How to Get from Songkhla to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport

A private taxi or pre-booked car transfer is the most straightforward and stress-free way to travel from Songkhla to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST). This option eliminates all intermediate transfers and delivers you directly to the terminal.

Typical Journey Details

• Distance: ~195 km (121 miles) via Route 408 and Highway 41.
• Travel time: 2 – 2.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Cost: 1,800 – 2,500 THB ($50 – $70). Prices vary by vehicle type (standard sedan vs. SUV), time of day, and booking platform.

Where to Book

• Hotel concierge: Most hotels in Songkhla can arrange a trusted driver. Expect to pay 2,000–2,500 THB.
• Local taxi cooperatives: Songkhla Taxi Group (songkhlataxi.com) offers fixed rates to NST airport: 1,900 THB for a standard car.
• Ride-hailing apps: GrabTaxi is available in Songkhla, though drivers may negotiate a flat fee for long-distance trips. Typical Grab quote: 2,200–2,600 THB.
• Pre-booked transfer services: Platforms like 12Go.asia and Bookaway list private car options starting from 1,850 THB.

Pros & Cons

✅ Advantages	❌ Disadvantages
Door-to-door, no transfers	Most expensive option
Fastest total journey time	Traffic can add 20–30 min
Ideal for families, groups, or heavy luggage	Must book in advance for best rates
Air-conditioned, private, comfortable	Limited availability after 10 PM

When to Choose a Taxi / Private Car

• You have a flight to catch and need reliability.
• You are traveling with 3+ people (cost per person becomes reasonable).
• You have large suitcases, sports equipment, or bulky items.
• You arrive in Songkhla late at night or need an early morning departure.

💡 Pro tip: Always confirm the total price before departure. Ask whether highway tolls (if any) are included. For peace of mind, book through a reputable platform or your hotel.

Shared minivans (also called "rot tu" or "van") are a popular middle-ground option. They depart from Songkhla's minivan terminal and arrive at Nakhon Si Thammarat's city center, from where you take a short taxi ride to the airport.

Route & Schedule

• Departure point: Songkhla Minivan Terminal (near the Old Town, on Ramwithi Road).
• Arrival point: Nakhon Si Thammarat Minivan Terminal (on Ratchadamnoen Road, in the city center).
• Frequency: Every 45–60 minutes from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours.
• Ticket price: 250 – 350 THB ($7 – $10) per person.

From Nakhon Si Thammarat City to the Airport

Once you arrive at the city minivan terminal, you need a local taxi to reach Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (IATA: NST), which is located about 15 km north of the city center. A taxi ride takes 20–30 minutes and costs 200–300 THB ($5–$8). Alternatively, a songthaew (shared pickup truck) runs along the main road and costs 40–60 THB, but requires a 10-minute walk to the terminal.

Total Combined Cost & Time

• Total cost: 450 – 650 THB ($13 – $18) per person.
• Total time: 3 – 3.5 hours (including transfer in the city).

Booking Tips

• You can buy tickets at the terminal on the day of travel. No advance booking is usually needed for off-peak periods.
• During Thai holidays (Songkran, New Year, Chinese New Year), book 1–2 days ahead via BusOnlineTicket.co.th.
• Minivans typically seat 12–14 passengers. If you have a large suitcase, you may need to pay for an extra seat or store it in the back aisle.

Pros & Cons

✅ Advantages	❌ Disadvantages
Much cheaper than private taxi	Not door-to-door; need a second taxi
Faster than public bus	Limited luggage space
Frequent departures	Can feel cramped for tall passengers
Easy to book on the spot	No evening departures (last van ~5 PM)

💡 Pro tip: If you have a flight at NST, aim to arrive at the Songkhla minivan terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. The vans often leave when full, so arriving early secures your seat.

Traveling by public bus from Songkhla to Nakhon Si Thammarat is the cheapest way to cover the distance, though it requires more time and a second leg to reach the airport. This option suits budget-conscious travelers with light luggage and flexible schedules.

Route Details

• Departure point: Songkhla Bus Terminal (on Phetkasem Road, near the city center).
• Arrival point: Nakhon Si Thammarat Bus Terminal 1 (on Ratchadamnoen Road) or Terminal 2 (for some long-distance buses).
• Operators: Transport Co., Ltd. (government-run) and private companies such as Chiang Mai Bus.
• Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Travel time: 3 – 3.5 hours (depending on stops and traffic).
• Ticket price: 150 – 250 THB ($4 – $7) per person.

Bus Types Available

• Standard (non-AC): 150–180 THB — basic, no air conditioning, local stops.
• Air-conditioned (VIP): 220–250 THB — comfortable, fewer stops, reclining seats.

Getting from the Bus Terminal to the Airport

From either bus terminal in Nakhon Si Thammarat, you have two options:

• Taxi: 20–30 minutes, 200–300 THB ($5–$8).
• Songthaew (shared pickup): 40–60 THB, but only goes as far as the main road junction near the airport — you then walk about 800 meters to the terminal.

Total Cost & Time

• Total cost: 350 – 550 THB ($10 – $15) per person.
• Total time: 3.5 – 4 hours.

Pros & Cons

✅ Advantages	❌ Disadvantages
Lowest cost option	Longest total travel time
High frequency	No door-to-door service
Multiple bus types to choose from	Buses can be crowded, especially on weekends
No advance booking required	Limited luggage space underneath

💡 Pro tip: If you take the VIP air-conditioned bus, you get a smoother ride and a reserved seat. For the short 3-hour journey, the upgrade is well worth the extra 70–80 THB.

Taking the train from Songkhla to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is not a direct option, but it can be done via a two-step journey: first from Songkhla to Hat Yai Junction, then by rail to Nakhon Si Thammarat city, and finally a taxi to the airport. This route is more about the experience than efficiency.

Step 1: Songkhla → Hat Yai Junction

• Mode: Local songthaew or taxi.
• Time: 30–40 minutes.
• Cost: 50–100 THB (songthaew) or 300–400 THB (taxi).

Step 2: Hat Yai Junction → Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station

• Train types: Ordinary (Class 3), Rapid (Class 2), and Express (Class 1).
• Travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours.
• Ticket price: 80 – 350 THB ($2 – $10) depending on class and seat type.
• Frequency: 4–5 trains daily, mostly in the morning and early afternoon. Check the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) website for current schedules.

Step 3: Nakhon Si Thammarat Station → Airport

• Distance: ~15 km north of the city.
• Taxi: 20–30 minutes, 200–300 THB.

Total Time & Cost for the Train Route

• Total time: 4 – 5 hours (significantly longer than other options).
• Total cost: 330 – 800 THB ($9 – $22) per person, depending on train class and local transport choices.

Train Schedule (Hat Yai → Nakhon Si Thammarat — Sample)

Train No.	Depart Hat Yai	Arrive Nakhon Si Thammarat	Type	Price (THB)
455	07:15	09:55	Ordinary (Class 3)	80
173	10:30	13:10	Rapid (Class 2)	180
85	13:00	15:45	Express (Class 1)	350
457	15:20	18:05	Ordinary (Class 3)	80

Note: Schedule is subject to change. Always verify on the official SRT website.

Pros & Cons

✅ Advantages	❌ Disadvantages
Scenic experience through southern Thailand	Very long total journey time
Cheapest train tickets (Class 3)	Requires two local transfers (Songkhla→Hat Yai, then station→airport)
Comfortable sleeper options on night trains	Limited train frequency; easy to miss connections
Cultural experience, avoids road traffic	Not practical for airport transfers with tight schedules

💡 Pro tip: The train option is only recommended if you have a full day to spare, want to experience Thai rail travel, or are heading to Nakhon Si Thammarat city itself rather than the airport.

Based on frequent traveler feedback and local knowledge, here are actionable tips to make your trip from Songkhla to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport easier and more predictable.

🛄 Luggage & Baggage

• Private taxi: No luggage restrictions — you can bring large suitcases, sports gear, or multiple bags.
• Minivan: Space is limited. If you have a suitcase larger than 24 inches, you may be asked to place it on your lap or pay for an extra seat. Consider using a duffel or backpack.
• Bus: Underfloor storage is available but limited. Keep valuables in a small bag inside the cabin.
• Train: Luggage racks above seats are small. If you have a large backpack, store it at the end of the carriage.

⏰ Time Management

• If you have a flight at NST, aim to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic departure.
• For a private taxi, request pickup 3 hours before your flight to allow buffer time.
• For minivan/bus, add an extra 1–1.5 hours to account for waiting and the second leg to the airport.

🌦️ Weather & Road Conditions

• The route (Highway 41) is generally in good condition. However, during the monsoon season (October–December), heavy rain can cause flooding and delays. Check the forecast and allow extra time.
• Southern Thailand's heat is intense year-round. Buses and minivans are air-conditioned, but bring a light jacket as AC is often set very cold.

📱 Handy Apps & Resources

• Grab: Works in Songkhla for booking taxis. For long-distance trips, contact the driver after booking to confirm the fare.
• 12Go.asia: Great for checking minivan and bus schedules, and for pre-booking private transfers.
• Google Maps: Reliable for real-time traffic estimates on the Songkhla–NST route.
• SRT (State Railway): Official site for train schedules and online booking.

🍜 Food & Rest Stops

• On the taxi route, there are several well-known roadside stops, such as Phattharaphon Rest Area (around km 120 on Highway 41), offering clean restrooms, coffee, and local snacks.
• Minivans and buses typically make one 10-minute rest stop near the halfway point.

💡 Pro tip: If you're a solo traveler with a small budget, the minivan + taxi combination gives the best value. If you're sharing with 2–3 people, a private taxi becomes very cost-competitive and far more comfortable.