How to Get from Sirindhorn Dam to Ubon Ratchathani Airport

A taxi or private car is the most convenient way to travel the 60 km from Sirindhorn Dam to Ubon Ratchathani Airport. The journey takes 50–60 minutes on well-maintained roads (mainly Route 222 and 2050).

Fare Details

• Standard taxi: 800–1,200 THB (约 23–35 USD) — depending on vehicle type and time of day.
• Minivan (up to 9 passengers): 1,200–1,800 THB (约 35–52 USD).
• Late-night surcharge: After 10 PM, expect +200–300 THB (约 6–9 USD).
• Toll roads: None on this route.

How to Book

• Hotel concierge: Most accommodations near the dam can arrange a reliable driver — prices are usually fixed and transparent.
• Local taxi services in Ubon: Call Ubon Taxi (045-XXX-XXX) or Nakornchai Taxi — they speak basic English.
• Ride-hailing apps: Grab is available in Ubon Ratchathani but coverage near the dam is patchy. Pre-booking via the app is recommended.
• Tour agencies: Shops in Ubon city sell private transfer tickets for around 900 THB (约 26 USD).

Vehicle Types & Luggage

Vehicle	Max. Passengers	Large Suitcases	Typical Fare (THB)	Typical Fare (USD)
Sedan (Toyota Corolla / Vios)	3–4	2–3	800–1,000	23–29
SUV (Toyota Fortuner / Honda CR-V)	4–5	4–5	1,000–1,200	29–35
Minivan (Toyota Commuter)	7–9	6–8	1,200–1,800	35–52

Pros & Cons

• ✔ Door-to-door, no transfers, no waiting.
• ✔ Air-conditioned and comfortable.
• ✔ Drivers know the route and can help with luggage.
• ✘ More expensive than public transport.
• ✘ Limited availability late at night without pre-booking.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Ubon Ratchathani · Grab Thailand

For travelers on a tight budget, public transport from Sirindhorn Dam to Ubon city plus a short taxi ride to the airport is the cheapest option — but requires patience and flexibility.

Step-by-Step Route

1. Sirindhorn Dam → Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal 1 (Bor See)
   Local buses (blue/white) and songthaews depart from the dam area every 30–60 minutes between 05:30 and 17:30. Fare: 50–100 THB (约 1.50–3.00 USD). Journey: 1–1.5 hours.
2. Bus Terminal 1 → Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP)
   Take a city taxi (100–150 THB / 3.00–4.50 USD) or a songthaew (50 THB / 1.50 USD) to the airport. Journey: 15–20 minutes.

Bus & Songthaew Details

Type	Route	Frequency	Fare (THB)	Fare (USD)
Local Bus (blue/white)	Sirindhorn Dam – Ubon Terminal 1	Every 30–60 min, 05:30–17:30	50–80	1.50–2.30
Songthaew (covered pickup)	Sirindhorn Dam – Ubon city	Every 30–60 min, 06:00–17:00	60–100	1.80–3.00
City Taxi (from Ubon)	Ubon city – Airport	On demand	100–150	3.00–4.50
City Songthaew	Ubon city – Airport	Every 20–30 min, 06:00–18:00	50	1.50

Important Notes

• The last bus from the dam leaves around 17:30 — if you have a late flight, this option won't work.
• Songthaews are shared — you may need to wait until full.
• From Bus Terminal 1 to the airport, a taxi is strongly recommended if you have luggage.
• Total cost: 150–250 THB (约 4.50–7.50 USD).
• Total time: 1.5–2 hours (excluding waiting).

Source: Transport Co., Ltd. – Thai Bus Network · Local Ubon transport office (045-XXX-XXX)

Renting a car gives you complete freedom to explore the dam area and drive directly to the airport. However, you cannot pick up a car at the dam — you must collect it from Ubon city or the airport.

Car Rental Companies at Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP)

Company	Daily Rate (THB)	Daily Rate (USD)	One-Way Fee	Insurance (CDW)
Hertz	1,200–1,800	35–52	Possible (ask)	Included
Budget	1,000–1,500	29–44	Possible (ask)	Included
Thai Rent a Car	900–1,400	26–41	Not standard	Extra
Chic Car Rent (local)	800–1,200	23–35	Flexible	Negotiable

Practical Steps

1. Book online in advance (Hertz/Budget have English websites).
2. Pick up the car at Ubon Airport — take a taxi from the dam to the airport first (800–1,200 THB) then drive back to the dam if needed.
3. Alternatively, take a bus from the dam to Ubon city, then walk or take a short taxi to the rental office.
4. Return the car to Ubon Airport before your flight.

Requirements

• Valid driving licence (international permit recommended).
• Passport for rental contract.
• Credit card for deposit (typically 5,000–10,000 THB / 145–290 USD).
• Minimum age: 21 (some companies 23).

Pros & Cons

• ✔ Total freedom — stop anywhere, travel anytime.
• ✔ Comfortable for groups or families.
• ✘ You must first get to the rental office (costs time/money).
• ✘ Insurance excess can be high (10,000–20,000 THB).
• ✘ Parking at the dam is free but limited at the airport.

Source: Hertz Thailand · Budget Thailand · Thai Rent a Car

Many resorts and guesthouses near Sirindhorn Dam offer private airport transfers. This is an excellent middle-ground option: more reliable than flagging a taxi, but cheaper than a full rental car.

Typical Shuttle Services

Provider / Hotel	Vehicle	Price (THB)	Price (USD)	Booking Required
Sirindhorn Dam Hotel	Sedan	700–900	20–26	24 hrs ahead
Tohsang Khongjiam Resort	SUV	900–1,200	26–35	24 hrs ahead
Udomporn Resort	Minivan	1,000–1,400	29–41	48 hrs ahead
Local tour agencies (Ubon city)	Shared minivan	500–800	15–23	24 hrs ahead

How to Arrange

• Ask at your hotel reception — most have a printed price list.
• Contact local tour operators: Ubon Tour & Travel (045-XXX-XXX) or Nakornchai Tour.
• Facebook groups: "Ubon Ratchathani Travel Help" — drivers often post offers.

Pros & Cons

• ✔ Fixed price, no haggling.
• ✔ Reliable and punctual.
• ✔ Driver usually speaks some English.
• ✘ Must book in advance — not for last-minute plans.
• ✘ Limited availability for early morning (before 06:00) or late night (after 21:00).

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand · Local hotel directories

If you want to save money but still need flexibility, combining different modes can work well. Here are two practical combinations:

Option A: Songthaew + Taxi (Best Value)

• Take a songthaew from Sirindhorn Dam to Ubon city (60–100 THB / 1.80–3.00 USD).
• From the city, take a taxi directly to the airport (100–150 THB / 3.00–4.50 USD).
• Total: 160–250 THB (约 4.50–7.50 USD) · 1.5–2 hours.
• Best for: Solo travelers or couples with light luggage.

Option B: Bus + Grab Car (Most Flexible)

• Take the local bus from the dam to Ubon Terminal 1 (50–80 THB / 1.50–2.30 USD).
• Use the Grab app to book a car from Terminal 1 to the airport (120–180 THB / 3.50–5.20 USD).
• Total: 170–260 THB (约 5.00–7.60 USD) · 1.5–2 hours.
• Best for: Travelers who prefer app-based booking and fixed fares.

Option C: Private Transfer to City + Taxi to Airport (Group)

• Share a private minivan from the dam to Ubon city with other travelers (300–500 THB per person / 9–15 USD).
• From the city, take a taxi to the airport (100–150 THB / 3.00–4.50 USD).
• Total: 400–650 THB per person (约 12–19 USD) · 1.5 hours.
• Best for: Small groups who want comfort without paying full private fare.

Source: Grab Thailand · Local transport user forums

Below is a side-by-side comparison of all major transport options from Sirindhorn Dam to Ubon Ratchathani Airport. Prices are estimates and may vary by season.

Mode	Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	Best For
Taxi / Private Transfer ⭐	50–60 min	800–1,200	23–35	0 (direct)	Most travelers; speed & comfort
Hotel Shuttle	50–60 min	700–1,200	20–35	0 (direct)	Guests of participating hotels
Rental Car (self-drive)	50–60 min	1,000–1,800/day	29–52/day	0 (direct)	Groups; those wanting flexibility
Songthaew + Taxi	1.5–2 hr	160–250	4.50–7.50	1	Budget solo travelers
Bus + Grab	1.5–2 hr	170–260	5.00–7.60	1	App users; light luggage
Bus + Taxi	1.5–2 hr	150–250	4.50–7.50	1	Lowest cost option

⭐ Recommended for most travelers — best balance of cost, time and convenience.

Cheapest option: Bus + Taxi (150–250 THB / 4.50–7.50 USD).

Fastest option: Taxi / Private Transfer (50–60 minutes).

Source: Numbeo – Ubon Ratchathani Transport · Local fare surveys

🕒 Timing & Schedule

• Early morning flights: If your flight departs before 08:00, pre-book a taxi the night before. Public buses start at 05:30 — too late for early check-in.
• Late afternoon/evening flights: You have the most options. Buses run until 17:30, and taxis are available all day.
• Peak season (November–February): Book transport at least 2 days in advance — especially around Chinese New Year and Songkran (April).

🧳 Luggage & Baggage

• Local buses and songthaews have limited luggage space — pack light if using public transport.
• If you have more than one large suitcase, choose a taxi or private transfer.
• Takkyubin (luggage delivery) is not widely available in Ubon province — don't rely on it.

🔁 Navigating Ubon City

• Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal 1 (Bor See) is about 4 km from the airport — a 10-minute taxi ride.
• If you get dropped at Bus Terminal 2 (Chaeramae), it's 7 km from the airport — taxi costs 120–180 THB (3.50–5.20 USD).
• Songthaews within the city cost 50 THB (1.50 USD) but are slower and less comfortable with luggage.

💡 Money & Payment

• Taxi drivers prefer cash — have small bills ready (100 THB notes).
• Grab accepts credit cards, but cash is more reliable.
• ATMs are available at the dam area (7-Eleven) and at Ubon Airport.
• Exchange rates at the airport are poor — change money in Ubon city if needed.

📱 Useful Apps & Contacts

• Grab — ride-hailing, works in Ubon city but not reliably at the dam.
• Google Maps — route is clearly marked; download offline map of Ubon province.
• Tourist Police: 1155 (English-speaking).
• Ubon Airport information: 045-XXX-XXX.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand · Google Maps – Ubon Province