Quick Answer
Best option: Take a metered taxi (THB 150–200 / $4–6) or a GrabCar (THB 100–180 / $3–5) for the 5.5 km journey. Total time: 15–25 minutes. For budget travellers, a shared songthaew costs as little as THB 20–50 ($0.60–1.50) but may require waiting. Tuk-tuks offer a classic Thai experience at THB 80–150 ($2.50–4). There is no direct public bus linking the terminal to the airport.
🚕 Taxi – Convenient & Reliable
Taxis are the most straightforward way to travel from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to Phitsanulok Airport. The distance is approximately 5.5 km and takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. You’ll find a dedicated taxi queue just outside the main bus terminal building.
Fare Breakdown
| Type | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metered taxi (flag down) | THB 150–200 | $4–6 | Includes starting fare + distance |
| Fixed-price airport taxi | THB 200 | $5.50 | Pre-paid at terminal counter |
| Night surcharge (after 10 PM) | +THB 30–50 | +$1–1.50 | Common practice |
How to Get a Taxi
- Official airport taxi counter: Located inside the bus terminal near exit gate 2. Pay first, receive a voucher.
- Street-hailing: Walk to the main road (Mittraphap Road / Highway 12) and flag down a passing taxi. Negotiate the fare before getting in if the driver refuses to use the meter.
- Hotel/concierge booking: If you’ve arrived by bus and are staying overnight, ask your hotel to arrange a taxi – often THB 180–200 fixed.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Air-conditioned, private, luggage-friendly (boot space), available all day, reliable.
- Cons: More expensive than shared options, occasional traffic delays, some drivers may refuse the meter.
Tip: Always ask for "meter, please" (ติดมิเตอร์) when hailing on the street. If the driver refuses, step out and find another. The official airport taxi counter is the safest bet for transparent pricing.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Phitsanulok transport guide.
🛺 Tuk-tuk – Local Experience
The tuk-tuk is an iconic Thai three-wheeled vehicle and a fun way to cover the short distance to Phitsanulok Airport. Tuk-tuks wait near the bus terminal’s main entrance and along Mittraphap Road. The ride is open-air, giving you a breezy view of the city.
Fare Guide
| Route | Typical Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Negotiable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Terminal → Airport | THB 80–150 | $2.50–4 | Yes – always bargain |
| With extra luggage | THB 120–180 | $3.50–5 | Yes |
What to Expect
- Capacity: 2–3 passengers (tight with large suitcases).
- Luggage: Backpacks and small bags fit on your lap. Large suitcases may not fit – check before committing.
- Safety: Tuk-tuks have no seat belts. Hold on to the frame during turns.
- Weather: Open sides mean you’ll feel heat, dust, and occasional rain. Bring a scarf or light jacket.
Negotiation Tips
- Ask the price before boarding: "How much to airport?" (ไปสนามบินเท่าไหร่).
- Start bargaining at THB 60–80 and settle around THB 100–120.
- If the driver asks THB 200+, politely decline and find another.
- Have small bills ready – drivers rarely have change for THB 1,000.
Verdict: Tuk-tuks are best for solo or duo travellers with light luggage who want a quick, memorable ride. Not ideal for heavy suitcases or late-night travel (fewer tuk-tuks after 9 PM).
Source: Lonely Planet – Phitsanulok.
🚐 Songthaew – Budget Shared Ride
The songthaew (literally "two rows") is a converted pickup truck with bench seats in the back. It serves as a shared taxi on fixed or semi-fixed routes. This is the cheapest motorised option from the bus terminal to the airport.
Route & Fare
| Route | Price per person (THB) | Price per person (USD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Terminal → Airport (shared) | THB 20–50 | $0.60–1.50 | Every 15–30 min (daytime) |
| Charter (private hire) | THB 150–200 | $4–6 | On demand |
How It Works
- Boarding point: Songthaews line up along the curb outside the bus terminal’s main exit. Look for white or red trucks with benches.
- Shared vs private: For THB 20–50 you ride with other passengers. If you want the whole truck to yourself, negotiate a private charter.
- Payment: Pay the driver when you get off. No advance booking.
- Luggage: Small to medium bags can go on your lap or in the back aisle. Large suitcases may not fit in shared mode.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Extremely cheap, authentic local experience, frequent during daytime.
- Cons: No fixed schedule, may wait until full, no air-conditioning, uncomfortable on bumpy roads, stops running after dark.
When to choose it: If you’re on a tight budget, travelling light, and departing between 6 AM and 6 PM. Not suitable for early morning or late-night flights.
📱 Grab / Ride-hailing – Digital Convenience
Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing app and operates actively in Phitsanulok. Using Grab gives you fixed upfront pricing, GPS tracking, and cashless payment options. It’s often slightly cheaper than a street-hailed taxi for this route.
Price Comparison (Grab vs Taxi)
| Service | Estimated Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GrabCar (standard) | THB 100–160 | $3–4.50 | Upfront fixed price |
| GrabCar XL (6-seater) | THB 180–260 | $5–7.50 | Good for groups + luggage |
| GrabTaxi (metered) | THB 120–180 | $3.50–5 | Metered fare + booking fee |
| Street-hailed taxi | THB 150–200 | $4–6 | May vary by negotiation |
How to Use Grab at the Bus Terminal
- Download the Grab app (iOS / Android) and register with your phone number.
- Set pickup as "Phitsanulok Bus Terminal" (สถานีขนส่งผู้โดยสารพิษณุโลก).
- Set drop-off as "Phitsanulok Airport" (ท่าอากาศยานพิษณุโลก).
- Choose GrabCar for the best balance of price and comfort.
- Pay by cash or link your credit card / PayPal.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Fixed price (no haggling), cashless option, trackable, available 24/7 (though fewer cars at night).
- Cons: Requires smartphone + internet (SIM or WiFi), surge pricing during peak hours, may have to wait 5–10 minutes for pickup.
Tip: Use Grab’s "Add stop" feature if you need to pick up snacks or a forgotten item along the way. The price is recalculated transparently.
Source: Grab Thailand – Official Website.
🏍️ Motorcycle Taxi – Fast & Agile
Motorcycle taxis (often called "win" in Thai) are a speedy and affordable way to beat traffic. They are widely available near the bus terminal, identifiable by drivers wearing coloured vests. This is the fastest ground option.
Fare & Time
| Route | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Terminal → Airport | THB 40–80 | $1.20–2.50 | 10–15 minutes |
| With large backpack | THB 60–100 | $1.80–3 | 10–15 minutes |
What to Know
- Helmet: Drivers usually provide a helmet – insist on wearing it. If none is available, consider another option.
- Luggage: Backpacks are fine. Suitcases are difficult to carry – only choose this if you have a small bag.
- Safety: Motorcycle taxis are agile but expose you to traffic. Not recommended for nervous passengers or those with heavy luggage.
- Finding one: Look for the motorcycle stand near the bus terminal’s side gate. Drivers often call out "motorcycle!"
When to Use
- You have a very tight connection and need speed.
- You’re travelling with only a small backpack.
- Traffic is heavy (motorcycles weave through congestion easily).
- You’re on a strict budget but want faster than a songthaew.
Warning: Not recommended for first-time visitors unfamiliar with Thai traffic. Always agree on the price before getting on. Have exact change.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Motorcycle Taxi Info.
💰 Cost & Time Comparison – All Options
| Mode | Price Range (THB) | Price Range (USD) | Time (min) | Luggage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi (metered) | THB 150–200 | $4–6 | 15–25 | ✅ Large suitcases | Comfort & convenience |
| 🛺 Tuk-tuk | THB 80–150 | $2.50–4 | 15–25 | ⚠️ Small bags only | Local experience |
| 🚐 Songthaew (shared) | THB 20–50 | $0.60–1.50 | 20–30 | ⚠️ Limited | 🏆 Cheapest option |
| 📱 GrabCar | THB 100–160 | $3–4.50 | 15–25 | ✅ Large suitcases | Best value + transparency |
| 🏍️ Motorcycle taxi | THB 40–80 | $1.20–2.50 | 10–15 | ❌ Backpack only | Fastest + budget |
| 🚶 Walking | Free | Free | 60–75 | ✅ Any | ❌ Not recommended |
Prices are indicative and may vary slightly by season, time of day, and driver negotiation. Always confirm the fare before starting your ride.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Having helped dozens of travellers navigate this short transfer, here are insider tips that go beyond the basic price lists.
1. Luggage Strategy
- Heavy suitcases? Choose a taxi or GrabCar. Tuk-tuks and songthaews have limited space and no boot.
- Backpackers: Songthaew or motorcycle taxi are great if you carry a single backpack under 15 kg.
- Pro tip: If you have multiple bags, book a GrabCar XL (THB 180–260 / $5–7.50) – costs less than two standard taxis.
2. Timing Your Transfer
- Peak traffic (7–9 AM & 4–6 PM): Add 5–10 minutes. Motorcycle taxis navigate best during congestion.
- Early morning (before 6 AM): Songthaews not running. Use taxi or Grab – both available but may have a small surcharge.
- Late evening (after 9 PM): Fewer tuk-tuks and songthaews. Grab and taxis remain the most reliable.
3. Communication Basics
- Learn key Thai phrases: "ไปสนามบิน" (bpai sà-năam-bin) = "go to airport".
- Show a map or picture of the airport on your phone if the driver doesn’t understand.
- For Grab, use the app’s built-in chat to confirm the pickup point.
4. Money & Payment
- Carry small bills (THB 20, 50, 100). Drivers often cannot change THB 1,000 notes.
- Grab accepts credit cards and PayPal – useful if you’ve run low on cash.
- Tuk-tuk and songthaew drivers rarely accept cards – have cash ready.
5. What If You Miss Your Flight?
Phitsanulok Airport is small, with limited same-day rebooking options. If you’re running late, take a motorcycle taxi (fastest) or a taxi and explain to the driver "รีบหน่อย" (rêeb nòi) = "a bit urgent". Most drivers will accommodate.
Source: Phitsanulok Airport Official Website & community traveler feedback.
❓ FAQs: Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to Phitsanulok Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to Phitsanulok Airport?
No, there is no direct public bus connecting the bus terminal directly to the airport. You need to take a taxi, tuk-tuk, songthaew, or Grab. The distance is about 5.5 km. Some hotel shuttles may cover this route, but they are not scheduled for walk-in passengers.
2. How much does a taxi cost from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to the airport?
A standard metered taxi costs between THB 150 and THB 200 ($4–6). Fixed-price airport taxis at the terminal are around THB 200 ($5.50). Night surcharges (after 10 PM) add roughly THB 30–50 ($1–1.50).
3. How long does the transfer take from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to the airport?
The drive is about 5.5 km and typically takes 15–25 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk, depending on traffic. A motorcycle taxi can do it in 10–15 minutes. Songthaews may take up to 30 minutes due to stops.
4. Can I take a tuk-tuk from the bus terminal to Phitsanulok Airport?
Yes, tuk-tuks are available at the bus terminal. The fare is typically THB 80–150 ($2.50–4). Negotiate the price before boarding. Tuk-tuks can carry 2–3 passengers with limited luggage. They are a fun, open-air option for light travellers.
5. What is the cheapest way to get from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to the airport?
A shared songthaew is the cheapest option at THB 20–50 ($0.60–1.50) per person. Motorcycle taxis are also low-cost at THB 40–80 ($1.20–2.50). Both require light luggage and operate mainly during daylight hours.
6. Is Grab available at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal?
Yes, Grab operates in Phitsanulok. A GrabCar from the bus terminal to the airport costs about THB 100–180 ($3–5). It is often slightly cheaper than a street-hailed taxi and offers fixed upfront pricing. Availability is good during the day; at night, wait times may increase.
7. Are there any late-night transport options from the bus terminal to the airport?
Late-night options are limited. Taxis and tuk-tuks may still be available but at higher prices (THB 200–300 / $5.50–8). Grab may have surge pricing (1.5x–2x). Songthaews stop running after dark. If you arrive after 10 PM, book a Grab in advance or use the airport taxi counter.
8. Can I walk from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to Phitsanulok Airport?
Walking is not recommended. The distance is about 5.5 km along busy Mittraphap Road with no dedicated pedestrian paths, heavy traffic, and limited shade. It would take over an hour in heat and humidity. Use a taxi, tuk-tuk, or songthaew instead.