How to Get from Trat Airport to Laem Ngop Pier

This is the most straightforward and hassle-free method, especially after a flight. Trat Airport is small, and the taxi desk is immediately visible upon exiting the arrivals hall.

Why it's the best choice: Direct door-to-door service, fixed price agreed in advance, air-conditioned comfort, and available on-demand for all flight arrivals.

Step-by-Step Process & Costs

1. Find the Taxi Counter: Ignore touts inside the terminal. Head directly to the official airport taxi desk (usually on your right as you exit).
2. Agree on a Fixed Price: State your destination as “Laem Ngop Pier” (or specify a specific ferry company like “Centre Point Ferry”). There is no meter; you pay a pre-set fare. As of 2024:
   • Standard Sedan to Laem Ngop Pier: ฿400 – ฿500
   • Larger Vehicle (SUV/Van) for groups: ฿500 – ฿700
   Always confirm the price includes all tolls and fees before getting in the car.
3. The Journey: The drive is approximately 25-35 minutes along Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) and then onto smaller local roads. Traffic is usually light.

Pros, Cons & Who It's For

Pros	Cons	Best For...
✅ Maximum convenience & speed	❌ Most expensive individual option	First-time visitors, families, those with luggage, travelers on a tight schedule.
✅ Fixed, no-surprise price	❌ Not the most eco-friendly	Groups of 2-4 (cost-effective when split).
✅ Available 24/7 for flight arrivals		Anyone wanting a stress-free start to their holiday.

Authority Source: Always use the official airport desk. For reference, you can check transportation info on the Trat Airport website (if available) or reputable booking platforms.

This is the cheapest public transport option, but it requires more patience and flexibility. Services are not always synchronized with flight arrivals.

Available Services & How to Use Them

A. Direct Airport Shuttle Van (If Operating): Occasionally, a shared minivan service runs from the airport to Laem Ngop. Ask at the information desk.
Approx. Cost: ฿150 – ฿200 per person. Frequency: Unreliable; may wait for enough passengers.

B. Public Songthaew (Shared Pickup Truck): The true local way.

1. Walk out of the airport to the main road (Highway 3). It's a 5-10 minute walk.
2. Flag down a passing white songthaew with a red roof heading towards Trat town.
3. Tell the driver “Laem Ngop” or “Song-taew Laem Ngop”. You will likely be dropped at the Trat Bus Station or a central songthaew hub in Trat town.
4. At the hub, transfer to another songthaew specifically bound for Laem Ngop Pier. The final leg takes 20-30 minutes.

Total Cost: ฿50 – ฿80 per person. Total Time: 60-90+ minutes, depending on waits.

Key Considerations & Tips

• Luggage: Only feasible with backpacks or small suitcases. Large luggage is a major inconvenience.
• Schedule: Songthaews run from ~6:00 AM to ~5:00 PM. Service is sparse in the afternoon and non-existent at night.
• Not for Late Flights: If your flight lands after 4 PM, do not rely on this option.
• Expert Tip: If you see a songthaew at the airport pickup/dropoff area (rare), it might be a direct charter. Negotiate a group price (e.g., ฿300 for 4 people).

Source for Schedules: The Tourism Authority of Thailand website sometimes has updates, but local inquiry is best.

For guaranteed service, meet-and-greet, and premium vehicles, a pre-booked private transfer is superior to the airport taxi counter. You can book online before your trip.

Booking Platforms & What to Expect

• Popular Platforms: Klook, GetYourGuide, or specialized Thai transfer sites.
• Typical Service Includes: Driver holding a sign with your name in arrivals, assistance with luggage, bottled water, air-conditioned private car.
• Price Range (2024): ฿800 – ฿1,500 depending on vehicle class (sedan, SUV, van) and operator.

Detailed Comparison: Airport Taxi vs. Pre-Booked Private

Feature	Airport Taxi (Counter)	Pre-Booked Private Transfer
Price	฿400-฿700	฿800-฿1,500
Booking	On arrival (walk-up)	Online, in advance
Guarantee	Subject to availability	100% confirmed
Vehicle Choice	Limited	Wide selection
Driver Communication	Basic	Often better, details pre-shared
Best For	Spontaneous decisions, small budgets	Peace of mind, groups, special occasions, tight connections

A middle-ground option between private taxi and public bus. These are vans that wait to fill with passengers heading to the Koh Chang piers.

How It Works

Operators (sometimes affiliated with ferry companies) have desks near the airport exit or vans parked outside. You buy a seat, and the van departs once full (typically 8-10 passengers).

• Cost: ฿200 – ฿350 per person.
• Journey Time: Similar to a taxi (30-40 mins), but add waiting time at the airport (10-30 mins).
• Drop-off: Usually at a specific ferry company's ticket office at Laem Ngop, not the general pier area.

Verdict: Saves a bit of money compared to a private taxi but less control over departure time. Good for solo travelers or couples willing to wait.

For travelers planning extensive exploration of Trat province or mainland Thailand, renting a car is a powerful option.

Process, Costs & Driving Tips

1. Providers: International (Avis, Budget, Hertz) and local Thai companies may have desks inside or adjacent to the terminal. Booking in advance online is highly recommended for better rates and availability.
2. Rental Cost (Daily): From ฿1,000 – ฿2,500+ for a small car, including basic insurance.
3. The Drive to Laem Ngop: Simple. Exit airport, turn left onto Highway 3 southbound, follow signs for Laem Ngop/Koh Chang. Drive time: 25-35 mins.
4. Parking at Laem Ngop: All ferry companies have secure, long-term parking lots. Rates are ~฿100 – ฿150 per day. This is a safe and common practice.

Important Considerations

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required by law alongside your home license. Police checkpoints are common.
• Insurance: Opt for comprehensive coverage. Thai roads can be unpredictable.
• Ferry Booking: You can drive your rental car onto the ferry to Koh Chang (extra cost for the vehicle). Ensure your rental agreement permits this.

This table summarizes all options to help you decide at a glance.

Transport Method	Approx. Travel Time	Approx. Cost (per vehicle/person)	Convenience / Comfort	Best For
Taxi (Airport Counter)	30 min	฿400 – ฿600 (total)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Door-to-door, fast)	Most travelers, families, groups. Best Overall.
Private Transfer (Pre-booked)	30 min	฿800 – ฿1,500 (total)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Premium, guaranteed)	Luxury, peace of mind, large groups.
Shared Minivan	30-60 min (incl. wait)	฿200 – ฿350 (per person)	⭐⭐⭐ (Shared, may wait)	Solo travelers/budget couples.
Public Songthaew	60-90+ min	฿50 – ฿80 (per person)	⭐ (Basic, unreliable schedule)	Ultra-budget backpackers with light luggage, daytime arrivals. Best Budget.
Rental Car	30 min (drive time)	฿1,000+ (per day + fuel + parking)	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Freedom, flexibility)	Explorers planning mainland travel.

Final Recommendation: For over 90% of visitors, the airport taxi offers the optimal balance of cost, speed, and convenience. Book a private transfer if you value certainty above all else.

• Cash is King: Have Thai Baht ready for taxis, songthaews, and minivans. Card payments are rarely accepted for these services.
• Ferry Choice Matters: Laem Ngop has multiple piers (Centre Point, Ao Thammachat, etc.). Confirm with your driver which pier your booked ferry departs from – they are a few km apart.
• Phone & Translation: Having Google Maps/Translate offline can help. Write down your destination in Thai: “ท่าเรือแหลมงอบ”.
• Luggage Strategy: If you have lots of luggage, a taxi is non-negotiable. For songthaews, pack light.
• Post-Pier Plans: The ferry ticket offices at Laem Ngop have basic amenities (cafes, toilets). Use the time before boarding to buy water/snacks.
• Weather Impact: During heavy rain (May-Oct), road travel is slower. Allow extra time. Private transfers are more reliable in poor weather.
• Return Journey: From Laem Ngop to Trat Airport, you can book a taxi at any ferry office or use a pre-arranged return with your driver. Allow at least 1.5 hours before your flight time for the 30-min drive plus check-in.