From Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train
The Bangkok to Chiang Mai route is one of the most popular train journeys in Thailand among foreign tourists, and tickets often sell out quickly.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train, including the different services on this route, the available travel classes, and how to book tickets.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train
If you need to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you can choose between two options: the daytime train or one of several night trains operating on this route.
All these trains depart from Bangkok’s modern Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station (KTW), which can easily be reached by metro.
Berths in a second class sleeper carriage. ©AndyBTravels
The daytime train
There is currently one daytime train each day from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
On the outbound journey, this train (train number 7) departs the Thai capital at 07:30 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 17:50.
On the return journey, this train (train number 8) departs Chiang Mai at 07:30 and arrives back in Bangkok at 17:40.
The daytime train is an air-conditioned diesel railcar with second-class reclining seats only.
The night train
There are currently four night trains running between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
The following three night train pairs are recommended, as they offer the best-quality carriages and the most convenient departure and arrival times:
- Train 9/10, departing from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station at 18:40 and arriving in Chiang Mai at 07:15 the following morning. Return from Chiang Mai is at 18:20, with arrival in the Thai capital at 06:30 the following morning.
- Train 13/14, departing Bangkok’s Central Station at 20:05 and arriving in Chiang Mai at 08:45. Return from Chiang Mai is at 17:05, with arrival in the Thai capital at 05:55.
- Train 51/52, departing Bangkok’s Central Station at 22:30 and arriving in Chiang Mai at 11:40. Return from Chiang Mai is at 15:30, with arrival in the Thai capital at 05:10.
Thai night train at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. ©AndyBTravels
Travel classes on Thai night trains
Night trains in Thailand offer several travel classes, though not all are available on every service.
These range from air-conditioned first class sleepers with lockable 2-berth compartments to second class sleepers, which are open-plan carriages with berths on either side of the aisle, each fitted with a privacy curtain. Second class sleepers may be either air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned.
Many night trains also have third class seats available, but this is not recommended for overnight journeys.
The night trains mentioned above all have a restaurant carriage where you can sit and enjoy a meal or some drinks (make sure to bring cash, as cards aren’t accepted).
For more general information about Thai trains, read the Thailand train guide on DiscoverByRail.
Thai train attendant making up the bed in a first class sleeper compartment. ©AndyBTravels
How to book tickets
The best website to book Thai train tickets, including the Bangkok-Chiang Mai train, is 12Go.
This reliable booking website can be used to book all Thai trains and is also useful if you need to arrange a bus or ferry for your trip to Thailand.
Conclusion
There are multiple daily trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, including a daytime train and several night services.
The night trains in particular are popular and offer a convenient way to travel from the Thai capital to northern Thailand’s most alluring city.
Trains to Chiang Mai often sell out well in advance, so be sure to secure your tickets early, especially if you want a first class compartment on a Thai night train.
