Bus / minivan
Best balance of price, speed, and simplicity
Local bus
Cheapest option but basic comfort
Private car/taxi
Fast and flexible but more expensive
Train
No railway connection available
Quick answer: The main transport option from Pakse (Laos) to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) is a tourist bus or minivan crossing the border via Chong Mek/Vang Tao. This is the budget-friendly and most common route; there is no train or direct flight for this segment. It is also possible to travel by private taxi/car with driver. You can book bus ticket or taxi to Ubon Ratchathani from Pakse easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 130 km by road between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~3-4 hours (depending on border-crossing time).
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~$9-15 per person.
- 🚍 Best for budget: Tourist bus/minivan via Chong Mek border crossing.
- 🚕 Best for comfort: Private taxi/car with driver.
Last updated in March 2026
From Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani you can travel by bus, minivan, or private taxi.
The distance from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand is about 130 km. The most popular and cheapest option is a bus or minivan via the Chong Mek border crossing. Tickets cost about $9–14 per person.
You can also travel by private taxi or car, which is the most comfortable option for groups. Prices range from $130–165 per vehicle. There are no direct flights or trains on this route.
Ubon Ratchathani is an important transport hub with an airport and railway station. From there, you can continue by train, bus, or plane to Bangkok. Bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
BOOK TICKETS to Ubon Ratchathani ➜
Ubon Ratchathani – Gateway to Eastern Thailand
Ubon Ratchathani is a popular entry point from Laos to Thailand. Located about 40 km from the Chong Mek border crossing, it offers temples, local culture, and convenient transport connections across Thailand.
1. BUS / VAN from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani
👉 Bus or minivan is the most practical and low-cost way from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and short cross-border trips
- ✔️ Journey time: about 4 hours (may vary slightly)
- ✔️ Ticket price: around $9–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard (seated buses or smaller minivans)
- ✅ Recommended: Transfers with companies like Kriangkai Transport or Green Paradise via Chong Mek border
- 💡 Tip: Check whether your ride ends at the border or continues to the city, and book early due to limited daily schedules.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Pakse in Laos to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand is by bus or minivan via the Chong Mek border crossing. Some services continue directly to Ubon Ratchathani, while others terminate at the border. Departure and arrival details are always shown when booking online.
Transport is provided by companies such as Kriangkai Transport and Green Paradise. The timetable is relatively limited, so it is recommended to search and book tickets in advance.
BOOK TICKETS to Ubon Ratchathani ➜
The journey by bus or minivan takes about 4 hours, depending on border procedures and traffic conditions. Most services arrive at Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal.
Tickets cost about $9–15 per person, depending on the operator and vehicle type. Bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance. Always read the latest transfer instructions before departure and arrive at the pickup point on time.
| Bus Operator | Departure from Pakse | Arrival in Ubon Ratchathani |
|---|---|---|
| Green Paradise | 08:30 | 12:30 |
| Green Paradise | 14:30 | 18:30 |
| Kriangkai Trans. | 09:30 | 13:30 |
| Kriangkai Trans. | 15:00 | 18:30 |
2. TAXI / CAR from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani
👉 Private car or taxi offers the most flexible and comfortable transfer from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers seeking convenience and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel duration: about 3–4 hours depending on border crossing time
- ✔️ Cost: around $130–170 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private vehicles with driver, adjustable to group size)
- ✅ Recommended: Private transfers with providers like RD Adventure
- 💡 Tip: Share the cost with others to make it more affordable and arrange pickup/drop-off locations in advance.
A more comfortable but more expensive option is a private taxi/car with a driver. The main advantage is a direct transfer from your chosen location in Pakse to your destination in Ubon Ratchathani, saving time and avoiding additional transfers.
Private transfers from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani cost about $130-170 per car, depending on the vehicle type. Smaller cars are cheaper, while larger minivans are suitable for groups and can reduce the cost per passenger.
BOOK TAXI to Ubon Ratchathani ➜
Private transfers are offered by companies such as RD Adventure and can be searched and booked online in advance. This option is ideal for travelers seeking comfort, flexibility, and a faster journey, but it is usually not suitable for low-budget travelers.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani:
How to book tickets from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
12go.asia ➜ allows you to search and book bus, minivan, and private taxi transfers online. You can also search for other routes in Laos and Thailand.
What is the travel time from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
Bus or minivan transfers take about 3-4 hours, while a private taxi usually takes about 1.5-2 hours.
What is the distance from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
The travel distance between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani is approximately 130 km by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
Bus and minivan tickets cost about $9-15/pp, while private taxis cost around $130-165/car.
What is the best transport option?
For most travelers, the bus or minivan is the best option because it is affordable, direct, and relatively fast.
What is the cheapest way to get to Ubon Ratchathani?
The cheapest option is a bus or minivan transfer from Pakse.
Is there a train from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
No, there is no railway connection between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani.
Is there a boat connection between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani?
No, there is no regular boat service on this route.
Where can you travel from Ubon Ratchathani?
From Ubon Ratchathani you can travel by train, bus, or plane to Bangkok and other destinations in Thailand.
Where to book accommodation in Ubon Ratchathani?
Ubon Ratchathani offers budget guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. You can search and book accommodation online here: Book Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani ➜.
How to travel solo in Thailand?
Traveling solo in Thailand is easy thanks to its good transport network and tourist infrastructure. Read more: Solo Travel in Thailand.
What are interesting facts about Thailand?
Thailand is famous for its temples, tropical islands, festivals, cuisine, and hospitality. Read more: 15 Interesting Things About Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani
Traveling from Pakse in southern Laos to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand covers about 130 km and usually takes 3–4 hours by bus or minivan via the Chong Mek border crossing.
- Prepare Your Documents: Have your passport and visa documents ready before arriving at the border.
- Book in Advance: Bus and minivan departures are limited and can fill up during holidays and weekends.
- Carry Some Cash: Small amounts of Lao kip and Thai baht are useful for snacks, drinks, and small purchases.
- Arrive Early: Reach the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure time.
- Consider a Private Taxi: A private transfer is faster and more comfortable, especially for small groups.
- Plan Your Arrival: Ubon Ratchathani is a major transport hub with train, bus, and flight connections to Bangkok.
Tip: Bus tickets, minivans, and private taxi transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.