Thailand has no high-speed train in service in September 2026, and no current source confirms that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) still sells a rail pass. What you can use today is the classic network: sleeper trains to Chiang Mai and the south, cheap local trains to Ayutthaya and the Death Railway to Kanchanaburi, all on single tickets. This guide explains where the high-speed projects stand, how to book ordinary trains, and when a car is simpler.
High-speed rail: where the projects stand in 2026
Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima
The first high-speed line, phase 1 of the Thai-Chinese railway, will link Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). In August and September 2026 it was about 56% built, against about 90% planned for that date. Opening is now expected around 2030 according to one report and 2031 according to another.
There are no tickets, fares or timetables for this line yet. Older articles that give its journey times and prices describe plans, not a working service.
The three-airport line
A second project, linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports, has not been built. In August 2026 changes to its public-private contract were still before the EEC committee, and the Bang Sue to Don Mueang section it would share with the Thai-Chinese line was unresolved. A decision on that section is expected by the end of 2026.
What this means for your trip: do not plan around high-speed trains before about 2030. For Korat, Khao Yai or Pattaya, use regular trains, buses or a road transfer.
Is there a Thai rail pass?
No source from 2025 or 2026 confirms that SRT sells any rail pass: the 2026 guides from seat61 and Thai Train Guide describe single tickets only.
Single tickets are good value anyway, and you can still save money:
- Choose an upper berth. On Special Express No. 9 to Chiang Mai, a 2nd class upper berth costs 941 THB and a lower berth 1,041 THB.
- Book as soon as sales open. Long-distance tickets go on sale up to 90 days before travel, and lower berths sell out first.
- Check the child fares. Children under 100 cm travel free if they do not take their own seat, and children from 100 to 150 cm pay 50% (the discount does not apply to fees).
The trains you can use today
Bangkok's stations
- Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal: long-distance trains have left from here since 19 January 2023. It is about 7 km north of Hua Lamphong and connects with the MRT Blue Line (Bang Sue station) and the SRT Red Lines.
- Hua Lamphong: the old central station still handles some local trains, including some to Ayutthaya, Pattaya and the Cambodian border, and the weekend excursion train to the River Kwai.
- Thonburi (Bangkok Noi): the ordinary trains on the Death Railway start here.
Train classes
- 1st class: sleeper cars with private two-berth compartments.
- 2nd class: air-conditioned sleeper berths or seats.
- 3rd class: seats only. On the Death Railway, 3rd class means fans and open windows.
Popular routes from Bangkok
Train prices and timetables below were checked in September 2026. They change, so confirm them with SRT or your booking agent before you travel.
| Destination | Journey time | Approximate fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayutthaya (71 km) | about 1 h 45 min | about 20 THB, 3rd class | Local train, buy at the station on the day |
| Chiang Mai | 11–15 hours | from 230 THB (3rd class) to 2,453 THB (1st class cabin for one) | Overnight sleepers |
| Surat Thani | 8 h 50 min (train No. 43) | 524 THB, 2nd class air-con seat | For the ferries to Koh Samui |
| Hua Hin | check the timetable | 330 THB, 2nd class air-con seat | Day train No. 43, the same train as to Surat Thani |
| Ubon Ratchathani | overnight, check the timetable | 1,317 THB, 1st class upper berth | Overnight trains No. 23 and No. 24 |
| Nam Tok (Death Railway) | check the timetable | 100 THB flat for foreigners | Two ordinary trains a day from Thonburi |
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
The trip takes 11–15 hours depending on the train. Special Express No. 9 leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat at 18:40 and reaches Chiang Mai at 07:15, with new Chinese-built sleeping cars. On this train a 1st class berth costs 1,453 THB (upper) or 1,653 THB (lower), and a whole cabin for one person costs 2,453 THB. A 2nd class sleeper costs 941 THB (upper) or 1,041 THB (lower).
On other trains on this route, 2nd class berths cost about 748–1,038 THB, a 2nd class seat 558 THB and 3rd class 230–270 THB. The line passes Lopburi (126 km from Bangkok) and Phitsanulok (382 km).
A flight takes about 1 h 15–20 min, and AirAsia advertises fares from 895 THB (hand luggage 7 kg; checked bags cost extra). Buses from Mo Chit 2 take 9–11 hours. Our guide How to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai compares every option.
Bangkok to Surat Thani and Hua Hin
The day train, Special Express No. 43, leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat at 07:30 and arrives in Surat Thani at 16:20. A 2nd class air-conditioned seat costs 524 THB to Surat Thani, 330 THB to Hua Hin and 429 THB to Chumphon. Overnight sleeper trains also run on this line. Ferries to Koh Samui leave from Donsak pier, not from the town. For other ways to reach Hua Hin, read How to Get from Bangkok to Hua Hin.
Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Local trains take about 1 h 45 min, and a 3rd class seat costs about 20 THB. There are no reservations: local trains numbered 2xx to 4xx are sold only at the station on the day of travel. See also How to Get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
The Death Railway to Kanchanaburi
The historic Death Railway still runs as a normal public service.
- Ordinary trains 257 and 259 run from Thonburi (Bangkok Noi) station to Kanchanaburi, over the River Kwai Bridge and on to Nam Tok. They have 3rd class only, with fans and open windows.
- Foreigners pay a flat 100 THB on this line, whatever the distance.
- The weekend tourist train uses a 2nd and 3rd class air-conditioned railcar. It leaves Hua Lamphong at 06:30, reaches Kanchanaburi at 09:25 and Nam Tok at 11:30. Book it in advance.
Go to Thonburi station, not Hua Lamphong, for the ordinary trains. There are two ordinary trains a day, and departure times change, so check them before you go. For other options, see How to Get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.
How to book train tickets
- Online: dticket.railway.co.th (in English) or the SRT D-Ticket app. Foreign cards sometimes fail on the official site. If your card is refused, try the D-Ticket app, an agent or a station counter.
- Through an agent such as 12Go, which also sells combined train, bus and ferry tickets.
- At any station counter. Take your passport; tickets can no longer be transferred to another name.
Sales open up to 90 days before travel for long trips. SRT announced in April 2026 that it had cut this window from 180 days to 90 days. Short trips have shorter windows. For questions, the SRT call centre on 1690 has English-speaking staff.
Luggage and bicycles
The luggage allowance is 60 kg in 1st class, 40 kg in 2nd class and 30 kg in 3rd class, officially one big suitcase and one smaller item. Bicycles travel on most trains as cargo for about 90–130 THB: ask at the station for a cargo ticket.
Getting to the station, and when a car is simpler
From Suvarnabhumi Airport, bus S6 (555) runs to Krung Thep Aphiwat from the Public Transportation Center, 05:30–24:00. From Don Mueang Airport, a covered skywalk at the far end of Terminal 2 leads to the SRT Dark Red Line, which runs to Krung Thep Aphiwat. The first trains leave the end stations at 05:00 and the last trains at midnight. Dark Red Line fares are 12–42 THB, depending on distance.
Where no train goes, or with heavy bags, children or an early flight, a private car is often easier. Smile Taxi Service fares are fixed, per vehicle (not per person), one way, with expressway tolls included. The fare is the same for 1 passenger or a full car. A sedan takes up to 3 passengers and 2 bags, an SUV up to 5 passengers and 4 bags, and a van up to 7 passengers and 5 bags.
| Route | Sedan | SUV | Van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Bangkok to Ayutthaya | 1,500 THB | 1,700 THB | 2,000 THB |
| Book Bangkok to Kanchanaburi | 2,000 THB | 2,300 THB | 2,800 THB |
| Book Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khao Yai | 2,000 THB | 2,300 THB | 2,800 THB |
| Book Bangkok to Pattaya | 1,500 THB | 1,700 THB | 2,000 THB |
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) has no fixed fare: ask for a quote on WhatsApp or LINE. You pay the driver in cash (THB) at the end of the trip; if you can only pay by card, message the team for a PayPal payment link (a 5% fee is added). Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup, and a child seat costs 100 THB extra on request. After that, a cancellation or change costs 25% (less than 24 h), 35% (less than 12 h) or 50% (less than 2 h) of the price, and a no-show 100%, also when you pay the driver in cash (details). See all Smile Taxi routes and prices.
FAQ
Is there a high-speed train in Thailand? No. The Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima line was about 56% built in 2026, and opening is expected around 2030 or 2031.
Can I buy a Thai rail pass? No current source confirms that one is on sale. Buy single tickets, up to 90 days ahead for long trips.
Which Bangkok station do long-distance trains leave from? Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The Death Railway's ordinary trains leave from Thonburi.
How much is the Death Railway for foreigners? A flat 100 THB on the ordinary 3rd class trains, whatever the distance.
Do children pay on Thai trains? Children under 100 cm travel free if they do not take their own seat. Children from 100 to 150 cm pay 50% of the fare, not including fees.
Can I take my bicycle on the train? Yes, on most trains. Ask at the station for a cargo ticket, which costs about 90–130 THB.
Going where the train does not? Message Smile Taxi Service on WhatsApp or LINE for a fixed-price transfer.