How to Get from Ubon Ratchathani University to Ubon Ratchathani Airport

Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform and the most recommended way to travel from Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU) to Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP). It offers fixed pricing, air-conditioned vehicles, and door-to-door service with no need to negotiate.

💰 Price & Time

• GrabCar (standard): 200–300 THB ($5.70–8.60) – 15–25 minutes
• GrabCar Plus (larger vehicle): 280–400 THB ($8.00–11.40) – same time, more space
• GrabTaxi (metered taxi via app): 150–250 THB ($4.30–7.10) + 20 THB airport surcharge – 15–25 minutes

Price factors: Surge pricing during rain (May–October) and peak hours (7:00–8:30 AM & 4:30–6:30 PM) can add 20–50%. Always check the fare before booking.

📱 How to Book

1. Download the Grab app (iOS/Android) and register with a phone number or email.
2. Set your pickup location – recommended spots: UBU Main Gate, Faculty of Engineering, or Dormitory Area. Use the map pin for accuracy.
3. Enter "Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP)" as your destination.
4. Choose GrabCar or GrabTaxi. Confirm the price and tap Book.
5. Wait 3–10 minutes for driver arrival. Communicate via in-app chat if needed (Grab auto-translates messages).

🧳 Luggage & Vehicle Fit

• GrabCar: trunk fits 2 suitcases (24–28") + 1 backpack.
• GrabCar Plus: fits 3–4 suitcases + carry-ons – ideal for groups or extra gear.
• If you have oversized luggage (sports equipment, musical instruments), select GrabCar Plus and message the driver.

✅ Pros & Cons

• + Fixed price – no negotiation needed
• + Air-conditioned, safe, trackable
• + Available 24/7 in Ubon area
• – Requires smartphone & internet (SIM or Wi-Fi)
• – Surge pricing can double the cost during peak demand

👤 Best For

Most travelers: students with luggage, faculty members, visitors who value time and comfort, and anyone arriving at UBU for the first time.

Authority Source: Grab Thailand Official Site – fare estimator & coverage map | Ubon Airport Transport Info

The tuk-tuk (三蹦子) is Thailand's iconic three-wheeled vehicle. It's a fun, open-air way to travel and widely available around UBU's main entrance and nearby markets.

💰 Price & Time

• Typical fare: 150–250 THB ($4.30–7.10) – always negotiate before boarding.
• Time: 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and the driver's route.
• Note: Tuk-tuks are not metered. Starting offer from the driver may be 300–400 THB – negotiate firmly but politely to ~200 THB.

🤝 How to Negotiate

1. Ask: "How much to Ubon Airport?" (ไปสนามบินอุบลเท่าไหร่)
2. If the price seems high, show the Grab fare on your phone as a reference.
3. Agree on a price before getting in – confirm it includes all luggage.
4. Have small bills (100 THB notes) to avoid change issues.

🧳 Luggage Limit

Tuk-tuks have very limited space. One small suitcase (20–22") or a backpack per passenger is fine. Two large suitcases likely won't fit – choose Grab or songthaew instead.

✅ Pros & Cons

• + Fun, open-air experience – great for photos
• + Easy to find near UBU (no app required)
• + Can weave through traffic slightly faster than cars
• – No air conditioning – very hot in April–June (38–42°C)
• – Noise, exhaust fumes, and bumpy ride
• – Less safe than a car in case of accident

👤 Best For

Solo travelers or couples with light luggage, backpackers wanting a local vibe, short trips during cooler hours (early morning or after sunset).

Authority Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand – tuk-tuk travel tips

The songthaew (สองแถว) is a converted pickup truck with two benches in the back – the most economical way to get around Ubon. It operates like a shared bus on fixed routes but can also be chartered privately.

💰 Price & Time

• Shared (public) route: 50–100 THB ($1.40–2.90) per person – requires 1 transfer
• Chartered (private): 150–250 THB ($4.30–7.10) for the whole vehicle – direct to airport
• Time (shared): 35–50 minutes including waiting and transfer
• Time (chartered): 25–35 minutes direct

🗺️ Route & Transfer

Step 1: From UBU, catch a songthaew heading toward Ubon City Center (Central Plaza / Thung Si Mueang area). Fare: ~20–30 THB. Frequency: every 15–20 minutes during 6:00–18:00.

Step 2: At the city center, switch to a songthaew going to Ubon Airport (route signs in Thai: สนามบินอุบล). Fare: ~30–50 THB. Frequency: every 20–30 minutes.

Tip: Tell the driver "sah-nahm-bin" (airport) to confirm the route. If no songthaew is available, a short tuk-tuk ride (50 THB) can complete the second leg.

⏰ Operating Hours

Songthaews run mainly 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. After 6:00 PM, availability drops sharply. For early morning flights (before 7:00 AM), songthaews are not reliable – use Grab or a pre-booked taxi.

🧳 Luggage

Shared songthaews have open back – luggage is exposed to dust and rain. Bring a cover/protection. Large suitcases (28"+) may be difficult to fit if the vehicle is crowded. Chartered songthaews offer more flexibility.

✅ Pros & Cons

• + Cheapest option by far
• + Authentic local experience
• + No need for app or smartphone
• – Requires transfer (extra hassle with luggage)
• – No fixed schedule – wait times vary
• – Stops running early evening
• – Open back – not comfortable in rain or extreme heat

👤 Best For

Budget travelers, backpackers with small/medium backpacks, students on a tight budget, and anyone with plenty of time and a sense of adventure.

Authority Source: Ministry of Transport Thailand – local transport info | Ubon Ratchathani University – campus transport guide

Motorbike taxis (motorcycle taxis) are a common sight in Ubon, identifiable by drivers wearing numbered vests. They are the fastest way to cover the 12.5 km route, especially during heavy traffic.

💰 Price & Time

• Motorbike taxi (one-way): 100–150 THB ($2.90–4.30) – 15–20 minutes
• Motorbike rental (per day): 200–350 THB ($5.70–10.00) – plus fuel ~50 THB
• Note: Rental requires a valid motorcycle license (international driving permit recommended) and a passport deposit.

📍 Where to Find Them

• UBU Main Gate – usually 2–3 drivers waiting
• Near the university's dormitory zone
• Outside 7-Eleven stores along the main road

🧳 Luggage Realities

Motorbike taxis can only accommodate a backpack or small duffel – no suitcases. If you have a rolling suitcase, you will likely need to hold it on your lap, which is uncomfortable and unsafe. Not recommended for travelers with more than a daypack.

🛡️ Safety First

• Helmets: Drivers must provide one by law – ensure it's strapped properly.
• Speed: Ubon traffic is moderate, but roads can be uneven. Hold on tight.
• Weather: Avoid in rain – roads get slippery and visibility drops.
• Crime: Stick to licensed drivers (numbered vests). Avoid accepting rides from unmarked individuals.

✅ Pros & Cons

• + Fastest option (beat traffic jams)
• + Very cheap for solo travelers
• + Flexible – no booking needed
• – High accident risk (Thailand has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world – 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people, WHO 2023)
• – Unsuitable for luggage
• – Uncomfortable in rain & heat

👤 Best For

Single travelers with only a backpack, short-notice trips, experienced riders who have driven in Southeast Asia before, and those on a very tight budget with minimal gear.

Authority Source: WHO Thailand – road safety statistics 2023 | Thai Road Safety Foundation

If you are affiliated with UBU or staying at a nearby hotel, you may have access to dedicated transport options that are either free or very low-cost.

🎓 Ubon University Internal Shuttle

• Service: UBU operates a free shuttle bus for students and staff within the campus and to some nearby areas.
• Airport route? Currently, the UBU shuttle does not run to Ubon Airport. It only connects the main campus with the city center (Central Plaza) and the university's hospital.
• Workaround: Take the UBU shuttle to Central Plaza (free, ~20 min), then switch to a songthaew or Grab to the airport (50–100 THB extra).
• Schedule: 7:00–17:00, every 30–60 minutes. Check the UBU Transport Office for the latest timetable.

🏨 Hotel Airport Shuttle / Complimentary Transfer

• Hotels near UBU: Some accommodations (e.g., Ubon River Hotel, The Bliss Ubon) offer free or discounted airport drop-offs for guests.
• How to arrange: Ask at the front desk at least 2 hours before your flight. Many hotels require 24-hour notice.
• Cost: Free for guests – or 100–200 THB ($2.90–5.70) as a courtesy fee.
• Availability: Not all hotels provide this service. Always confirm at booking or check the hotel's Facilities page.

✅ Pros & Cons (Shuttle/Transfer)

• + Free or very cheap
• + No app or negotiation needed
• + Reliable if pre-booked
• – Limited schedule – may not align with your flight time
• – Not available to all travelers (only students/staff or hotel guests)
• – Requires advance planning

👤 Best For

UBU students and staff (using campus shuttle + transfer), hotel guests who value convenience and saving money, and travelers who book accommodation specifically for the airport shuttle benefit.

Authority Source: Ubon Ratchathani University Official – transport & shuttle info | Tourism Authority of Thailand – hotel transfer tips

Use this table to compare every transport mode from Ubon Ratchathani University to Ubon Airport. Best overall and cheapest are highlighted.

Transport Mode	💵 Price (THB)	💵 Price (USD)	⏱️ Time	🔄 Transfers	🧳 Luggage	⭐ Recommendation
GrabCar 🥇	200–350 THB	$5.70–10.00	15–25 min	0 (direct)	2 suitcases + carry-on	Best Overall
GrabTaxi (metered)	150–250 + 20 surcharge	$4.30–7.70	15–25 min	0 (direct)	2 suitcases	Great value
Tuk-tuk	150–250	$4.30–7.10	20–30 min	0 (direct)	1 small bag only	Fun, but limited
Songthaew (shared) 🥇	50–100 THB	$1.40–2.90	35–50 min	1 (city center)	1 backpack	Cheapest
Songthaew (chartered)	150–250	$4.30–7.10	25–35 min	0 (direct)	2–3 bags	Good for groups
Motorbike taxi	100–150	$2.90–4.30	15–20 min	0 (direct)	Backpack only	Fast but risky
Motorbike rental (self-drive)	250–400/day	$7.10–11.40	15–20 min	0 (direct)	Backpack only	For experienced riders
Hotel shuttle (free)	0–200	$0–5.70	20–30 min	0 (direct)	Depends on vehicle	If available
UBU shuttle + songthaew	30–80	$0.90–2.30	50–70 min	2	1 backpack	Ultra-budget

Prices are estimates as of 2025. Actual fares may vary based on time of day, weather, and demand. USD conversion at ~35 THB/USD.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Best value: GrabCar – balances cost, speed, comfort, and luggage capacity.
• Cheapest: Shared songthaew (50–100 THB) – requires a transfer and time.
• Fastest: Motorbike taxi (15–20 min) – solo travelers only.
• Most comfortable: GrabCar Plus – for groups or heavy luggage.

Authority Source: Grab Thailand fare estimator | Numbeo Ubon transport cost data

Beyond the basic transport facts, here are practical insights from frequent travelers and locals to make your journey smoother.

🧳 Luggage Delivery Service (Takkyubin-style)

If you have heavy bags and want to travel light to the airport, use a luggage delivery service like Kerry Express or Flash Express. Drop your suitcase at a branch near UBU in the morning, and it will arrive at Ubon Airport by evening. Cost: ~150–250 THB ($4.30–7.10) per suitcase. This frees you to use the cheap songthaew without struggling with bags.

🌧️ Rainy Season Warning (May–October)

• Afternoon downpours are common and can flood low-lying roads near UBU.
• Tuk-tuks and motorbikes offer no protection – you will get soaked.
• Grab and taxis may have surge pricing (1.5–2x normal) during heavy rain.
• Tip: Keep a rain jacket or umbrella handy, and allow 15–20 extra minutes during storms.

🌡️ Heat & Hydration

Ubon is one of the hottest provinces in Thailand. From March to June, daytime temperatures regularly exceed 38°C (100°F). If you choose a tuk-tuk or songthaew, bring water and a hat. Avoid peak heat hours (12:00–15:00) for open-air transport.

📱 Essential Apps to Download

• Grab – ride-hailing & food delivery
• Google Maps – offline maps of Ubon (download ahead)
• Line – popular messaging app in Thailand, used by many drivers
• XE Currency – for quick THB ↔ USD conversion

🗣️ Useful Thai Phrases

• "Pai sanam-bin Ubon" (ไปสนามบินอุบล) – "Go to Ubon Airport."
• "Tao-rai?" (เท่าไหร่) – "How much?"
• "Lot noi dai mai?" (ลดหน่อยได้ไหม) – "Can you lower the price a little?"
• "Khop khun" (ขอบคุณ) – "Thank you."

⏰ Flight Time Planning – Critical Advice

Domestic flights: Arrive at UBP 1.5 hours before departure. The airport is small – check-in and security take about 20–30 minutes on most days.

International flights: Arrive 2.5–3 hours early. Ubon Airport handles limited international routes (e.g., to Laos or Myanmar), but customs and security can be slower.

Buffer time: Always add 30 minutes to your estimated travel time for unexpected delays (traffic, rain, flat tire).

🚦 Traffic Patterns in Ubon

• Light traffic: 9:00–16:00 (smooth 20-min ride)
• Moderate traffic: 7:00–8:30 AM & 4:30–6:30 PM (add 10–15 min)
• Heavy traffic: During local festivals (e.g., Ubon Candle Festival in July) – add 20–30 min

Authority Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Ubon travel tips | Kerry Express Thailand – luggage service