Quick Answer
Best way: Take a taxi or Grab from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST). It's the fastest, most reliable option.
- Total time: 40–50 minutes
- Total cost: 500–700 泰铢 ($15–$20 USD)
- Key transfer point: No transfer needed — direct door-to-door service
- Alternative (budget): Songthaew + second songthaew/taxi — 50–70 泰铢 ($1.50–$2 USD), but takes 1.5–2 hours
If you're traveling with luggage or in a group, a taxi is strongly recommended. For solo travelers on a tight budget, the public transport combo works but requires patience.
🚖 Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Grab) — The Best Choice
Recommendation level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — For almost all travelers, a taxi or Grab is the optimal way to get from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport. It's direct, comfortable, and reasonably priced for the distance.
Standard Taxi
- Time: 40–50 minutes (Route 401 → Route 408)
- Cost: 500–700 泰铢 ($15–$20 USD) — negotiate before departure or insist on the meter
- Distance: ~45 km
- Availability: Taxis can be flagged near the university main gate or booked via phone. Supply is moderate during the day but limited after 9 PM.
Grab (Ride-Hailing)
- Time: 40–50 minutes (same route)
- Cost: 450–600 泰铢 ($13–$18 USD) — usually 10–15% cheaper than street taxis
- Booking: Use the Grab app (available in English). Select "GrabCar" or "GrabCar Plus" for more space.
- Tip: Book 10–15 minutes in advance during peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM) to avoid surge pricing.
Private Transfer / Hotel Shuttle
- Time: 40–50 minutes
- Cost: 600–1,000 泰铢 ($18–$30 USD) — depends on vehicle type and provider
- Booking: Arrange through your hotel or a local tour operator. Some services offer meet-and-greet with a name board.
- Best for: Groups of 3–4 people, late-night arrivals, or travelers with heavy luggage.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Door-to-door service | More expensive than public transport |
| Fastest option (40–50 min) | Limited availability late at night |
| Comfortable with A/C | Traffic can add 10–20 min during peak |
| Handles luggage easily | Street taxis may refuse the meter |
Real traveler example: Sarah, a visiting researcher at Walailak University, took a GrabCar from the university's main gate to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport at 6:30 AM. The trip cost 520 泰铢 ($15.50 USD) and took 43 minutes. She arrived with plenty of time for her 8:50 AM flight to Bangkok.
🚌 Public Transport: Songthaew & Local Bus (Budget Option)
Recommendation level: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ — Suitable for budget backpackers and solo travelers with light luggage. Not recommended for those with heavy bags, tight schedules, or limited mobility.
Route Overview: Two Legs
Leg 1: Walailak University → Nakhon Si Thammarat city center (Tha Sala Road / Route 401)
- Vehicle: Songthaew (shared pickup truck) or local minibus
- Cost: 30–40 泰铢 ($0.90–$1.20 USD)
- Time: 30–40 minutes
- Pickup point: Near the university's main entrance on Route 4019
- Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Leg 2: Nakhon Si Thammarat city center → Airport (Pak Phun area)
- Vehicle: Songthaew (light blue or white route) or city bus
- Cost: 20–30 泰铢 ($0.60–$0.90 USD)
- Time: 30–40 minutes
- Boarding point: Near the city pillar shrine or the fresh market (Talad Sod)
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes until about 5:30 PM
Total cost: 50–70 泰铢 ($1.50–$2 USD) — the cheapest possible option.
Total time: 1.5–2 hours (including waiting and transfer time).
Important Caveats
- Songthaews do not run late — last departures from the city to the airport are around 5:30–6:00 PM.
- Luggage space is very limited. You'll need to keep bags on your lap or in the aisle.
- Language barrier: drivers may not speak English. Have your destination written in Thai: "สนามบินนครศรีธรรมราช".
- Not recommended for early morning flights (before 8 AM) or evening arrivals.
🚗 Rental Car & Self-Drive
Recommendation level: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ — Good for travelers who want flexibility and plan to explore the region. Less practical for a one-way airport trip unless you're continuing a longer journey.
Car Rental Options
- Local agencies near Walailak University: Small rental shops in Tha Sala town offer cars from 800–1,200 泰铢/day ($24–$36 USD).
- International chains (Budget, Hertz): Located in Nakhon Si Thammarat city. They can deliver the car to the university for an extra fee of 200–300 泰铢 ($6–$9 USD).
- Requirements: Valid driving license (international driving permit recommended), passport, and a credit card deposit (typically 3,000–5,000 泰铢).
Driving Route
- Route: Take Route 4019 south from the university → merge onto Route 401 → continue to Route 408 → follow signs to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport.
- Time: 40–50 minutes (same as taxi)
- Parking at airport: Free outdoor parking available for up to 7 days. Covered parking costs 50 泰铢/day ($1.50 USD).
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible departure time | Rental cost + fuel = 1,000–1,800 泰铢 total |
| Can explore the area en route | Need valid license & deposit |
| Comfortable for groups | Traffic and navigation challenges |
| Free airport parking | One-way drop-off fees may apply |
🏍️ Motorbike & Motorbike Taxi
Recommendation level: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ — Only for experienced riders comfortable with Thai traffic. Not suitable for first-time visitors or those with large luggage.
Self-Ride Motorbike
- Rental cost: 200–400 泰铢/day ($6–$12 USD) from shops in Tha Sala or near the university.
- Fuel cost: ~100 泰铢 ($3 USD) for the round trip.
- Time: 35–45 minutes (slightly faster than a car due to lane filtering).
- Route: Same as car — Route 4019 → Route 401 → Route 408.
- Parking at airport: Free motorcycle parking area near the terminal entrance.
Motorbike Taxi (Win)
- Cost: 300–500 泰铢 ($9–$15 USD) — negotiate before riding.
- Time: 35–45 minutes.
- Availability: Look for drivers in green vests near the university gate or in Tha Sala town.
- Warning: Not recommended with luggage. One small backpack only.
Safety Tips
- Always wear a helmet (required by law, fine 500 泰铢 for non-compliance).
- Drive defensively — watch for trucks, potholes, and stray animals on Route 401.
- Avoid riding after dark (limited street lighting, higher accident risk).
🚆 Train — Not Recommended for This Route (But Here's the Info)
Recommendation level: ⭐☆☆☆☆ — Taking a train from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is highly inefficient due to the geographic layout. However, we provide the details for reference.
Why It Doesn't Make Sense
- Walailak University is located ~20 km north of Nakhon Si Thammarat city center (Tha Sala district).
- The airport is located ~10 km east of the city center (Pak Phun area).
- The railway station (Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station) is in the city center — roughly 20 km from the university and 10 km from the airport.
- To go from the university to the airport via train, you'd need to: taxi to the station (20–30 min, 150–200 泰铢) → wait for a southbound train (30–60 min) → ride 1 stop (15 min) → taxi from station to airport (20 min, 100–150 泰铢). Total time: 2–3 hours. Total cost: 300–400 泰铢.
- This is slower and more expensive than a direct taxi — with no benefit.
For Reference: Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station
- Location: 168/1 Ratchadamnoen Road, Mueang District
- Services: Southern Line trains connecting to Bangkok (Hua Lamphong), Surat Thani, Hat Yai, and Sungai Kolok.
- Classes: Ordinary, Rapid, Express — with 3rd class (fan), 2nd class (A/C), and 1st class (sleeper) options.
- Booking: Official Thai Railway e-Ticketing
If you're heading to Bangkok or other southern destinations after your flight, the train may be useful — but not for reaching the airport itself.
✈️ Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) — What You Need to Know
While you can't fly directly from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (it's a 45 km drive!), here's essential information about the airport itself — useful once you arrive for your departure.
Airport Overview
- Code: NST (ICAO: VTSF)
- Location: Pak Phun, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat District, ~12 km east of the city center
- Terminals: One single terminal for both domestic arrivals and departures
- Runway: 2,100 meters — handles Boeing 737 and Airbus A320-sized aircraft
Domestic Destinations (Direct Flights)
| Airline | Destination | Frequency | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai AirAsia | Bangkok (DMK) | 3–4 daily | 1 hr 15 min |
| Thai Lion Air | Bangkok (DMK) | 2–3 daily | 1 hr 15 min |
| Thai Smile / Thai Airways | Bangkok (BKK) | 1–2 daily | 1 hr 20 min |
| Thai AirAsia | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) — International | 4 weekly | 1 hr 40 min |
Airport Facilities
- Food & drink: 2 small cafes (coffee, snacks, Thai dishes) — opens from 5:00 AM to last flight
- ATMs: 2 ATMs in the arrival hall (Krungsri, SCB)
- Currency exchange: SuperRich counter — open 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wi-Fi: Free "AIS Airport" Wi-Fi (registration via phone number)
- Luggage storage: Not available at the terminal — use services in the city instead
- Taxi & car rental: Taxi kiosk at the arrival exit; car rental counters (Budget, Hertz) inside the terminal
💰 Cost & Time Comparison — All Transport Options
Use this table to quickly compare your options. Bold rows highlight the best and cheapest choices.
| Transport Mode | Time | Cost (泰铢) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Taxi / Grab | 40–50 min | 500–700 | $15–$20 | 0 | Most travelers — fast & direct |
| 💰 Songthaew + Songthaew | 1.5–2 hr | 50–70 | $1.50–$2 | 1 | Budget backpackers, light luggage |
| Private Transfer | 40–50 min | 600–1,000 | $18–$30 | 0 | Groups, late-night, comfort seekers |
| Rental Car (self-drive) | 40–50 min | 800–1,500 + fuel | $24–$45 | 0 | Travelers continuing a road trip |
| Motorbike (self-ride) | 35–45 min | 200–400 + fuel | $6–$12 | 0 | Experienced riders, no luggage |
| Motorbike Taxi | 35–45 min | 300–500 | $9–$15 | 0 | Solo travelers, minimal bags |
| Train (via city station) | 2–3 hr | 300–400 | $9–$12 | 2 | Not recommended for this route |
Best overall value: Taxi or Grab — fast, comfortable, and reasonably priced for the distance.
Cheapest option: Songthaew combo — only 50–70 泰铢, but requires time and patience.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Real-world advice from frequent travelers and local residents to make your journey smoother.
1. Luggage — Use the "Takkyubin" Baggage Service
- If you have heavy luggage, consider using a baggage delivery service (similar to Japan's Takkyubin). Companies like Kerry Express and Flash Express in Nakhon Si Thammarat can forward your bags to the airport for 200–400 泰铢 ($6–$12 USD).
- Drop off your luggage the day before your flight and travel light to the airport.
2. Early Morning Flights — Plan Accordingly
- For flights departing before 8 AM, a taxi is your only reliable option. Public transport doesn't start running until 5:30–6:00 AM, which may not give you enough time.
- Book your Grab the night before — you can schedule a ride up to 7 days in advance in the app.
3. Navigation & Language
- Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline — cellular coverage on Route 401 is good, but data roaming can be spotty.
- Write down key phrases in Thai: "ไปสนามบินครับ/ค่ะ" (go to the airport), "เท่าไหร่" (how much).
4. Peak Season & Holidays
- During Songkran (April 13–15), New Year (Dec 29–Jan 3), and Chinese New Year, traffic on Route 401 can double. Add 20–30 minutes to your travel time.
- Airport crowds also increase — arrive 2 hours before domestic flights (instead of the usual 1.5 hours).
5. Money & Tipping
- Taxi drivers appreciate a small tip (20–50 泰铢) for helping with luggage.
- Songthaew drivers do not expect tips — exact change is appreciated.
- ATMs at the university area (7-Eleven near the main gate) dispense cash. The airport also has ATMs but with withdrawal fees of 150–200 泰铢 for foreign cards.
✅ Final Recommendations at a Glance
- Best for speed & convenience: Taxi / Grab — 40–50 min, 500–700 泰铢
- Best for budget: Songthaew + songthaew — 1.5–2 hr, 50–70 泰铢
- Best for groups (3–4 people): Private transfer or GrabCar Plus — 600–1,000 泰铢 total, cheaper per person than a taxi
- Best for flexibility: Rental car — 800–1,500 泰铢/day, especially if you're exploring the region
- Not recommended: Train — too many transfers, no time or cost benefit
- Not recommended for beginners: Motorbike self-ride — safety risks on Thai highways
❓ FAQs: Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport
Is there a direct bus from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport?
No, there is no direct bus. You need to take a local songthaew or minibus from the university to Nakhon Si Thammarat city center (约30–40泰铢), then transfer to another songthaew or taxi to reach the airport. Total journey time is around 1.5–2 hours.
How much does a taxi cost from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport?
A standard taxi or Grab car costs between 500–700泰铢 ($15–$20 USD) for the 45-kilometer trip. The ride takes about 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. Grab bookings through the app are slightly cheaper than flagging a taxi on the street.
How long does it take to get from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport?
By taxi or private car: 40–50 minutes. By public transport (songthaew + taxi): 1.5–2 hours. By rental car: 40–50 minutes. By motorbike: 35–45 minutes. Always allow an extra 20–30 minutes for unexpected delays.
What is the cheapest way to get from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport?
The cheapest option is taking a local songthaew (shared pickup truck) from the university to Nakhon Si Thammarat city center for about 30–40泰铢, then catching another songthaew heading to the airport for around 20–30泰铢. Total cost: 50–70泰铢 ($1.50–$2 USD). However, this takes 1.5–2 hours and requires at least one transfer.
Is Grab or ride-hailing available at Walailak University?
Yes, Grab operates in the Tha Sala area and at Walailak University. A GrabCar trip to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport typically costs 450–600泰铢 ($13–$18 USD). Availability is good during daytime, but may be limited late at night (after 10 PM). It's wise to book in advance if you have an early morning flight.
Can I rent a car at Walailak University?
There are no on-campus rental agencies, but several car rental companies in Nakhon Si Thammarat city (e.g., Budget, Hertz, local agencies) offer delivery to the university for a small fee. Daily rates range from 800–1,500泰铢 ($24–$45 USD). You'll need a valid driving license (international permit recommended) and a credit card deposit.
What time should I leave for the airport if I have a morning flight?
For a morning flight, aim to leave Walailak University at least 3 hours before departure. This gives you 50 minutes for the taxi ride, 1.5 hours for check-in and security (domestic), plus a 30–40 minute buffer. If taking public transport, add another 60–90 minutes. Traffic is usually light in the early morning (5–7 AM).
Is there a train from Walailak University to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport?
No direct train connects the university to the airport. The nearest railway station is Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station in the city center — about 20–25 km from both the university and the airport. To go from university to airport via train, you'd need to take a taxi to the station (20–30分钟), wait for a southbound train (30–60分钟), ride 1 stop (15分钟), then take another taxi from the station to the airport (20分钟) — making this option inefficient and not recommended.