🚆 Railway in Thailand
📍 Thailand Train Map
🚉 Railway Routes
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips
🎫 Book Train Ticket
Thailand has a wide railway network, and also modern trains.
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- Explore Thailand’s Extensive Train Network – While Thailand boasts a sprawling train network, there are still beloved destinations inaccessible by rail. Many places can only be reached by bus, car, or motorbike. However, key tourist spots typically have railway or train stations nearby. Bangkok serves as the central railway hub, being the capital and largest city of Thailand. The city also features an urban train line. Departing from Bangkok, travelers can journey via Thai Railways to various regions in the north, northeast, east, or south of Thailand. The country’s railway network comprises four main lines: the Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern Lines. Additionally, there are stations near the borders with Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia, such as Nong Khai + Ubon Ratchathani (Laos border) or Aranyaprathet (Cambodia border).
There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd class seat or sleeper trains of Thai Railways.
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- The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) (Thai: การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย) operates as the state-owned rail operator under the Ministry of Transport. Offering a blend of modern and traditional trains, SRT runs commuter rail services from Bangkok along the Northern and Northeastern Lines, serving destinations like Ayutthaya, Ban Phachi Junction, Lopburi, and Kaeng Khoi Junction. Plans for high-speed railways on select routes are also underway. Popular routes among tourists include Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Surat Thani, and Bangkok to Nong Khai. Online booking for train tickets in Thailand is available. Check out the Google railway map of Thailand below and explore additional transportation options in Thailand in this article: Transportation in Thailand.
| Train Class in Thailand: | Description | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Class | Spacious seats with additional amenities, often with sleeper options. Passengers may also have access to exclusive lounges and dining areas. | Main routes such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Surat Thani, Bangkok to Hat Yai. |
| 2nd Class | Comfortable seating, sometimes with sleeper options. Passengers might have access to food and beverage services on board. | Various routes including those to major tourist destinations like Ayutthaya, Pattaya, and Phuket. |
| 3rd Class | Basic seating, suitable for shorter journeys. Often crowded during peak hours, but it’s an affordable option for budget travelers. | Commonly found on shorter routes and commuter services such as Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Bangkok to Hua Hin. |
📍 Thailand Railway Map:
Some small and not so important railway stations in Thailand are not marked in this Google map, becaues travelers do not use them. Red circle – the main and bigger railway stations. Railway Map of Thailand was updated in January 2023. Click the red icon for the more information about train transport.
🚉 The most frequented railway routes in Thailand:
1. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Chiang Mai
2. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Surat Thani
3. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Hua Hin
4. Railway route from:
Nong Khai → Bangkok
5. Railway route from:
Aranyaprathet → Bangkok
6. Railway route from:
Ubon Ratchathani → Bangkok
7. Railway route from:
Hat Yai → Bangkok
8. Railway route from:
Chumphon → Bangkok
9. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Pattaya
10. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Ayutthaya
11. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Udon Thani
12. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Khon Kaen
13. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Ubon Ratchathani
14. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Trang
15. Railway route from:
Bangkok → Nong Khai
🚉 The most frequented railway stations in Thailand:
| Railway Stations in Thailand: | |
|---|---|
| Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Bangkok) | Main railway station in Bangkok, serving as a major transportation hub connecting various regions of Thailand. |
| Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bangkok) | Central terminal station in Bangkok, facilitating transportation within the city and to other destinations. |
| Chiang Mai Railway Station | Main railway station in Chiang Mai, providing transportation services to and from the northern region of Thailand. |
| Nong Khai Railway Station | Railway station in Nong Khai, facilitating transportation to northeastern Thailand and connection to the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. |
| Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station | Key railway station in Ubon Ratchathani, facilitating travel to and from northeastern Thailand. |
| Aranyaprathet Railway Station | Railway station in Aranyaprathet, serving as a border crossing point between Thailand and Cambodia. |
| Chumphon Railway Station | Key railway station in Chumphon, serving as a transit point for travelers heading to popular beach destinations. |
| Hua Hin Railway Station | Railway station in Hua Hin, a popular coastal town known for its beaches and resorts. |
| Surat Thani Railway Station | Key railway station in Surat Thani, serving as a gateway to popular islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. |
| Hat Yai Railway Station | Major railway station in Hat Yai, serving as a transportation hub for southern Thailand and connection to Malaysia. |
| Kanchanaburi Railway Station | Railway station in Kanchanaburi, famous for the Bridge on the River Kwai and historical significance during World War II. |
| Pattaya Railway Station | Railway station in Pattaya, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife and beaches. |
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Trains in Thailand:
1. Are there trains in Thailand?
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- Yes, there are various trains in Thailand, these trains are operated by The State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Thailand has 5 major railway lines in the whole country – Northern Line (trains to Chiang Mai), Northeastern Line (trains to Nong Khai), Eastern Line (trains to Ubon Ratchathani, Pattaya) and Southern Line (trains to Surat Thani, Sungai Kolok) and train from Bangkok to Kanchanburi.
2. How to book and buy train tickets for trains in Thailand?
3. What types and classes of trains travelers can use in Thailand?
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- There are 3 classes of trains – 1st class trains, 2nd class trains, 3rd class trains. The best and comfortable trains for travelers is the 1st or 2nd class train. There are seats or sleeper berths in these trains. Types of trains in Thailand – Special Express, Diesel Railcar, Express, Rapid, Ordinary, Commuter, Local.
4. What is the major train station in Thailand?
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- The major railway hub is Hua Lamphong Railway Station and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in the city center of Bangkok. From these train stations you can travel to every of the 4 major lines in the country – north, east, northeast, southern line.
5. Is it possible to buy food and drink in the trains in Thailand?
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- Yes, it is generally possible to buy food and drinks on trains in Thailand. However, the availability of food and drink services may vary depending on the class of travel and the specific train route. In higher classes such as 1st and 2nd class, there are often food and beverage services available onboard. These services may include a trolley service offering snacks, beverages, and sometimes even meals. In some cases, there might be a dining car where passengers can sit and enjoy a meal during their journey. In 3rd class, where the facilities are more basic, food and drink options may be more limited. Vendors may occasionally pass through the train selling snacks and drinks, but there might not be dedicated onboard catering services.
6. Is there a baggage limitation in the train?
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- Each passenger is entitled to carry one large and one small piece of luggage, but this rule is not strictly enforced. No one will weigh or check your suitcases. In first class you are entitled to bring 60 kg per passenger, in second class it is 40 kg per passenger and in third class it is 30 kg per passenger.
7. Will the train in Thailand arrive on time?
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- The punctuality of trains in Thailand can vary depending on several factors including the specific train route, the class of service, and external factors such as weather conditions and track maintenance. While efforts are made to adhere to schedules, delays can sometimes occur. Generally, long-distance trains tend to have a better track record for punctuality compared to shorter commuter services. Trains on popular tourist routes may also be more punctual to accommodate the needs of travelers. The network consists of multiple routes connecting major cities, towns, and tourist destinations.
8. Is there a train from Thailand to Cambodia and Laos?
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- There are trains to the border with Cambodia and Laos. From Bangkok to Nong Khai (Laos), from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani (Laos), from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (Cambodia). Sungai Kolok Railway Station in southern Thailand – travelers heading to Malaysia.
9. How many railway routes are in Thailand?
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- There are 5 major railway routes in Thailand. It is possible that in the future this network would be expanded.
10. Is there a high-speed train and railway in Thailand?
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- No, there is no high-speed train in Thailand, but in the future there should be build a new railway for these trains. E.g. high-speed railway between Bangkok > Nong Khai, Bangkok > Chiang Mai or Bangkok > Pattaya.
11. How to travel with children in thai trains?
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- Children under the age of 3 with a height of less than 100 cm travel free of charge if they can share a seat with an adult. Children under the age of 13 with a height of less than 150 cm can get a discount, based on the type of the train, the class and the carriage. The discount is between 10 and 20 percent.
12. How to travel from Surat Thani Railway Station to Krabi?
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- Krabi is a popular tourist site in southern Thailand and is accessible by private minivan / bus or car / taxi from Surat Thani Railway Station. More information: How to go from Surat Thani to Krabi? Surat Thani Railway Station is the closest station to Krabi.
13. How to travel from Surat Thani Railway Station to Koh Samui?
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- Koh Samui is one of the most visited islands in Thailand. It is accessible by ferry / boat or private minivan / bus + ferry. More information: How to go from Surat Thani to Koh Samui?
14. What is the transportation in Thailand?
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- Travelers in Thailand can use various modern tourist buses or minivans, flights, trains, private cars / taxi and nearby islands are accessible by various speedboats / ferries. Read this article: Transportation in Thailand.
15. What is the official currency of Thailand and how to exchange money?
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- The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). To exchange money, you can visit banks, currency exchange booths, or use ATMs. Banks typically offer competitive exchange rates, but may charge transaction fees. Currency exchange booths are convenient, often open longer hours, but their rates might be less favorable. Using ATMs connected to banks is a common and convenient option; however, be mindful of potential withdrawal fees from both your home bank and the local Thai bank. Always check rates and fees beforehand to make informed choices.
| Train Type in Thailand: | Description |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Train | The Ordinary Train is the traditional and slowest type of train in Thailand. It features wooden seats, open windows, and fans for ventilation. This type of train offers a basic travel experience, suitable for those who prefer a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery along the way. It makes frequent stops at many stations along the route, making it convenient for passengers traveling to intermediate destinations. |
| Rapid Train | The Rapid Train provides a faster option compared to the Ordinary Train. It is equipped with better seats and basic air conditioning, offering a more comfortable journey for passengers. While still making stops at various stations, the Rapid Train maintains a relatively swift pace, making it suitable for travelers who prioritize speed and comfort without the premium fares associated with faster train types. |
| Express Train | The Express Train is a medium-speed train that offers an improved travel experience compared to the Rapid Train. It features upgraded seating, air conditioning, and often includes a dining car where passengers can enjoy meals during their journey. The Express Train is ideal for longer-distance travel, providing a convenient option for passengers seeking a balance between speed and comfort. It typically stops at major stations along the route, offering connectivity to key destinations. |
| Special Express Train | The Special Express Train is the fastest and most luxurious type of train in Thailand. It offers comfortable seating, air conditioning, dining car facilities, and sleeping compartments for overnight journeys. The Special Express Train provides a premium travel experience for passengers on long-distance routes, offering limited stops and faster travel times compared to other train types. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking convenience, comfort, and speed for their journey. |
| Diesel Railcar Train | The Diesel Railcar Train is a modern type of train powered by diesel engines. It features air conditioning and offers faster transportation on shorter routes compared to traditional trains. The Diesel Railcar Train provides a comfortable and convenient option for regional travel, connecting smaller towns and cities efficiently. It is suitable for passengers seeking a hassle-free and efficient mode of transportation for their journey. |
🎫 Search and book your train tickets in Thailand online:
(You can change your departure place, arrival, date of departure, eg. Bangkok to Surat Thani…)
Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai｜Chumphon to Hua Hin｜Chumphon to Chiang Mai｜Koh Tao to Khao Lak｜Phuket to Krabi – Ferry｜Khao Lak to K.Samui