Nong Khai Transport Guide: How to Get There and Travel Onward
All the practical information you need to get to Nong Khai and travel onward: buses, trains, flights, taxis and the border crossing to Laos. A clear and practical transport guide for this Thai–Lao border city.
Buses, minibuses and vans in Nong Khai
Nong Khai Bus Terminal
Nong Khai Bus Terminal is located in the city center. It is easy to reach from the railway station or from the border. From the border, however, you need to take a tuk-tuk or a motorbike taxi (around 5 km).
The bus terminal is a simple building offering basic services only. On the main street, just outside the terminal on the right-hand side, there is a 7-Eleven.
Domestic buses to and from Nong Khai
Most domestic buses to and from Nong Khai serve three main destinations: Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Khon Kaen. Departures are mainly in the morning and evening, while arrivals run throughout the day.
There are also around ten daily departures and arrivals to Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The journey is long in both directions, so it is recommended to bring warm clothes due to air conditioning and some snacks.
Daily services are also available to Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima.
International buses to Laos
Two destinations in Laos are served directly from Nong Khai: Vientiane, located only about 10 km away, and Vang Vieng.
Important: these buses do not wait indefinitely at the border. You must already have a valid visa before departure.
Regional minibuses and vans
Minibuses to Udon Thani depart approximately every 30 minutes. This is a convenient option if you plan to connect onward to Bangkok, where departures are more frequent.
Important: seating capacity is limited. Travelers with large or bulky luggage often need to purchase an extra seat.
Trains in Nong Khai
Most travelers arrive in or depart from Nong Khai by train. Train travel is comfortable and offers sleeper cars that are especially popular. As availability is limited, booking several days in advance is recommended.
Nong Khai railway station is located close to the city center. You can reach it on foot, by motorbike taxi, or by songthaew from the bus terminal.
Flights and nearby airports
The closest Thai airport to Nong Khai is Udon Thani International Airport, located about 60 km away. The journey to or from Nong Khai takes roughly one hour.
The main airlines serving Udon Thani are:
- Thai Airways International
- Nok Air
- AirAsia
- Thai Lion Air
Another nearby international airport is Vientiane Wattay Airport. It is closer to Nong Khai but requires border formalities, which can add time to the journey.
Taxi, car and private minibus
At Nong Khai Bus Terminal, you can take a metered taxi to reach other cities. Prices are fixed, generally non-negotiable, and relatively expensive.
| Destination | Price (THB) |
|---|---|
| Khon Kaen | 1,800 |
| Loei | 2,000 |
| Ban Phue | 600 |
| Nong Bua Lamphu | 1,200 |
| Pak Khat | 1,000 |
Grab vs Bolt in Nong Khai Thailand
In Nong Khai, Grab may work occasionally but remains unreliable, while Bolt is not available. For your trips, it is better to rely on local transportation options such as tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, or scooter rentals.
Car Rental in Nong Khai Thailand: Prices and Options
In Nong Khai, you can rent a car from major international agencies (Avis, Hertz, Budget) as well as local providers. Prices start around €15–25 per day for a small city car, with unlimited mileage and basic insurance included.
Thailand–Laos border crossing in Nong Khai
The railway station is about 3 km from the immigration checkpoint – Nong Khai Customs Boundary Post. After clearing Thai immigration, a shuttle bus crosses the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River. It runs frequently and costs 40 baht.
Once you have cleared Lao immigration, several options are available to reach Vientiane, around 20 km away:
- tuk-tuk (around 200 baht, door-to-door)
- songthaew (50 baht per person) to Vientiane bus station near Talat Sao Market
- local bus, infrequent but very cheap
Border practical information:
- Border opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00
- Shuttle bus hours: 08:00 – 18:00
- Tip: bring enough US dollars or Thai baht to pay for your visa
FAQ – Transport and access to Nong Khai
How do you get to Nong Khai from Bangkok?
You can reach Nong Khai from Bangkok by overnight train, long-distance bus, or by flying to Udon Thani and continuing by minibus or taxi.
What is the best way to travel to Nong Khai?
The train is the most comfortable option, especially with sleeper cars. Buses offer more departure times and route flexibility.
Can you cross into Laos from Nong Khai?
Yes, Nong Khai is one of the main border crossings to Laos, with direct access to Vientiane via the Friendship Bridge.
Is Vientiane airport a good alternative?
Yes, it is very close to Nong Khai, but border formalities must be taken into account and can slow down the journey.
Should transport be booked in advance?
For trains and long-distance buses, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during high season.
Further information about Nong Khai and its region
Article updated in 2026 based on on-site visits and local sources.