Quick Answer
Best way: Take a taxi or tuk‑tuk from Phitsanulok city center directly to Phitsanulok Airport (PHS). The distance is only 5–7 km, travel time 10–15 minutes, and cost 150–250 THB ($4–7). For the cheapest option, use a songthaew (shared pick‑up truck) at 20–40 THB ($0.60–$1.20). No train or long‑distance bus serves the airport directly — this short hop is best done by road.
Why this answer? The airport sits just off Highway 12 on the western edge of the city. All road options are fast, cheap, and widely available. Walking is unsafe due to heavy traffic and lack of footpaths.
🚕 Taxi & Tuk‑Tuk — Direct & Convenient
Taxis and tuk‑tuks are the most straightforward way to cover the 5–7 km from Phitsanulok city center to Phitsanulok Airport. Both are available 24/7 at the main hotel areas, night market, and bus terminal.
Metered Taxi
- Cost: 150–200 THB ($4–6) from city center; airport fixed‑rate taxis charge 200–250 THB ($6–7).
- Time: 10–15 minutes (20–25 min in peak hours 7:00–8:30 AM & 4:30–6:30 PM).
- Availability: Hail on the street, ask your hotel, or call Phitsanulok Taxi Service (+66 55 212 888).
- Pros: Air‑conditioned, door‑to‑door, fixed price available.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than tuk‑tuk; traffic can add 5–10 min.
Tuk‑Tuk
- Cost: 100–150 THB ($3–4) for the whole vehicle (up to 2 passengers with light luggage).
- Time: 12–18 minutes — tuk‑tuks weave through traffic but are slower on straight roads.
- Availability: Everywhere in the city center; negotiate before boarding.
- Pros: Cheaper than taxi, fun experience, easy to find.
- Cons: Open‑air (dusty/rain), limited luggage space, no seat belts.
Ride‑Hailing Apps (Grab / Bolt)
Grab is available in Phitsanulok but with limited coverage. A GrabCar from the city center to the airport typically costs 180–220 THB ($5–6). Availability is lower than in Bangkok — always have a backup plan. Bolt is not yet operational in Phitsanulok as of 2025.
Authoritative source: ThailandTrains.com — Phitsanulok Airport Guide and Tourism Authority of Thailand — Phitsanulok Transport.
🚐 Songthaew (Shared Pick‑Up Truck) — Cheapest Option
Songthaews (red or blue shared pick‑up trucks) run along Highway 12 connecting Phitsanulok city center with the airport turn‑off. They are the most economical way for solo travelers.
- Cost: 20–40 THB ($0.60–$1.20) per person.
- Time: 20–30 minutes (due to multiple stops and waiting for passengers).
- Route: Catch one at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 or along Thanon Phutthamonthon (near the night market). Tell the driver “sanam bin” (airport).
- Drop‑off: You’ll be let off at the airport junction (400 m walk to the terminal). Not all songthaews enter the airport grounds.
- Operating hours: 05:30–19:00. No service after dark.
- Luggage: Small bags only — no large suitcases.
Authoritative source: Rome2Rio — Phitsanulok to PHS.
🏨 Hotel Shuttle — Free or Paid Transfer
Many hotels in Phitsanulok offer airport transfers. This is especially convenient if you have early‑morning or late‑night flights.
- Free shuttles: The Imperial Phitsanulok and Topland Hotel & Resort provide complimentary airport drop‑off for guests (request 24 h ahead).
- Paid shuttles: Phitsanulok Paradise Hotel and P1 House charge 100–200 THB ($3–6) per trip.
- Time: 10–15 minutes — same as a taxi.
- How to arrange: Contact the front desk at least 12 hours before your flight. Availability depends on hotel occupancy and driver schedule.
Authoritative source: Agoda — Phitsanulok Hotels with Airport Shuttle.
🚗 Rental Car & Self‑Drive — Maximum Flexibility
If you plan to explore Phitsanulok province (Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet) or need a car for your entire trip, renting a car gives you independence.
- Rental agencies: Hertz (at Phitsanulok Airport), Thai Rent a Car (city center), and Budget (airport).
- Cost: 800–1,500 THB ($23–43) per day for a compact car (Toyota Yaris or similar). Fuel is extra.
- Driving time: 10 minutes from city center to airport via Highway 12.
- Parking at airport: Long‑term parking is 50 THB/day ($1.50). The lot is unguarded — keep valuables with you.
- Documents: International Driving Permit (IDP) required for non‑Thai license holders. Police checks are common on Highway 12.
Authoritative source: Hertz Thailand — Phitsanulok Airport.
🚆 Train (Intercity — Not Direct to Airport)
Important: Phitsanulok Airport does not have a railway station. However, Phitsanulok Railway Station is located in the city center (1 km from the night market) and connects to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other northern destinations. This section is useful if you’re planning onward travel after your flight.
Getting from City Center to Phitsanulok Railway Station
- Walk: 10–15 min from the city center (Thanon Phutthamonthon area).
- Tuk‑tuk: 30–50 THB ($1–$1.50) — 3 min ride.
- Songthaew: 10 THB ($0.30) — routes pass the station.
Popular Train Routes from Phitsanulok
| Route | Train # | Duration | 2nd Class A/C Fare | 3rd Class Fan Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phitsanulok → Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) | #8 / #14 | 5 h 30 min | 650 THB ($19) | 270 THB ($8) |
| Phitsanulok → Chiang Mai | #7 / #13 | 5 h 45 min | 680 THB ($20) | 290 THB ($9) |
| Phitsanulok → Sukhothai (Sawankhalok) | Local #407 | 1 h 20 min | — | 45 THB ($1.30) |
Authoritative source: ThailandTrains.com — Phitsanulok Station and State Railway of Thailand e‑Ticketing.
✈️ Domestic Flights from Phitsanulok Airport (PHS)
Phitsanulok Airport is a small domestic terminal with flights to Bangkok (DMK) and Chiang Mai (CNX). Once you arrive at the airport (via taxi, tuk‑tuk, or songthaew), here’s what you need to know about departing from PHS.
Airlines & Destinations
| Airline | Destination | Frequency | One‑Way Fare (incl. tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nok Air | Bangkok (DMK) | 3–4 daily | 1,200–2,500 THB ($35–73) |
| Thai AirAsia | Bangkok (DMK) | 2–3 daily | 1,100–2,300 THB ($32–67) |
| Thai Lion Air | Bangkok (DMK) | 1–2 daily | 1,000–2,200 THB ($29–64) |
| Nok Air | Chiang Mai (CNX) | 1 daily | 1,300–2,600 THB ($38–76) |
Total Door‑to‑Door Time (City Center → Destination)
- To Bangkok DMK: 10 min (city→airport) + 60 min (check‑in) + 55 min (flight) + 30 min (baggage) = ~2 h 35 min.
- To Chiang Mai: 10 min + 60 min + 40 min + 20 min = ~2 h 10 min.
- Compare with train: 5 h 30 min to Bangkok — flying saves ~3 hours but costs 2–3 times more.
Authoritative source: Nok Air Official · AirAsia · Thai Lion Air.
🚌 Long‑Distance Bus (Intercity — Not Direct to Airport)
Note: No long‑distance bus serves Phitsanulok Airport directly. However, Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 (city center) and Bus Terminal 2 (western outskirts) connect to major Thai cities. This info helps if you’re combining a flight with onward bus travel.
Getting from City Center to Bus Terminal 1
- Walk: 5–10 min from the city center (Thanon Phutthamonthon).
- Tuk‑tuk: 30–50 THB ($1–$1.50).
Popular Bus Routes from Phitsanulok
| Route | Bus Type | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phitsanulok → Bangkok (Mochit) | VIP / Standard A/C | 5–6 h | 350–600 THB ($10–17) |
| Phitsanulok → Chiang Mai | VIP A/C | 5–6 h | 400–650 THB ($12–19) |
| Phitsanulok → Sukhothai | Ordinary A/C | 1 h 15 min | 60–90 THB ($2–3) |
| Phitsanulok → Khon Kaen | Standard A/C | 4 h | 280–400 THB ($8–12) |
Authoritative source: Transport Co., Ltd. (Thai Government Bus).
📊 Cost & Time Comparison — City Center → Phitsanulok Airport
| Mode | Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi | 10–15 min | 150–200 THB | $4–6 | Speed & comfort |
| 🛺 Tuk‑Tuk | 12–18 min | 100–150 THB | $3–4 | Budget for 1–2 pax |
| 🚐 Songthaew | 20–30 min | 20–40 THB | $0.60–$1.20 | Cheapest |
| 🏨 Hotel Shuttle (free) | 10–15 min | 0 THB | $0 | Hotel guests |
| 🏨 Hotel Shuttle (paid) | 10–15 min | 100–200 THB | $3–6 | Convenience |
| 🚗 Rental Car (per day) | 10 min | 800–1,500 THB | $23–43 | Multi‑day travel |
| 🚶 Walking | 60–90 min | 0 THB | $0 | Not recommended |
🏆 Best overall: Taxi — fast, cheap, door‑to‑door. 🥇 Cheapest: Songthaew — 20 THB but limited luggage and hours.
💡 Traveler Tips — Phitsanulok Airport Transfer
- 🚕 Always agree on tuk‑tuk fare upfront: Drivers may quote 200 THB — negotiate to 100–150 THB. Use small bills.
- 📱 Grab availability is inconsistent: Don’t rely solely on ride‑hailing apps. Have a hotel shuttle or taxi number as backup.
- 🧳 Songthaew luggage limit: Only small backpacks. Suitcases over 20 kg are not allowed — take a taxi instead.
- ⏰ Peak hour delay: Highway 12 gets congested near Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat during morning and evening rush. Add 10 min.
- 🏨 Hotel shuttle tip: Even if listed as “free,” tip the driver 30–50 THB ($1–$1.50) for good service.
- 🅿️ Airport parking: If you drive yourself, park in the designated lot (50 THB/day). Do not leave valuables in the car.
- 🌙 Late‑night arrival: Songthaews stop at 19:00. After 21:00 only taxis or tuk‑tuks are available — expect a 50 THB surcharge.
- 🎒 Carry cash: Most tuk‑tuks and songthaews do not accept cards. ATMs are available at the airport terminal.
- 🌧️ Rainy season (June–October): Tuk‑tuks have no cover — book a taxi or hotel shuttle during downpours.
Authoritative source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — Phitsanulok.
❓ FAQs — Phitsanulok City Center to Phitsanulok Airport
Is there a direct train from Phitsanulok city center to Phitsanulok Airport?
No, there is no direct train. Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) has no railway connection. You must take a taxi, tuk‑tuk or songthaew from the city center to the airport (5–7 km, 10–15 min). The nearest station is Phitsanulok Railway Station for intercity trains to Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
How much does a taxi from Phitsanulok city center to the airport cost?
A metered taxi costs 150–200 THB ($4–6) and a tuk‑tuk costs 100–150 THB ($3–4). Fixed‑price airport taxis at the terminal cost 200–250 THB ($6–7). Always agree on the fare before departing.
How long does it take to get from Phitsanulok city center to the airport?
The journey is only 5–7 km and takes 10–15 minutes by road. During peak hours (7:00–8:30 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM) allow 20–25 minutes. Songthaews may take 20–30 minutes due to multiple stops.
Is there a public bus from Phitsanulok city center to the airport?
Yes, songthaews (red shared pick‑up trucks) run along Route 12 passing the airport turn‑off. Cost is 20–40 THB ($0.60–$1.20). They operate from 05:30 to 19:00. Get off at the airport junction and walk 400 m to the terminal.
Can I walk from Phitsanulok city center to the airport?
Walking is not recommended. The distance is 5–7 km along busy Highway 12 with no continuous footpath. It would take 60–90 minutes in tropical heat. Only consider it as an emergency option.
Are there hotel shuttles from Phitsanulok city center to the airport?
Yes, several hotels in Phitsanulok offer free or paid airport shuttle services. Hotels like The Imperial Phitsanulok, Topland Hotel & Resort, and Phitsanulok Paradise Hotel provide transfers. Always confirm with your hotel 24 hours in advance.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phitsanulok city center to the airport?
Songthaew is the cheapest at 20–40 THB ($0.60–$1.20). For a group of 2–3, a tuk‑tuk (100–150 THB total) offers better value than individual songthaew fares. Ride‑hailing apps like Grab are not always available in Phitsanulok.
How early should I arrive at Phitsanulok Airport for a domestic flight?
Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights. Phitsanulok Airport is small with quick check‑in and security. If you travel from the city center by taxi (10–15 min), leaving 90 minutes before your flight is plenty.