Train
Fastest, cheap, very reliable connection overall
Private taxi/car
Door-to-door, flexible timing, most comfortable ride
Minibus
Very cheap tickets, simple but slower journey
Flights
Too short distance, no direct flights available
Quick answer: Travelling from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is very straightforward—just a short train ride, a quick minibus or bus, or a private taxi/car. The train is the fastest and still very affordable; buses/minivans are cheap and frequent; and taxis offer door‑to‑door convenience. Book your tickets ahead if you want to secure a seat or private pick‑up.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (approx): ~60 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train ~30‑40 minutes. | Bus/Minivan ~1 hour. | Private Car/Taxi ~1 hour
- 💰 Price range: Train ~$1‑12 per person. | Bus/Minivan ~$2‑8 per person. | Taxi/Car ~$30‑90 per vehicle.
- 🚆 Train: Direct service between Nong Khai and Udon Thani; fastest segment.
- 🚍 Bus/Minivan: Regular departures, great budget‑friendly choice.
- 🚕 Private Car/Taxi: Ideal if you have lots of luggage or prefer flexible timing.
Last updated in April 2026
From Nong Khai to Udon Thani you can travel by bus/van, train, taxi.
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- The distance from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is approximately 60 km by road (via bus or train). The most popular option for reaching Udon Thani from Nong Khai is to travel by minibus or local bus. Traveling by minibus from Nong Khai to Udon Thani takes about 1 hour and costs around $2-8 per person. Minivans also provide transport to Udon Thani Airport. Additionally, there is a train service from Nong Khai to Udon Thani, with trains continuing to Bangkok. The train journey to Udon Thani Railway Station from Nong Khai Railway Station also takes about 40 minutes.
- Train travel is the most economical option, with seats or berths available at a cost of approximately $1-12 per person. Although there are sleeper trains available, they are not necessary for this short journey. Another option is to hire a private taxi/car to Udon Thani, with a travel time of about 1 hour and an estimated cost of $30-90 per car. Booking tickets from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is convenient and can be done online. From Udon Thani, you can travel by train, bus, or plane to Bangkok, the capital and largest city of Thailand.
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- Udon Thani is situated in northeastern Thailand, near the northern border with Laos. Serving as a major town on the northern Khorat Plateau, Udon Thani is accessible by road, rail, and air. The region is known for its production of rice, livestock, timber, and freshwater fish. Over time, Udon Thani has transformed from a relatively underdeveloped area to an economic, trading, and transportation hub, linking Thailand with Laos, Vietnam, and China. Before traveling to Udon Thani, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast. There are three transportation options from Nong Khai to Udon Thani: minivan/bus, train, or private taxi/car. Since the distance is only about 60 km by road, there are no flights available between Nong Khai and Udon Thani. Theoretically, traveling by motorbike is also possible.
| Transfer modes from Nong Khai to Udon Thani: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 30–40 minutes | $1–12 per person (seats or berths) |
| Tourist Minibus / Local Bus | 1 hour | $2–8 per person |
| Private Car/Taxi | 1 hour | $30–90 per car |
How do I get from Nong Khai to Udon Thani?
1. MINIBUS / VAN from Nong Khai to Udon Thani
👉 Minibus/van is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel from Nong Khai to Udon Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers looking for a quick and simple transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1 hour (may vary slightly)
- ✔️ Cost: $2–8 per person (very affordable option)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (comfortable seats for short-distance travel)
- ✅ Best Option: Frequent minivans with companies like RG Adventure or Kittiphol Paruai
- 💡 Tip: Some services go directly to Udon Thani Airport.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Departures run frequently throughout the day.
A popular and cheap way to get from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is by minivan or bus/minibus. Minibuses are very popular and used for transportation in Thailand, they are relatively fast and always have relatively comfortable seats. On this route to Udon Thani, transfer minibuses from Udon Kaew Tour, RG Adventure, Kittiphol Paruai, Orsuksa Tour or other local companies can be used.
These minibuses can depart from various locations in Nong Khai and arrive at various locations or stations in Udon Thani, you can also go to Udon Thani Airport. The travel time by minibus or bus from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is approximately 1 hour, but please note that the indicated time may vary slightly.
Minivans and minibuses have seats and for this shorter route the comfort of this type of transport is absolutely sufficient. A bus or minibus transfer from Nong Khai to Udon Thani costs around $2-8/pp and you can search and buy tickets online in advance. When booking tickets, always read all transfer instructions and follow the companies’ terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.
After booking, you will receive the tickets to your email address, which you entered when booking. A minibus transfer from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is suitable for all ordinary solo travelers who are looking for good comfort at an adequate price.
| Bus Company | Departure in Nong Khai | Arrival in Udon Thani |
|---|---|---|
| RG Adventure | 08:00 | 09:30 |
| RG Adventure | 09:00 | 10:30 |
| RG Adventure | 10:00 | 11:30 |
| RG Adventure | 11:00 | 12:30 |
| RG Adventure | 12:00 | 13:30 |
| RG Adventure | 13:00 | 14:30 |
| RG Adventure | 14:00 | 15:30 |
| RG Adventure | 15:00 | 16:30 |
| RG Adventure | 16:00 | 17:30 |
| Udon Kaew Tour | 09:30 | 10:30 (Airport) |
| Udon Kaew Tour | 10:00 | 11:00 (Airport) |
| Udon Kaew Tour | 11:00 | 12:00 (Airport) |
| Udon Kaew Tour | 12:00 | 13:00 (Airport) |
| Udon Kaew Tour | 14:00 | 15:00 (Airport) |
| Udon Kaew Tour | 15:00 | 16:00 (Airport) |
| Udon Kaew Tour | 17:00 | 18:00 (Airport) |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 06:30 | 07:30 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 07:00 | 08:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 08:00 | 09:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 09:00 | 10:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 10:00 | 11:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 11:00 | 12:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 12:00 | 13:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 13:00 | 14:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 14:00 | 15:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 15:00 | 16:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 16:00 | 17:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 17:00 | 18:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 18:00 | 19:00 |
| Kittiphol Paruai | 19:00 | 20:00 |
2. TRAIN from Nong Khai to Udon Thani
👉 Train is the cheapest and fastest way to travel from Nong Khai to Udon Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer a simple rail journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~30–40 minutes
- ✔️ Cost: $1–12 per person (seats are the cheapest option)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (basic seats, sleepers available but unnecessary)
- ✅ Best Option: 3rd class seat for the lowest price and short journey
- 💡 Tip: Choose a seat instead of a sleeper for this short route.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Trains continue further to Bangkok if needed.
A good and cheapest way to transfer from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is by Thai train. Thai trains on this route to Udon Thani will offer you seats and sleeping beds, beds are more suitable for a longer route. Seats will be fully sufficient for you on this route, they are also the cheapest option.
Trains depart from Nong Khai Railway Station and arrive at Udon Thani Railway Station, see Thailand Railway Map. Both stations are easily accessible from city centers. The train journey from Nong Khai to Udon Thani takes about 30-40 minutes and the times are mostly respected.
If you use a seat in the 3rd class train, it will be the cheapest transport option on this route. Train tickets from Nong Khai to Udon Thani cost between $1-12/pp (seats are the cheapest, sleepers more expensive). 1st to 3rd class trains run on the route, and ticket prices vary accordingly.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS with Baolau ➜
You can easily search and buy train tickets from Nong Khai to Udon Thani online and advance. You will receive the tickets in your email after booking, it is not necessary to print them, just have the ticket saved in your mobile phone and then present it when boarding the train. Trains that go to Udon Thani from Nong Khai then continue further into Thailand, all the way to Bangkok – the capital of Thailand.
You can then use them again for transport to the capital. The train transfer is a good transport option and suitable mainly for low-cost travelers, the tickets are cheap and the comfort of the trains is absolutely sufficient. The disadvantage can be a little limited train timetables, but you will definitely choose your suitable connection.
3. TAXI/CAR from Nong Khai to Udon Thani
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Nong Khai to Udon Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want door-to-door service and privacy
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1 hour (depending on pickup and drop-off points)
- ✔️ Cost: $30–90 per car (can be shared among passengers)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars, SUVs, or spacious minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfers with companies like RG Adventure, Kanokwan Travel, or Gosafe Transport
- 💡 Tip: Minivans are ideal for groups and can reduce the cost per person.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Can include direct transfer to Udon Thani Airport.
A very convenient but at the same time the most expensive way to get from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is by private car/taxi with a driver. Udon Kaew Tour, RG Adventure, Kanokwan Travel, AEC 168 Transport and Travel, Taxi with Torch, Than Car Service, Gosafe Transport, Easyride Services and Firstplan Transport Services offer this transfer option between these cities. These private taxi companies will offer you modern smaller classic cars, SUVs and even larger minivans for a transfer to Udon Thani.
Minivans and minibuses are a suitable choice for travelers who travel in a group of several people at once. The advantage of a private transfer is that you can choose your departure point in Nong Khai and your arrival point in Udon Thani, you can also go to Udon Thani airport.
Driving time by private car with driver from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is approximately 1 hour. This time may vary a little, depending on where you want to go from and where exactly you want to go. Transportation by private car with driver to Udon Thani from Nong Khai costs between $30-90/car.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Udon Thani ➜
These prices are based on the type of car you choose for the transfer, smaller cars are usually always a cheaper option than larger and more expensive minivans for more people. However, you can calculate the fare for a minivan per person, so it can be advantageous in the end.
You can search, view and book your private car with driver from Nong Khai to Udon Thani online well in advance. Companies may have different transfer conditions, so always read all information when booking and always follow all company instructions.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Kanokwan Travel | 01:30 | From $39.00 |
| RG Adventure | 01:20 | From $60.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 00:50 | From $30.00 |
| Torch Taxi | 00:50 | From $37.00 |
| Udon Kaew Tour | 01:00 | From $32.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 01:30 | From $53.00 |
| Than Car Service | 01:00 | From $40.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 00:50 | From $80.00 |
| Easyride Services | 01:00 | From $50.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 01:00 | From $59.00 |
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Nong Khai to Udon Thani:
1. How to book tickets or car from Nong Khai to Udon Thani?
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- Book tickets or private car from Nong Khai to Udon Thani on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can also book another tickets + routes, e.g. Nong Khai > Bangkok, Bangkok > Pattaya…
2. What is the travel time from Nong Khai to Udon Thani?
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- Travel by train from Nong Khai to Udon Thani takes about 30-40 minutes.
- Travel by tourist minibus / local bus from Nong Khai to Udon Thani takes about 1 hour.
- Travel by private car/taxi from Nong Khai to Udon Thani takes about 1 hour.
3. How far is Nong Khai from Udon Thani?
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- Travel distance from Nong Khai to Udon Thani is about 55 km by land (bus or train).
4. How much does it cost to travel from Nong Khai to Udon Thani?
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- Travel by train from Nong Khai to Udon Thani costs about $1-12/pp (seats or berths).
- Travel by tourist minibus / local bus from Nong Khai to Udon Thani costs about $2-8/pp.
- Travel by private car from Nong Khai to Udon Thani costs about $30-90/car.
5. Is there a flight from Nong Khai to Udon Thani?
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- Udon Thani has an airport, but Nong Khai has no airport, there is no flight between these cities.
6. What is the most cheapest way of transfer from Nong Khai to Udon Thani?
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- The most cheapest option of getting to Udon Thani from Nong Khai is to travel by train – 3rd class seat. The most cheapest train ticket to Udon Thani should cost about $1.00/pp.
7. What is the best way of travel from Nong Khai to Udon Thani?
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- The best and also a cheap option is to travel by train of State Railway of Thailand, but modern minivans are also not bad. It depends from which place in Udon Thani you will depart.
8. What is the fastest way of transport from Nong Khai to Udon Thani?
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- The fastest way of transfer to Udon Thani from Nong Khai is to travel by private taxi/car.
9. Where you can travel from Udon Thani?
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- Udon Thani has an airport and railway station and there are also various tourist buses. The most frequented travel route is from Udon Thani to Bangkok – the capital of Thailand. You can also travel to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
10. Where to stay in Udon Thani? Hotel, resort or hostel?
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- There are various cheap and also luxury hotels, guesthouses or hostels for travelers.
- Search and book your hotel in Udon Thani > Book hotel in Udon Thani online.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Nong Khai to Udon Thani
These practical travel tips are based on firsthand experience and local knowledge for the short but culturally rich journey from Nong Khai, a border town on the Mekong River opposite Laos, to Udon Thani, a bustling city in the heart of northeastern Thailand’s Isaan region.
1. Frequent and Affordable Transport Options
Buses and minibuses run regularly between Nong Khai and Udon Thani, covering the roughly 110 km distance in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Tickets can often be bought on arrival but booking ahead during peak times ensures your seat.
2. Experience the Cultural Shift Along the Route
Traveling inland from the Mekong River to Udon Thani reveals changing landscapes—from river plains to more urbanized settings—and offers glimpses of traditional Isaan villages along the way.
3. Consider Private Taxi for Flexibility
Private taxis or car hires offer door-to-door service and flexible departure times, which can be convenient if traveling with luggage or on a tight schedule.
4. Prepare for Variable Road and Weather Conditions
The main highway is generally in good shape, but rural roads connecting to smaller towns may be rougher. The climate is typically hot and dry, but bringing a light layer for air-conditioned vehicles is recommended.
5. Take Time to Explore Local Attractions in Udon Thani
Udon Thani is a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site Ban Chiang and offers vibrant markets and cultural sites worth exploring upon arrival.
6. Booking Tickets Online Can Save Time
While tickets are often available on the spot, booking bus or taxi transfers online in advance helps guarantee availability, especially during holidays or festivals.
Tip: Bus and taxi tickets from Nong Khai to Udon Thani can be searched and booked online in advance, ensuring smooth travel and preferred departure times.