Bus
Direct, cheap and most practical option with frequent departures
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door transfer with flexible stops and comfortable journey
Flight + taxi
Fastest option via nearby airports with short transfer to Phrae
Train
No station in Phrae, requires transfer from Den Chai
Quick answer: Travelling from Bangkok to Phrae offers several good options: direct flight, train + taxi from Den Chai, bus, or private car. The flight is the fastest; train + taxi gives a scenic but longer ride; bus is budget-friendly; private car gives door-to-door comfort. You can book tickets from Bangkok to Phrae easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 560 km by road | approx. 470 km by air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1.5 hours | Train + Taxi ~8–12 hours | Bus ~7–10 hours | Private Car ~8–9 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$ 40–100 pp | Train + Taxi US$ 20–50 pp | Bus US$ 14–24 pp | Private Car US$ 270–500
- ✈️ Flight: Direct flight from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Phrae Airport (~1-1.5 h).
- 🚆 Train + Taxi: Train Bangkok → Den Chai + taxi/bus to Phrae (~25 km).
- 🚍 Bus: Direct tourist buses from Bangkok (Mo Chit) to Phrae Bus Terminal (~7–10 h).
Last updated in April 2026
From Bangkok to Phrae you can travel by plane, bus, train + taxi or private car.
The distance from Bangkok to Phrae is about 560 km by road and 470 km by air. The fastest option is a direct flight to Phrae Airport, taking about 1.5 hours. Flights are limited but the airport is only about 2 km from the town center.
Tourist buses are the most popular budget option, with a journey time of about 7–10 hours. There is no railway station in Phrae, so train travelers need to travel to Den Chai and continue about 25 km by taxi. You can also continue from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom by flight, train + bus or bus.
Phrae is one of northern Thailand’s oldest and least-visited cities, surrounded by mountains and traditional villages. It is also located on the route to Chiang Mai, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers exploring northern Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Bangkok to Phrae: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 1.5 hours | $40-100/pp |
| Train + Taxi | 8-12 hours | $20-50/pp |
| Tourist Bus | 7-10 hours | $13-24/pp |
| Private Taxi / Car with a driver | 8-9 hours | $270-500/car |
How do I get from Bangkok to Phrae?
1. FLIGHT from Bangkok to Phrae
👉 Direct flight is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Phrae.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers with limited time
- ✔️ Duration: about 1–1.5 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: very high with direct flights
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight from Don Mueang Airport to Phrae Airport
- 💡 Tip: Book flights early as departures are limited.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Phrae Airport is only about 2 km from the town center.
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Phrae. Nok Air operates direct flights from Don Mueang Airport, with a flight time of about 1–1.5 hours. This option is ideal if you want to avoid a long journey by road or rail.
Flight schedules are limited, so it is recommended to book tickets well in advance. One-way fares usually range from $40–100 per person, depending on the season and booking date.
Phrae Airport is located only about 2 km from the town center, allowing for a quick transfer by taxi or local transport. Thanks to its convenient location, you can reach your hotel in just a few minutes after arrival.
2. TRAIN + BUS from Bangkok to Phrae
👉 Train + taxi via Den Chai is a comfortable and affordable way to reach Phrae.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and train enthusiasts
- ✔️ Duration: about 8–10 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: seats and sleeper berths available
- ✅ Best option: Train to Den Chai, then taxi to Phrae
- 💡 Tip: Sleeper trains are the most comfortable for overnight travel.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Den Chai Railway Station is only about 25 km from Phrae.
There is no railway station in Phrae, so you need to travel by train to Den Chai, the nearest railway station. Thai Railway operates about seven daily trains, with a journey time of 6.5–9.5 hours.
Train tickets cost about $7–33 per person, depending on the class and seat type. Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal or Don Mueang Station, with seats and sleeper berths available.
After arriving at Den Chai Railway Station, continue about 25 km to Phrae by taxi or local bus in around 30 minutes. You can also check the Thailand Railway Map and Thailand Train Timetable.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS with 12go.asia ➜
| Train | Departs in Bangkok | Arrival in Den Chai | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SP7 | 09:05 | 15:23 | From $17.00 |
| Train SP13 | 20:05 | 04:16 | From $8.40 |
| Train RP107 | 20:45 | 05:15 | From $6.00 |
| Train EX51 | 22:30 | 07:17 | From $6.00 |
| Train RP111 | 07:30 | 16:30 | From $6.00 |
| Train RP109 | 14:15 | 23:39 | From $6.00 |
| Train SP9 | 18:40 | 02:48 | From $28.95 |
3. BUS from Bangkok to Phrae
👉 Tourist bus is the cheapest direct way to travel from Bangkok to Phrae.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers
- ✔️ Duration: about 7–10 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: modern air-conditioned coaches
- ✅ Best option: Overnight bus to save time and accommodation costs
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets early during weekends and holidays.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Most buses depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
Tourist buses are the cheapest and one of the most popular ways to travel from Bangkok to Phrae. The journey takes about 7–10 hours, with one-way tickets costing around $13–24 per person. Both daytime and overnight buses are available.
Operators such as Nakhonchai Air, Sombat Tour, Transport Co, Thaibus Tour, Tara Tour and several other companies run modern air-conditioned coaches with daily departures.
Most buses depart from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal and arrive at the Phrae Bus Terminal, close to the town center.
| Bus Company | Departure in Bangkok | Arrival in Phrae |
|---|---|---|
| Ponphriya | 09:00 | 16:00 |
| Ponphriya | 20:30 | 03:30 |
| Nakhonchai Air | 10:31 | 19:02 |
| Nakhonchai Air | 21:31 | 05:44 |
| Budsarakham Tour | 14:30 | 22:00 |
| Budsarakham Tour | 17:00 | 01:00 |
| Budsarakham Tour | 19:50 | 03:50 |
| Budsarakham Tour | 20:30 | 04:30 |
| Cherdchai Tour | 17:30 | 01:30 |
| Cherdchai Tour | 19:30 | 03:30 |
| Transport Co | 18:30 | 09:01 |
| Sombat Tour | 20:30 | 04:35 |
| Budsarakham Tour | 21:20 | 04:30 |
| Nakhonchai Air | 10:31 | 19:02 |
| Nakhonchai Air | 22:16 | 06:14 |
| Tara Tour and Travel | 16:00 | 03:30 |
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Bangkok to Phrae
👉 Private car is the most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Phrae.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups and business travelers
- ✔️ Duration: about 8–9 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: very high with door-to-door service
- ✅ Best option: Private car or minivan with flexible pickup
- 💡 Tip: A minivan is a great choice for groups sharing the cost.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose your own pickup and drop-off locations.
A private car or taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Phrae. The journey takes about 8–9 hours with direct hotel-to-hotel or airport transfers and no unnecessary stops.
Companies such as Kim Transfers Thailand and Than Car Service operate modern sedans, SUVs and spacious minivans for individuals, families and small groups.
Private transfers cost about $270–500 per vehicle, depending on the car type. You can choose your preferred departure point in Bangkok and arrival address in Phrae.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Bangkok to Phrae
How to book tickets or flights from Bangkok to Phrae?
Book flights, buses and train tickets online at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. You can also book return trips and other routes.
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Phrae?
Travel takes about 1–1.5 hours by flight, 7–10 hours by bus, 8–12 hours by train + taxi, or 8–9 hours by private car.
What is the distance from Bangkok to Phrae?
The distance is about 560 km by road and around 470 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Phrae?
Prices range from about $14 by bus to $500 per private car. Flights cost $40–100 and train + taxi about $20–50 per person.
What trains can you take to Phrae?
Travel by Thai Railway to Den Chai in 1st, 2nd or 3rd class, then continue about 25 km to Phrae by taxi or bus.
What is the cheapest way to get to Phrae?
The cheapest option is a tourist bus, with fares starting from about $14 per person.
Are there direct flights from Bangkok to Phrae?
Yes. Nok Air operates direct flights from Don Mueang Airport, although departures are limited.
What is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Phrae?
A direct flight is the fastest option, taking about 1–1.5 hours. Phrae Airport is only about 2 km from the town center.
How do you travel from Phrae back to Bangkok?
You can return by direct flight, tourist bus, private car or train via Den Chai.
Where can you travel from Phrae?
Visit Chiang Mai, Phayao or Nan by bus or private car.
Where can you book accommodation in Phrae?
Book hotels, guesthouses and resorts online at Book accommodation in Phrae ➜.
Where can you learn more about solo travel in Thailand?
Read this guide with practical tips: Solo Travel in Thailand.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Phrae
Traveling from Bangkok to Phrae is possible by direct flight, tourist bus, train + taxi via Den Chai, or private car. The best option depends on your budget, travel time and comfort preferences.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights reach Phrae Airport in about 1–1.5 hours.
- Best Budget Choice: Tourist buses are the cheapest direct option, while trains require a transfer in Den Chai.
- Train Travel: Continue from Den Chai Railway Station to Phrae by taxi or local bus in about 30 minutes.
- Private Transfer: A private car offers door-to-door service with flexible departure times.
- Book Early: Reserve flights and overnight transport in advance, especially during holidays.
- Local Transport: Songthaews, tuk-tuks and taxis are available for travel around Phrae.
Tip: Flight, bus, train and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.