Popular Trains in Thailand

The following are the most popular trains and routes in Thailand. When choosing a train, the smaller the number, the faster the train is as they won’t stop at so many stations. These trains are also the most expensive. Click on the link to see more information and pictures. Each page includes timetables and prices of tickets. I will be adding more trains as and when I ride them as I feel it is important to gather firsthand information. Please note, from 19th January 2023 onwards, long distance express trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (formerly Bang Sue Grand). Local and slow trains will leave from the old terminal Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong).

JUMP TO: Northern Line | Northeastern Line | Eastern Line | Southern Line

NORTHERN LINE:

The most popular route in Thailand is from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on the Northern Line. Most people go there on the sleeper trains. Special Express No. 9/10 is the most popular night train as it uses the newer CNR sleeper carriages. Tickets sell out fast, particularly for the 1st Class sleeper, and so you are advised to book in advance. (See How to Buy tickets Online for more information.) An alternative is Special Express No. 7/8 which goes during the day so that you see more of the scenery.

OUTBOUND TRAINS:

These Trains Leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (KTW)

No. 7 Special Express: Bangkok to Chiang Mai <– day train
No. 9 Special Express: Bangkok to Chiang Mai <–CNR sleeper
No. 13 Special Express: Bangkok to Chiang Mai <– sleeper
No. 51 Express: Bangkok to Chiang Mai <— sleeper train with 2nd/3rd Class seats too
No. 107 Rapid: Bangkok to Den Chai <— sleeper train with 2nd/3rd Class seats too
No. 109 Rapid: Bangkok to Chiang Mai <—- sleeper train with 2nd/3rd Class seats too
No. 111 Rapid: Bangkok to Den Chai

Local Trains

These are mainly diesel railcars with only 3rd Class seating unless otherwise stated.

INBOUND TRAINS:

No. 8 Special Express: Chiang Mai to Bangkok <– day train
No. 10 Special Express: Chiang Mai to Bangkok <–CNR sleeper
No. 14 Special Express: Chiang Mai to Bangkok <– sleeper
No. 52 Express: Chiang Mai to Bangkok <— sleeper train with 2nd/3rd Class seats too
No. 112 Rapid: Den Chai to Bangkok <— day train with 2nd/3rd Class seats and fans
No. 408 Local: Chiang Mai to Nakhon Sawan <— local diesel railcar with only 3rd Class seats

Visit the Northern Line page for more information about what there is to see along this route.

NORTHEASTERN LINE:

The most popular route on the Northeastern Line is from Bangkok to Nong Khai. This is the border town where you can catch a shuttle train across the Friendship Bridge and into Laos. Vientiane is not far away. They are extending the line to the outskirts of the capital and hopefully should be open in 2023.

OUTBOUND TRAINS:

These Trains Leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (KTW).

No. 23 Special Express: Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani <–CNR sleeper
No. 21: Special Express: Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani <— Diesel railcar, meals included
No. 25 Special Express: Bangkok to Nong Khai <–CNR sleeper
No. 75 Express: Bangkok to Nong Khai <– 2nd & 3rd Class seats
No. 133 Rapid: Bangkok to Nong Khai <– 3rd Class seats

INBOUND TRAINS:

No. 24 Special Express: Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok <–CNR sleeper
No. 26 Special Express: Nong Khai to Bangkok <–CNR sleeper
No. 76 Express: Nong Khai to Bangkok <– 2nd & 3rd Class seats
No. 134 Rapid: Nong Khai to Bangkok <– 3rd Class seats
No. 140 Rapid: Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok <– 2nd & 3rd Class seats, 2nd Class sleeper

The following are the local trains on the Bua Yai (Lam Narai) Branch Line. This is very scenic country that includes a viaduct over a reservoir and a stretch of line up and over a hill where you will see some wind turbines.

No. 434 Ordinary: Bua Yai Junction to Kaeng Khoi Junction <– 3rd Class seats
No. 439 Ordinary: Kaeng Khoi Junction to Bua Yai Junction <– 3rd Class seats
No. 440 Ordinary: Bua Yai Junction to Kaeng Khoi Junction <– 3rd Class seats
No. 443 Ordinary: Kaeng Khoi Junction to Bua Yai Junction <– 3rd Class seats

SOUTHERN LINE:

On the Southern Line, the most popular route is to Chumphon and Surat Thani which are the jumping off points for the islands. The seaside resort in Hua Hin, and Hat Yai Junction are also popular. Hat Yai has trains that take you down to the Malaysian border at Padang Besar.