Quick Answer
The most straightforward and recommended way to get from Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) to Phichit city is by taxi or pre-booked private transfer. The 70 km journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours and costs between 1,500 and 2,500 THB per vehicle. For budget travelers, the cheapest option is a combination of a local taxi to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal followed by a public bus to Phichit, costing under 300 THB per person but taking over 2 hours total. There is no direct train from the airport; you must first reach Phitsanulok Railway Station.
Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
For most travelers, especially those with luggage or arriving in a group, a taxi or pre-booked car is the most efficient way to travel the 70 km from Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) to Phichit. While it's the most expensive option, it offers unmatched door-to-door convenience, especially given the airport's lack of direct public transport links to Phichit.
Step-by-Step Guide & Options
- Airport Taxi Counters: Upon exiting arrivals, you'll find official taxi counters. Prices to Phichit are fixed and non-negotiable, typically ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 THB for a sedan. You pay at the counter and are assigned a driver. This is the most secure but also the priciest airport option.
- Metered Taxis & Grab: Some taxis may wait outside the terminal and agree to use the meter for the long journey. The final meter fare + potential highway tolls (~50 THB) + return surcharge will likely total 1,600-2,000 THB. You can also use the Grab app (Southeast Asia's Uber), but availability for long trips can be hit or miss.
- Pre-Booked Private Transfers (Recommended): Booking online in advance is often cheaper and less stressful. Companies like KiwiTaxi or 12Go.asia offer fixed-price transfers starting around 1,500 THB. Your driver will be waiting with a name sign.
Who Should Choose This? Families, groups of 3-4, travelers with heavy luggage, those arriving late at night, or anyone prioritizing comfort and time over cost.
Public Bus & Minivan: The Budget Champion
This is the most economical way to reach Phichit, ideal for solo travelers and backpackers. It involves a two-leg journey but offers an authentic local experience.
The Two-Leg Journey Explained
Leg 1: Airport to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 2 (Bor Kor Sor 2).
- Option A: Local Taxi/Songthaew. Outside the airport, look for shared songthaews (red pick-up trucks) or negotiate a short taxi ride. Cost: 100-200 THB. Time: 20-30 minutes.
- Option B: Grab/Taxi App. A more straightforward option to the exact terminal. Cost: 150-250 THB.
Leg 2: Phitsanulok to Phichit by Bus/Minivan.
- Public Bus (Cheapest): Frequent buses depart from Bor Kor Sor 2 for Phichit. They are ordinary, non-air-conditioned buses. Fare: 50-80 THB. Travel Time: 1.5 hours.
- Minivan (Faster/More Comfortable): Shared minivans depart from a station near Bor Kor Sor 2. They are faster and have A/C. Fare: 100-120 THB. Travel Time: ~1 hour. They leave when full.
| Option | Total Estimated Cost (per person) | Total Estimated Door-to-Door Time | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Route | 150 - 300 THB | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | Very cheap, frequent departures, basic comfort, possible stops. |
| Minivan Route | 250 - 400 THB | 2 - 2.5 hours | Faster, A/C, limited luggage space, departs when full. |
Pro Tip: Buses and vans drop you at Phichit Bus Station, which is on the outskirts. You'll need a local tuk-tuk (30-50 THB) to reach most hotels in the city center.
Train: A Scenic but Indirect Alternative
Important: Phitsanulok Airport has no train station. This option is only for train enthusiasts or those already planning to visit Phitsanulok city. It is not efficient for a direct airport-to-Phichit transfer.
Step-by-Step Train Route
- Airport to Phitsanulok Railway Station: Take a taxi or Grab from the airport to the main train station in Phitsanulok city. Cost: 200-300 THB, Time: 20-30 mins.
- Train to Phichit: Purchase a ticket at the station. Trains on the Northern Line (Bangkok-Chiang Mai) stop at both Phitsanulok and Phichit.
- Ordinary/ Rapid Trains: 3rd class only, no reservation, very cheap (~20-50 THB). Journey: 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Express/ Special Express: Have 2nd and 3rd class seats, some with A/C. Reservations recommended. Fare: 50-300 THB. Journey: 45 mins to 1 hour.
Why Consider It? It's a uniquely Thai experience with beautiful rural views. However, when you factor in the taxi to the station, waiting time, and tuk-tuk from Phichit station to your hotel, it is often slower and more hassle than a direct bus for a similar price.
Check Schedules: Always verify current timetables on the State Railway of Thailand's D-Ticket website.
Cost & Time Comparison: Choosing Your Best Option
This table summarizes all key data to help you decide based on your priority: speed, cost, or comfort.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (Total) | Door-to-Door Time | Best For | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi / Transfer | 1,500 - 2,500 THB | 1 - 1.5 hours | Groups, families, comfort seekers, late arrivals. | Pre-book online for best price and guaranteed service. |
| Public Bus (via Phitsanulok) | 150 - 300 THB (per person) | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | Solo travelers, backpackers, strict budgets. | No need to book. Pay cash for taxi and bus. |
| Shared Minivan (via Phitsanulok) | 250 - 400 THB (per person) | 2 - 2.5 hours | Budget travelers wanting a bit more speed/comfort. | Pay cash at the minivan station. Go early for best choice. |
| Train (via Phitsanulok Station) | 300 - 600 THB (per person)* | 2.5 - 4 hours* | Train enthusiasts, scenic travel lovers. | Check schedule online. Can book at station or via D-Ticket. |
*Cost and time include taxi from airport to train station and local transport in Phichit. Highly variable based on train type and connections.
Verdict: For best overall value for 2+ people, pre-book a private transfer. For the absolute cheapest solo trip, take the public bus route.
Essential Traveler Tips & Local Advice
Before You Go
- Cash is King: Have plenty of Thai Baht (THB) in small denominations (20, 50, 100 notes). Taxis, buses, songthaews, and tuk-tuks primarily operate on cash.
- SIM Card/Data: Purchase a local tourist SIM at the airport (e.g., AIS, dtac). Having mobile data is crucial for using Grab, translating, and navigating bus stations.
- Manage Expectations: Phitsanulok is a small regional airport. Services are basic. Don't expect a wide array of immediate transport options like in Bangkok.
On the Ground in Phitsanulok
- Airport to City Taxi Fix: If the official airport taxi quote to Phichit seems too high, simply take a metered taxi or Grab to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 2 (~200 THB) and switch to the bus. You'll save over 1,500 THB.
- Language Helper: Have your destination written in Thai: à¸à¸´à¸à¸´à¸à¸£ (Phichit) or a specific hotel address. Show this to taxi/bus drivers.
- Luggage Lightness: If taking a minivan, pack light. Luggage space is extremely limited and often means holding bags on your lap.
Arriving in Phichit
- Final Mile: Phichit Bus Station and Train Station are not in the town center. Budget an extra 30-50 THB and 10 minutes for a tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi to your final hotel.
- Accommodation Check-in: Many local guesthouses have flexible check-in, but if arriving very early or late, communicate with your hotel in advance.
FAQs: Phitsanulok Airport to Phichit Travel
Is there a direct train from Phitsanulok Airport to Phichit?
No, there is no direct train. Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) is a small regional airport without a train station. You must first travel to Phitsanulok Railway Station (about a 20-30 minute taxi ride away) to catch a train to Phichit.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phitsanulok Airport to Phichit?
The cheapest way is by public bus. After taking a local taxi or songthaew from the airport to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 2, you can catch a bus to Phichit for around 50-80 THB. Total cost can be under 200 THB per person, but travel time is longer (2+ hours).
How much is a taxi from Phitsanulok Airport to Phichit city center?
A private taxi or car transfer for the direct 70 km journey costs between 1,500 and 2,500 THB, depending on the vehicle type, company, and negotiation. The ride takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. It's the most convenient but also the most expensive option.
How long does the bus journey from Phitsanulok to Phichit take?
The bus journey itself takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. However, you must add time to get from Phitsanulok Airport to the bus terminal (20-30 mins) and waiting time for the bus (which can depart every 30-60 minutes). Plan for a total door-to-door travel time of 2 to 3 hours.
Can I use a ride-hailing app like Grab from Phitsanulok Airport?
Yes, Grab is available at Phitsanulok Airport. You can book a ride to Phitsanulok city or even for the longer trip to Phichit, though availability for long-distance trips may vary and the cost will be similar to a metered or pre-booked taxi (1,500+ THB). It's a good option for getting to the bus or train station.
What should I do if my flight arrives at Phitsanulok Airport late at night?
If you arrive after ~8:00 PM, your public transport options (trains, most buses) become very limited. Your safest and likely only practical option is to pre-book a private transfer or take a taxi from the airport. Some guesthouses in Phitsanulok city offer pickup services if you stay there overnight and continue to Phichit the next morning.
Is it better to go to Phichit from Bangkok or from Phitsanulok?
If you are already in Northern Thailand, traveling from Phitsanulok is more efficient. However, if you are starting your journey in Bangkok, you can compare: 1) Fly to Phitsanulok (1 hr), then transfer to Phichit (1.5 hrs), or 2) Take a direct train or bus from Bangkok to Phichit (5-6 hrs). The best choice depends on your budget and time constraints.
Are there any shared minivan services from the airport to Phichit?
There are no direct shared minivans from Phitsanulok Airport to Phichit. Shared minivans typically depart from Phitsanulok's main minivan station (near Bus Terminal 2). You would need to take a taxi from the airport to that station first. Minivans to Phichit are faster than buses (about 1 hour) and cost around 100-120 THB.