Quick Answer
The best overall way for most travelers is the direct airport minibus, balancing cost and convenience. The fastest way is a private taxi or pre-booked transfer (approx. 1h 15min, 1500-2000 THB). The cheapest way is the public city bus via Udon Thani city center (20-30 THB + transfer).
1. Direct Airport Minibus (Van) â The Recommended Choice
This is the most popular and convenient public transport option, offering a direct link between the airport and Khon Kaen's main bus terminal without requiring you to go into Udon Thani city center first.
Key Details & Step-by-Step Guide:
- Location: The minibus counter and pickup point are located directly outside the Udon Thani Airport (UTH) arrivals hall. Look for signs or vans labeled "Khon Kaen".
- Schedule & Frequency: Minibuses typically run from approximately 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. They depart when full, which usually means a wait of 20-40 minutes during daytime hours.
- Journey: The trip is direct, taking the main Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road). The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- Arrival Point: You will be dropped off at the Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 2 (Bor Kor Sor 2), the city's main long-distance bus station. From here, you can easily find local songthaews (shared taxis), tuk-tuks, or metered taxis to your final hotel.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost (per person) | 150 - 200 THB (approx. $4 - $6 USD) |
| Travel Time | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Baggage Allowance | Limited to one medium suitcase/backpack. Large luggage may incur an extra fee or be refused if the van is full. |
| Booking | Not possible. Pay in cash to the driver or attendant at the counter. |
| Best For | Solo travelers, couples, and small groups without excessive luggage who arrive during daylight hours. |
Pro Tip: If you have a lot of luggage, try to be among the first to board to secure space in the back. For official transport info, you can check the Airports of Thailand page for Udon Thani, though schedules are often more informal.
2. Taxi & Private Car Transfer â The Fastest & Most Comfortable Door-to-Door Option
For door-to-door convenience, speed, or travel outside minibus operating hours, a taxi or pre-booked car is the solution, albeit at a significantly higher cost.
Taxi from the Airport Rank:
Official taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. Crucially, always insist on using the meter ("meter, please"). If the driver refuses, agree on a firm fare before getting in. The meter fare to Khon Kaen should be around 1500-1800 THB, but drivers often quote a flat 2000 THB.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended):
Booking online in advance is often cheaper and less stressful. Reliable local companies like UdonMap's recommended services or international platforms like KiwiTaxi offer fixed-price, meet-and-greet services.
| Option | Approx. Cost | Travel Time | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metered Taxi | 1,500 - 1,800 THB | ~1h 15min | Available 24/7, no advance booking needed. |
| Pre-Booked Car | 1,800 - 2,500 THB | ~1h 15min | Fixed price, driver meets you with a sign, often a newer vehicle, can book a van for groups. |
When to Choose This: Late-night/early-morning arrivals, families with young children, travelers with mobility issues or lots of luggage, or groups of 3-4 where the cost can be split.
3. Public Bus â The Most Economical Route (Two-Part Journey)
This is the true budget backpacker's route, involving a local transfer in Udon Thani city. It's cheap but requires more time and effort.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Udon Thani City Center: Take the Udon Thani City Bus (Songthaew/Public Bus) from outside the airport. The fare is 20-30 THB. Tell the driver "Bus Station" or "Bor Kor Sor". You'll be dropped at the main Udon Thani Bus Terminal.
- Udon Thani to Khon Kaen Bus: Inside the bus terminal, find the counter for buses to Khon Kaen. Buses (both standard and air-conditioned) depart very frequently from early morning until evening. The fare is approximately 80-120 THB, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Total Cost: ~100-150 THB. Total Time: 2.5 - 3+ hours (including waiting and transfer).
Important Note: The city bus from the airport can be infrequent and confusing for non-Thai speakers. Tuk-tuks from the airport to the main bus terminal will cost 150-200 THB, cutting time but increasing cost.
4. Train â A Scenic but Less Practical Alternative
While not directly accessible from the airport, the train is an option for rail enthusiasts or those with a flexible schedule.
The Challenge: Udon Thani Airport has no rail link. You must first get to Udon Thani Railway Station in the city (a 30-minute, 200-300 THB taxi ride).
Several daily trains run from Udon Thani to Khon Kaen. The journey is slow (2.5 - 4 hours) but offers a unique view of the Isaan countryside. Fares are very cheap, starting at 50 THB for 3rd class.
Verdict: For the purpose of getting from the airport to Khon Kaen, the train is generally not recommended due to the extra transfer, longer total journey time, and infrequent schedules compared to buses. Check schedules on the State Railway of Thailand website if curious.
5. Cost & Time Comparison: Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen
This table summarizes all key information to help you decide at a glance.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (per person) | Travel Time | Convenience / Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Airport Minibus | 150 - 200 THB | 1.5 - 2 hours | High. Direct from airport to KK bus terminal. | Most travelers (Best Value) |
| Public Bus (via Udon City) | 100 - 150 THB | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | Low. Requires transfer in Udon city. | Ultra-budget travelers (Cheapest) |
| Taxi (Metered/Agreed) | 1,500 - 2,000 THB (for car) | ~1 hour 15 min | Very High. Door-to-door, 24/7. | Groups, families, late arrivals, luggage-heavy travelers (Fastest) |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | 1,800 - 2,500 THB (for car) | ~1 hour 15 min | Very High. Fixed price, meet-and-greet. | Those seeking maximum comfort and certainty. |
| Train (via Udon Station) | 50 - 400 THB + taxi (200-300 THB) | 4+ hours total | Very Low. Multiple transfers, slow, scenic. | Rail enthusiasts with ample time. |
6. Traveler Tips & Essential Advice
Money & Payment:
Have small Thai Baht notes ready for the minibus or public bus. Drivers rarely have change for large bills. For taxis, ensure you have enough cash, as cards are almost never accepted.
Luggage Considerations:
The minibus has strict space limits. If you have oversized luggage (e.g., surfboards, large equipment), a private transfer is mandatory. Consider sending large bags ahead via Thailand's reliable intercity parcel services (like Kerry Express) if you're on a tight budget but have lots of gear.
Arriving Late at Night:
Your only real option is a taxi. The official desk may be closed, but independent drivers will be present. Negotiate firmly but politely. Having a hotel address in Khon Kaen written in Thai can be very helpful for the driver.
Connectivity:
Purchase a local SIM card at the Udon Thani Airport arrivals hall (providers like AIS, TrueMove, dtac). Having mobile data allows you to use Google Maps, translate, and book a Grab taxi in Khon Kaen upon arrival.
FAQs: Getting from Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen
What is the cheapest way to get from Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen?
The public city bus (Udon Thani City Bus) is by far the cheapest option, costing only 20-30 THB. However, it requires a transfer in Udon Thani city. The most straightforward budget option is the direct airport minibus to Khon Kaen Bus Terminal, costing around 150-200 THB.
What is the fastest way to get from Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen?
A private taxi or pre-booked car transfer is the fastest door-to-door option, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you're on a tighter budget, the direct airport minibus is the next fastest public transport, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is the best overall way to get from Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen?
For most travelers, the direct airport minibus offers the best balance of speed, convenience, and cost. It departs from outside the arrivals hall, requires no transfers in the city, and drops you at the main Khon Kaen Bus Terminal, a central hub for onward travel.
How do I get from Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen at night?
After public buses and minibuses stop (around 7-8 PM), your only reliable options are a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. Taxis are available 24/7 outside arrivals, but you should insist on using the meter or agree on a firm fare (typically 1500-2000 THB) before departing.
How do I get from Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen early in the morning?
The first direct airport minibus typically departs around 8:00 AM. For flights arriving earlier, you can take a taxi into Udon Thani city (to the main bus terminal) and catch the first public bus to Khon Kaen, which usually starts around 5:30 AM.
Is it easy to travel from Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen with children or lots of luggage?
The direct minibus can be cramped for large luggage. For families or those with multiple suitcases, a private transfer is highly recommended. Companies like UdonMap offer van services with pre-agreed fares, providing more space and a hassle-free journey.
Can I take a train from Udon Thani Airport to Khon Kaen?
No, there is no train station at Udon Thani Airport. To take a train, you must first travel to Udon Thani Railway Station in the city (by taxi or bus, 30 mins), then take a train to Khon Kaen. This is often slower and more complicated than the direct road options.
Is flying from Udon Thani to Khon Kaen an option?
There are no scheduled commercial flights between Udon Thani (UTH) and Khon Kaen (KKC). The distance is only ~130 km, making road transport the only viable and practical option. The flight would be prohibitively short and expensive compared to a 1.5-hour drive.