| Option | Time | Price | Who for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNEX air-con train | about 1h15 | 50 THB at most until 31 October 2026 (to be checked afterwards) | independent, early riser | |
| Ordinary train (3rd class) | about 2 h | around 15 THB | tight budget, curious | |
| Minivan from Mo Chit 2 | about 1h30 outside traffic | to check on site | free timing | |
| Temples in a small group with lunch | 7 to 7.5 h | about $33 (October 2026) | first visit, explanations | See |
| Bus out + cruise back | about 9 h | €€ (check on the listing) | a restful return on the water | See |
By train: BNEX or ordinary train
Since 1 August 2026, the SRT Bangkok Connex air-conditioned train leaves from Krung Thep Aphiwat station (MRT Bang Sue) and reaches Ayutthaya in about 1h15, with a stop at Bang Pa-in. On weekdays, departures at 5:15 am, 9:05 am and 6:15 pm; on Saturday and Sunday, at 9:05 am and 6:15 pm. Returns from Ayutthaya at 2:40 pm and 7:45 pm every day, plus 6:50 am on weekdays. The ticket is sold only at the station, without reservation, and seats are not numbered. The price after the 50 THB promotional fare was not announced in early October 2026: check with the SRT (number 1690). Ordinary trains from Hua Lamphong, in fan-cooled third class, take about 2 hours for around 15 THB. More options in our train excursions from Bangkok.
By minivan
Minivans leave from the Mo Chit 2 bus station and take about 1h30 outside traffic jams. Price and times change: ask at the counter. It is the fallback if the return train is full or gone.
By the river: the cruise back
We did not verify a regular public boat service between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. The boat exists mostly as a tour: bus out, four temples with a guide, then a cruise back with a buffet lunch to River City. Details are in our page Ayutthaya by bus and Grand Pearl cruise. The cruise ends at River City, not necessarily at your hotel: plan a taxi.
On site: ferry, bike and temples
The station is on the east bank, facing the historic island: a small ferry crosses the river in a few minutes for a few baht, then Wat Mahathat is under 2 km by bike. Bikes rent for 50 to 100 THB a day. Each major Fine Arts Department temple costs 50 THB for foreigners; the six-temple combined ticket costs 220 THB, worthwhile from five paid temples. Temples open from 8 am to 6 pm. Save Wat Chaiwatthanaram for the late afternoon. Everything is in the Ayutthaya page.
Train alone or guided tour?
- Alone, by train: the cheapest and freest, but no guide or lunch, and return times to respect.
- Temples in a small group with lunch: transport, four temples and lunch included; check the entrance fees on the listing.
- Other formulas (sunset boat, private driver, private guide): compared in Ayutthaya from Bangkok: which tour to choose.
- Overnight stay: see hotels in Ayutthaya on Booking.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Leaving late: return trains are few, the last leaves at 7:45 pm.
- Forgetting cash: temple tickets are paid in cash.
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered; see temple dress code.
- Heat: see Bangkok when it is too hot.
FAQ
How long do I need for Ayutthaya? One day is enough for the main temples from Bangkok.
Is the train faster than the minivan? The BNEX takes about 1h15 against about 1h30 outside traffic for the minivan.
Can I book the train in advance? The BNEX ticket is bought at the station, without reservation.
Do I need a guide? Not for the main temples; yes if you want the historical explanations.
