Guide to Special Express No. 21: Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani

Special Express No. 21 train goes from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani in seven hours and 50 minutes. It leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station at 6:10 a.m. and arrives in Ubon Ratchathani at 2:00 p.m. This is a diesel railcar built by Daewoo with 2nd Class carriages with air-conditioning. The seats recline and there are tinted windows and curtains to block the strong sunlight. But the train is starting to show its age despite refurbishment. Tickets cost 499 baht and you can book up to 180 days in advance.

You can also take this train to visit popular destinations such as Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, and Si Sa Ket. However, if you are doing less that 60% of the route you can only book up to 30 days in advance. For example, to Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima. If you are doing less than 25% of the route, like to Ayutthaya, you can only book one day in advance.

Please note, there is no food service on this train any more. It is possible that the carriage attendants might help you order food from stations further down the line. However, it is not guaranteed and you should come prepared. Having said that, there is a meal break at Nakhon Ratchasima Station at 10:01am for 10 minutes. Maybe longer if the train arrives early. On the platform there are many food vendors waiting to sell you snacks, drinks and meals. They are not allowed on the train and so you must go down to them.