–200 | 3–6 | 15–20 min | No | Solo/couples, light bags |
| Motorcycle taxi | 50–80 | 1.5–2.5 | 10–12 min | No | Solo, backpack only |
| 💰 Songthaew (cheapest) | 20–40 | 0.6–1.2 | 25–30 min | 300 m | Budget travelers, daytime |
| Private pre-booked car | 350–500 | 10.5–15 | 15 min | No | Business, comfort, late-night |
| Train + taxi (indirect) | 40–120 (taxi only) | 1.2–3.6 | 15–20 min (from station) | No | Rail travelers only |
| Walking | 0 | 0 | 1 hr 10 min | – | Not recommended |
Verdict: For speed and ease, take a taxi (200–300 THB). To save money, take the songthaew (20–40 THB) and walk 300 m. Avoid walking or complex multi-stage routes for this short distance.
🧳 Travel Tips & Local Experience
1. Luggage — Songthaew vs Taxi
If you have more than one large suitcase, a songthaew can be tight. The shared pickup bed may not have space for 2+ large bags. Tip: use a taxi or pre-book a private car. For backpackers, songthaew is perfectly fine.
2. Late-Night & Early-Morning Travel
- After 8 PM: songthaew service stops. Taxis and tuk-tuks are still available but may charge 300–400 THB (9–12 USD).
- Before 6 AM: very limited transport. Pre-arrange a taxi via your hotel or Grab the night before.
- Pattani Airport opens around 5:30 AM for early flights.
3. Booking Flights in Advance
Pattani Airport has limited flight frequency. Nok Air flights to Bangkok can sell out during holidays (Songkran, Eid, year-end). Book at least 2–4 weeks ahead for best fares. Check Nok Air directly.
4. Cash & Payment
- Songthaew and tuk-tuk drivers accept cash only.
- Taxis may accept PromptPay or bank transfer, but carry cash as backup.
- ATMs are available at the bus terminal and at Pattani Airport (1 ATM near check-in).
5. Local Etiquette & Safety
- Pattani is in the southern border region. Exercise normal caution and respect local customs.
- Dress modestly when visiting local areas (covering shoulders and knees is appreciated).
- Airport security screening is routine; allow 10–15 minutes for checks.
6. Food & Amenities at Pattani Airport
The airport has a small café/snack bar near the departure lounge. Limited options — eat at the bus terminal before heading to the airport if you have time. There is 1 ATM and a small souvenir shop.
Source: TripAdvisor Pattani forum — traveler reports; Pattani Province official site.
FAQs: Pattani Bus Terminal to Pattani Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Pattani Bus Terminal to Pattani Airport?
No direct bus runs between the two points. The most practical options are songthaew (shared pickup truck, 20–40 THB), tuk-tuk (100–200 THB), or taxi (200–300 THB). The distance is only 6 km, so a direct bus service does not exist.
2. How much does a taxi cost from Pattani Bus Terminal to Pattani Airport?
A standard taxi costs between 200 and 300 THB (approx. 6–9 USD). The ride takes about 15 minutes. Always negotiate the fare before boarding or use a metered taxi if available.
3. How long does it take to get from Pattani Bus Terminal to Pattani Airport?
The fastest way is by taxi or motorcycle taxi, taking 10–15 minutes. Tuk-tuk takes about 15–20 minutes, and songthaew (shared pickup) takes 20–30 minutes depending on stops and route.
4. What is the cheapest way to get from Pattani Bus Terminal to Pattani Airport?
The cheapest option is the songthaew (shared pickup truck), costing 20–40 THB (0.6–1.2 USD) per person. However, you may need to walk a short distance (about 300 m) from the drop-off point to the terminal building.
5. Does Pattani Airport have flights to Bangkok?
Yes, Pattani Airport (PAT) operates flights to Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) with Nok Air and occasionally Air Asia. Flight time is about 1 hour 35 minutes. Schedules are limited so advance booking is strongly recommended.
6. Can I take a train from Pattani Bus Terminal to Pattani Airport?
There is no direct train connection. Pattani Railway Station is about 6 km from the airport and 4 km from the bus terminal. You would need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk from the station to the airport. The train is not a practical way to reach the airport directly.
7. Is Pattani Airport easy to navigate for first-time visitors?
Yes, Pattani Airport is very small with one terminal. Check-in counters, security, and the departure gate are all within a short walk. Arriving 60–90 minutes before a domestic flight is sufficient.
8. What should I do if I arrive at Pattani Bus Terminal late at night?
Late-night arrivals (after 9 PM) leave few options. Taxis may charge 300–400 THB (9–12 USD) due to after-hours rates. Pre-booking a taxi via Grab or a local driver is advised. Songthaew service typically ends by 7–8 PM.