Quick Answer
Best way: Taxi or Grab – 15–25 minutes, 200–350 THB (6–10 USD). No train or direct bus is available. For the most affordable option, take a songthaew (40–80 THB) or shared tuk-tuk (50–100 THB per person), though these are less predictable. This guide covers every option with exact costs, travel times, and insider tips so you can choose what fits your budget and schedule.
Taxi & Grab (Ride-Hailing) – Most Convenient & Recommended
Taxis and Grab are the most popular ways to travel from Roi Et city center to Roi Et Airport. The distance is approximately 15 km (9.3 miles), and the journey takes 15–25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This option offers door-to-door service, air conditioning, and no need to carry luggage far.
Price Breakdown
| Service Type | Estimated Fare (THB) | Estimated Fare (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metered Taxi (flag down) | 200–300 THB | 6–9 USD | May require negotiation; confirm meter is used |
| Fixed-price Airport Taxi | 300–400 THB | 9–12 USD | Available at taxi stands; set price to airport |
| GrabCar (Standard) | 200–300 THB | 6–9 USD | Book via app; price is fixed upfront |
| GrabCar (Premium) | 350–500 THB | 10–15 USD | Larger vehicle; more legroom |
How to Book
- Grab app: Download and set pickup to your location in Roi Et city. Enter "Roi Et Airport (ROI)" as destination. Payment by cash or card.
- Taxi hailing: Flag down a taxi on major streets (e.g., Roi Et–Kaset Wisai Road) or ask your hotel to call one.
- Hotel taxi service: Most hotels can arrange a taxi for you; prices are usually fixed at 250–350 THB.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Fast, comfortable, available 24/7, direct to departure drop-off.
- Cons: More expensive than public options; traffic can add 5–10 minutes during peak hours (7:00–8:30 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM).
Verdict: Best for most travelers – reliable balance of cost, speed, and comfort. Download Grab (official site) for the most transparent pricing.
Tuk-Tuk – Local Experience at a Low Price
Tuk-tuks are a classic Thai transport icon. In Roi Et, they are a practical way to reach the airport if you are traveling light and on a budget. The ride takes 25–35 minutes depending on the tuk-tuk's engine and your luggage load.
Price & Negotiation
- Standard fare: 150–250 THB (4.5–7.5 USD) for the entire vehicle (up to 2–3 passengers).
- Shared tuk-tuk: 50–100 THB (1.5–3 USD) per person if you share with other passengers heading in the same direction.
- Always negotiate the price before boarding. Tuk-tuk drivers in Roi Et are generally fair, but confirm the fare in advance.
Where to Find Tuk-Tuks
- Near the main market (Talat Roi Et) on Roi Et–Kaset Wisai Road.
- Around bus stations and the city's main intersections.
- Ask your hotel to call one – many have regular drivers they work with.
Suitability
- Best for: Solo travelers or couples with one small bag; those wanting a fun, open-air ride.
- Not ideal for: Large suitcases, rainy season (October–December), or travelers with mobility issues.
Insider tip: Tuk-tuks are less common in Roi Et than in Bangkok. If you're on a tight schedule, use Grab as a backup. Read more about tuk-tuk travel in Thailand (Tourism Authority of Thailand).
Songthaew (Shared Pickup Truck) – Cheapest but Least Reliable
Songthaews are converted pickup trucks with covered benches in the back. They serve as shared taxis on fixed routes. In Roi Et, songthaews run between the city center and some suburban areas, but there is no dedicated songthaew route to the airport. However, with flexibility, you can use them as a low-cost option.
How It Works
- Find a songthaew heading east on Roi Et–Kaset Wisai Road (toward the airport direction).
- The driver may agree to take you to the airport for an extra fee – negotiate around 40–80 THB (1–2.5 USD) per person.
- Songthaews operate roughly from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Availability drops sharply after dark.
Price & Capacity
| Type | Price per person (THB) | Price per person (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared songthaew (fixed route) | 20–40 THB | 0.6–1.2 USD | Only if route passes near the airport turnoff |
| Private songthaew (hired exclusively) | 100–150 THB | 3–4.5 USD | Driver takes you directly to terminal |
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Extremely cheap; local cultural experience.
- Cons: Unreliable for airport timing; no luggage space; not available in the evening; may require a long wait.
Verdict: Only use if you are extremely budget-conscious and have plenty of time. Avoid if you have a flight to catch. Learn more about songthaews via Tourism Thailand.
Hotel Shuttle & Private Transfer – Hassle-Free Convenience
Many hotels in Roi Et city center offer airport shuttle services for their guests. This is a stress-free option, especially if you have early morning or late evening flights.
Which Hotels Offer Shuttles?
- Hop Inn Roi Et: Complimentary airport transfer (upon request, subject to availability).
- The Rich Hotel Roi Et: Paid shuttle – 150 THB (4.5 USD) per person.
- Phu Inn Roi Et: Private transfer 200–250 THB (6–7.5 USD) per vehicle.
- Kham Chanod Resort: Offers pickup/drop-off for 250 THB (7.5 USD).
Booking Tips
- Arrange at least 12–24 hours in advance at the front desk or via phone.
- Confirm the price and whether it's per person or per vehicle.
- Some hotels offer free shuttles only during certain hours (e.g., 7:00 AM–6:00 PM).
Private Transfer Services
Dedicated airport transfer companies (e.g., AirportTransfer.com or local operators) offer pre-booked private cars from Roi Et city to the airport. Prices range from 400–600 THB (12–18 USD) depending on vehicle type. These include meet-and-greet and help with luggage.
Verdict: Ideal for families, groups, or anyone wanting a guaranteed, comfortable ride. Book ahead for peace of mind.
Self-Drive / Car Rental – Maximum Flexibility
Renting a car in Roi Et gives you complete control over your schedule. The drive from the city center to Roi Et Airport is straightforward and well-signposted.
Route & Directions
- Route: Start on Roi Et–Kaset Wisai Road (Route 215), head east toward the airport. Follow signs for "Tha Sa-at" and "Roi Et Airport".
- Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles).
- Time: 15–20 minutes with light traffic.
- Parking: Roi Et Airport has a small free parking lot for short-term stays. Long-term parking is available at a modest daily rate (20–50 THB per day).
Car Rental Agencies in Roi Et
| Agency | Location | Approx. Daily Rate (THB) | Approx. Daily Rate (USD) | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Car Rental | Roi Et city center | 800–1,200 THB | 24–36 USD | budget.co.th |
| Thai Rent a Car | Near Roi Et bus station | 700–1,100 THB | 21–33 USD | thairentacar.com |
| Local independent rentals | Various locations | 500–900 THB | 15–27 USD | Ask at your hotel |
Important Notes
- Driving in Thailand is on the left side of the road.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers.
- Gasoline costs about 35–40 THB/liter (1–1.2 USD). The round trip to the airport will use less than 5 liters.
Verdict: Best for travelers who plan to explore the region beyond the airport run. For a single airport trip, taxi/Grab is simpler and cheaper. Official driving guidelines from Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Domestic Flights from Roi Et Airport – Where You Can Fly
Roi Et Airport (ROI) is a small domestic terminal serving flights to Bangkok (Don Mueang – DMK). Knowing the flight schedule helps you plan your arrival time at the airport.
Current Airlines & Destinations (2025)
| Airline | Destination | Flight Frequency | Flight Time | Typical One-Way Fare (THB) | Typical One-Way Fare (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nok Air | Bangkok (DMK) | 2–3 daily | 1 hr 10 min | 1,200–2,500 THB | 36–75 USD |
| Thai Lion Air | Bangkok (DMK) | 1–2 daily | 1 hr 10 min | 1,000–2,200 THB | 30–66 USD |
Airport Facilities
- Check-in counters open 2 hours before departure.
- Small waiting lounge with basic snacks and drinks.
- Free Wi-Fi available.
- No luggage storage facility – plan accordingly.
Travel Time from City to Gate
From city center to airport: 15–25 minutes by taxi. Add 20–30 minutes for check-in and security. Total door-to-gate time: ~1 hour. For a 9:00 AM flight, leave the city by 7:30 AM.
Important: Roi Et Airport does not have a train station or direct bus link. All passengers must use road transport to reach the terminal. Check Nok Air schedules or Thai Lion Air schedules.
Train Connection via Khon Kaen – An Alternative for Rail Travelers
Roi Et does not have a railway station. The nearest major rail hub is Khon Kaen Railway Station, approximately 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Roi Et city center. If you are specifically looking to travel by train, here is how to connect.
Getting from Roi Et to Khon Kaen Station
- By bus: Roi Et to Khon Kaen buses depart from Roi Et Bus Terminal every 30–60 minutes. Journey time: 1.5–2 hours. Fare: 80–120 THB (2.5–3.5 USD).
- By taxi/Grab: Direct transfer from Roi Et city to Khon Kaen station costs 600–900 THB (18–27 USD) and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Train Services from Khon Kaen
| Route | Train Type | Time | Fare (THB) | Fare (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khon Kaen → Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) | Express / Rapid | 7–9 hours | 350–1,200 THB | 10–36 USD |
| Khon Kaen → Nong Khai (for Laos) | Local / Express | 2–3 hours | 80–250 THB | 2.5–7.5 USD |
| Khon Kaen → Udon Thani | Rapid / Express | 1.5–2 hours | 100–300 THB | 3–9 USD |
Is This Practical for Airport Travel?
No. Taking a train to reach Roi Et Airport is not practical. The train option is relevant only if you are coming from or going to a city on the rail network and want to use Roi Et as a starting point. For the direct city-center-to-airport route, stick with taxi or tuk-tuk. State Railway of Thailand official site for train schedules.
Cost & Time Comparison: All Transport Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare every way to get from Roi Et city center to Roi Et Airport. The best overall and cheapest options are highlighted.
| Transport Mode | Est. Time (min) | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Best For | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Taxi / Grab (recommended) | 15–25 | 200–350 | 6–10 | Most travelers – speed + comfort | High |
| Tuk-Tuk (private) | 25–35 | 150–250 | 4.5–7.5 | Solo/small bag, fun ride | Medium |
| Tuk-Tuk (shared) | 25–35 | 50–100/person | 1.5–3/person | Budget solo travelers | Low |
| 💰 Songthaew (cheapest) | 30–40 | 40–80/person | 1–2.5/person | Extreme budget, no deadline | Very low |
| Hotel Shuttle | 20–30 | 0–250 | 0–7.5 | Hotel guests, families | High (if pre-booked) |
| Private Transfer | 15–25 | 400–600 | 12–18 | Groups, executives, luxury | Very high |
| Self-Drive (rental car) | 15–20 | 500–1,200/day | 15–36/day | Travelers exploring region | High (if comfortable driving) |
Best value: Taxi/Grab. Cheapest: Songthaew (but unreliable). Most comfortable: Private transfer or hotel shuttle.
Traveler Tips & Insider Advice for Roi Et Airport Transfers
Practical, experience-based advice to make your journey from Roi Et city center to the airport smoother.
1. Luggage & Baggage
- Takkyubin (luggage delivery) is not available in Roi Et. You must carry your bags. If you have heavy luggage, choose a taxi or hotel shuttle – tuk-tuks and songthaews have very limited space.
- Roi Et Airport has no luggage storage or left-luggage service. Plan accordingly if you have a layover.
2. Timing & Traffic
- Roi Et traffic is generally light, but the city center can get congested around 7:30–8:30 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM near schools and markets.
- For morning flights, allow an extra 10–15 minutes during peak school drop-off times.
- The airport is small – security and check-in are quick. Arriving 60 minutes before departure is usually enough, but 90 minutes is safer for peace of mind.
3. Booking & Payment
- Grab accepts both cash and card. Taxis prefer cash – have small bills (100 THB notes) ready.
- Tuk-tuk and songthaew drivers rarely have change for 1,000 THB notes. Carry 100 and 50 THB bills.
- If you book a hotel shuttle, confirm the price in advance (some hotels charge per person, others per vehicle).
4. Seasonal Considerations
- Rainy season (June–October): Sudden downpours can cause short delays. Taxis are the safest option to stay dry. Songthaews have open sides – you may get wet.
- Cool season (November–February): Pleasant weather; all transport options are comfortable.
- Hot season (March–May): Temperatures can exceed 38°C (100°F). Tuk-tuks and songthaews can be very hot – opt for an air-conditioned taxi.
5. Airport Check-In Rules
- Nok Air and Thai Lion Air both have online check-in. Use it to save time at the airport.
- Baggage drop counters close 20 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
- Roi Et Airport does not have a VIP lounge or priority lanes. All passengers use the same security checkpoint.
Pro tip: If you have a very early flight (before 7:00 AM), pre-book a taxi or Grab the night before. Availability of tuk-tuks and songthaews is very limited before dawn. Official Roi Et travel guide from Tourism Authority of Thailand.
FAQs: Getting from Roi Et City Center to Roi Et Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Roi Et city center to Roi Et Airport?
No, there is no direct public bus service. The airport is served only by taxis, tuk-tuks, songthaews, hotel shuttles, and private cars. The nearest bus route runs along Roi Et–Kaset Wisai Road, but does not enter the airport grounds.
2. How much does a taxi cost from Roi Et city to Roi Et Airport?
A standard metered taxi costs 200–350 THB (6–10 USD). Fixed-price airport taxis charge 300–400 THB (9–12 USD). Grab fares are typically 200–300 THB (6–9 USD). Always confirm the price before starting the journey.
3. How long does it take to get from Roi Et city center to Roi Et Airport?
The drive takes 15–25 minutes by taxi or car. Tuk-tuks and songthaews take 25–35 minutes. Total travel time is under 30 minutes for most motorized options. Add 5–10 minutes for traffic during peak hours.
4. Is there a train from Roi Et to the airport?
No. Roi Et has no railway station. The nearest major train station is in Khon Kaen, about 100 km away. For airport access, road transport is the only option.
5. Can I use Grab in Roi Et to get to the airport?
Yes, Grab is widely available in Roi Et city center. GrabCar fares to the airport range from 200–300 THB (6–9 USD). Availability is good during the day but may be limited after 10:00 PM.
6. What is the cheapest way to get from Roi Et city to the airport?
The cheapest is by songthaew (shared pickup truck) at 40–80 THB (1–2.5 USD) per person, but this is unreliable and not recommended for time-sensitive travel. A shared tuk-tuk (50–100 THB) is the next cheapest option.
7. Is there a hotel shuttle from Roi Et city center to the airport?
Several hotels offer airport shuttles, either complimentary or for a fee (100–250 THB / 3–8 USD). Hotels like Hop Inn Roi Et, The Rich Hotel, and Phu Inn Roi Et provide this service. Arrange at least 12 hours in advance.
8. How early should I arrive at Roi Et Airport before my flight?
For domestic flights, arrive 60–90 minutes before departure. The airport is small and efficient. Add 20–30 minutes for travel from the city center, so plan to leave 1.5–2 hours before your flight.