Thai Railways

4.3
29,124 customer reviews
  • About
  • Popular Routes
  • Stations
  • Reviews

About Thai Railways

Company information

Thailand’s main railway operator is the State Railway of Thailand, also called Thai State Railway or simply Thai Railway. The Thai national railway is state-owned and operates all national railway lines.

Currently the SRT’s network covers almost 50 provinces and transports about 35 million passengers annually. By 2027, the coverage will grow to 61 provinces out of the country’s 76 plus Bangkok, and the number of passengers is expected to double.

At the moment there is no high-speed rail in Thailand. Proposed high-speed railway routes include Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai, known as the Sino-Thai Railway; Bangkok to Phitsanulok and Chiang Mai, known as Japanese-Thai project; and shorter routes like Bangkok–U-Tapao Airport in Rayong and Bangkok–Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Thai state railway network and popular routes

Thai Railways network includes four major lines. Each line originates from Bangkok’s main Railway Station, Hua Lamphong.

  1. Northern Line – to Chiang Mai (751 km), it is the most popular railway route in Thailand
  2. Northeastern Line – to Nong Khai (624 km) and Ubon Ratchasima (575 km), both on the border with Laos, splitting at Thanon Chira Junction
  3. Southern Line – to Hat Yai, Padang Besar and Sungai Kolok on the border with Malaysia, it is the longest railway line in Thailand
  4. Eastern Line – to Aranyaprathet on the border with Cambodia (255 km)

Here are Royal Thai Railway most popular routes:

Bangkok–Chiang Mai

By far the most popular route, Bangkok–Chiang Mai trains call to Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Phitsanulok (for Sukhothai).

Bangkok–Nong Khai

A convenient option if Vientiane in Laos is your next destination, Bangkok–Nong Khai trains pass through Ayutthaya and Udon Thani, one of Isan’s largest cities.

Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani is a treasure trove of natural attractions in Thailand's Emerald Triangle. Trains to Ubon Ratchathani travel through the heart of Isan – Buriram, Surin and Sisaket.

Bangkok–Hat Yai

Southbound trains bring you to the largest city of the South, Hat Yai in Songkhla province. After Hat Yai, the same trains proceed further to the Malaysian border to Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat province or Padang Besar in Songkhla province.

Popular destinations where you cannot get by train

It is not possible to get to some popular destinations in Thailand like Phuket, Krabi or islands by train but you can still cover the major part of the route travelling by rail.

Hop onto a southbound train to get to Suratthani to reach

  • Phuket and Krabi by bus
  • Koh Samui and Koh Phangan by ferry

Get off at Chumphon to get to Koh Tao by ferry

Northbound trains will get you to

  • Chiang Mai to connect to Chiang Rai by bus
  • Phitsanulok to reach Sukhothai by bus

Thai Railway Schedule

Here are trains schedules for some of the most popular routes:

To Chiang Mai
08.30, 13.45, 18.10, 19.35, 22.00

From Chiang Mai
06.30, 08.50, 15.30, 17.00, 18.00

To Nong Khai
08.20, 18.35, 0.00, 20.45

From Nong Khai
07.00, 18.15, 18.30, 19.10

To Hat Yai
13.00, 14.45, 15.10, 15.35, 22.50

From Hat Yai
16.23, 14.45, 15.39, 18.10, 18.45

Classes in Thai trains

There are three classes in Thai trains: 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Thai Railways First Class Sleeper

The first class exists only on night trains. First class sleeper, also known as VIP sleeper, is an air-conditioned carriage with 9 lockable compartments each equipped with 2 berths.

Usually, each sleeper train features only one first class sleeper, and first class berths sell out very fast. It is recommended to book the 1st class berths as early as possible.

There are new upscale first class carriages on Thai sleeper trains 9 and 10 to/from Chiang Mai; 23 and 24 to/from Ubon Ratchathani; 25 and 26 to/from Nong Khai; 31 and 32 to/from Hat Yai.

Second Class Sleeper

The second class sleepers exist in an air-conditioned and fan only varieties. Both are comfortable and safe. They offer a great value for money and are used by the majority of overseas travellers.

There are newer and better versions of second class sleepers on trains 9&10, 23&24, 25&26 and 31&32.

Second Class Seats

For daytime travel and for shorter distances e.g. Bangkok to Hua Hin second class seats are a good option. They come both in an air-conditioned and non-A/C versions – you can open windows to get some fresh air in the latter case.

Third Class Seats

The cheapest type of seats for travel shorter distances e.g. Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, third class seats are a great way to mingle with the locals.

Thai Railway Tickets

Thai Railways ticket booking opens 60 days (90 days – for longer routes) prior to departure date and stops two hours before departure.

It is highly advisable to buy Thai railways tickets in advance if you need a 1st class sleeper or a 2nd class sleeper, especially during high season.

You can buy train tickets online or at any train station in Thailand – not necessarily the one you are going to travel from.

From February, 1, 2017, it became possible to buy Thai railway ticket online on the official State Railways of Thailand website. The drawback of this option is that only a small portion of all the seats and berths are available for Thai Railways online booking, not all.

Another convenient option is to use our website for train ticket online booking. There will be a small service fee, but you pay for a hassle-free Thai Railway ticket booking in English and convenience of online booking much in advance – even if your departure is more than 90 days from the booking date.

Pros

  • Travelling by train in Thailand is cheap, comfortable and sustainable.
  • Thai train booking process is easy and straightforward.
  • Thai Railways has a wide network of stations what means you can get to all the most popular and thrilling destinations across the country by train.

Cons

  • Advanced railway ticket booking is highly advised for the most popular routes during the busiest periods.
  • Even if you book online, you have to exchange your booking confirmation to the real paper ticket at the station or the agency you have booked your Thai train tickets with.
Read more

Thai Railways Popular Routes

Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Train 2nd Class AC seats only
09:05
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
18:40, 20:05
Chiang Mai - Bangkok
Train 2nd Class AC seats only
08:50
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
15:30, 17:00, 18:00
Train 1st Class Sleeper
17:00, 18:00
Train 2nd Class Ladies Only
18:00
Bangkok - Surat Thani Train Station
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
14:50, 16:50, 17:30, 18:50, 19:50, 20:10, 20:30
Train 1st Class Sleeper
14:50, 16:50, 17:30, 18:50, 19:50, 20:10
Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai
19:44, 21:06
Surat Thani Train Station - Bangkok
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
18:52, 19:31, 19:40, 20:14, 20:23, 20:45, 22:24, 22:27
Train 1st Class Sleeper
18:52, 19:40
Train 1st Class Sleeper
18:52, 19:31, 19:40, 20:14, 20:23, 20:45, 22:24, 22:27
Bangkok - Chumphon
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
14:50, 16:50, 17:30, 18:50, 19:50, 20:10, 20:30
Train 1st Class Sleeper
14:50, 16:50, 17:30, 18:50, 19:50, 20:10
Chumphon - Bangkok
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
00:54, 01:00, 21:30, 22:12, 22:18, 22:19, 22:51, 23:10, 23:18
Train 1st Class Sleeper
21:30
Train 1st Class Sleeper
21:30, 22:12, 22:18, 22:19, 22:51, 23:10, 23:18
Bangkok - Nong Khai
Train 1st Class Sleeper
20:25
Train Special Promotion Seats
20:25
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
20:25
Nong Khai - Bangkok
Train 1st Class Sleeper
19:40
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
19:40
Bangkok - Koh Phangan
14:50
Chiang Mai - Ayutthaya
Train 2nd Class AC seats only
08:50
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
15:30, 17:00, 18:00
Train 1st Class Sleeper
17:00, 18:00
Train 2nd Class Ladies Only
18:00
Bangkok - Hat Yai
Train 1st Class Sleeper
14:50, 16:50
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
14:50, 16:50
Hat Yai - Bangkok
Train 1st Class Sleeper
17:45
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
17:45
Bangkok - Songkhla
15:35, 16:10
Bangkok - Trang
Train 1st Class Sleeper
17:30, 18:50
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
17:30, 18:50, 20:30
Trang - Bangkok
Train 1st Class Sleeper
17:00, 17:35
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
17:00, 17:35
Bangkok - Udon Thani
Train 1st Class Sleeper
20:25
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
20:25
Ubon Ratchathani - Bangkok
Train 2nd Class Sleeper AC
19:00
Train 1st Class Sleeper
19:00
Chiang Mai - Phitsanulok
15:30
NaN Passengers

Thai Railways Stations

Don MueangChiang MaiLopburiAyutthayaPhitsanulokKhon KaenNong KhaiSaraburiUdon ThaniNakhon RatchasimaUbon RatchathaniChumphonHua HinSurat Thani Train StationTrangHat YaiNa Thon Koh SamuiThong Sala Koh PhanganMae Haad Koh TaoPadang BesarKrung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Thai Railways Company Reviews

J L
It's really nice to just relax and sleep while traveling. They could be better about notifying passengers when they've arrived at a stop. Overall for the price, a great way to go long distance.
Train#85 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Feb 29, 2024
T W
Bed linen had a lot of stains, otherwise very good
This review was autotranslated
Train#13 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Feb 20, 2024
M D
Clean and tidy, right on time, but lights in all night
Train#25 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Feb 8, 2024
G P
10 hours late due to accident. But we were well looked after.
This review was autotranslated
Train#14 1st Class Sleeper, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 26, 2024
P B
The train was on time. Somehow it was an adventure and also comfortable. At least in the lower berth. For the price, definitely the cooler way to travel instead of sitting on a plane.
This review was autotranslated
Train#13 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 11, 2024
M C
Well the tickets sold out for the new train and the old train is noticeably worse Less space and privacy
Train#5 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 3, 2024
C W
Fantastic
Train#25 1st Class Sleeper, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Dec 20, 2023
M E
Train was on time, nothing to complain. There was even food service for affordable price!
Train#7 2nd Class AC seats only, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Dec 7, 2023
V B
From the original booking through to the journey itself, everything was excellent. Perfect communication and an extremely comfortable journey. Lovely to wake up to sunrise above the mountains.
Train#9 1st Class Sleeper, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 22, 2023
P P
Satisfied, on time, clean except that we felt the train was slow and stopped at every station (I think it was unnecessary for a special express train like this. )
Train#25 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Sep 25, 2023
A
Clean cheap fast and efficient. We did the overnight train from Bangkok to the border of Laos. We treated ourselves to the private sleeper room, Because in America, this is expensive to ever do. It was so nice. They had the beds are already made and even though obviously it’s a small room it’s enough space to put your bags underneath the bed and stretch out and staring out at the Passing countryside and towns. I kind of wish we had taken a 10 hour trip during the day so there was stuff to watch. But this was a night train. Everyone was very quiet and we were actually able to get to sleep. Clean blankets, and linens. I read online that they have towels for the shower, but we did not see that so I did not use the shower, which is communal him down the end of the train car. We bought the tickets with 12Go, and wish it was that easy to get the tickets for the Lao/China railway. But we couldn’t figure that out so later took a hellride minibus 10 hours from Vientiene to Luang Prabang. I do not recommend that - figure out those train tickets. I walked through the entire train to get to the dinercar, and the second class sleeper area actually quite nice too. It’s private little curtains for everyone to sleep. I would love to travel this way again.
Train#25 1st Class Sleeper, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Sep 16, 2023
P D
Good smooth trip, plumbing on old train is not always hygienic
This review was autotranslated
Train#13 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Aug 19, 2023
J S
Great trip no issues.
Train#9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Aug 19, 2023
I M
Very clean and comfortable train, new station is very easy to travel from.
Train#25 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jul 17, 2023
P T
Was a terrible smell of diesel on the whole trip.
Train#13 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jul 15, 2023
R C
Very well done.
Train#10 1st Class Sleeper, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jul 14, 2023
S B
At first it looked fine. Bed was soft and you had enough space. But when the train started, everything moved so much, there was no way you could sleep like that. We did not sleep unfortunately.
Train#13 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jul 6, 2023
C P
It was so damn cold. It felt like 16-17 degrees. However, I slept like a Baby. And such a night train is just awesome from a time Perspective (not Llosing too much). Would do again. We will just remember to put on some more cloth. Oh and better ask for the prices of food and beverages on the train. They are quite expensive.
Train#13 1st Class Sleeper, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jul 5, 2023
R S
I have taken this train many times from bangkok to chaing mai and vice versa. About 4/5 times total. Every time fine experience mer 12go never any problems. The train itself is always on time and clean. Staff on the train is very friendly. The only disadvantage is the air conditioning which blows hard. Also, it was not possible for me to get a digital ticket. Picking up at the main office in bangkok is unfortunately also a disadvantage
This review was autotranslated
Train#9 1st Class Sleeper, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jun 28, 2023
A
The employees on the train were very kind and helpful with my luggage
Train#9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jun 25, 2023
R H
The train is very old, toilet were a little dirty, especially in the morning time. The light was on all night!!! The service was ok, my son slept good, me- not so much... Overall- interesting experience, but will not repeat it
Train#13 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jun 15, 2023
M G
Too small bed for me, I am tall and also AC too cold but overall it was okay;) I would add some power socket in upper bed because there are some only very low and I couldn’t charge my phone.
Train#13 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jun 10, 2023
L F
Overall this trainride was very confortable. There was enough space in the bed. For a train bed it was also "soft". The only bad thing was that the light was permanently on.
Train#9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jun 4, 2023
F N
Me and my friend really wanted to take the class A private cabin. Already paid for it and suddenly got a msg saying train only left with upper berth. Its always full. Very disappointed. The curtain for the bed was dusty, my nose was itchy the whole time. Oh ya and the aircond was too damn cold triggered my sinus even more. No lights-off, it was too bright at night made it hard for some people to sleep. At least dim the light a little. I did get a good sleep bcos of the mattress, blanket and the pillow was really comfortable. I would ride this train again hopefully get to experience the class A private or at least the female coach.
Train#31 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Mar 17, 2023
F B
Train was delayed by 10 minutes, but the train staff were helpful - no information on the notice boards. The train was quiet and clean, everyone was asleep by 10pm with nobody snoring! We felt very lucky, as we got a good sleep in. No train changes and few stops, everyone was lovely onboard, lots of other backpackers.
Train#9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Feb 17, 2023
E G
Smooth trip in 2 class sleeper, except the train was 1 hour late delaying the further travel.
Train#85 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Feb 6, 2023
H B
The toilets are so dirty! Its disgusting!
Train#52 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 27, 2023
S W
Ticket collection great, train on time, few plug sockets available, blanket provided was stained, no view from upper berth
Train#86 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 21, 2023
M S
Excellent! A real trip in style thai
Train#52 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 12, 2023
J M
The lights during the night could be more dimmed
Train#9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 10, 2023
S F
Toilets could have been nicer.
Train#7 2nd Class AC seats only, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 7, 2023
N K
Very smooth trip and train was clean and tidy
Train#25 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 5, 2023
E J
The train arrived at Surat Thani station around an hour later than the supposed arrival time
Train#167 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Jan 2, 2023
R I
Smooth booking process. Even refunded some cash with honesty
Train#167 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Dec 28, 2022
M F
Well organised!
Train#83 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Dec 27, 2022
A P
I had booked a lower berth (as I have difficulty walking) but when I went to pick up the tickets at 12goasia's office there was an error so I had booked an upper berth instead. And there were no more lower berths available. Only got an apology but no compensation. Really bad customer service.
This review was autotranslated
Train#9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Dec 21, 2022
A H
Very good
Train#10 Special Promotion Seats, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Dec 19, 2022
D W
The Service of 12goasia was brilliant. I booked a lower bed but there was only a upper bed free. And I choosed the upper bed. But, don't take this option. Yow have no window. And for the local 12goasia team in the DOB building. The restaurant service at the night train operates the first time on 7.12.22. So it is open now.
Train#9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Dec 9, 2022
L D
The bed was very comfortable. The train was on time, he was there even an hour earlier so you could already get in whenever you wanted.
Train#10 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Dec 7, 2022
M
Had very nice train trip. Food was well taken care of
This review was autotranslated
Train#7 2nd Class AC seats only, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 25, 2022
A B
The toilet smell on the train spoilt the whole experience. Re-design the toilets please.
Train#7 2nd Class AC seats only, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 24, 2022
J S
An absolutely awesome experience. Really recommend to everyone, must have done (sleeping car Aircon 2Kl). Sleeping on the train was no problem, even if the ride was rough. You get a sheet and is well protected even with shorts from the air conditioning. With a sleep mask, earplugs and possibly travel gum you are well prepared. Food is also sold on the train for small money.
This review was autotranslated
Train#31 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 18, 2022
J B
We booked the #32 to depart Hat Ya 17:45 for Bangkok, This was one of the ‘newer’ trains. It was at the platform about 16:30 so plenty of time to sit on it and relax prior to departure. We only booked 4 days in advance and 12Go ensured the tickets were ready for us to collect in the parcel room at Hat Yai station on the day of travel. The parcel room operator knew exactly what/who we were the minute walked through the door so I’m guessing they have this a lot! (The parcel room is just to the left hand side of platform 1). The trip back to Bangkok took 18.5 hours in the end , I think it should have been about 17.5, not an issue for us really. We purchased enough food before we left Hat Yai for the duration of the trip as on a previous route (Bangkok to Chiang Mai) the food service hadn’t reopened since covid so thought the same for this. In the morning (from about 7am) staff did walk up and down offering various snacks so I guess they’re trying to some kind of food service back on track. Just remember if you want a lye in in the morning, don’t let the conductor see your awake otherwise they’ll try and pack the bed down as early as they can! Although some of the announcements are made in English for the stops, the staff walking up/down the isle generally only talk in Thai so it’s not easy to know what they’re saying half the time but didn’t really effect us. Overall it was a good experience again and I’d recommend it if you want a cheaper way to travel back up north.
Train#32 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 16, 2022
T
Train from Chiang Mai to Hua Lamphong took 11 hours. The toilets were terrible. Nothing spectacular about the scenery.
Train#8 2nd Class AC seats only, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 16, 2022
T H
Pleasantly surprised by the journey considering the horror stories you hear. Beds were turned down at 8pm and there wasn't too much noise after. Only complaint is the lights were left on and being on the top bunk it was very bright.
Train#26 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 11, 2022
S J
I got the upper bed , it was so hard to sleep on , besides having the light on the train kept on the whole night The staff was so noisy , I don't think I'm gonna have such trip again !!
Train#10 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 10, 2022
C P
On time. Good service. But with full lights on all night and poor mattress quality I could not sleep very well. But overall it remains a very good experience.
Train#25 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 10, 2022
M S
12go service is excellent. Nightrain expérience ruined by rude noisy Dutch travelers
Train#10 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 10, 2022
S F
Everything was managed in a very professionell way. Quick answers! And the Picture of The Pick-up Point of Ticket was very helpful!
Train#25 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 9, 2022
R E
Everything super smooth. First Class Sleeper cabins are awesome, though I was impressed by 2nd Class cabin too, only a curtain for privacy but hey you're sleeping anyway!
Train#31 1st Class Sleeper, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Nov 5, 2022
4.3
29124 customer reviews
5
47%
4
36%
3
13%
2
4%
1
0%
96.3% of 29,124 travelers were presumably happy with Thai Railways as they left good or no review