Quick Answer
For most travelers, booking a metered taxi or a ride-hail (Grab) from the airport rank is the best overall way to get to Ubon Ratchathani University. The journey takes 20-35 minutes and costs a fixed rate of 250-300 THB (~$7-$9 USD). It's direct, available on-demand, and convenient with luggage. The cheapest option is the public songthaew (bus) for only 15-20 THB, but it involves a walk from the nearest stop and is less practical for new visitors.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Grab, Bolt) â Door-to-Door Convenience
This is the most straightforward and recommended method for first-time visitors, families, or those with luggage. The service is reliable, and the fixed fare eliminates negotiation hassles.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Exit Arrivals: After collecting your bags, exit the single terminal building through the main doors.
- Find the Counter: Directly outside, you will see the official "Airport Taxi" counter.
- Get a Ticket: Tell the attendant your destination: "Mahawithayalai Ubon Ratchathani" (Ubon Ratchathani University). They will issue you a paper ticket with a fixed fare (approx. 250-300 THB).
- Meet Your Driver: A dispatcher will guide you to the next available taxi in the queue. Show the driver your ticket.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab/Bolt):
As an alternative, you can use apps. Grab is the most popular in Thailand. Ensure you have mobile data.
- Pros: Sometimes slightly cheaper; you see the price and driver details upfront.
- Cons: Driver availability can be limited at UBP. You must walk to the designated Grab pickup point, usually in the short-term car park.
- Estimated Fare: 200 - 280 THB for a standard car.
Key Details & Considerations:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours | Available for all scheduled flights, 24/7. |
| Vehicle Type | Standard sedans (Toyota Altis, Honda Civic). For groups/luggage, request a larger car at the counter (may cost extra). |
| Payment | Cash (THB) only at the official counter. Grab can be linked to cash or card. |
| Trip to Campus | The driver will typically take you to the main university gate or a specified faculty building. Have your accommodation details handy if staying on campus. |
| Source | Fares verified against Ubon Ratchathani Airport's official website and recent traveler reports. |
Public Bus & Songthaew â The Local Budget Choice
For the adventurous and ultra-budget conscious, the local public songthaew (a converted pick-up truck with benches) is an authentic and incredibly cheap option. It's not designed for airport travelers but is usable if you travel light.
Route & Procedure:
The main songthaew routes passing near the airport are Route 2 (Warin-Baan Kham) and Route 10. Neither goes directly into the university.
- Walk to the Main Road: Exit the airport and walk about 400 meters to the main highway (Route 226).
- Flag Down a Songthaew: Look for a passing songthaew with a yellow/red number plate. Ensure it has a signboard with the route number (2 or 10) in Thai.
- Board and Pay: Hail it like a bus. The fare is 15-20 THB. Pay the driver or conductor when you get off.
- Alight at the Closest Point: You must get off at the intersection closest to the university, such as near Big C Warin or on Phichit Rangsan Road. From there, it's a 1.5 to 2 km walk to the campus entrance, or you can transfer to a local tuk-tuk (30-50 THB).
Comprehensive Analysis & Challenges:
- Luggage: Not recommended with suitcases. Space is limited, and you'll inconvenience local passengers.
- Frequency & Timing: Songthaews run frequently during the day (approx. every 15-20 mins) but service reduces significantly after ~7:00 PM.
- Navigation Difficulty: High. Signs are in Thai. You need to recognize landmarks. Using Google Maps offline can help track your location.
- Reliability: Low for airport transfer purposes. It depends heavily on flight timing, weather, and your comfort with uncertainty.
Verdict: An excellent cultural experience and cost-saver for solo backpackers with a daypack. A poor choice for almost everyone else arriving on a flight.
Rental Car â For Maximum Independence
If you plan to explore Isan province extensively, renting a car at Ubon Airport provides unmatched flexibility. The drive to the university is simple and straightforward.
Rental Process at UBP:
Several agencies have desks in the arrivals hall, including Budget and Thai Rent A Car.
- Pre-book Online: For the best rates and guaranteed vehicle selection, book through international aggregator sites like Rentalcars.com or the agency's own website.
- Required Documents: Your passport, a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your home country driver's license, and a credit card for the security deposit.
- Vehicle Pickup: Complete paperwork at the counter. An agent will walk you to the rental lot adjacent to the terminal for vehicle inspection.
Drive to Ubon Ratchathani University:
- Route: Take Route 226 east from the airport. After ~12km, turn right onto Phichit Rangsan Road (Highway 231). The university will be on your left.
- Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze. Set destination to "Ubon Ratchathani University". Download offline maps as a backup.
- Parking: The university has parking areas. Inquire at your specific faculty or accommodation about permits or visitor parking.
Cost Breakdown & Tips:
| Cost Component | Estimated Daily Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Car (e.g., Toyota Yaris) | 1,000 - 1,500 THB | Unlimited mileage usually included. |
| Insurance (CDW/TP) | 200 - 400 THB | Strongly recommended. Reduces liability in case of damage. |
| Fuel | ~300 THB | For the airport-university trip and local exploration. |
| One-way Toll | 0 THB | No tolls on this specific route. |
Expert Tip: Inspect the car for existing scratches/dents meticulously and take timestamped photos/videos with the agent present to avoid later disputes.
Cost, Time & Option Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all your transportation options from Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) to Ubon Ratchathani University.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (THB) | Travel Time | Best For | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi (Official) | 250 - 300 | 20-35 min | Most travelers, first-timers, families | Door-to-door, reliable, fixed fare | Most expensive of the direct options |
| Ride-Hail (Grab) | 200 - 280 | 20-35 min | Solo travelers, tech-savvy users | Upfront pricing, cashless possible | Driver availability can be unpredictable |
| Public Songthaew | 15 - 20 | 45-70 min | Extreme budget backpackers, no luggage | Extremely cheap, local experience | Involves walking, not luggage-friendly, complex |
| Rental Car | 1,200+ (per day) | 20-35 min | Travelers exploring the region | Complete freedom, good for groups | Requires IDP, parking considerations, highest overall cost |
Our Recommendation: For a stress-free arrival, the official airport taxi is the best balance of cost and convenience. The songthaew is the undisputed cheapest but is a project, not simple transport.
Local Traveler Tips & Practical Advice
Beyond the basic routes, here is insider knowledge to make your journey smoother.
1. Managing Luggage & Connectivity
- SIM Card: Buy a tourist SIM (AIS, dtac, TrueMove) at the airport kiosk before you exit arrivals. Having data is crucial for maps, ride-hail apps, and translation.
- Cash is King: Have at least 500 THB in small bills (100s, 50s, 20s) for taxis, buses, and immediate snacks. Airport taxis are cash-only.
2. Navigating the University Campus
Ubon Ratchathani University is large. Specify your destination clearly to the driver:
- "Mahawithayalai Ubon" gets you to the main gate.
- For specific dorms or faculties, have the Thai name or a pinned location on Google Maps ready to show.
- Inside the campus, free shuttle buses circulate between major points. Ask at the information booth near the main gate.
3. For Late-Night or Early-Morning Flights
- Pre-arrange Transport: If your flight lands after 9 PM, pre-book a pickup. Many local hotels and guesthouses offer this service for a fee (~300 THB).
- Airport Waiting: The UBP terminal is small and basic. If you have a very early flight, it's more comfortable to arrive by pre-booked taxi than to rely on early-morning songthaews.
4. Alternative for Small Groups: Tuk-Tuk or Motorcycle Taxi
Note: These are not typically found waiting at the airport. However, if you take a songthaew to a main road near the university, you can easily find a tuk-tuk for the final leg (50-80 THB). Motorcycle taxis are the cheapest and fastest for solo travelers without luggage (30-50 THB). Always agree on the price before getting in.
FAQs: Ubon Airport to University Transport
What is the cheapest way to get from Ubon Ratchathani Airport to Ubon Ratchathani University?
The cheapest way is the public city bus (Songthaew Route 2 or 10). The fare is typically 15-20 THB. However, it requires walking from the bus stop to the university campus and may not be convenient with luggage.
Is there a direct shuttle bus from UBP airport to the university?
No, there is no dedicated direct shuttle bus service connecting Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) directly to the Ubon Ratchathani University campus. You must use a combination of taxi, ride-hail, or public bus.
How much does a taxi cost from Ubon Airport to the university?
An official airport taxi to Ubon Ratchathani University costs a fixed rate of approximately 250-300 THB. Ride-hailing apps like Grab may offer similar or slightly lower fares, around 200-280 THB.
How long is the drive from Ubon Airport to Ubon Ratchathani University?
The drive is relatively short, taking about 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. The distance is roughly 15-18 kilometers via Route 226 and Phichit Rangsan Road.
Can I use Grab or Bolt at Ubon Ratchathani Airport?
Yes, ride-hailing services like Grab are operational at UBP. It's advisable to check the app for driver availability and estimated fare upon arrival. There is usually a designated pickup area.
Is it easy to rent a car at Ubon Ratchathani Airport?
Yes, international and local car rental companies like Budget and Thai Rent A Car have counters in the arrivals hall. Booking in advance online is recommended for better rates and vehicle selection.
What should I do if my flight arrives late at night?
For late-night arrivals, pre-booking a taxi via your hotel or using the official airport taxi counter is the most reliable option. Public buses may not run, and ride-hail driver availability can be sparse.
Is Ubon Ratchathani University within walking distance from the city center?
No, Ubon Ratchathani University's main Warin Chamrap campus is located approximately 5-7 km east of the central city area (like Chayangkul Road). It is not walkable; you need local transport like a tuk-tuk, taxi, or songthaew.