Day trips by train from Bangkok: times, stations and tickets

The train is the simplest and cheapest way out of Bangkok: a third-class ticket costs a few dozen baht, the railway avoids the traffic jams and each line serves a well-known site. From the capital two stations matter: Krung Thep Aphiwat, in Bang Sue, for the north (Ayutthaya, Lopburi), and Thonburi (Bangkok Noi), across the river, for the west (Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi). This guide compares the five trips you can make by train, with their duration and the pitfalls. Times and prices change often: those given were observed or copied from our pages in October 2026 and should be checked with the SRT (tel. 1690) before you travel.

Choosing your station

Since 19 January 2023, Krung Thep Aphiwat central station, in Bang Sue, has replaced Hua Lamphong for most long-distance trains. It is linked to the MRT (Bang Sue station) and to the Red Line. Hua Lamphong, in the heart of the city, remains open for a few trains but is no longer the departure point for Ayutthaya or the north. Thonburi station, more modest, is reached by Chao Phraya express boat, Thonburi Railway stop (N11), or by taxi; it is the departure point for trains to the west.

In every case, buy the ticket at the station counter on the day for ordinary trains (no reservation), and book in advance for rapid and express trains when seats are numbered. On most short journeys the trains are third class: plastic seats, fans, open windows, and they are often late.

Ayutthaya: the easiest

Train at Thonburi station, with a vintage steam locomotive

Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, is about 80 km to the north. Since 1 August 2026, the air-conditioned SRT Bangkok Connex train leaves from Krung Thep Aphiwat and takes about 1h15; the ticket costs 50 baht at most until 31 October 2026, a promotional fare whose next price had not been announced in early October 2026. Ordinary trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat or Hua Lamphong take about 2 hours, for around fifteen baht. On site, a ferry crosses the river opposite the station and you rent a bike. All the details, temples and tickets are in our page on Ayutthaya.

On the way, the train stops at Bang Pa-in, home to the Bang Pa-in Palace, the kings' summer residence, which you can visit on the way out or at the end of the day.

Lopburi: Khmer temples and monkeys

Lopburi, about 150 km to the north, is reached by the ordinary and rapid trains that continue beyond Ayutthaya: allow 2h30 to 3 hours. The town is known for its Khmer temple overrun by macaques, which steal glasses, bags and food: keep your belongings in a closed bag. It is best done over two days with Ayutthaya, or by going early and coming back in the late afternoon.

Nakhon Pathom: the world's tallest stupa

Nakhon Pathom is reached in about 1h30 by ordinary trains from Thonburi station, with several departures during the day: our page gives the times and how to continue to the dragon temple. Trains leave Thonburi at 7:45 (no. 257) and 13:55 (no. 259), the same ones that carry on to Kanchanaburi; there are also rapid trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat. It is the shortest trip on this list: a same-day return is very easy.

Kanchanaburi and the bridge over the River Kwai

About 130 km from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is the best-known trip to the west. Train no. 257 leaves Thonburi at 7:45 and reaches Kanchanaburi at 10:20, the bridge at 10:34 and Nam Tok at 12:05; the ticket costs 100 baht for foreigners. The return is by no. 258, leaving Nam Tok at 13:00 and Kanchanaburi at 14:40. At the end of September 2026, floods closed the section between Tha Kilen and Nam Tok: check our page before leaving.

The Maeklong railway market

For an original half day, the Maeklong railway market combines two small trains: from Wongwian Yai station to Mahachai, then, after a ferry crossing of the Tha Chin river, from Ban Laem to Maeklong. The market is set up along the track, and the stalls fold away each time the train passes. The exact times, which change, are given in our page.

Summary

Destination	Departure station	Duration	Ordinary ticket price	Page
Ayutthaya	Krung Thep Aphiwat	1h15 (BNEX) to 2 h	50 baht at most (BNEX), about fifteen baht (ordinary)	Ayutthaya
Lopburi	Krung Thep Aphiwat	2h30 to 3 h	Depends on the train	Lopburi
Nakhon Pathom	Thonburi	1h30	A few baht	Nakhon Pathom
Kanchanaburi	Thonburi	about 2h30	100 baht (foreigners)	Kanchanaburi
Maeklong	Wongwian Yai then Mahachai	about 1 h + crossing	A few baht	Maeklong

Fares and durations to be checked with the SRT before you travel.

Practical tips

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, especially at Thonburi, where ordinary trains cannot be reserved. Bring water and small change: vendors board the train. For Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi and Maeklong, the last return train leaves in mid-afternoon or early evening: note it before setting out and plan a bus or minivan as a fallback.

Going further

For getting around the city (MRT, BTS, boats, taxis), see our guide to getting around Bangkok. For a programme that includes these trips, see Bangkok in 3 days and Bangkok in a week. For an overview of trips out of the city, see our guide to day trips from Bangkok.