Travelling by Train in Thailand: Everything You Need to Know

As a lover of slow and immersive travel, I’m an absolute sucker for trying out public transport in different destinations and countries. Wherever I am, I try to check off at least a few different public transport methods. And so, of course, travelling by train in Thailand was at the top of my list!

While on my 24 hours in Bangkok adventure, the public transport Thailand I took was the bus, river ferry and metro system in the capital city. Even though I was driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka, I still managed to do one trip on a commuter train from Galle to Colombo. In Maldives, while travelling to the local island Maafushi, I decided to ditch speedboats and give the $2 public ferries a go.

And when it was finally time for me to be taking the train in Thailand, I did the route from Surat Thani to Bangkok after a few days of exploration in the Khao Sok National Park.

And all these experiences have been nothing short of adventurous and awesome, especially the rail transport in Thailand!

Embarking on a journey through Thailand by train is one of the most unique things to do in Thailand. In this comprehensive guide to travelling by train in Thailand, we delve into everything you need to know to navigate the Thai rail system with ease and comfort.

This guide to travelling by train in Thailand will cover essential information such as ticket booking procedures, class options ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, insider tips on navigating the stations, and more.

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Travelling by Train in Thailand: What is it like?

If you are a lover of slow travel, have a curiosity to try different things, prefer overnight travel to cut costs or are generally looking for budget friendly travel options, you will enjoy travelling by train in Thailand!

• State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is the state-owned company operating all trains in Thailand.
• Travelling by train in Thailand is quite popular with foreign tourists so you won’t necessarily feel like the odd person out.
• Even though I did train travel in Thailand only once, I thought it was a very clean and comfortable affair overall, at least when compared to travelling by train in India!
• Train travel in Thailand can be unpredictable at times. Delays are usually a part of the experience.

How to Book Train Tickets in Thailand

There are several methods to book train tickets in Thailand:

Booking Train Tickets in Thailand Online

To book Thai train tickets online, you will first want to visit the Thailand trains official website for SRT.

The website is available in both Thai and English. The default is Thai so you will want to click on the icon on the top right and choose English for easier navigation.

To book tickets on the Thailand state railway website before your journey of travelling by train in Thailand, you must first create an account using your email, passport number, Thai mobile number and other details.

Once you have logged in, you can then search for trains and check availability based on your travel preferences. You can then select your preferred seats or berths using the seatmap, much like while booking flights.

For making the payment, the website usually accepts most international credit or debit cards. After completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket.

On the day of your journey, it is best to arrive at the train station a bit early because you will have to procure a physical copy of your ticket at the train station counter to be allowed to board the train.

Booking Train Tickets in Thailand Via 12Go

However, often the SRT website is down and does not show all trains for all routes properly.

To bypass this inconvenience while travelling by train in Thailand, I recommend booking your tickets through the 12Go website.

You can easily navigate through the different trains departing from different stations within the same city and don’t have to worry about the website crashing at the last minute during your booking process.

Booking Train Tickets in Thailand at the Station

You can also purchase train tickets in Thailand directly at train stations.

Before travelling by train in Thailand, simply visit the ticket counters or offices at the station, and inform the staff of your travel preferences. They will assist you in selecting the appropriate train, class, and seat availability.

Remember to take your passport along for the booking. Payment can be made in cash or sometimes by card, depending on the station.

Offline in person booking can be made on the day of travel (subject to seat availability) or up to 30 days in advance. All major train stations can book you a ticket for any train journey in Thailand (even if it doesn’t depart from the station you’re booking at).

Booking Train Tickets in Thailand by Phone on 1690

1690 is the official customer helpline number for SRT that can be dialled via a Thai number. Usually, they are comfortable speaking English and can book your tickets for travelling by train in Thailand according to your preferences by noting down your name, passport number and contact number.

Once the booking is complete, you will be given a 10 digit confirmation number. Bookings via 1690 must be made at least 5 days in advance of the journey and you need to show up at the station at least 24 hours in advance to pay for your ticket and get a physical copy or your booking will be nullified.

Do I need to book train tickets in Thailand in advance?

Overall, booking train tickets in Thailand in advance is not always mandatory.

I preferred booking train tickets in Thailand in advance simply for the peace of mind. I advise the same, especially if you are travelling by train in Thailand during peak seasons, holidays, or on popular routes. Also if you are specific about the departure date and time, and which class you want to travel in.

But if you have a flexible schedule or are travelling on less crowded routes, it is possible to purchase tickets on the day of travel.

To book the 3rd class local tickets on routes like Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Bangkok to Kanchanaburi or Bangkok to Hua Hin etc, you can only get them at the station on the day of travel. These tickets don’t sell out, but you might have to make the journey standing or sitting at the door!

Types of Trains in Thailand

While travelling by train in Thailand, you will encounter various types of trains catering to different travel preferences and budgets. Here are some of the most common types of trains in Thailand:

Ordinary Trains (train numbers 298 to 300) are basic, non-air-conditioned trains that stop at almost every station along the route. Ordinary trains are often used for shorter journeys and are affordable. They only have third-class carriages.

Rapid Trains (101 to 198) are faster and provide both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned carriages. They make fewer stops than ordinary trains. They have second and third class carriages (usually without AC).

Express Trains (51 to 98) are faster and more comfortable. They typically offer air-conditioned carriages with reclining seats and may also provide food and beverage services. These connect major cities across Thailand. They have first, second and third class options.

Special Express Trains (1 to 48) are the fastest option available on the Thai railways. They are also the best for luxury train travel in Thailand They offer spacious, air-conditioned sleeping berths with bedding provided, as well as dining cars and other amenities. These usually only have first and second class.

There are also others like Commuter (301 to 398) and Local (401 to 498) trains that are more suburban and run shorter distances.

Thailand Train Classes

While travelling by train in Thailand you will also see trains with a range of classes to accommodate various preferences and budgets. Here are the main train classes you’ll encounter:

First Class (AC, Sleeper) has individual cabins that accommodate two. Typically found on special express trains, there is a cold water shower at the end of the carriage. This is the best class if you are looking for luxury train travel in Thailand If you book a single ticket, you might have to share the compartment with another passenger of the same gender.

Second Class (AC/ Fan, Seater/ Sleeper) offers comfortable seating with adjustable seats that recline. On sleeper trains, second-class berths are arranged on both sides of the wall. During the day, these are converted into seats facing each other. In the evening around 8 pm, a steward will come and convert these into sleeping berths with a mattress, linen and pillow.

Third Class (Fan) carriages are usually non-air-conditioned and have bench-style seating with fans and windows that can open. This a budget-friendly option for short-distance travel.

There are also some trains with carriages reserved for Ladies Only. These are trains 9/10, 25/26, 31/32, 37/38 and 67/68. Boys under 8 can travel with their mothers in this class.

Travelling by Train in Thailand: General Services

Food

While travelling by train in Thailand, you will find most train stations have shops selling food boxes ready for takeaway. These are usually sushi, fried rice or pad Thai. There are also shops selling snacks like chips and beverages. For my Surat Thani to Bangkok train I bought a box of pad Thai and some snacks beforehand.

There are also hawkers inside the train selling local snacks like boiled eggs, dried fish, fishcakes, sweets and other things but these are mostly in the daytime, not at night.

In second class AC seater, a steward serves food which is either included in the ticket or can be bought separately. Best to ask beforehand.

Some trains on major routes even have a restaurant car where a meal plate of rice, curries and salad can be bought off a menu for 150-200 THB ($4-5).

Luggage

Inside sleeper trains, there are special racks designated for passenger luggage. I found this really convenient when travelling by train in Thailand.

In seater trains, the luggage can be either stowed overhead or under the seats. Each person is allowed one big luggage of 30-60 kg depending on your class.

At major train stations, there is also a Left Luggage room where you can securely leave your bags for 20 THB (less than $1) for a couple of hours. I used this facility at Surat Thani and it was smooth sailing.

Restrooms

All train stations have a public toilet. These are often squat toilets, but sometimes WC too.

Similarly, all classes and carriages have toilets and wash basins at the end of the carriage when you’re taking the train in Thailand. The first class sleeper train in Thailand has a cold water shower too.

Where to Go on the Thailand Railway Map

While the Thai railways can be used for travelling by train in Thailand on a variety of routes, there are some of the best train journeys in Thailand on the Thailand trains map that are very popular due to their scenery or history behind these routes.

Here are some best train travel in Thailand:

Bangkok to Maeklong: Maeklong is a popular Railway Market outside Bangkok. It’s a market built right on the railway tracks with the train passing through the narrow line multiple times a day. It is one of the most popular day trips from Bangkok. You can not only visit the market but ride the train that goes through as well. I missed the train ride, but you definitely shouldn’t!

Bangkok to Chiang Mai is one of the most iconic routes for travelling by train in Thailand. The Bangkok to Chiang Mai train goes through picturesque landscapes of central and northern Thailand, past paddy fields, historic temples, and charming villages. To view the stunning scenery, it is best to book the day train instead of the overnight one.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya: Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is easily accessible by a short third class train ride from Bangkok. The journey takes passengers along the Chao Phraya River, offering glimpses of historic sites and scenic riverside landscapes.

Bangkok to Hua Hin: Hua Hin, a coastal resort town renowned for its beautiful beaches and royal palaces, is easily accessible by train from Bangkok. The journey offers scenic views of the Gulf of Thailand coastline, something that is on my bucket list for my next trip travelling by train in Thailand!

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (Death Railway): The train journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is famous for its historical significance and the infamous Death Railway. This journey takes you through the iconic River Kwai Bridge and allows you to explore the World War II historical sites in the region.

Travelling by Train in Thailand: Other FAQs

How to say train in Thai?

The word for “train” in Thai is “รถไฟ” (pronounced “rot fai”).

How much does travelling by train in Thailand cost?

The cost of travelling by train in Thailand varies depending on the distance travelled, the class of service, and the type of train. Ordinary and Rapid trains usually cost 20-50 Thai Baht ($4-6) for short distances. The Thailand train ticket price in sleeper class can cost 300-1500 THB ($8-40) depending on the class. First class sleeper train in Thailand can be even higher up.

Are trains safe in Thailand?

Yes, I found trains in Thailand, like all other public transportation in Thailand, generally safe and quite enjoyable to travel in. To answer simply: Thailand trains are safe. But it is best to stick with your common safety tips, especially as a solo female traveller.

Is there a train from Bangkok to Phuket?

Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Bangkok to Phuket. Phuket does not have a railway station. The nearest train station to Phuket would be Surat Thani. From there, you can take a bus or a flight.

Upper berth or lower berth on a Thailand train?

While travelling around Thailand by train, if you’re wondering about the better option between the upper berth or lower berth Thailand train, my pick will always be lower because I’m biased and also because the lower berth gets the window. But these are also a few bahts more expensive (about 100-150 or so). So take your pick!