How to Get from Phitsanulok Railway Station to Phitsanulok Airport

Phitsanulok Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟพิษณุโลก) is a major stop on Thailand's Northern Line, operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). It connects cities such as Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, and Chiang Mai. However, no railway line extends to Phitsanulok Airport. The airport is located approximately 5 km east of the city center, while the railway corridor runs north–south along a different alignment.

Station Facilities & Connections

• Location: 1 Phra Ong Khao Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang Phitsanulok District.
• Daily trains: Over 30 services stop here, including express, rapid, and ordinary trains.
• Station services: Waiting hall, ticket counters (open 05:00–20:00), luggage storage (20–40 THB per day), food stalls, and restrooms.

How to Transfer from the Station to the Airport

Since there is no train to the airport, you must use road transport. The table below summarizes your options from the station exit:

Transfer Options from Phitsanulok Railway Station to Airport

Mode	Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Convenience
Taxi	10–15 min	120–200	3.40–5.70	★★★★★
Tuk-tuk	10–15 min	80–150	2.25–4.30	★★★★☆
Songthaew (shared)	20–25 min	30–50	0.85–1.40	★★★☆☆
Local bus	25–35 min	15–20	0.40–0.55	★★☆☆☆
Walking	60–75 min	0	0	★☆☆☆☆

Insider Tip for Train Travelers

If you are arriving at Phitsanulok Railway Station from Bangkok (about 5–6 hours by train) and need to catch a flight, allow at least 45 minutes between train arrival and your airport transfer. The station is compact, and taxis are usually waiting outside. For a stress-free connection, book a taxi in advance through the SRT station taxi service (counter inside the main hall).

Source: State Railway of Thailand — Official Station Information

Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) (ท่าอากาศยานพิษณุโลก) is a regional domestic airport located about 5 km east of the city center. It serves as a gateway to lower northern Thailand. While you cannot fly from the railway station to the airport, this section explains what awaits you at the airport and which airlines operate there.

Airlines & Destinations

Domestic Flights from Phitsanulok Airport (PHS)

Airline	Destination	Bangkok Airport	Frequency	Flight Time
Thai AirAsia	Bangkok	Don Mueang (DMK)	3–4 daily	50 min
Nok Air	Bangkok	Don Mueang (DMK)	2–3 daily	50 min
Thai Lion Air	Bangkok	Don Mueang (DMK)	2 daily	50 min
Bangkok Airways	Bangkok	Suvarnabhumi (BKK)	1–2 daily	50 min

Airport Facilities & Check-in

• Terminal: Single domestic terminal — compact and easy to navigate.
• Check-in counters: Open 90 minutes before departure; close 30 minutes before.
• Facilities: Small café, convenience store, ATM, free Wi-Fi, and a smoking area.
• Luggage: Standard carry-on (7 kg) and checked baggage allowances apply. No luggage storage at the airport.

From the Airport to Your Next Destination

Upon arrival at PHS, taxis and tuk-tuks are available outside the terminal. A taxi into central Phitsanulok costs 100–150 THB (2.85–4.30 USD) and takes 10–15 minutes. If you are flying to Bangkok, note that Don Mueang (DMK) is closer to the city center than Suvarnabhumi (BKK), but both airports have rail and bus links into Bangkok.

Source: Department of Airports Thailand — Phitsanulok Airport Profile

For budget-conscious travelers, the local bus and songthaew (shared pickup truck) are the cheapest ways to travel from Phitsanulok Railway Station to the airport. These options are widely used by locals and offer an authentic Thai travel experience.

Local Bus (Route 1 & Route 2)

The Phitsanulok city bus system operates two main routes that connect the railway station area to the airport. Buses are non-air-conditioned but inexpensive:

• Route 1: Runs along Phra Ong Khao Road → Sairueksi Road → passes the airport entrance. Frequency: every 20–30 minutes (06:00–18:00).
• Route 2: Covers the southern part of the city and loops past the airport. Frequency: every 30–40 minutes (06:30–17:30).
• Bus stop: The main stop for both routes is about 150 meters east of the railway station (look for the blue bus sign).
• Fare: 15–20 THB (0.40–0.55 USD) per person — exact change preferred.
• Travel time: 25–35 minutes depending on stops and traffic.

Songthaew (Shared Pickup Truck)

Songthaews are red or blue covered pickup trucks that run fixed routes but can also be chartered. They are more comfortable than the bus and only slightly more expensive:

• Route: Many songthaews passing the railway station continue east toward the airport along Highway 12.
• Hailing: Flag one down on Phra Ong Khao Road or at the songthaew stand near the station's west exit.
• Fare (shared): 30–50 THB (0.85–1.40 USD) per person.
• Charter (private): 150–200 THB (4.30–5.70 USD) for the whole vehicle.
• Travel time: 20–25 minutes.

Practical Tips for Bus & Songthaew Travel

• Language: Have your destination written in Thai: "สนามบินพิษณุโลก" (Phitsanulok Airport).
• Luggage: Buses have limited space — a backpack or small suitcase is fine. For large suitcases, a songthaew or taxi is better.
• Frequency: Services are less frequent after 18:00. If you arrive late, take a tuk-tuk or taxi.
• Payment: Cash only — no cards accepted on buses or songthaews.

Source: Phitsanulok Provincial Transport Office — Local Bus Routes

For most travelers, a taxi or tuk-tuk offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and cost for the short 5 km ride from Phitsanulok Railway Station to the airport. These options are readily available and will get you there in 10–15 minutes.

Taxi — Air-conditioned & Reliable

• Metered taxi: Available from the official taxi stand outside the main station entrance. Look for yellow-green or yellow-orange vehicles.
• Fare (metered): 120–200 THB (3.40–5.70 USD) including the initial flagfall of 35 THB.
• Fixed-price airport taxi: 200–250 THB (5.70–7.10 USD) — confirm before boarding.
• Ride-hailing: GrabTaxi operates in Phitsanulok. A GrabCar from the station to the airport costs approximately 150–220 THB (4.30–6.30 USD).
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes in normal traffic.

Tuk-tuk — Local & Fun

• Availability: Tuk-tuks line up outside the railway station 24/7.
• Fare: 80–150 THB (2.25–4.30 USD) — negotiate before getting in. A fair price is around 100 THB (2.85 USD).
• Capacity: Up to 2–3 passengers with small luggage.
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes.
• Pros: Cheaper than a taxi, open-air experience, easy to spot.
• Cons: No air conditioning, limited luggage space, less safe in heavy rain.

Private Transfer / Car Hire

If you prefer a pre-booked private car, services like 12Go and KKDay offer transfers from Phitsanulok Railway Station to the airport starting at 250 THB (7.10 USD). This is a good option if you are traveling in a group or have multiple bags.

Taxi & Tuk-tuk Comparison

Mode	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Time	Best For
Metered taxi	120–200	3.40–5.70	10–15 min	Comfort, luggage, A/C
GrabCar	150–220	4.30–6.30	10–15 min	Pre-booking, fixed price
Tuk-tuk	80–150	2.25–4.30	10–15 min	Budget, local experience
Private transfer	250+	7.10+	10–15 min	Groups, pre-arranged

Source: Grab Thailand — Fare Estimates Phitsanulok

To help you decide, here is a complete cost comparison table covering all transport modes from Phitsanulok Railway Station to Phitsanulok Airport. Prices are indicative and based on standard rates as of 2025.

Full Cost Comparison: Railway Station → Airport

Transport Mode	Time (min)	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	⏱️ Frequency	Best For
🏆 Taxi (metered)	10–15	120–200	3.40–5.70	0	On-demand	Best overall
Tuk-tuk	10–15	80–150	2.25–4.30	0	On-demand	Budget + local
GrabCar	10–15	150–220	4.30–6.30	0	On-demand	Pre-booked
Private transfer	10–15	250+	7.10+	0	Pre-booked	Groups / comfort
Songthaew (shared)	20–25	30–50	0.85–1.40	0	Every 15–20 min	Cheap + local
💰 Bus (route 1/2)	25–35	15–20	0.40–0.55	0	Every 20–30 min	Cheapest
Walking	60–75	0	0	0	N/A	Not recommended

Where to Buy Tickets & How to Pay

• Train tickets to Phitsanulok: Book via SRT e-Ticket or at the station counter (no extra fee).
• Bus tickets: Pay onboard — cash only, exact change appreciated.
• Songthaew: Pay the driver when you alight.
• Taxi: Cash is standard; some taxis accept PromptPay or bank transfer.
• Flight tickets from PHS: Book directly via airline websites or OTAs like AirAsia, Nok Air, or Bangkok Airways.

JR Pass Note (for comparison)

Thailand does not have a JR Pass system. However, if you are traveling from Bangkok, the SRT Tourist Pass (available for foreign visitors) offers unlimited train travel on certain routes for 1,500 THB (42.85 USD) for 3 days — but it does not cover airport transfers in Phitsanulok.

Source: SRT e-Ticketing — Official Site

Based on frequent traveler feedback and local knowledge, here are practical tips to make your journey from Phitsanulok Railway Station to the airport smoother and stress-free.

🚕 Luggage & Transfers

• Heavy bags? Choose a taxi or GrabCar. Tuk-tuks have limited boot space, and buses require you to carry luggage onboard.
• Takkyubin (luggage delivery) not available in Phitsanulok yet. If you need luggage assistance, the station porters (orange vests) can help for 20–40 THB.

⏰ Timing & Connections

• Catching a flight? Arrive at Phitsanulok Airport at least 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights. The airport is small, but check-in lines can be slow.
• Train delay buffer: If arriving by train from Bangkok, allow 45–60 minutes between scheduled arrival and your airport transfer — trains can run 15–30 minutes late.
• Peak season (November–February): Roads around the station and airport can be congested. Add 5–10 minutes to your travel time.

🌧️ Weather & Comfort

• Rainy season (June–October): Tuk-tuks offer little shelter. A taxi or GrabCar is strongly recommended during downpours.
• Heat (March–May): Temperatures exceed 38°C (100°F). Air-conditioned taxis are a relief — songthaews and buses are hot.

🗣️ Language & Communication

• Write it down: Show the driver "ไปสนามบินพิษณุโลก" (go to Phitsanulok Airport) on your phone.
• Negotiating: For tuk-tuks, agree on the price before boarding. A fair fare is 100 THB (2.85 USD).

💡 Pro Tips from Locals

• Early morning flights: Taxis and tuk-tuks are available 24/7 at the railway station. However, buses and songthaews start at 06:00–06:30.
• Combination move: If you arrive by train and have time, explore Phitsanulok's famous Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai) — it's a 15-minute walk from the station — before heading to the airport.
• Grab discounts: Check the Grab app for promo codes — first-time users often get 50–100 THB off their ride.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — Phitsanulok Travel Guide