Quick Answer
The most convenient way to get from Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) to your hotel is by official airport taxi or Grab, taking 15-25 minutes and costing a fixed 250-300 THB. For the cheapest option, take the public City Bus Line 10 for just 15-20 THB, but be prepared for a walk and potential transfers.
Taxi & Rideshare Apps (Grab) from Ubon Airport
This is the most straightforward and recommended method for most travelers, especially first-time visitors or those with luggage. Service is available immediately outside the arrivals hall.
| Service Type | Average Cost (Car) | Travel Time | Where to Find | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Airport Taxi | 250 - 300 THB (fixed rate to city) | 15 - 25 min | Taxi counter inside arrivals hall. Pay at counter, get a voucher. | Everyone. Easiest, no haggling. |
| Grab (Rideshare) | 200 - 280 THB | 15 - 25 min | Use Grab app. Pick-up point is outside arrivals. | Tech-savvy travelers, smaller groups. |
| Metered Taxi (Rare) | ~200 THB + tolls (if meter used) | 15 - 25 min | Sometimes wait outside. Always insist on using the meter. | Budget travelers willing to negotiate. |
Detailed Process & Tips
Step-by-Step: 1) After baggage claim, look for the clearly marked âTaxi Serviceâ counter. 2) Tell the agent your hotel name or area. 3) Pay the fixed fare and receive a voucher. 4) Exit the terminal and hand the voucher to the driver in the designated taxi queue.
Pros: Door-to-door, available 24/7 for arriving flights, air-conditioned, safe and official.
Cons: More expensive than public options. During very rare large flight overlaps, a short wait may occur.
Source: Ubon Ratchathani Airport Official Transport Page confirms fixed taxi rates.
Public Bus & Shared Minivan (The Budget Choice)
For the lowest possible cost, Thailand's extensive bus network is your friend. However, from Ubon Airport, it requires more effort and is less direct than in major cities like Bangkok.
Option 1: City Bus (Songthaew) Line 10
The most local option. You must walk approximately 800 meters from the terminal to the main highway (Chayangkul Road). Look for blue songthaews (converted pickup trucks) with a number "10" sign.
- Cost: 15 - 20 THB per person.
- Route: Travels along Chayangkul Rd > Srinarong Rd > into the city center (passing near Central Plaza).
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes during daylight hours (approx. 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM).
- Tip: Tell the driver your destination. They might drop you close or advise where to get off and transfer.
Option 2: Shared Minivans
More comfortable than the bus and still very affordable. These vans wait near the airport exit, offering shared rides into the city.
- Cost: 50 - 100 THB per person, depending on your drop-off point.
- Operation: They leave when full (usually 8-10 passengers).
- Drop-off: Often terminate at a central point like the old bus station (Bor Kor Sor) or a major market. From there, you'll need a short local taxi (30-50 THB) to your hotel.
Who should avoid this? Travelers with heavy luggage, families with young children, those arriving after dark, or anyone prioritizing convenience over cost.
Renting a Car at Ubon Ratchathani Airport
UBP has rental desks for those planning to explore the wider Isaan region. This is highly recommended if your itinerary includes sites like the Two-Color River (Maenam Song Si), Pha Taem National Park (cliff paintings), or temples outside the city.
| Company | Desk Location | Starting Price (Daily) | Vehicle Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis / Budget | Arrivals Hall | ~800 - 1,200 THB | Compact Sedans, SUVs |
| Local Companies | Arrivals Hall or Pre-booked | ~700 - 1,000 THB | Pickups, Older sedans |
Essential Driving Advice for Isaan
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Legally required alongside your home license. Police checkpoints are common.
- Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze. Download offline maps for rural areas with patchy signal.
- Road Conditions: Major highways are excellent. Rural roads can be narrow and dark at night. Watch for free-roaming livestock.
- Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful. Consider a car that uses gasohol 91 or 95 for best availability and price.
Source: Comparison data sourced from aggregate reviews on RentalCars.com.
Private Transfers & Hotel Shuttles
A pre-booked private car is the premium, stress-free option. Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
- Cost: 700 - 1,200 THB for a standard sedan, depending on the company and booking platform.
- Booking: Arrange online via platforms like Kiwitaxi, Booking.com, or through local tour companies.
- Best For: Groups of 3-4, travelers with specific needs, late-night arrivals for extra reliability, corporate travel.
Hotel Shuttle Services
Do not expect free shuttle services common in larger airports. A limited number of Ubon's hotels (typically higher-end or isolated resorts) offer paid or complimentary transfers. You must confirm this via email with your hotel before your trip. If offered, it's often the most seamless method.
Transportation Cost & Time Comparison Table
Use this table for an at-a-glance comparison to decide the best fit for your budget and schedule.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (Per Vehicle/Person) | Travel Time to Downtown | Convenience / Effort Level | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi (Official) | 250 - 300 THB (car) | 15 - 25 min | Very High (Door-to-door, counter inside) | All travelers, first-timers, families. |
| Grab / Rideshare | 200 - 280 THB (car) | 15 - 25 min | High (App-based, meet outside) | Solo/couple travelers, tech users. |
| Shared Minivan | 50 - 100 THB (per person) | 20 - 35 min + potential wait | Medium (Walk to van, may need final taxi) | Budget backpackers, small groups. |
| Public Bus (Songthaew 10) | 15 - 20 THB (per person) | 30 - 45 min + walking | Low (800m walk, possible transfers) | Ultra-budget, adventurous travelers. |
| Private Transfer (Pre-booked) | 700 - 1,200 THB (car) | 15 - 25 min | Very High (Driver meets you at gate) | Groups, special occasions, corporate. |
| Rental Car | 700+ THB/day + fuel | 15 - 25 min (to city) | High (For exploration, not just transfer) | Travelers exploring Isaan region. |
Verdict: For a balance of cost and convenience, the official airport taxi is the universal winner. For pure budget, brave the shared minivan.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for Ubon Airport
Insights beyond basic logistics to make your arrival smooth and enjoyable.
1. Money & Connectivity First
- ATM & Currency Exchange: Multiple ATMs (KBank, Bangkok Bank) and a currency exchange booth are in the arrivals hall. Withdraw or exchange enough for your taxi and first day.
- SIM Cards: TrueMove H, AIS, and dtac counters are available. Buying a tourist SIM here is easy and ensures you have data for navigation and Grab. Prices: ~300 THB for 8-15GB valid for 8 days.
2. Navigating for Different Hotel Areas
- Hotels near Central Plaza Ubon: Very convenient. Taxi cost is the standard 250-300 THB, trip ~15 mins.
- Hotels in the Old Town / Riverfront: Slightly longer (20-25 mins), but same fixed taxi fare. Tell the driver "Wat Jaeng" or "Thung Si Mueang" as landmarks.
- Resorts outside the city (e.g., by Sirindhorn Reservoir): Taxi will switch to meter or negotiate. Expect 500+ THB. Pre-booking a transfer is highly advised.
3. Luggage & Special Circumstances
- Excess Luggage: Airport taxis and private cars can accommodate standard luggage. For oversized items (surfboards, large equipment), pre-book a larger vehicle.
- Arriving with a Motorbike License: Small motorbike rentals are available in the city, not at the airport. Take a taxi to your hotel first, then rent locally (~200-300 THB/day).
- Peak Seasons (Thai Holidays, Buddhist Lent Candle Festival in July): Expect more crowds. Taxis are still available, but pre-booking guarantees your ride.
FAQs: Ubon Ratchathani Airport to Hotel Transport
What is the cheapest way to get from Ubon Ratchathani Airport to my hotel?
The absolute cheapest is the public City Bus (Songthaew) Line 10 for 15-20 THB. It involves an 800m walk from the terminal. The best value-for-money/convenience balance is the shared minivan at 50-100 THB per person.
Is there a direct train from Ubon Ratchathani Airport to the city center?
No. Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) is a regional airport serving road transport only. The city's railway station is located downtown, requiring a taxi or bus from the airport to reach it first.
How much does a taxi cost from UBP to downtown hotels?
The official fixed fare from the airport taxi counter to any downtown hotel or location is 250-300 THB for the entire car, regardless of the number of passengers (up to 4). The journey takes 15-25 minutes.
What should I do if my flight arrives late at night?
UBP's commercial flight schedule typically ends by 10 PM. If you are on the last flight, official airport taxis will still be waiting. For absolute certainty, pre-booking a private transfer is the most reliable option for late-night arrivals.
Are there any hotel shuttle services from Ubon Airport?
Free shuttle services are extremely rare in Ubon Ratchathani. Some higher-end or remote resorts may offer a paid or complimentary service. You must contact your hotel directly via email before your trip to confirm availability and arrange it.
Is it easy to rent a car at Ubon Ratchathani Airport?
Yes, it is straightforward. International and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. It is a great option if you plan to explore the Isaan region. Remember to have your passport, home driver's license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
How do I get from Ubon Airport to the bus station for travel to other provinces?
The main intercity bus terminal (Bus Terminal 2) is south of the city. From the airport, take a taxi directly (approx. 300-350 THB, 30-40 mins) or take a shared minivan into the city and then a local tuk-tuk or taxi to the bus terminal.
What's the best transportation for a family with lots of luggage?
For families, the official airport taxi (you can request a larger vehicle if available) or a pre-booked private transfer is best. It provides door-to-door service, space for all luggage and people, and eliminates stress. The cost (400-600 THB for a van) is justified by the convenience.