Phitsanulok's connectivity is one of its biggest advantages over quieter neighbours. It sits at the meeting point of the Northern rail line and the Highway 12 east–west corridor, has its own domestic airport, and functions as the transport hub for the whole lower north. Locally, though, there's no mass transit — so how you live depends a lot on whether you're based in the walkable centre or further out.
How people get to and around Phitsanulok
Train — the Northern Line junction
Phitsanulok railway station is one of the busiest junctions on the State Railway of Thailand's Northern Line, with frequent day and overnight services in both directions between Bangkok (roughly 5–7 hours) and Chiang Mai. It's a genuine advantage of living here — comfortable, cheap intercity travel without flying, and a reason Phitsanulok works as a base for exploring the north.
Air — Phitsanulok Airport (PHS)
Phitsanulok Airport, on the eastern (Aranyik) side of the city, runs domestic flights to Bangkok, putting the capital about an hour away by air. It's small and easy to use, and airport transfers into the city are short. Always check current airline schedules, which change.
Bus & road — the Highway 12 / 117 hub
Phitsanulok sits at the crossroads of Highway 12 (the east–west 'Green Route' toward Lom Sak, Phetchabun and Khon Kaen) and Highway 117 south to Nakhon Sawan, making it a major regional bus and road hub. The bus terminal runs frequent services across the north and to Bangkok, and Sukhothai is about an hour west by road.
Local — songthaews, tuk-tuks & motorbikes
There is no BTS or MRT. Within the city, residents rely on songthaews (shared pickup routes), tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis and ride-hailing apps where available. For anyone living around Naresuan University, the eastern estates or the western suburbs, a personal motorbike or car is the practical default, since distances from the centre are real.
Getting-around questions
What's the best way to get to Phitsanulok from Bangkok?
You have three good options: the train (about 5–7 hours on the Northern Line, comfortable and scenic, with overnight sleepers), a domestic flight into Phitsanulok Airport (PHS, about an hour), or an intercity bus. The rail junction is a genuine strength of the city.
Does Phitsanulok have public transport?
There's no BTS or MRT. Local transport is songthaews, tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis, plus ride-hailing where available. It works for the downtown core, but most residents outside the centre keep a motorbike or car.
How far is Phitsanulok from Sukhothai?
About an hour west by road. Phitsanulok's airport and rail junction make it the main gateway city for the whole Sukhothai–Phitsanulok area.
Do I need a car in Phitsanulok?
In the downtown core, no — you can walk, cycle or use songthaews and tuk-tuks. Around the university, the eastern estates or the western suburbs, a car or motorbike becomes the practical default.
Sources & References
- State Railway of Thailand
- Phitsanulok Airport — Wikipedia
- Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
Primary and official sources are cited above. Government rules, fees and procedures in Thailand change over time and vary by office; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before relying on them. BAANLYY never takes paid placement in editorial content.
Hero photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels. Confirm current train and flight schedules with official sources — they change.
