Quick Answer
Best overall: Private taxi / transfer – door-to-door in 50–60 minutes, cost 1,200–1,800 THB (35–50 USD). No waiting, no transfers. For budget travellers, take a minivan to Sukhothai town (200–300 THB) + local taxi to airport (400–600 THB); total ~600–900 THB (17–26 USD) and about 1.5–2 hours. The absolute cheapest option is public bus + songthaew (under 300 THB / 9 USD) but requires 2–3 transfers and at least 2.5 hours. No direct train or flight connects the two points; train goes only as far as Sukhothai town.
🚕 Taxi / Private Transfer – Best for Speed & Comfort
A private taxi from Phitsanulok city centre or Phitsanulok Railway Station to Sukhothai Airport (THS) is the most convenient and time-efficient option. The distance is approximately 62 km via Route 12 and Route 1195, a smooth drive of 50–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Price & Booking
| Vehicle Type | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Capacity | Booking Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard sedan (4 seats) | 1,200–1,500 | 35–43 | 3 pax + luggage | Walk-in at airport taxi stand or pre-book via AirportTaxi-Thailand |
| SUV / minivan (7–9 seats) | 1,500–1,800 | 43–50 | 6–8 pax + luggage | Ideal for groups; book 24h ahead via 12Go |
| Premium / luxury sedan | 2,000–2,500 | 57–71 | 3 pax | Includes meet‑and‑greet, cold towels |
Where to Find a Taxi
- Phitsanulok Airport Taxi Stand (if arriving by air) – fixed rates, official queue.
- Phitsanulok Railway Station – metered taxis waiting outside the main exit.
- Hotel concierge – most hotels can arrange a private car with driver.
- Ride-hailing apps – Grab is active in Phitsanulok; estimate ~1,400–1,700 THB.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros: Fastest door-to-door; no luggage hassle; air-conditioned; available 24/7; fixed price if pre-booked.
❌ Cons: Most expensive option; traffic on Route 12 can add 15–20 min during peak hours (07:00–09:00, 16:00–18:00).
Best for: Travellers with early-morning or late-night flights, families with children, business travellers, anyone with heavy luggage.
🚐 Minivan / Shared Van – Best Balance of Cost & Convenience
Shared minivans run frequently from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 (Old Terminal) to Sukhothai Bus Terminal in Sukhothai town. From there you take a short local taxi or songthaew to the airport. This is the most popular option among budget-conscious travellers who still want reasonable speed.
Route & Timings
| Leg | Mode | Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phitsanulok Bus Terminal → Sukhothai Bus Terminal | Shared minivan | 60–80 min | 200–300 | 6–9 |
| Sukhothai Bus Terminal → Sukhothai Airport | Local taxi / songthaew | 30–40 min | 400–600 (taxi) / 150–200 (songthaew) | 12–17 / 4–6 |
| Total | 90–120 min | 600–900 | 17–26 |
Minivan Schedule & Booking
Minivans depart every 30–45 minutes from 05:30 until 18:00. No advance booking is usually needed – buy your ticket at the counter inside the terminal. The ride is comfortable, with A/C and generally punctual. Tip: sit near the front if you are tall; legroom is limited.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros: Low cost; frequent departures; air-conditioned; no need to book ahead.
❌ Cons: Requires a second transfer at Sukhothai town; not ideal with large luggage; limited space for big suitcases (max 1 medium bag per person).
Best for: Solo travellers, backpackers, small groups on a moderate budget.
🚌 Public Bus + Songthaew – Cheapest Option
For the lowest possible cost, take a public bus from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai town, then a songthaew (shared pickup truck) to the airport. This is the most local and adventurous way to travel, but requires patience and some Thai language skill.
Step-by-Step
- Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 → Sukhothai Bus Terminal – take a public bus (orange/blue) operated by The Transport Co. Ltd. (Bor Kor Sor). Buses run every 20–30 min from 04:30 to 20:00. Fare 80–120 THB (2.5–3.5 USD). Journey time 1–1.5 h.
- Sukhothai Bus Terminal → Sukhothai Airport – take a songthaew (red pickup) from the market area near the bus terminal. Fare is around 150–200 THB (4–6 USD) per person, but you may need to wait until the songthaew fills up (20–30 min wait). Journey time 30–40 min.
Total Cost & Time
Total cost: 230–320 THB (7–9 USD) per person.
Total time: 1.5–2.5 hours (including waiting time).
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros: Absolute cheapest; very authentic experience; buses are clean and have luggage racks.
❌ Cons: Two transfers; songthaew can be cramped; not suitable for large suitcases; language barrier may make direction-finding difficult.
Best for: Extreme budget travellers, backpackers with minimal luggage, those who enjoy local transport experiences.
🚂 Train + Taxi – Scenic but Inefficient
There is no direct train to Sukhothai Airport. The nearest railway station is Sukhothai Railway Station (also called Sawankhalok junction) in Sukhothai town, approximately 30 km from the airport. Taking the train can be a scenic and cultural experience, but it is not the most practical way to reach the airport.
Train Service: Phitsanulok → Sukhothai (Sawankhalok)
| Train No. | Type | Departure (Phitsanulok) | Arrival (Sukhothai) | Duration | Fare (THB) | Fare (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORD 211 | Ordinary (3rd class) | 06:45 | 08:30 | 1h 45min | 50 | 1.5 |
| RAP 109 | Rapid (2nd/3rd class) | 09:20 | 10:50 | 1h 30min | 120–180 | 3.5–5 |
| EXP 51 | Express (2nd class A/C) | 14:00 | 15:20 | 1h 20min | 200–280 | 6–8 |
| RAP 113 | Rapid (2nd class) | 17:30 | 19:00 | 1h 30min | 120–180 | 3.5–5 |
Source: State Railway of Thailand (SRT) – schedule subject to change.
From Sukhothai Station to Airport
At Sukhothai station you will find local taxis and songthaews. A taxi to the airport costs 400–600 THB (12–17 USD) and takes 30–40 min. Songthaews are cheaper (~150–200 THB) but less reliable for this route.
Total Cost & Time
Total cost: 450–880 THB (13–25 USD) per person.
Total time: 2–2.5 hours (including transfer wait).
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros: Cheap base fare; comfortable 2nd class A/C option; scenic views of rural Sukhothai; unique travel experience.
❌ Cons: Requires a taxi transfer at the end; infrequent train departures (only 4 per day); station is far from the airport; not time-efficient compared to direct taxi.
Best for: Rail enthusiasts, travellers already near Phitsanulok station, those with extra time who enjoy train travel.
🚗 Car Rental (Self-Drive) – Maximum Flexibility
Renting a car in Phitsanulok gives you complete independence and the ability to explore Sukhothai Historical Park or other sights on the way. The drive is straightforward: Route 12 west → Route 1195 south, well-signposted in Thai and English.
Rental Options in Phitsanulok
| Company | Vehicle Type | Daily Rate (THB) | Daily Rate (USD) | One-Way Fee? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Economy (Toyota Vios) | 1,200–1,500 | 34–43 | +500 THB |
| Hertz | Compact (Honda Jazz) | 1,300–1,600 | 37–46 | +600 THB |
| Thai Car Rental | SUV (Toyota Fortuner) | 2,200–2,800 | 63–80 | +800 THB |
| Local shop near railway station | Manual sedan | 800–1,000 | 23–29 | +300–500 THB |
Important Notes
- One-way fee: Most companies charge extra to drop the car at Sukhothai Airport (300–800 THB).
- Fuel: Petrol cost for 62 km is approximately 200–300 THB (6–9 USD).
- Documents: You need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and your home country licence.
- Parking at airport: Free parking available at Sukhothai Airport for rental returns.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros: Total freedom; can visit Sukhothai Historical Park en route (entry 100 THB); comfortable; cost-effective for 2+ people sharing.
❌ Cons: Requires IDP; unfamiliar roads; left-hand driving; one-way fees add cost; not ideal for solo travellers.
Best for: Couples or groups of 2–4 who want to sightsee along the way, or travellers who need a car at their destination.
✈️ Why Flying Doesn't Make Sense (and What Sukhothai Airport Offers)
The distance between Phitsanulok and Sukhothai Airport is only 62 km (39 miles) – far shorter than the minimum takeoff/landing cycle of any commercial aircraft. No airline offers a direct flight between the two points, and connecting via Bangkok would be absurdly inefficient (4+ hours + two flights).
Sukhothai Airport (THS) – Gateway to the Historical Park
Sukhothai Airport is a small domestic airport operated by Bangkok Airways. It serves primarily as a gateway for tourists visiting the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The airport has one terminal, a café, and a souvenir shop.
| Airline | Route | Frequency | Flight Time | One-Way Fare (THB) | One-Way Fare (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Airways | Bangkok (BKK) → Sukhothai (THS) | 3–4 daily | 1h 20min | 3,500–6,500 | 100–185 |
| Bangkok Airways | Sukhothai (THS) → Bangkok (BKK) | 3–4 daily | 1h 15min | 3,500–6,500 | 100–185 |
Source: Bangkok Airways official site.
Bottom Line
Do not fly directly from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai Airport – it does not exist as a route. Instead, use one of the ground transport options above. If you are arriving at Sukhothai Airport from another city (e.g., Bangkok), the fastest way to get to Phitsanulok from the airport is a taxi in the opposite direction (same ~1 hour drive).
Alternative for long-distance travellers: If you are coming from Chiang Mai or Bangkok and your final destination is Sukhothai, consider flying directly to Sukhothai Airport (from Bangkok) instead of going to Phitsanulok first.
📊 Complete Cost & Time Comparison – All 5 Ground Options
Use this table to quickly compare every available method. Rows are ordered from fastest to slowest.
| Method | Total Time (door-to-door) | Total Cost (THB) | Total Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Private Taxi | 50–60 min | 1,200–1,800 | 35–50 | 0 (direct) | Speed, comfort, groups, families |
| 🚐 Minivan + Taxi | 90–120 min | 600–900 | 17–26 | 1 (Sukhothai town) | Budget + decent speed |
| 🚗 Car Rental (self-drive) | 50–60 min (drive) + 30 min paperwork | 1,000–1,800 (incl. rental + fuel + one-way fee) | 29–51 | 0 (direct) | Flexibility, sightseeing, 2+ pax |
| 🚂 Train + Taxi | 2–2.5 h (incl. waiting) | 450–880 | 13–25 | 1 (Sukhothai station) | Rail fans, scenic experience |
| 🚌 Public Bus + Songthaew | 2–3 h (incl. waiting) | 230–320 | 7–9 | 2 (bus terminal + songthaew) | Absolute lowest cost, adventure |
🏆 Best overall: Private taxi – fastest, no transfers, comfortable.
💰 Cheapest: Public bus + songthaew – under 10 USD.
⭐ Best value: Minivan + taxi – good balance of cost and convenience.
🧳 Travel Tips & Insider Advice for a Smooth Journey
1. Luggage – Keep It Manageable
If you take the minivan or public bus, luggage space is limited. A large 28-inch suitcase may not fit in the minivan's rear compartment. Use a soft duffel or backpack if possible. For the train, luggage goes on overhead racks (max ~20 kg).
2. Booking a Taxi – Use Grab or a Reputable Company
In Phitsanulok, Grab is the most reliable ride-hailing app. Estimated fare to Sukhothai Airport is 1,400–1,700 THB. Alternatively, ask your hotel to arrange a driver – often the same price but with a fixed rate.
3. Timing Your Departure – Avoid Peak Traffic
Route 12 can be congested during morning rush (07:00–09:00) and evening rush (16:00–18:00). If you have a flight to catch, add 20–30 minutes buffer. The road is mostly flat and in good condition.
4. Sukhothai Historical Park – Worth a Stop
If you have 3–4 hours before your flight, consider visiting the Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO site). It's located just 12 km from the airport. Entry fee is 100 THB (3 USD). A taxi from the park to the airport costs ~200–300 THB.
5. Food & Facilities at Sukhothai Airport
The airport has a small café (@Sukhothai Airport Café) serving coffee, sandwiches, and local snacks. Prices are reasonable (60–120 THB). There is also a gift shop selling local ceramics and silk. Don't expect a full restaurant – eat before you arrive if you are hungry.
6. What If Your Flight Is Very Early or Late?
Most flights at Sukhothai Airport operate between 07:00 and 18:00. If you have a pre-07:00 flight, your best option is a pre-booked taxi or a hotel near the airport (there are a few guesthouses, e.g., Thai Sukhothai Resort). Minivans and buses do not run before 05:00.
7. Cash Is King – Especially for Local Transport
Taxi drivers, songthaew drivers, and bus conductors prefer cash. ATMs are available at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal and Sukhothai Airport (only one machine, may run out). Carry enough small bills (100s and 20s) for fares.
8. Language – A Few Thai Phrases Help
While many transport staff speak basic English, knowing a few words smoothes the way:
– “Sukhothai Airport” (สะโขทัย แอร์พอร์ต) – “Sukhothai Air-por-t”
– “Tao rai?” (เท่าไหร่) – “How much?”
– “Khop khun” (ขอบคุณ) – “Thank you.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions)
1. Is there a direct bus from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai Airport?
No, there is no direct bus. You must take a bus or minivan to Sukhothai town first, then transfer to a local taxi or songthaew to reach the airport. The total cost is 230–900 THB (7–26 USD) depending on the type of transfer.
2. How much does a taxi from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai Airport cost?
A private taxi costs between 1,200–1,800 THB (35–50 USD) for a standard sedan. SUV or minivan options are 1,500–2,500 THB (43–71 USD). Grab fares are typically 1,400–1,700 THB.
3. Can I take a train from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai Airport?
Not directly. The train goes only as far as Sukhothai Railway Station (Sawankhalok) in Sukhothai town. From there you need a taxi (400–600 THB) for the remaining 30 km to the airport. Total journey time is 2–2.5 hours.
4. What is the cheapest way to get from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai Airport?
The cheapest option is public bus + songthaew, costing 230–320 THB (7–9 USD) per person. It requires 2 transfers and takes 2–3 hours. This is only recommended for backpackers with minimal luggage.
5. How long does it take to drive from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai Airport?
The drive is approximately 50–60 minutes via Route 12 and Route 1195, covering 62 km (39 miles). Traffic is usually light except during morning and evening rush hours (add 15–20 min).
6. Is there a shuttle service between Phitsanulok and Sukhothai Airport?
No official shuttle runs between the two cities. However, some hotels in Phitsanulok offer private transfer services (usually 1,200–1,800 THB). The closest thing to a shared shuttle is the minivan to Sukhothai town + a local taxi.
7. Can I rent a car in Phitsanulok and drop it off at Sukhothai Airport?
Yes, most major rental companies allow one-way drop-off at Sukhothai Airport for an additional fee of 300–800 THB (9–23 USD). Daily rental rates start from 1,200 THB (34 USD). You need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
8. What is the best time to travel from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai Airport for a morning flight?
If your flight departs before 09:00, book a private taxi the night before or arrange a 05:00–05:30 pickup. Minivans and buses do not run early enough. For a flight around 10:00–11:00, a minivan departing Phitsanulok at 08:00 works well.