The fastest way from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is a special express train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, which takes 48 to 51 minutes. The cheapest is an ordinary train from Hua Lamphong for 15 THB, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. For a door-to-door trip, a Smile Taxi Service private transfer costs a fixed 1,500 THB per sedan, tolls included, and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours outside rush hour.
Distance and travel time overview
Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, lies about 80 km north of central Bangkok by road. By rail, Ayutthaya station is 71 km from Hua Lamphong, 64 km from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and 49 km from Don Mueang station, next to Don Mueang airport.
- By car: about 1 to 1.5 hours; 2 hours or more in peak traffic (7–9 am and 5–7 pm).
- By train: 48 minutes to 1 hour 17 minutes from Krung Thep Aphiwat; about 1.5 to 2 hours from Hua Lamphong.
- By minivan or bus: about 1 to 2 hours.
Comparison of all options
| Option | Travel time | Approximate price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary train from Hua Lamphong | 1 h 33 min – 1 h 59 min | 15 THB | The lowest budget |
| Rapid or express train from Krung Thep Aphiwat | 48 min – 1 h 17 min | 44–61 THB (rapid), 164–261 THB (express) | Speed |
| SRT BANGKOK CONNEX train | 1 h 15 min | 30–50 THB (promotion until 31 October 2026) | Air-conditioning at a low price |
| Minivan from the Mo Chit van terminal | about 1–1.5 h | about 100–150 THB | Travellers staying near Chatuchak |
| Bus from Mo Chit 2 | about 1.5–2 h | about 150–220 THB | Travellers already at Mo Chit 2 |
| Grab or Bolt | about 1–1.5 h | roughly 900–1,500 THB | Short-notice car trips |
| Smile Taxi Service private transfer | about 1–1.5 h | 1,500 / 1,700 / 2,000 THB per vehicle (fixed) | Families, groups, luggage, airport arrivals |
| Guided day tour | full day | about 1,200–3,500 THB | Travellers who want a guide |
Third-party prices and timetables were checked in September 2026; confirm them with the operator before you travel. Smile Taxi Service fares are fixed, per vehicle and one way (sedan / SUV / van).
By train
Which Bangkok station?
Bangkok has two departure stations for this route, and each one serves different trains. Since 19 January 2023, all long-distance rapid and express trains start at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (the former Bang Sue Grand Station), about 7 km north of Hua Lamphong. It connects to the MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue and to the SRT Red Lines. The new air-conditioned BANGKOK CONNEX train also leaves from here.
The old Hua Lamphong station, on the MRT Blue Line, still has the ordinary and commuter trains: 15 THB, third class, with fans and toilets but no air-conditioning.
Trains from both stations stop at Don Mueang, next to the airport.
Ordinary trains from Hua Lamphong (15 THB)
Departures, with the arrival time in Ayutthaya:
- 04:15 (arrives 05:48) and 05:05 (06:44, government working days only)
- 10:15 (12:14), 11:15 (12:57), 12:00 (13:38), 12:55 (14:34) and 14:20 (16:07)
- 16:45 (18:38), 17:00 (18:52), 17:30 (19:12, working days only) and 18:20 (20:08, working days only)
There is no train from Hua Lamphong between 05:05 and 10:15. No reservation is needed: buy a ticket at the station and board.
Rapid and express trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat
Daytime departures, with the arrival time in Ayutthaya:
- 06:10 special express 21 (arrives 06:58)
- 07:10 rapid 135 (08:27)
- 07:30 special express 7 (08:21)
- 07:50 rapid 111 (08:57)
- 08:45 express 75 (09:41)
- 10:35 express 71 (11:30)
- 14:15 rapid 109 (15:18)
In the evening, trains leave roughly every 20 to 60 minutes from 18:40 until rapid 141 at 23:05, which arrives at 00:16.
Fares: 44–61 THB on rapid trains, 164–241 THB on express trains and 261 THB on the daytime special express trains. Avoid the overnight sleeper trains (9, 23 and 25; train 9 is the 18:40 departure): even this short trip costs 631–1,860 THB on them. In the evening, rapid 139 at 19:25 is a cheaper choice. Seats on these trains can be reserved, but for a short trip like this one, booking opens only shortly before travel. Check times on the SRT timetable from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Ayutthaya.
SRT BANGKOK CONNEX: the new air-conditioned train
On 1 August 2026 the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) started the air-conditioned SRT BANGKOK CONNEX commuter train between Krung Thep Aphiwat and Ayutthaya. It runs every day and takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
| Train | Krung Thep Aphiwat | Ayutthaya | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9001 | 05:15 | 06:30 | Monday–Friday |
| 9003 | 09:05 | 10:20 | Daily |
| 9005 | 18:15 | 19:30 | Daily |
It stops at Don Mueang (departing 05:30, 09:20 and 18:30 towards Ayutthaya), Rangsit, Khlong Phutsa, Bang Pa-In and Ban Pho. Until 31 October 2026 the promotional fare is 30 THB for short trips and up to 50 THB to Bang Pa-In or Ayutthaya. No fare after 31 October 2026 has been published.
As of September 2026, tickets are sold at station counters, not online, and seats are not reserved. The 09:05 departure can fill up, so arrive early at weekends. For questions, call the SRT call centre on 1690.
Pros and cons of the train
- Pros: low fares, no road traffic, and a choice of air-conditioned or fan trains.
- Cons: two different Bangkok stations, long gaps in the timetable, and a station outside the old city.
By minivan from the Mo Chit van terminal
Minivans to Ayutthaya leave from the Chatuchak small-vehicle terminal, known as the Mo Chit van terminal, on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, opposite Mo Chit 2 bus terminal. Ayutthaya minivans use Building B. The terminal is open 04:00–22:00. The nearest station is MRT Kamphaeng Phet (Exit 1), about 5 minutes on foot; BTS Mo Chit is about 1 km away.
Seats cost about 100–150 THB, and minivans leave roughly every hour, with the last one in the late afternoon or early evening. The operator Win Ayutthaya 91 sells seats for 100 THB on BusOnlineTicket, leaves Bangkok about every hour from 07:30 to 16:50, and stops on Naresuan Road in Ayutthaya, opposite the Government Savings Bank building. The trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, up to 2 hours at rush hour.
If you are north of Bangkok or on the Red Line, minivans also leave from Rangsit (Future Park) and take about 50 minutes.
- Pros: low fares and departures about every hour.
- Cons: road traffic at rush hour, and the last minivan leaves in the late afternoon or early evening.
By bus from Mo Chit 2
Bus companies including Watcharin, JP Prasit and Chainat Tour run from Mo Chit 2 to Ayutthaya for about 150–220 THB. The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and some buses set passengers down at a bus terminal outside the historic centre. Bus fares rose slightly on 15 September 2026, so check the price when you buy your ticket.
By Grab, Bolt or metered taxi
Grab and Bolt: 2026 guides report roughly 900–1,500 THB one way from Bangkok. The app shows the fare before you book. At Suvarnabhumi the Grab pickup point is Level 1, Gate 4; at Don Mueang it is Terminal 2, floor 1, Gate 14.
Metered taxi: calculated from the official Bangkok meter rates, about 80 km comes to roughly 675 THB on the meter. Expressway tolls (roughly 25–75 THB) come on top, and so does the 50 THB airport surcharge if you start at Don Mueang. Many drivers ask for a flat price for Ayutthaya instead, which the rules allow on longer trips. Agree the price before you leave.
By private transfer with Smile Taxi Service
A private transfer takes you from your door or the airport straight to your hotel in Ayutthaya. The fare is fixed per vehicle, not per person, and includes expressway tolls.
| Route (one way) | Sedan | SUV | Van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Ayutthaya | 1,500 THB | 1,700 THB | 2,000 THB |
| Suvarnabhumi (BKK) → Ayutthaya | 1,200 THB | 1,500 THB | 2,000 THB |
| Don Mueang (DMK) → Ayutthaya | 1,100 THB | 1,400 THB | 1,800 THB |
A sedan (Toyota Camry or similar) takes up to 3 passengers and 2 bags, an SUV (Toyota Fortuner or similar) up to 5 passengers and 4 bags, and a van (Toyota Commuter or similar) up to 7 passengers and 5 bags. The fare is the same for one passenger or a full car: four people in an SUV from Bangkok pay about 425 THB each.
What is included and what costs extra:
- Airport pickups include 60 minutes of free waiting from the actual landing time, and a person on the team checks your flight.
- Meeting points: Suvarnabhumi Level 4 (Departures) near Gate 4; Don Mueang Level 3 (Departures), with the exact door sent with the driver's details. Message on WhatsApp or LINE once you have your bags; the car arrives in about 5–10 minutes.
- A free 500 MB Thailand eSIM with an airport pickup, on request.
- Name sign at the arrivals gate +100 THB and child seat +100 THB, both on request.
- A stop on the way, for example at Bang Pa-In Palace: +250 THB per hour.
- Bangkok pickups or drop-offs west of the Chao Phraya (Thonburi side): +100–200 THB.
- An English-speaking driver can be requested when booking, subject to availability.
Before the trip, the team sends the driver's name, car and plate number. You pay the driver in cash (THB) at the end of the trip; the website takes no online payment and no deposit. If you can only pay by card, message the team for a PayPal payment link, with a 5% fee added. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup.
There is no fixed fare for a day trip from Bangkok with the car waiting in Ayutthaya: ask for a quote on WhatsApp or LINE.
Smile Taxi Service is rated Google 5.0 and Tripadvisor 5.0.
- Book a sedan from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, an SUV from Bangkok to Ayutthaya or a van from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
- Book a sedan from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ayutthaya
- Book a sedan from Don Mueang Airport to Ayutthaya
- See all Smile Taxi Service routes and fares
By guided day tour
Guided day tours from Bangkok cost about 1,200–3,500 THB, usually with a hotel pickup at 7–8 am and a return at 6–7 pm. Some tours add a Chao Phraya river cruise of about 3 hours. These tours suit travellers who want a guide and a fixed plan.
From Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports
Don Mueang (DMK): Ayutthaya trains stop at Don Mueang station, right next to the airport, so you do not need to go into Bangkok. Ordinary trains cost 11 THB and take about 47–63 minutes; rapid trains cost 31–44 THB.
Suvarnabhumi (BKK): there is no direct public bus or minivan to Ayutthaya. The public route is the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai or Makkasan, then the BTS to Mo Chit for the minivans or the MRT Blue Line to Bang Sue for the trains. With luggage, a private transfer is simpler.
On arrival in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya station is east of the old city island, and the historic area starts about 3.5 km away. A small passenger ferry near the station crosses the river for 5 THB, and tuk-tuks wait outside the station.
- Bicycle: about 50–100 THB per day. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is about 3 km west of the central temples, about 15 minutes by bicycle.
- Tuk-tuk: about 200–300 THB per hour, or 800–1,500 THB for a half or full day. Agree the price before you start.
- Temple tickets: foreign visitors pay 50 THB at each of Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Maheyong, or 220 THB for a combined ticket to all six, valid for 30 days. The combined ticket saves money if you visit five or six of them. Ticket booths take cash only. Most sites open from about 08:00 or 08:30 until 17:00–18:00.
Practical tips for this route
- Weekends and public holidays: several commuter trains run on working days only, and the early-morning BANGKOK CONNEX trains run Monday to Friday only. Check the last train back before you leave Bangkok.
- Avoid rush hour by road: peak traffic is 7–9 am and 5–7 pm.
- Children: Thai law requires a child seat for children under 6, but taxis, public minivans and Grab cars do not have to carry one. A Smile child seat costs +100 THB on request.
- Bang Pa-In Palace is on the way, about 13 km south of Ayutthaya by rail, with its own station. It is not part of the World Heritage Site.
- Temples: cover shoulders and knees, take off your shoes inside halls, and never climb on Buddha images.
The return journey
Trains to Hua Lamphong leave Ayutthaya from 05:07 to 12:35, and then only at 18:21 (arriving 20:05).
Trains to Krung Thep Aphiwat leave in the afternoon and evening at 13:08, 15:39, 16:04, 16:41, 16:50 (special express, 261 THB), 18:59 and 21:22. The BANGKOK CONNEX leaves at 14:40 (arriving 15:55) and 19:45 (arriving 21:00), plus 06:50 on weekdays.
Minivans from Win Ayutthaya 91 leave for Bangkok about every hour from 04:45 to 16:45.
Smile transfers from Ayutthaya cost 1,200 / 1,500 / 2,000 THB to Bangkok, 1,200 / 1,500 / 2,000 THB to Suvarnabhumi and 1,100 / 1,400 / 1,800 THB to Don Mueang. A discount is available on return trips; ask by message when you book both ways.
- Book a sedan from Ayutthaya to Bangkok
- Book a sedan from Ayutthaya to Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Book a sedan from Ayutthaya to Don Mueang Airport
FAQ
What is the cheapest way from Bangkok to Ayutthaya? The ordinary train from Hua Lamphong costs 15 THB and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Don Mueang station the fare is 11 THB.
Is there an air-conditioned train to Ayutthaya? Yes. Express trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat cost 164–261 THB, and the BANGKOK CONNEX costs 30–50 THB until 31 October 2026.
What time is the last train back to Bangkok? To Hua Lamphong, 18:21. To Krung Thep Aphiwat, the 21:22 special express or the 19:45 BANGKOK CONNEX.
Where do minivans to Ayutthaya leave from? From the Mo Chit (Chatuchak) van terminal, Building B, near MRT Kamphaeng Phet. Seats cost about 100–150 THB.
How much is a private car from Bangkok to Ayutthaya? With Smile Taxi Service, 1,500 THB (sedan), 1,700 THB (SUV) or 2,000 THB (van) per vehicle, one way, tolls included.
How much are Ayutthaya temple tickets? Foreign visitors pay 50 THB at each major temple, or 220 THB for a combined ticket to six temples. Pay in cash.
To book your transfer, choose a vehicle above or message us on WhatsApp or LINE.