State Railway of Thailand | Routings and Maps

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State Railway of Thailand | Transportation Map

Train travel in Thailand has always been a favourite method of transportation within the Kingdom. Travelling domestically by train is simple, cheap, and oftentimes thrilling. For many tourists, the experience of taking a long-distance train in Thailand is their introduction to Thai culture beyond (and in between) hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Currently, there are over 300 stops within the State Railway of Thailand (SRT)’s system. The current railway consists of 5 separate lines and spans a total length of 4,346 km.

There is a palpable air of nostalgia attached to train travel in Thailand. This feeling is derived from various places and things, including the classic look and feel of the trains, vendors jumping on and off to sell traditional Thai snacks, and the plethora of scenery changes on any cross-country rail journey.

Taking the train is a standard mode of transportation for tourists and locals alike. While locals often use the trains to commute, transport goods, and travel between provinces to visit family, there are several routes that many seasoned tourists to Thailand would consider to be a rite of passage for anyone looking to experience the rail system here.

One such line is the sleeper train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, which offers a unique view of the entire region from one of Thailand’s northernmost points to the bustling hub where it stops in Bangkok.

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State Railway of Thailand | SRT Northern Line

This is the oldest railway line. The first section was opened in 1894. The length of the branch is 751 km and the trains cross this distance in 11-14 hours on average. Two Express trains and three Special Express trains connect the Rose of the North (Chiang Mai) with the Big Mango (Bangkok). The night trains take a little longer, but their seats are converted into comfortable sleeping berths when night falls. The scenery when leaving Bangkok in the evening is not that exciting, but when the sun comes up in the morning the train will have reached the mountains that surround Chiang Mai and passengers are rewarded with fantastic views.

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State Railway of Thailand | SRT Southern Line

The track between Bangkok and Hua Hin is just 229 km long and very well developed. SRT trains are no longer allowed to cross or pass Malaysian border all the way to Butterworth Train Station. The new disembarkation station is Padang Besar (Thailand Side). Passengers can still continue their journey to Butterworth via Padang Besar train station (Malaysian Side) by pre-booking a KTM train ticket or direct purchase of a ticket at the station.

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State Railway of Thailand | SRT Eastern Line

This line ends at the border with Cambodia. In the past the track went through the border and into Cambodia. However, during the civil war in Cambodia, the connection was interrupted and has not yet been restored. At the moment the only construction activities are for buildings and casinos in the border area in Poi Pet. There is a plan to restore the rail link between the two countries, but it is only at the planning stage. The journey between Bangkok and Aranyaprathet takes about 4-5 hours. Tickets can be bought only one day in advance (hence online booking is not feasible) and many people think it is more convenient to take a bus to Rong Klua Market, which is located directly at the border. Locals can enjoy the casino buses which provide free transportation for those who just cross the border to visit the casinos. This service is not available to tourists.

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State Railway of Thailand | SRT Northeastern Line



































Up to Ban Phachi Junction the track also serves the northern line, but after that the line is separated from the north-east line. The track length is 624 km. The journey between Bangkok and Nong Khai takes an average of 10-12 hours; between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani you can expect 8-10 hours. If you continue your journey to Laos you can walk on foot (2 km), or you can take the bus to Vientiane. The most convenient connection to Nong Khai is train # 69 | 70 - it is the fastest and it is a sleeper.

• Train # 25 | 26 from Bangkok - Nong Khai
  The type of this trains is Special Express. The time to get to the terminal station is 10 h 45 min. Dispatched from Bangkok at 20:00 the train arrives at it's destination at 06:45 in the morning. This train has only sleeper cars and a dining car.
• Train # 75 | 77 and 76 | 78 from Bangkok - Nong Khai
  The type of this train is Express and the travel time between end stations is around 9 h 30 min. Dispatched from Bangkok in the evening at 18:35 train #77 arrives in Nong Khai in the early morning at 04:35. Train #75 departs at 08:20 in the morning and arrives Nong Khai at 17:45 in the evening. These trains have only seater carriages.
• Train # 133 | 134 from Bangkok - Nong Khai
  The type of this train is Rapid. The travel time between Hua Lamphong in Bangkok and Nong Khai is 11h 50min. Dispatched from Bangkok's main station at 20:45 it arrives at 08:35 in Nong Khai. It stops at almost every station.
• Train # 67 | 68 from Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani
  The types of these trains are Express and the travel time is 10 h 55 min. The train departs from Bangkok at 20:30 in the evening and arrives in Ubon Ratchathani in the morning at 07:25. This train has a dining car and VIP sleepers, Second Class sleepers, Second Class seats.
• Train # 135 | 136 from Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani
  The type of this train is rapid. The travel time between the end stations is 11h 20 min. You will spend the whole day on the road between 06:40 in the morning and arrive when it is almost dark at 18:00. The train stops at almost every station. Second/Third Class seats with fans.

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Railway Stations within Thailand

• Chiang Mai Train Station
  Chiang Mai train station is located on Charuen Muang Road, approximately in the middle between the Ping River and the Superhighway. It is the main station for northern Thailand. While parking is a problem at Bangkok's station there is plenty of parking space available at Chiang Mai. You will also find street vendors and a couple of local restaurants there. The Bossotel, where the boarding passes for tickets booked with 12Go have to be picked up, is located on the other side of the street.
• Chumphon Train Station
  Chumphon train station is mainly a station to stop for refueling gasoline and adding water on the southern route. The station (and the parcel room) are open 24 hours every day of the week.Note: tickets to and from Chumphon can only be confirmed 30 days in advance. By that time most of the seats are already sold to people who travel on a longer distance and booked their tickets up to 60 days in advance. If you do not want to take any risk please book your tickets from/to Lang Suan station instead. Of course you can still board or hop off in Chumphon. The price difference per seat is marginal for second class trains and first class. Booking the longer distance gives you a much better chance to actually get the tickets you need.
• Suratthani Train Station
  Suratthani train station, unlike many others, is open 24 hours, including the Parcel department. It is basically the main transport hub connecting the south to Bangkok, so trains pass by around the clock. Most of the trains you will be interested in are departing in the evening, usually being belated.

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Kanchanaburi| River Kwai Tour

Railway Travel FAQ:

• Luggage:
  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.
• Bicycle | Motorbike Transportation
  Depend on trains because some trains have no cargo compartment. It is possible to bring your bicycle or motorbike. Please check in advance to ensure your train has such a compartment. While it is much easier with bicycles, motorbikes require a bit more attention. The engine capacity of a motorbike that is allowed for transporting cannot exceed 125 cc. It is advised to arrive at least 3 hours before train departure at the cargo terminal, where you have to prove that the bike is registered in your name (bring your passport and the green book of the bike). Take your time and watch how your bike is loaded and secured on the train. It might speed up the process to tip the staff, preferably the person on the train who will secure it properly and monitor it. At most of the stations your bike will be lifted by hand by the station staff onto the train. The charge depends on the weight of the bike, so make sure you know the weight to avoid being overcharged. The price of a small bike or scooter should be around 1000 and 1500 THB and the price does not depend on the distance. When you arrive you can try to get your bike right away. It may require some additional payment to speed up the process.
• Types of Trains
  In Thailand, there are seven types of trains. The type of train defines the travel time, number of stops, speed of travel and available classes, as well as the quality of cars that are hooked to the train. The train number indicates the type of train.
  Special Express trains have a number from 1 to 48. Trains of this type are the fastest and run almost non-stop but are also the most expensive. These trains normally have first and second class carriages except for special express train # 37 which also includes third class carriages on the Bangkok-Sungai Kolok route.
  Diesel Railcar The DRC letters next to the train number indicates that it has special self-propelled diesel railcars. These trains generally consist of only 2 or 3 carriages in second class, wherein in the first carriage is the one with the engine. Almost half of all Thai trains run on diesel.
  Express trains have numbers from 51 to 98. They differ from special express trains in that they make more stops and therefore need more time on the same track. The trains have carriages of first, second and third class.
  Rapid trains have numbers from 101 to 198. They are the most common type of train in Thailand and include carriages in second class (usually without air conditioning) and third class. They make a stop at almost every station.
  Ordinary trains have numbers from 298 to 300. These are very slow trains that make the maximum number of stops. The trains have only third class carriages and run only during the day over distances of not more than 500 km.
  Commuter trains are suburban trains with numbers from 301 to 398. They have all the same features as the ordinary trains.
  Local trains have numbers from 401 to 498. They also have the same features as the ordinary trains and run along shorter distances.

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Thailand Railway Transportation Classes | Amenities















































First class
First class is the most comfortable way to travel. You will enjoy a separate compartment with individual air conditioning and a private washbasin. The ticket price includes fresh bed linen and washing accessories: bed sheet, blanket, soap and towels. At the end of the car are usually a toilet and a shower with cold water. To travel together in one room is no problem for couples. If you are traveling alone, but did not pay for single occupancy, you will find yourself in a compartment with another passenger of the same gender. If you want privacy and the whole room for yourself, please let us know by opening a support case referring to your booking id. Please note that on the first class air-conditioned carriage, you cannot bring your animals with you as per it is against the State Railway of Thailand policy. The animals will only be allowed on the fan carriage only. On the routes for Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Nong Khai and Bangkok to Hat Yai you can order food from the restaurant and stewards will serve it in your compartment. There are different options on the menu, and a dinner costs about 200 THB while breakfast is about 100 THB. If this option suits you - that's great! But keep in mind that if you dine in the dining car you will gain a new experience, meet other people and have a wider choice of options. The stewards may try to keep you from going to the restaurant because they receive a commission from each order. Compartment cars are usually quickly sold out. It is advised to book them at least a month before the start of intended travel, and booking more than 60 days in advance gives you the best chance to actually get your own compartment. First-class carriages are usually found in the special express type of trains. There are different versions of first-class carriages. Please note that VIP compartments in the old trains do not offer the same standards as you might expect it from your home country or from the newer trains State Railways of Thailand offers on certain routes.VIP sleepers usually consist of 12 double compartments (with upper and lower berths). In the evening a steward will convert the seats into comfortable beds.

Second Class
The second class is the most common and popular class in Thailand. In these cars the seats / berths are arranged along the walls on both sides of the carriage. In the daytime the lower berths are converted into seats that face each other. By nightfall, the steward dismantles the seats and makes up the berths (clean bed linen is included in the ticket price). Each berth is enclosed by a curtain, defining personal space and providing some privacy. Second-class sleepers are available in two versions: air-conditioned and with fans. Air-conditioned cars are usually newer and cleaner, but the cars with open windows are perfect for a photo / video shooting trip. The upper berth is slightly cheaper than the lower one, but it is smaller in size and a bit shorter. If your height is less than 185 cm (6'1") you will have enough space in the upper berth. If you are taller, you should reserve a lower berth with a length of 190 cm (6'3") where you can sleep comfortably lying diagonally. You luggage can be stored on special racks and for your peace of mind you can secure them with a bicycle lock to the luggage rack. You can also secure zippers with a padlock. At the end of the carriage a restroom with a toilet can be found. Please note that on the second class air-conditioned carriage, you cannot bring your animals with you as per it is against the State Railway of Thailand policy. The animals will only be allowed on the fan carriage only.

On the routes for Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Nong Khai and Bangkok to Hat Yai you can order food from the restaurant and stewards will serve it in your compartment. There are different options on the menu, and a dinner costs about 200 THB while breakfast is about 100 THB. If this option suits you - that's great! But keep in mind that if you dine in the dining car you will gain a new experience, meet other people and have a wider choice of options. The stewards may try to keep you from going to the restaurant because they receive a commission from each order. The seats are similar to seats in a plane: soft and reclining. Tickets for these carriages are sold with a reserved seat number. Please note that air conditioning in Thailand is usually running at full capacity and set to a temperature that would make a polar bear smile, so be prepared and bring warm clothing. You can ask for an extra blanket or simply use your own big towel. The following types of carriages can be found in second class:

• Second-class sleepers with AC come with 30, 32, 36 or 40 beds.
• Second-class sleepers with Fan come with 32 beds.
• Second-class sleepers for women only are for women and girls only. Boys up to the age of 8 years are allowed to travel with their mother. The rules are strictly enforced and a male passenger with a reservation for this carriage will not be allowed to board and will face serious problems with the authorities.
• Second class seater with Fan come with 48 or 64 seats.
• Second class seater with AC come with 58 or 64 seats, but they are different from the carriages with fan, especially the ones on a special express train. In these cars are also seats comparable to those in an airplane, but even more comfortable. The carriages have a steward who announces stops and serves food and drinks that are either included in the fare or have to be paid separately. Double-check if they are complementary; there have been unpleasant surprises for travelers who thought (or were initially told) they were included.

Third Class Carriages
This type of carriage is good for short trips such as from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi or from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Prepare for a small car with seating areas along the walls. Same seats can be very hard. These cars are usually equipped with fans (that do not always work). The windows can be opened. At the end of the car you might find a toilet and wash basin. Third class is preferred by locals and is often overcrowded. On short routes it can be a new experience to travel with locals and through the open windows you might have the chance to shoot some really impressive pictures. You can bring your dog with you when you travel in third class. The fee is appr. between 90 and 150 THB depending on the size of the animal and your 4-legged companion has to be in a travel cage the entire time. Cages are not provided; you have to bring your own. A much better way to travel with your pet is to book a private van transfer with us. Please understand that our operator will not accept farm animals, dangerous or endangered species.

The Dining Car
The following trains are always equipped with an on-board-restaurant carriage: 9 | 10 , 13 | 14, 31 | 32, 85 | 86 and 25 | 26. Some of the dining cars are air-conditioned and some have only a fan. The food they serve is usually local Thai and relatively inexpensive. A variety of options (sets) is offered and dinner costs about 200 THB while breakfast is around 100 THB. Since years alcoholic beverages are no longer available for sale on board, but you can bring your own supply in reasonable amounts. Nobody will complain if you open a bottle of wine with your dinner. If you are traveling in first or second class you can order your meal through the steward and get it delivered to your seat. If this option suits you - that's great! But keep in mind that if you dine in the dining car you will gain a new experience, meet other people and have a wider choice of options. The stewards may try to keep you from going to the restaurant, because they receive a commission from each order. Everybody is welcome in the on-board restaurant.

Ladies Only!
The following trains have a special carriage reserved solely for female passengers and their children: 9 | 10 (Chiang Mai), 37 | 38 (Suratthani), 67 | 68 (Ubon Ratchathani) and 25 | 26 (Nong Khai). Boys up to the age of 8 years and a height of less than 100 cm are allowed to travel with their mother. The rules are strictly enforced and a male passenger with a reservation for this carriage will not be allowed to board and will face serious problems with the authorities.

Disabled Passengers
In general the State Railways personnel are very helpful to those in need. If passengers have any disability there will be someone to help. Blind people will be guided to their seat and passengers who need a wheelchair may be able to use a special entrance / elevator to board the train. This does not apply to all trains, however. Before booking, please check what type of special equipment is available on the train you plan to take. If you have any disability please contact our support on the website and we will do our best to help you.

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Thailand Railway Transportation Classes | Amenities

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Japan donates cute trains to Thailand, ready for public use from October 2022





















































On Tuesday, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) conducted a trial run of a cute white and purple locomotive donated by Japan. It is one of 17 Kiha 183 passenger trains donated by the Hokkaido Railway Company, which will be used for short tourism routes as soon as next month. Governor of the SRT Nirut Maneephan said the trains will hopefully be ready to take tourists from Bangkok to places such as Sai Yok Falls in Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin or the Pasak Dam in Lopburi as soon as October.

“SRT hopes the KIHA 183 trains will play a big part in promoting tourism in Thailand,” he said. “They will offer tourists a brand new experience.”

Three of the 17 diesel powered trains delivered in December last year are ready for trial runs after being modified by the SRT to fit Thai railways. The first trial run was successfully completed yesterday from Bangkok’s Makkasan maintenance yard to Chachoengsao station in eastern Thailand. The SRT paid 42.5 Million THB to have the trains shipped over from Japan and will pay a further 200,000 THB for each train to have it modified to fit Thailand’s tracks. Nirut said it’s 400 times cheaper than buying a new train, which could cost 100 Million THB.

The air-conditioned trains can travel up to 100-110 kilometres per hour. Eight of the trains can seat 40 passengers, another eight can seat 68 passengers and one train can seat 58 passengers. Nurit said 13 trains should be ready to take tourists on short trips this year, some as soon as next month. The remaining trains will be completely overhauled with new wheels, bearings, engines, electrical systems, brakes and air-conditioning so they can be used for long-haul services – a task which could take up to two years. The trains will be in use for another 15 to 20 years, said Nurit.