Travel Thailand by train
The trains of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) connect Bangkok with all regions of the country. Unlike airplanes, the train offers a chance to enjoy the scenery along the way and see more of the country.
Bangkok’s new central station
All major lines originate from Bangkok’s new Bang Sue Grand Station, that replaced the old Hua Lamphong as Bangkok’s central train station in 2022.
How to get to the station
Get there by taxi or MRT Subway. Also read Public transport in Bangkok for all forms of public transportation in the capital.
Train lines
The SRT operates four major lines and several shorter lines, that cover a total of over 4,300 kilometers.
Northern Line
The Northern Line connects Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Some of the stops on the seven hundred kilometer route include Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai (Suwankhalok), Nakhon Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai.
Northeastern Line
The Northeastern Line connects Bangkok to the Northeast of Thailand, the area known as Esan.
Among the stops on the 650 kilometer route are Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai.
Southern Line
The 1,200 kilometer long Southern Line connects Bangkok to the South of Thailand. The line ends at Su-ngai Kolok on the border with Malaysia.
On the route are among others Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Yala and Su-ngai Kolok.
Namtok Branch
The Namtok branch connects Thon Buri to Nam Tok station. The route is popular with tourists visiting the Bridge over the river Kwai and the famous Death Railway.
On the route are Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi and Nam Tok.
Eastern Line
The Eastern Line connects Bangkok to Ban Klong Luk on the border with Cambodia. Other stations on the route include Chachoengsao and Aranyaprathet.
Maeklong Line
The Maeklong Line is popular with tourists visiting the famous Maeklong Railway Market.
The line consists of two sections separated by the Tha Chin river. The first section called the Mahachai Line connects Wongwian Yai in Bangkok to Mahachai station in Samut Sakhon province. The second section is the Ban Laem Line that connects Ban Laem to Mae Klong, the setting of the Maeklong Railway Market.
Most popular routes
Some routes and destinations are particularly popular with tourists.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Probably the most popular train among tourists is Bangkok to Chiang Mai on the Northern Line. There is great scenery along the way, especially in the mountainous areas near Chiang Mai. Choose an overnight sleeper or daytime train.
Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Another popular train is the one from Bangkok to Nam Tok station in Kanchanaburi on the Nam Tok branch. The train takes tourists to the Bridge over the River Kwai. Part of the line takes the train over the infamous Death Railway. The line starts at Thon Buri, on the West side of the Chao Phraya river.
Bangkok to Aranyaprathet
This train takes passengers to Ban Klong Luk station, very close to the border with Cambodia. A few hundred meters across the border is Poipet Railway station. The trains of the Royal Cambodian Railways operate a service from Poipet to Battambang and the capital Phnom Penh, which at the time of writing only runs twice a week.
Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Also popular with tourists is the Bangkok to Ayutthaya train on the Northern Line. The train station is right across the historical island where the best known temples are. Tourists can charter a tuk tuk or rent a bicycle from one of the shops nearby to explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market
The Maeklong Line is popular with tourists. The line connects Bangkok to Mae Klong, the location of the famous Maeklong Railway Market.
International connections
The State Railway of Thailand network connects to neighboring Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.
To Laos
To go to Laos, take a train on the Northeastern Line to Nong Khai. The railway station of Vientiane is about 30 minutes away by van or car.
To Cambodia
To go to Cambodia, take a train on the Eastern Line to Ban Klong Luk. Poi Pet train station is a little over one kilometer away.
To Malaysia
To go to Malaysia or further on to Singapore, take a train on the Southern Line to Su-ngai Kolok.
Advance bookings
It is recommended to book tickets for long distance trains in advance, particularly during New Year, Thai holidays like Songkran and peak season which is from mid December until mid January. Particularly the sleeper train to Chiang Mai often sells out quickly. It is not possible to book in advance for local short distance trains.
Where to buy train tickets
Tickets can be bought at the train station, from travel agents or online.
At the train station
Same day or advance tickets can be bought at the train station. Get them either from one of the vending machines or ticket booths. Bring your passport for advance bookings.
Online
Tickets can be bought at the State Railway of Thailand website.
- At the home page, select “Book your seat online (D-TICKET) Online Booking Service”
- Look for the world symbol and select English language
- Select one of the lines, round trip or one way, origin and destination, travel date and number of passengers
- Then click Search and choose from one of the available options. Each option displays details as departure and arrival time, price and available classes
Another good option for online bookings is the 12Go website.
Types of trains
You have a choice of several types of trains, depending on distance and degree of comfort you want.
Long distance trains
For a long distance trip, choose either a Special Express train or an Express train. Both have regular seats and sleepers, either with air conditioning or without. A popular service is the sleeper train to Chiang Mai.
Rapid and ordinary trains
Rapid and Ordinary trains are long distance services, but they make more stops and are slower.
Short distance trains
Bangkok commuters are short distance trains to destinations near Bangkok that stop at each station. Rural commuters are short distance trains connecting provinces other than Bangkok.
First, second and third class
You have a choice of three classes varying in level of comfort, room and price.
- 1st class: air conditioned sleeper cars
- 2nd class: comfortable seat and sleepers, air conditioned and non air conditioned
- 3rd class: suited for shorter trips. Train carriages are non air conditioned, except for the longer trips