Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) to Kamphaeng Phet is by combining a short taxi ride to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal with a direct intercity bus. This balances cost, efficiency, and convenience. The total journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours and costs approximately ฿200 â ฿300 ($6 â $9 USD) per person. For groups or door-to-door ease, a private taxi or van direct from the airport is fastest (same duration) but costs ฿1,500 â ฿2,500 for the vehicle.
By Bus: The Most Practical and Economical Choice
For independent travelers, the bus system offers the optimal blend of affordability and reliability for reaching Kamphaeng Phet from Phitsanulok Airport. The process involves a simple two-leg journey.
Step-by-Step Guide: Airport to Kamphaeng Phet by Bus
- Leg 1: Airport to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal (BorKorSor 2):
- Option A (Easiest): Take a metered taxi or use the Grab app from the airport arrivals area. The 15-km ride takes 20-30 minutes and costs ฿150-฿250.
- Option B (Cheapest): Walk to the main road (Highway 12) and flag down a local songthaew (shared pickup taxi) heading towards the city center. Tell the driver "BorKorSor 2". Fare is ฿20-฿30 per person.
- Leg 2: Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to Kamphaeng Phet:
- At the terminal, go to the ticket counters for Transport Company Ltd. (à¸à¸à¸ª.) or private operators like 999 Bus.
- Buses depart frequently from 6:00 AM until approximately 8:00 PM. During peak hours, departures can be every 30 minutes.
- The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and the type of bus (express vs. local).
| Bus Type | Approx. Fare (THB) | Features | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Air-Con | ฿110 - ฿130 | Comfortable seats, luggage compartment, sometimes a hostess. | ~1.5 hours |
| Second-Class Air-Con | ฿80 - ฿100 | Basic air-conditioning, frequent stops. | ~2 hours |
| Minivan (VIP) | ฿150 - ฿180 | Faster, fewer seats, less luggage space. Must book ahead. | ~1 hour 15 min |
Key Bus Stations & Arrival in Kamphaeng Phet
You will arrive at the Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal (สà¸à¸²à¸à¸µà¸à¸à¸ªà¹à¸à¸à¸±à¸à¸«à¸§à¸±à¸à¸à¸³à¹à¸à¸à¹à¸à¸à¸£), located just outside the main city area. From here, you can take a local tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi to your final hotel or destination for ฿50-฿100.
Pro Tip: If you have heavy luggage, consider paying a small extra fee (฿20-฿50) to have it stored in the bus cabin with you, as accessing the under-compartment at intermediate stops can be a concern.
By Taxi / Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
For ultimate convenience, especially after a long flight, a private transfer is the best choice. This is a fixed-price, direct service from the airport curb to your specific address in Kamphaeng Phet.
Options & How to Book
- Airport Taxi Counters: Immediately inside the arrivals hall. You pay a fixed fare at the counter, receive a voucher, and are directed to a driver. This is the most secure but slightly more expensive option. Fare: ฿1,800 â ฿2,500.
- Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab): Often cheaper than the official counter. Open the Grab app, set your destination to Kamphaeng Phet, and select "GrabCar" or "JustGrab". The fare is locked in. Fare: ฿1,500 â ฿2,200. Availability can vary.
- Pre-Booked Online Transfers: Websites like KiwiTaxi or 12Go.asia allow you to book a sedan or van in advance. Ideal for groups or those with specific needs (e.g., child seats).
Who Should Choose This?
- Groups of 3-4: Cost becomes comparable to or cheaper than individual bus tickets.
- Families with Children: Avoids the hassle of transfers with strollers and luggage.
- Arriving Late at Night: When public buses have stopped running.
- Travelers with Mobility Issues or Excessive Luggage.
Warning: Do not accept unsolicited offers from drivers inside the terminal. Always use the official counter, an app, or a pre-booked service.
By Train: Why It's Not Recommended for This Route
While Thailand has an extensive rail network, the train is not a practical choice for traveling from Phitsanulok Airport to Kamphaeng Phet for several key reasons:
- No Airport Station: Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) does not have a train station. You must first take a 30-minute taxi to Phitsanulok Railway Station.
- No Direct Rail Line: There is no direct passenger train connecting Phitsanulok to Kamphaeng Phet. The rail lines serve different corridors.
- Complex & Lengthy Alternative: The theoretical rail route would involve taking a train from Phitsanulok south to Nakhon Sawan, and then finding uncertain bus/taxi connections north to Kamphaeng Phet. This would take 5+ hours versus 2 hours by road.
Verdict: Do not consider the train for this specific airport-to-city transfer. The bus and road networks are vastly superior.
By Flight: No Direct Option â Understanding the Reality
There are no direct commercial flights from Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) to Kamphaeng Phet. Kamphaeng Phet does not have a commercial airport.
Why Flying Isn't a Solution
- Geography & Demand: The distance is only ~110 km by road, making flight commercially unviable.
- Closest Airports: The nearest airports to Kamphaeng Phet are actually Phitsanulok (PHS) itself and Tak (MAQ), both of which require a subsequent 1.5-2 hour road transfer.
- Hypothetical "Flight" Journey: If you tried to fly, you would need to: 1) Fly from PHS to Bangkok (DMK/BKK), 2) Wait for a connection, 3) Fly back north to Phitsanulok or Tak, 4) Still take a long taxi/bus to Kamphaeng Phet. This would cost over ฿5,000 and take all day.
Conclusion: For this route, air travel is irrelevant. Focus on ground transportation.
Ticket Booking & Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all your options and make an informed decision based on budget, time, and comfort.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Travel Time | Approx. Cost (per person, unless noted) | Key Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi / Van (Direct) | 1.5 â 2 hrs | ฿1,500 â ฿2,500 (for the vehicle) | Door-to-door, fixed price, no transfers. Book via app/counter. | Groups, families, late arrivals, luxury/convenience seekers. |
| Bus via Phitsanulok City (Taxi + Bus) | 2 â 2.5 hrs | ฿200 â ฿300 (Taxi: ฿150 + Bus: ฿100) | Most cost-effective reliable option. One easy transfer. | Most travelers (BEST VALUE), solo travelers, backpackers. |
| Local Transport (Songthaew + Local Bus) | 3+ hrs | ฿50 â ฿100 | Very cheap but slow, multiple transfers, no AC, language barrier likely. | Adventurous budget travelers with light luggage and ample time. |
Where & How to Buy Tickets
- Bus Tickets: Buy at the Phitsanulok Bus Terminal counter upon arrival. For minivans, you can sometimes pre-book via 12Go.asia.
- Taxi/Transfer: Book on arrival at the airport counter, use the Grab app, or pre-book online for peace of mind.
- Payment: Have Thai Baht (THB) cash ready for buses and local taxis. Counters and apps accept credit cards.
Traveler Tips & Local Experience
Go beyond the basics with these insights from seasoned travelers and locals.
Luggage Strategy
- If you have very large suitcases, the direct private taxi simplifies everything.
- On buses, luggage goes underneath. Use a small padlock on your zippers for peace of mind. Keep valuables in a small daypack with you.
Navigation & Communication
- Download offline maps (Google Maps) of the route. Have your destination address written in Thai to show drivers. Your hotel can provide this.
- The phrase for Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal is "Sathani Khonsong Kamphaeng Phet" (สà¸à¸²à¸à¸µà¸à¸à¸ªà¹à¸à¸à¸³à¹à¸à¸à¹à¸à¸à¸£).
Timing & Seasonal Advice
- Peak Hours (Phitsanulok City): Weekday mornings (7-9 AM) and evenings (4-6 PM) can add 15-20 minutes to your taxi ride to the bus terminal.
- Holidays & Festivals: During major Thai holidays (Songkran in April, New Year), buses can be fully booked. Book minivan tickets online in advance or be prepared for longer waits.
- Weather: In the rainy season (July-Oct), road travel can be slower. Allow extra time.
Upon Arrival in Kamphaeng Phet
The bus terminal is a hub for local songthaews and tuk-tuks. Agree on a fare before getting in. Most trips within the city center should not exceed ฿60-฿80.
FAQs: Your Phitsanulok to Kamphaeng Phet Travel Questions Answered
What is the best way to get from Phitsanulok Airport to Kamphaeng Phet?
For most travelers, the best and most efficient way is to take a taxi or ride-hailing service from Phitsanulok Airport to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal (大约 20-30 minutes), then board a direct bus to Kamphaeng Phet. This combines convenience and reasonable cost.
What is the cheapest way to travel from PHS Airport to Kamphaeng Phet?
The cheapest option is to take a local "songthaew" (shared pickup truck) from near the airport to Phitsanulok city center, then transfer to a local bus to Kamphaeng Phet. However, this is time-consuming and less comfortable. The budget-friendly yet more convenient choice is the direct bus from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal.
How much does a taxi cost from Phitsanulok Airport to Kamphaeng Phet?
A private taxi for the direct journey from Phitsanulok Airport to Kamphaeng Phet city costs approximately ฿1,500 â ฿2,500 (approx. $40 â $70 USD), depending on your negotiation skills and vehicle type. It's a fixed-price, door-to-door service for up to 3-4 passengers with luggage.
Are there direct buses from Phitsanulok Airport to Kamphaeng Phet?
No, there are no direct public buses from Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) to Kamphaeng Phet. You must first travel to the main Phitsanulok Bus Terminal (BorKorSor 2). From there, frequent buses operated by Transport Co., Ltd and private companies make the direct 1.5â2 hour journey to Kamphaeng Phet.
Can I travel by train from Phitsanulok Airport to Kamphaeng Phet?
Not directly. Phitsanulok Airport does not have a train station. The nearest major station is Phitsanulok Railway Station, which requires a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport. Furthermore, there is no direct train line from Phitsanulok to Kamphaeng Phet; a complex bus or taxi transfer would be needed, making train travel highly impractical for this route.
Is it easy to travel with large luggage on the bus to Kamphaeng Phet?
Yes, it is generally easy. Most buses on this route are coach-style with dedicated luggage compartments underneath. There is no extra fee for standard-sized suitcases. However, during peak hours or on smaller minibuses, space can be limited, so it's advisable to board early.
What is the best option for a group or family?
For groups of 3 or more, hiring a private van or large taxi directly from Phitsanulok Airport to Kamphaeng Phet is often the most cost-effective and convenient option. It provides door-to-door service, flexibility, and consolidates the cost. Pre-booking online is recommended for guaranteed availability and better rates.
How long does the journey from Phitsanulok Airport to Kamphaeng Phet take?
Total travel time varies significantly by mode of transport:
- Private Taxi/Van: 1.5 to 2 hours (direct).
- Bus (via Phitsanulok Terminal): 2 to 2.5 hours total (including transfer).
- Local Public Transport: 3+ hours (multiple transfers).