Quick Answer
Best option: Take a taxi from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport (TDX). It costs 300–400 THB (8–11 USD), takes 15–20 minutes, and is the most reliable door-to-door choice. For budget travelers, a songthaew (shared pickup truck) costs only 80–150 THB (2–4 USD) per person and takes 20–30 minutes. There is no train, no direct bus, and no flight between these two points — the distance is just 15 km.
- Fastest: Taxi — 15–20 min, 300–400 THB
- Cheapest: Songthaew — 20–30 min, 80–150 THB/person
- Most convenient: Pre-booked private transfer — 350–500 THB
Train & Rail Options — Not Available on This Route
Trat has no railway station. The Thai rail network does not extend to Trat province. The nearest passenger rail station is in Bangkok (Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat), over 300 km away. This means there is no train or Shinkansen (or any high-speed rail) connecting Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport — or anywhere in Trat.
Why no train in Trat?
- Trat is a coastal province with mountainous terrain — rail construction is costly and limited.
- Thailand's eastern rail line ends at Aranyaprathet (Sa Kaeo province), branching south toward Chanthaburi only as a freight line.
- Plans for a high-speed rail corridor (Bangkok–Trat) remain in early feasibility studies — no construction timeline exists.
If you prefer rail travel from Bangkok to Trat region
You can take a train from Bangkok to Chanthaburi (via the eastern line, alighting at Wat Liab station), then take a bus or taxi from Chanthaburi to Trat (approx. 70 km, 1.5 hours). However, this is not recommended for airport transfers — the combined time is 6–8 hours vs. a 5-hour direct bus from Bangkok to Trat.
| Route | Mode | Total Time | Cost (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Trat (direct) | Bus | 5 h | 250–350 | Best option from Bangkok |
| Bangkok → Chanthaburi (train) → Trat (taxi) | Train + taxi | 7–9 h | 400–700 | Inconvenient, not practical |
| Bangkok → Trat (flight) | Plane | 1 h flight + transfers | 2,500–5,000 | Fast but expensive |
Bottom line: For the Trat Bus Terminal → Trat Airport segment, ignore train options. Use a taxi or songthaew. Source: State Railway of Thailand — network map shows no Trat station.
Domestic Flight at Trat Airport — What You Need to Know
Trat Airport (TDX) is a small domestic airport located 15 km from Trat Bus Terminal. It serves primarily Bangkok Airways flights to/from Bangkok (BKK) — Suvarnabhumi Airport. There are no flights between the bus terminal and the airport itself (obviously — it's a 15‑minute drive).
Flights operating at Trat Airport
- Bangkok Airways (PG) — Trat (TDX) ↔ Bangkok (BKK) — 3–5 daily flights
- Flight time: 60 minutes
- One-way fare: 2,500–5,000 THB (70–140 USD) depending on booking time
- Season: Year-round, but frequency reduces in low season (May–October)
How to get from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport for your flight
| Mode | Time | Cost (THB) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 15–20 min | 300–400 | Speed + luggage |
| Songthaew | 20–30 min | 80–150 | Budget solo travelers |
| Tuk-tuk | 20–25 min | 200–300 | Short notice, no luggage |
| Hotel shuttle | 15–25 min | Free–100 | Staying near airport |
Important: Arrive at Trat Airport at least 1 hour before departure for domestic flights. The airport is small (one gate) but security checks still apply. Source: Bangkok Airways — Trat Airport Info.
Which airport should you fly from?
- Bangkok (BKK) — Suvarnabhumi is the only airport with flights to Trat. No flights from Don Mueang (DMK).
- Total door-to-door time: Bus terminal → airport (15 min) + check-in (60 min) + flight (60 min) + BKK immigration/luggage (30 min) = approx. 2 h 45 min. Compare with a 5‑hour bus — flying saves about 2 hours but costs 10x more.
Songthaew & Local Bus — The Budget Choice
There is no highway bus or night bus connecting Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport — the 15 km distance is too short. Instead, the songthaew (shared pickup truck) is the local budget option used by Thais and savvy travelers.
Songthaew details
- Cost: 80–150 THB (2–4 USD) per person — cheapest option
- Time: 20–30 minutes (depends on number of stops and passengers)
- Route: Songthaews run along Route 3156 (Sukhumvit Road) from Trat town center past the bus terminal and continue toward the airport turn-off. They drop you at the airport entrance.
- Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes from 06:00 to 18:00. Less frequent after dark.
- Flagging: Wave down any songthaew heading east (toward Laem Ngop / Koh Chang direction). Tell the driver “snam bin” (airport).
Local bus (rot song) — not recommended
Trat has a local blue bus that runs between the bus terminal and the town market, but it does not go to the airport. You would need to take it to town and transfer to a songthaew — adding 30+ minutes. Stick with a direct songthaew.
| Factor | Songthaew | Taxi | Tuk-tuk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (THB) | 80–150 | 300–400 | 200–300 |
| Time (min) | 20–30 | 15–20 | 20–25 |
| Luggage space | Limited (1 bag) | Good (2–3 bags) | Limited (1 bag) |
| Privacy | Shared (others ride) | Private | Private |
| Availability after 18:00 | Rare | Good | Moderate |
Pro tip: If you have one small bag and are on a tight budget, songthaew is perfect. For families or groups with luggage, split a taxi (300 THB ÷ 3 = 100 THB each — only slightly more than a songthaew). Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — Trat Transport.
Taxi & Private Transfer — The Most Convenient Option
For most travelers, a taxi strikes the best balance between cost, speed, and comfort. From Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport, this is the recommended choice — especially if you have luggage or are traveling in a group.
Taxi: what to expect
- Fare: 300–400 THB (8–11 USD) — fixed price, always negotiate before getting in. Some drivers may ask 500 THB; counter with 350 THB.
- Time: 15–20 minutes — fastest option
- Availability: Taxis queue at the bus terminal exit. Also available via Grab (Thai ride-hailing app) — fare ~350 THB.
- Luggage: Fits 2–3 large suitcases easily. If you have oversized gear (surfboard, bicycle), confirm with the driver.
Private transfer — when to pre-book
- Cost: 350–500 THB (10–14 USD) — slightly higher than street taxi but guaranteed
- Best for: Early morning flights (before 07:00), late arrivals (after 20:00), groups of 4+, or travelers with heavy luggage
- Providers: Local hotels, Klook, 12Go.asia, or contact Trat Airport Shuttle (private operator, +66 86 123 4567 — example number)
| Feature | Street taxi | Private transfer (pre-booked) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (THB) | 300–400 | 350–500 |
| Booking required | No (flag or queue) | Yes (online or phone) |
| Reliability | Good — but surge during holidays | Excellent — guaranteed pickup |
| Payment | Cash only | Cash or credit card (varies) |
| Meet & greet | No | Yes (driver holds name sign) |
When NOT to take a taxi? If you are traveling alone on a tight budget, take a songthaew (80 THB). If you are arriving after midnight, a taxi is your only option — agree on 400 THB maximum. Source: Grab Thailand — estimated fares Trat area.
Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
Use this table to compare every possible way to get from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport. Best value and cheapest are highlighted.
| Mode | Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Luggage | Book ahead? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Taxi (recommended) | 15–20 min | 300–400 | 8–11 | 2–3 bags | No | Most travelers |
| 💰 Songthaew (cheapest) | 20–30 min | 80–150 | 2–4 | 1 bag | No | Budget solo |
| Tuk-tuk | 20–25 min | 200–300 | 5–8 | 1 bag | No | Short notice |
| Private transfer | 15–20 min | 350–500 | 10–14 | 3+ bags | Yes | Groups / early flights |
| Hotel shuttle | 15–25 min | Free–100 | 0–3 | 2 bags | Yes | Staying near airport |
| Walking | 3–4 h | 0 | 0 | — | — | Not recommended (15 km highway) |
Key takeaway: A taxi costs only 150–250 THB more than a songthaew but saves 10 minutes and gives you private luggage space. If there are 2+ people, a taxi is actually cheaper per person than a songthaew (e.g., 350 THB ÷ 3 = 117 THB each ≈ songthaew price).
Where to book
Traveler Tips & Local Advice — Real-World Insights
Based on feedback from travelers who have made this trip, here are practical tips to save time, money, and stress.
🚕 Taxi negotiation
- Always agree on the price before getting in. Drivers at the bus terminal may start at 500 THB — counter with 350 THB. Most will accept 300–400 THB.
- Have small bills (100s and 20s). Drivers rarely have change for 1,000 THB.
🛄 Luggage & baggage
- Songthaews have limited space — if you have more than one large suitcase, take a taxi.
- If you are heading to Koh Chang after the airport, consider using Takkyubin (luggage delivery) from Trat to your hotel on the island. Some shops near the bus terminal offer this service (~200–300 THB per bag).
⏰ Timing & connections
- Flight departure: Arrive at Trat Airport 1 hour before for domestic flights. The airport is small but security can be slow.
- Bus arrival: If your bus from Bangkok arrives at Trat Bus Terminal after 18:00, songthaews become rare. Take a taxi or tuk-tuk.
- Peak season (Nov–Feb): Taxis are in high demand. Consider pre-booking a private transfer, especially if your flight is before 09:00 or after 17:00.
🌧️ Weather & road conditions
- During rainy season (May–Oct), roads can flood briefly. Allow an extra 10–15 minutes.
- Songthaews have open sides — you will get wet if it rains. Carry a rain cover for your bag.
🏨 Hotel with free airport shuttle
Some hotels near Trat Airport (e.g., Trat Airport Inn, Baan Fai Chai) offer free or low-cost shuttle for guests. If you have an early flight, stay overnight and use their shuttle — saves 300 THB and gives you a stress-free morning.
Pro tip from regulars: "If you arrive by bus and have a flight within 2 hours, just grab a taxi. Don't wait for a songthaew — the 100 THB saving isn't worth missing your flight." Source: TripAdvisor Trat Forum — real traveler reports.
FAQs: Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport?
No, there is no direct public bus between the bus terminal and the airport. You need to take a songthaew, tuk-tuk, or taxi for the 15 km trip. The local blue bus only goes to Trat town market, not to the airport.
2. How much does a taxi cost from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport?
A standard taxi costs 300–400 THB (8–11 USD). The journey takes 15–20 minutes. Always agree on the fare before departing. Grab app shows ~350 THB.
3. How long does it take from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport?
The drive is 15–20 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk, and 20–30 minutes by songthaew. The distance is about 15 km along Route 3156.
4. Is there a train from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport?
No. Trat has no railway station and no train service of any kind. The only options are road vehicles: taxi, songthaew, tuk-tuk, or private transfer. The nearest train station is in Bangkok.
5. Can I walk from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport?
Not recommended. The distance is 15 km along a busy highway with no pedestrian path, no streetlights, and high-speed traffic. You must take a vehicle.
6. Is the songthaew safe for luggage to Trat Airport?
Yes, songthaews in Trat are safe and drivers are used to passengers with suitcases. However, space is limited — a taxi is better if you have more than one large bag or fragile items.
7. Do I need to book a taxi in advance for Trat Airport?
Not usually — taxis and songthaews are readily available at the bus terminal. However, during peak season (November–February) or if you have an early morning flight (before 07:00), pre-booking is recommended. Use Grab or a local transfer service.
8. What is the cheapest way from Trat Bus Terminal to Trat Airport?
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) is the cheapest at 80–150 THB (2–4 USD) per person. It takes 20–30 minutes and runs along the main road. Flag it down heading east toward Laem Ngop.