Quick Answer
Best overall way: Taxi or Grab — door‑to‑door in 15–25 minutes, costs 200–300 THB (≈ 6–9 USD). For budget travellers, a songthaew (shared pickup truck) costs only 50–100 THB (≈ 1.50–3 USD) but requires walking to a main road. If your hotel offers a free shuttle, that’s the cheapest and most convenient option. Avoid walking — the 6 km road has no pedestrian path and heavy traffic.
🚕 Taxi & Grab (Ride‑Hailing) — Best Overall
Door‑to‑door service from any Phitsanulok hotel to the airport terminal. This is the most reliable and stress‑free option, especially if you have luggage or are travelling in a group.
Fare & Time
- Metered taxi: 200–300 THB (≈ 6–9 USD) — 15–25 minutes
- GrabCar / GrabTaxi: 180–280 THB (≈ 5.50–8.50 USD) — fare shown in app
- Fixed‑price airport taxi: 250–350 THB (≈ 7.50–10.50 USD) — from the airport taxi stand
How to Book
- Grab app — download and set your hotel as pickup. Available 24/7.
- Hotel reception — most hotels will call a metered taxi for you.
- Local taxi stands — near the railway station and market.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Fixed fare with Grab, no haggling | Slightly more expensive than tuk‑tuk or songthaew |
| Air‑conditioned, comfortable | Traffic in central Phitsanulok can add 5–10 min |
| Ample luggage space | Metered taxis may refuse to use the meter (negotiate) |
| Available late night & early morning | — |
Verdict: If you value time, comfort and predictability, take a taxi or Grab. It’s the closest thing to a “no‑brainer” option. Download Grab here.
🛺 Tuk‑tuk (Three‑wheeled Taxi) — Local Experience
The iconic Thai tuk‑tuk is a fun and affordable way to reach Phitsanulok Airport. Open‑air and nimble, tuk‑tuks weave through traffic and are widely available in the city centre.
Fare & Time
- Typical fare: 150–250 THB (≈ 4.50–7.50 USD) — always agree on the price before boarding
- Travel time: 15–25 minutes (same as taxi)
- Luggage: Limited — one small bag per person; large suitcases may not fit
Where to Find One
- Near Phitsanulok Railway Station
- Along Buddha Bus Station area
- In front of major hotels — but expect a higher price
Tips for Riding
- Negotiate before you get in. A fair price to the airport is 150–200 THB.
- Keep small bills — drivers rarely have change for large notes.
- Not ideal for more than 2 passengers or heavy luggage.
Verdict: Tuk‑tuks are a fine choice if you travel light and want a quick, cheap ride. Not recommended for early‑morning departures (availability is patchy). Read more about tuk‑tuk travel on TAT.
🚐 Songthaew & Local Bus — Cheapest Option
Songthaews (converted pickup trucks with covered benches) are the backbone of public transport in Phitsanulok. They run fixed routes and cost next to nothing — but they require local knowledge.
Fare & Time
- Fare: 50–100 THB (≈ 1.50–3 USD) per person
- Travel time: 25–40 minutes (includes waiting and detours)
- Route: Most songthaews pass along Phitsanulok–Bangkok Highway (Route 12); ask the driver to drop you at the airport turnoff, then walk 500 m to the terminal
How to Catch One
- Walk to a main road (e.g. Borom Trilokanat Road or Phitsanulok–Bangkok Highway).
- Flag down a songthaew heading east (towards the airport direction).
- Tell the driver "sanaam bin" (airport) or show Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) on your phone.
Limitations
- No direct route to the terminal — you walk the last 500 m.
- Rare after 7 PM and before 6 AM.
- Not comfortable with large luggage.
Verdict: Only for budget backpackers who know the area. If you’re in a hurry or have luggage, take a taxi instead. Lonely Planet tips on Phitsanulok transport.
🏨 Hotel Shuttle & Private Transfer — Most Convenient
Many mid‑range and upscale hotels in Phitsanulok offer airport transfers — either complimentary or for a fixed fee. This is the ultimate “set‑and‑forget” option.
Cost & Booking
- Free shuttle: Offered by hotels like The Grand Riverside Hotel and Phitsanulok Paradise Hotel — always confirm at booking
- Paid private transfer: 250–500 THB (≈ 7.50–15 USD) depending on hotel class and vehicle size
- How to book: Contact the hotel front desk at least 12 hours before your flight
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| No haggling, fixed price | Not available at budget guesthouses or hostels |
| Driver waits for you | May be more expensive than Grab |
| Spacious vehicle (usually a minivan) | Limited departure times (often hourly) |
| Safe for solo female travellers | — |
Verdict: If your hotel offers a free shuttle, take it. Otherwise, compare the price with Grab — they are often similar. Check hotel shuttle availability on Agoda.
🚗 Car & Motorcycle Rental — Self‑Drive Flexibility
If you plan to explore Phitsanulok province (e.g. Sukhothai Historical Park, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat), renting a car or scooter gives you total freedom. You can drop off your vehicle at the airport.
Rental Options
- Car rental: 800–1,500 THB/day (≈ 24–45 USD) — from local agencies or international chains like Hertz and Budget near the railway station
- Motorcycle/scooter: 200–400 THB/day (≈ 6–12 USD) — available from small shops on Borom Trilokanat Road
- Fuel: 50–100 THB (≈ 1.50–3 USD) to fill a scooter; 300–500 THB for a car
Airport Drop‑Off
- Most rental agencies allow you to return the vehicle at Phitsanulok Airport — confirm when you pick up.
- One‑way fees may apply (100–300 THB).
- The airport parking lot is free for short stops.
Important Tips
- You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Thailand.
- Traffic in Phitsanulok is moderate, but be cautious on Highway 12 (fast trucks).
- Helmets are mandatory for scooter riders.
Verdict: Great for travellers who want to explore the region. Not worthwhile if you’re just going from hotel to airport. Hertz Phitsanulok rental info.
📊 Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
| Transport Mode | Time (approx.) | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Luggage Space | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi / Grab | 15–25 min | 200–300 THB | ≈ 6–9 USD | ✅ Large | ⭐ Best overall |
| 🛺 Tuk‑tuk | 15–25 min | 150–250 THB | ≈ 4.50–7.50 USD | ⚠️ Small | Solo / light pack |
| 🚐 Songthaew | 25–40 min | 50–100 THB | ≈ 1.50–3 USD | ❌ Very limited | 💰 Cheapest |
| 🏨 Hotel Shuttle (free) | 20–30 min | 0 THB | 0 USD | ✅ Spacious | If available → best value |
| 🏨 Hotel Shuttle (paid) | 20–30 min | 250–500 THB | ≈ 7.50–15 USD | ✅ Spacious | Group / family |
| 🚗 Rental car | 15–20 min | 800–1,500 THB/day | ≈ 24–45 USD/day | ✅ Maximum | Exploring + airport |
| 🏍️ Rental scooter | 15–20 min | 200–400 THB/day | ≈ 6–12 USD/day | ⚠️ Small | Adventurous solo |
Prices are indicative and may vary. Always confirm with the driver or agency. USD conversion at ≈ 33 THB = 1 USD.
💡 Traveler Tips & Local Insights
- Early‑morning flights: Pre‑book a Grab or taxi the night before. Songthaews and tuk‑tuks are scarce before 6 AM. Hotel shuttles usually start at 7 AM.
- Luggage assistance: If you have more than one large suitcase, choose a taxi or hotel shuttle. Tuk‑tuks and songthaews have very limited space.
- Traffic awareness: Phitsanulok city centre can get congested during school run (7:30–8:30 AM) and evening market hours (5–7 PM). Add 10 minutes buffer.
- Cash is king: Many tuk‑tuks and songthaews do not accept card. Keep small bills (100 THB notes) handy.
- Airport facilities: Phitsanulok Airport has a small café and a 7‑Eleven. Do not rely on it for a full meal — eat before you leave.
- Rainy season (May–Oct): Afternoon downpours can cause flash flooding on some roads. A taxi with air‑con is far more comfortable than an open tuk‑tuk.
- Local sim card: If you use Grab, get a Thai SIM (AIS, TrueMove or dtac). Data is cheap and Grab works flawlessly.
- Takkyubin (luggage delivery): Not widely available in Phitsanulok yet. If you need to send luggage ahead, ask your hotel for assistance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Phitsanulok hotels to Phitsanulok Airport?
No, there is no direct train from any hotel to Phitsanulok Airport. The airport is located about 6 km from the city centre and is only accessible by road. You can take a taxi, tuk‑tuk, songthaew, or hotel shuttle.
What is the cheapest way to get from a hotel in Phitsanulok to the airport?
The cheapest option is the songthaew (shared pickup truck) which costs around 50–100 THB (≈ 1.50–3 USD) per person. However, availability can be limited, and you may need to walk to a main road.
How much does a taxi cost from Phitsanulok city hotels to the airport?
A standard metered taxi or Grab car costs between 200 and 300 THB (≈ 6–9 USD) for the 15‑ to 25‑minute ride from most city‑centre hotels. Prices may be slightly higher early in the morning or late at night.
How long does it take to get from Phitsanulok city centre to the airport?
The drive from central Phitsanulok (e.g. around Phitsanulok Railway Station or the main market) to Phitsanulok Airport typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
Do hotels in Phitsanulok offer free airport shuttle?
Some mid‑range and upper‑market hotels offer complimentary or paid airport shuttle service. Always check with your hotel at the time of booking. Budget guesthouses usually do not provide this service.
Can I use Grab or other ride‑hailing apps in Phitsanulok?
Yes, Grab is widely available in Phitsanulok. You can book a GrabCar or GrabTaxi from your hotel to the airport. The fare is typically 180–280 THB (≈ 5.50–8.50 USD) and you can pay by cash or card.
Is it safe to take a tuk‑tuk to Phitsanulok Airport?
Yes, tuk‑tuks are generally safe for the short journey to the airport. Agree on the fare beforehand (typically 150–250 THB ≈ 4.50–7.50 USD). Keep in mind that tuk‑tuks are open‑air and luggage space is limited.
What is the best way to get to Phitsanulok Airport early in the morning?
For early‑morning flights (before 7 AM), pre‑book a taxi or Grab the night before. Songthaews and tuk‑tuks are less reliable at very early hours. Hotel shuttles can also be arranged if your hotel offers them.