Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Phrae Airport (PRH) to Uttaradit is by train. The journey involves a short taxi ride to Phrae Railway Station (15-20 mins), followed by a scenic 1.5-2 hour train trip. Total travel time is around 2-2.5 hours, costing approximately ฿200-฿500 (฿50-฿100 for taxi + ฿150-฿400 for train). For the cheapest option, take a public bus (under ฿150, but 2.5+ hours). For door-to-door convenience (especially with luggage or group), a pre-booked taxi or private transfer is best (1.5 hours, ฿2000-฿3000).
Taking the Train from Phrae to Uttaradit (The Scenic Choice)
This is the most balanced option, offering a blend of affordability, comfort, and a genuine Thai travel experience. Important: There is no station at Phrae Airport. The journey is a two-part process.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Phrae Station: Upon exiting Phrae Airport, take a metered taxi or a shared songthaew (red pickup truck) to Phrae Railway Station. The ride is 9 km and takes 15-20 minutes. Taxi fare is ~฿150-฿200. Songthaew is cheaper (~฿50 per person) but less predictable.
- At Phrae Station: Purchase your ticket to Uttaradit. You can buy it at the counter or, for express trains, book online in advance via D-Ticket.
- Board the Train: Trains run on the Northern Line (BangkokâChiang Mai). Uttaradit is south of Phrae.
Train Types & Recommendations:
| Train Type | Travel Time (Phrae to Uttaradit) | Approx. Fare (2nd Class) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express/Special Express (e.g., Train #13, #51) | ~1 hr 40 min | ฿250 - ฿400 | Tourists, comfort seekers. Air-con, reserved seats, sometimes a dining car. |
| Rapid Train | ~2 hrs | ฿180 - ฿250 | Good balance of speed and cost. May have fans or air-con. |
| Ordinary Train | ~2 hrs 30 min | ฿80 - ฿150 | Budget travelers, local experience. Basic seats (fan), frequent stops. |
Pro Tip: If you have a Thailand Rail Pass, ensure it's activated and reserve your seat for Express trains. The pass covers the train segment but not the initial taxi from the airport.
Arrival in Uttaradit & Luggage:
Uttaradit Railway Station is centrally located. For large luggage, trains have overhead racks and space at the end of carriages. For a seamless experience, consider using the "Takkyubin" (luggage forwarding) service available at major stations, sending your bags directly to your hotel.
Flying from Phrae to Uttaradit? (The Reality Check)
While both cities have airports (Phrae PRH, Uttaradit UTR), flying is not a viable or time-efficient option for this route. Hereâs a detailed analysis:
- No Direct Flights: There are zero commercial direct flights connecting Phrae Airport (PRH) and Uttaradit Airport (UTR). Uttaradit Airport primarily serves charter and military flights with very limited commercial service.
- Theoretical Routing (via Bangkok): The only possible air route would involve: 1) Flying PRH â DMK (Bangkok Don Mueang) with Nok Air (1 hr flight, ~฿1500+). 2) Transferring across Bangkok to BKK or DMK. 3) Flying to UTR (if a flight exists, which is rare) or to a nearby city like Phitsanulok, then taking a 2+ hour ground transfer. Total cost would exceed ฿5000 and take 6-8+ hours.
- Door-to-Door Time vs. Train: When you factor in travel to/from airports (30-45 mins each side), check-in (90 mins pre-flight), security, layover, and potential delays, the total "travel burden" is immense compared to the ~2.5-hour train journey.
Verdict: Do not consider flying for this specific route. The train or road options are overwhelmingly better.
Taking the Bus from Phrae to Uttaradit (The Budget Champion)
For the absolute lowest cost, the public bus is your best bet. This option involves a transfer but is very economical.
Detailed Route & Options:
- From Phrae Airport to Phrae Bus Terminal: Take a songthaew or taxi (~฿50-฿150) to Phrae Bus Terminal 1 (the main local terminal).
- Choosing Your Bus Service:
- Public Bus (Government/Local Operator): The cheapest option (฿80-฿120). Buses depart regularly but can be basic, with no air-con and frequent stops. Travel time: ~2.5 hours.
- Minivan (Sombat Tour, others): Slightly more expensive (฿120-฿180) but faster and more comfortable with air-con. Departs from the same terminal or private company offices. Travel time: ~2 hours.
Key Bus Stops:
- Departure: Phrae Bus Terminal 1 (หลัà¸à¸à¸¥à¸²à¸à¸ªà¸à¹à¸¡à¸·à¸à¸à¹à¸à¸£à¹). Confirm your bus is heading to "Uttaradit" (à¸à¸¸à¸à¸£à¸à¸´à¸à¸à¹).
- Arrival: Uttaradit Bus Terminal (สà¸à¸²à¸à¸µà¸à¸à¸ªà¹à¸à¸à¸¹à¹à¹à¸à¸¢à¸ªà¸²à¸£à¸à¸±à¸à¸«à¸§à¸±à¸à¸à¸¸à¸à¸£à¸à¸´à¸à¸à¹). From here, take a local tuk-tuk or taxi to your final destination (฿50-฿100).
Traveler Advice: Buses can get crowded, and luggage space is limited. For minivans, luggage is often stored in the back or on the roof. It's generally not necessary to book days ahead, but purchasing a ticket an hour or two before departure is wise, especially on weekends. Night buses are not common on this short route.
Taxi & Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Luxury)
This is the most convenient, direct, and flexible option, but also the most expensive. Ideal for groups, families, those with heavy luggage, or travelers arriving late at night.
Options & Booking:
- Airport Taxi: Metered taxis may be available at Phrae Airport. Always insist on using the meter ("meter, please"). The approximate fare for the 100 km, 1.5-hour drive is ฿2000 - ฿2500. Confirm the price range before getting in.
- Pre-Booked Private Transfer: The most reliable method. Book online via platforms like Kiwitaxi or through your hotel in Phrae/Uttaradit. You'll be met at arrivals with a sign. Prices are fixed in advance, ranging from ฿2200 for a sedan to ฿3000+ for a van.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab operates in Phrae but availability for inter-city trips to Uttaradit is not guaranteed. It's worth checking the app, but don't rely on it.
When Is a Taxi Worth It?
Consider this option if: You are a group of 3-4 people (splitting the cost makes it reasonable); you have lots of luggage; you arrive after public transport has stopped (~7 PM); or you value time and convenience above all else. For a solo traveler on a budget, it is hard to justify the cost.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Phrae Airport to Uttaradit
This table summarizes all key data to help you decide at a glance.
| Transport Mode | Total Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Cost (per person)* | Transfers / Steps | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Phrae Station) | ~2 - 2.5 hours | ฿200 - ฿500 | 2 (Taxi to station + Train) | Most travelers, scenery lovers, balance | âââââ (Best Overall) |
| Public Bus | ~2.5 - 3.5 hours | ฿100 - ฿200 | 2 (Taxi to terminal + Bus) | Ultra-budget travelers | ââââ (Best Value) |
| Private Taxi/Transfer | ~1.5 hours | ฿2000 - ฿3000 (total) | 0 (Direct) | Groups, families, luxury, late arrival | ââââ (Most Convenient) |
| Flight (via Bangkok) | 6+ hours | ฿5000+ | 4+ (Multiple transfers) | Not recommended for this route | â (Impractical) |
*Costs are estimates for 2024. Train/Bus fares vary by class/operator. Taxi cost is total vehicle cost.
Traveler Tips & Local Experience
Go beyond the schedule with these practical insights from seasoned travelers and locals.
- Master the Transfer: The trickiest part is getting from Phrae Airport to the city. If no taxi is visible, walk to the main road and flag down a passing songthaew. Tell the driver "สà¸à¸²à¸à¸µà¸£à¸à¹à¸" (satani rot fai) for the train station or "สà¸à¸²à¸à¸µà¸à¸à¸ªà¹à¸" (satani khonsong) for the bus terminal.
- Beat the Luggage Hassle: If you have large suitcases, use the train's luggage area or the superb "Send My Bag" equivalent services at 7-Elevens or dedicated shops (look for "สà¹à¸à¸à¸±à¸ªà¸à¸¸" / "à¸à¸à¸ªà¹à¸"). You can send bags ahead to your Uttaradit hotel for ~฿150-฿300.
- Timing is Everything: Avoid planning to arrive in Uttaradit late at night. Services thin out significantly after 7 PM. If your flight lands in Phrae after 5 PM, strongly consider booking a private transfer in advance.
- Cash is King: While some train tickets can be bought online, taxis, songthaews, bus tickets, and station food stalls all operate on cash (Thai Baht). Ensure you have sufficient small bills (฿20, ฿50, ฿100) upon arrival.
- Food on the Go: Phrae Station and trains have vendors selling snacks and drinks. For a better experience, grab a famous Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodle soup) in Phrae town before your journey, or buy a Muu Ping (grilled pork skewers) and sticky rice from a platform vendor.
FAQs: Traveling from Phrae Airport to Uttaradit
Is there a direct train from Phrae Airport to Uttaradit?
No, there is no direct train from Phrae Airport (which is very small and lacks a rail station) to Uttaradit. The recommended route is to take a taxi or songthaew (shared pickup truck) from Phrae Airport to Phrae Railway Station (about 15-20 mins), then board a train to Uttaradit Station.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phrae Airport to Uttaradit?
The absolute cheapest way is by public bus. First, take a local songthaew from the airport to Phrae Bus Terminal (Terminal 1 for local services). From there, board a public bus (e.g., from Sombat Tour or other local operators) heading to Uttaradit. Total cost can be under ฿150 THB, but travel time can exceed 2.5 hours depending on connections.
How do I get from Phrae Airport to Uttaradit late at night?
Options are very limited after ~8 PM. The last trains and public buses typically depart by early evening. Your only reliable option is a pre-booked taxi or private transfer from the airport. It's highly recommended to book this in advance via a local hotel or a reliable app like Grab (availability varies). Expect to pay a premium for late-night service.
Is it worth flying from Phrae to Uttaradit?
No, it is not practical or time-efficient. There are no commercial direct flights between Phrae (PRH) and Uttaradit (UTR). Uttaradit Airport has very limited commercial service. The driving distance is only ~100 km. When you factor in travel to/from airports, check-in, and security, taking a flight (with a connection in Bangkok) would take 6+ hours versus ~2 hours by train or car.
What is the best way for a family with kids or lots of luggage?
For families, a pre-booked private van or taxi is highly recommended. It offers door-to-door convenience, controlled schedule, and space for luggage without the hassle of multiple transfers at train or bus stations. While more expensive (฿2000-฿3000), it provides comfort and reduces travel stress. Ensure you book a vehicle large enough for your group and luggage.
Can I use a Thailand Rail Pass for this journey?
Yes, if you have a State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Rail Pass, it can be used on the train segment from Phrae Station to Uttaradit Station. However, the pass does not cover the initial transport from Phrae Airport to the train station. Remember to activate and reserve your seat in advance, especially for express trains.
How frequent are the trains from Phrae to Uttaradit?
Trains on the Northern Line running through Phrae and Uttaradit are moderately frequent. There are approximately 8-10 services daily in each direction, including Ordinary, Rapid, and Express trains. Schedules can vary, so always check the latest timetables on the official State Railway of Thailand website or at the station. The journey takes between 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the service.
Is taking a bus or train better for scenery?
The train offers a significantly more scenic and comfortable experience. The route winds through the rural landscapes of Northern Thailand, passing rice paddies, mountains, and local villages. Buses primarily use Highway 11, which is faster but less picturesque. For a memorable journey that captures the region's character, the train is the superior choice.