📅 Train Schedule
🚆 Trains to Bangkok
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips
🎫 Book Train Ticket
Overnight sleeper train
Best balance of comfort and time, saves hotel during 10–13 hour journey
Special Express
Modern sleeper trains with AC, better comfort and smoother ride
Seat / fan class
Cheapest option but long trip with basic seating comfort
Day train (seat only)
Long 10+ hour journey without bed, less comfortable than sleeper
Quick answer: Travelling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by train provides a comfortable and scenic way to see Thailand’s countryside. You can choose from a range of options based on your budget and schedule — from basic hard or soft seats to private sleeper berths for overnight journeys. Booking tickets online in advance is simple and recommended to secure your preferred class and departure time.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 700 km by rail, covering diverse landscapes from northern hills to central plains.
- ⏱️ Travel time: around 10.5 to 15 hours, depending on the train type and stops.
- 💰 Price range: fares start from about US$6 for basic seats, up to US$30–50 for first-class sleeper berths offering more privacy and comfort.
- 🚆 Train: Options include second and third class with hard or soft seats, plus first-class sleeper cabins perfect for overnight travel.
Last updated in April 2026
📅 Train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok – Schedule / Timetable + Train Tickets:
-
- Chiang Mai to Bangkok – one of the most frequented train tourist routes in northern Thailand
- there are overnight + day sleeper + seat trains between Chiang Mai and Bangkok
- train tickets from Chiang Mai to Bangkok start at $6-20/pp (soft seat) and $30-50/pp (soft sleeper)
- travel by sleeper overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes about 10.5-15 hours
- trains depart from Chiang Mai Railway Station and arrive to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station
- you can check Thailand Railway Map + most popular railway routes in Thailand
- the most cheapest way how to travel by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is a hard seat $6-8/pp
- train tickets from Chiang Mai to Bangkok – 1st class sleeper berth costs about $40-50/pp
- Book train tickets from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
| Train Service | Departs in Chiang Mai | Arrival in Bangkok | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Railway SP8 (2nd class seat) | 08:50 | 18:55 | From $19.00 |
| Thai Railway SP14 (3rd class seats, berths) | 17:00 | 06:00 | From $8.20 |
| Thai Railway EX52 | 15:30 | 05:10 | From $7.10 |
| Thai Railway RP102 (2nd+3rd class seats) | 06:30 | 19:30 | From $6.10 |
| Thai Railway SP10 (2nd class berths) | 18:00 | 06:50 | From $30.00 |
| Train Service | Departs in Bangkok | Arrival in Chiang Mai | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Railway SP7 (2nd class seat) | 09:20 | 19:30 | From $17.00 |
| Thai Railway SP13 (1st+2nd class berths, seats) | 20:22 | 08:40 | From $8.20 |
| Thai Railway EX51 (2nd+3rd class seats, berths) | 22:47 | 12:10 | From $8.20 |
| Thai Railway RP109 (2nd+3rd class seats, berths) | 14:32 | 04:05 | From $6.10 |
| Thai Railway SP9 (2nd class berths) | 18:40 | 07:15 | From $30.00 |
🚆 What type of trains depart from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
❓ FAQ + Tips — Travel by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok:
1. How to book and buy train tickets from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
-
- Book train tickets from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in Thailand on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- you can also search another travel routes, e.g. Bangkok to Chiang Mai…
2. How long does it take to get by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
-
- Travel by train of Thai Railway from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in Thailand takes about 10.5-15 hours.
3. Which train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok to choose? Which train is better?
-
- The most comfortable trains are sleeper trains of the 1st and 2nd class. A good option is a train of the 2nd class.
4. How much does it cost to travel by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
-
- Travel by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok costs about $6-50/pp. The most cheapest option is a seat of the 3rd and 2nd class, the most expensive option is to travel by train of the 1st class. Train ticket of the train from the 1st class – sleeper berth costs about $40-50/pp.
5. What is the travel distance by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
-
- Travel distance from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by train is about 700 km.
6. What to watch out when traveling by train to Bangkok?
-
- The most important thing is to watch your baggage in the train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. It is recommended to come at the railway station in Chiang Mai at least 1 hour before departure of the train.
7. Is an train e-ticket from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in smartphone or tablet acceptable?
-
- You can use your train e-ticket from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in your smartphone, but it is recommended to print this ticket. Read carefully the instructions before and after booking, because these instructions can change.
8. Are there also another ways how to get to Bangkok from Chiang Mai?
-
- Yes, from Chiang Mai to Bangkok you can also travel by tourist bus / minivan, private car or taxi or you can also travel by plane. There are also low-cost direct flights between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. The most expensive option of transfer to Bangkok is to book your private car.
9. From which railway station in Chiang Mai these trains depart?
-
- Trains from Chiang Mai to Bangkok depart from Chiang Mai Railway Station. This railway station is located about 2km from the town center of Chiang Mai. Free Wi-Fi is at the station and you can use Grab for private transfer or private taxi / car to and from the town center. You can also check Thailand Train Map.
10. Where to stay in Bangkok? Hotel, homestay or guesthouse?
-
- Bangkok has a large number of various cheap or luxury hotels + cheap guesthouses, motels or private homes and apartments. You can book your hotel in Bangkok in Thailand easily online.
11. Where you can also travel from Bangkok?
-
- Bangkok is the biggest transport junction in Thailand. From Bangkok you can also travel to Pattaya – a popular tourist beach site or you can also go to southern Thailand, e.g. to Surat Thani. There are trains, tourist buses and private cars to Pattaya + flights to Surat Thani.
💡 Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Train
These practical tips are based on common travel options and real traveler experience for the long rail journey from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand down to the capital, Bangkok — a scenic and budget‑friendly alternative to flying.
1. Choose Your Departure Time Wisely
Trains run several times a day, with both daytime and overnight options. A mid‑morning departure lets you enjoy countryside views during daylight and arrive in Bangkok in the evening, while overnight services let you save a night’s accommodation and wake up ready to explore the city.
2. Pick the Right Seat or Sleeper
Options range from basic seats to air‑conditioned sleeper berths. Soft sleeper cabins or air‑conditioned second‑class beds are more comfortable on the roughly 10–15‑hour route, while basic seats are cheaper if you’re on a tight budget.
3. Enjoy the Scenery Along the Way
Traveling by train lets you see a variety of landscapes — from lush rice paddies and rural towns to highland foothills as you leave Chiang Mai. Try to travel part of the route in daylight to appreciate the changing scenery.
4. Pack Essentials for Comfort
For longer journeys, bring water, snacks, a phone charger, a travel pillow and a light layer. Air‑conditioning on trains can be cool at night, and having these items makes the trip more pleasant.
5. Arrive Early at the Station
Chiang Mai Railway Station is the departure point, and arriving at least 30–45 minutes early helps you find your platform, check luggage and settle in without rushing. Bangkok’s main arrival is at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, which offers easy connections to public transport.
6. Book in Advance for Peak Times
This route is popular year‑round, and seats — especially sleeper berths — can sell out during holidays or weekends. Booking your tickets online in advance helps you secure your preferred train, class and berth with more peace of mind.
Tip: Train tickets from Chiang Mai to Bangkok can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time, class and seat type for a smoother journey.