Bangkok to Ayutthaya by Train: Visit Thailand’s Old Royal Capital

One of the most popular day trips from Bangkok is a visit to Thailand’s former royal capital of Ayutthaya, which can easily be reached by train.

In this short guide, I’ll show you how to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by train, where to book tickets, and what the journey is like.

By train to Ayutthaya

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, or simply Ayutthaya as the city is known to Thai locals, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its former royal palaces and beautiful temples, some still in excellent condition, while others survive as ruins or archaeological remains.

Ayutthaya is located just over 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Bangkok, with the train being by far the quickest and most convenient way to get there.

There are essentially two options to consider:

• Local train
• Express train

Train at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station (KTW). ©AndyBTravels

Express train

The express trains to Ayutthaya depart from Bangkok’s main railway station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central (KTW), which can easily be reached by metro.

Express trains take around an hour to reach Ayutthaya and offer either second-class seats with fans or air-conditioned second-class carriages.

Your ticket automatically includes a reserved seat.

However, this also means that these trains can sell out, so it is recommended to book your ticket in advance.

Local train

Local trains to Ayutthaya depart from Bangkok’s old main railway station, Hua Lamphong, which is more centrally located than Krung Thep Aphiwat.

These local trains offer third-class seating only, in carriages with opening windows and fans.

Although these trains are not air-conditioned and the benches may appear a little spartan, they are perfectly comfortable for the relatively short journey to Ayutthaya and offer a great glimpse into local life.

However, compared to express trains, the journey by local train takes slightly longer, at around 1 hour and 45 minutes, and these trains can get crowded at times.

No reservation is necessary or even possible for local trains, and tickets never sell out.

Just find any empty seat on board and sit down!

Third class seating on a Thai train. ©AndyBTravels

Booking tickets

No matter which train you take to Ayutthaya, tickets are highly affordable, with a second-class ticket on an express train costing around 100 Thai bath ($3), while a third-class ticket on a local train costs as little as 20 Thai bath ($0.50).

Book tickets for express trains online through 12Go at least a couple of days in advance to ensure you get a seat.

Typically, trains only open for booking 30 days in advance, so there is no point in trying to book your ticket months in advance.

For local trains, simply buy your ticket at the station and hop on the train.

Unless you arrive by plane at the nearby airport of the same name or are staying in the area, it’s best to ignore train options departing from Bangkok Don Mueang railway station that you might see online, as this station is located far outside the city centre.

Conclusion

When travelling by train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, you can choose between faster express trains or slightly slower but cheaper local trains.

Express trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central, while local trains on this route use Hua Lamphong.

Tickets are highly affordable by Western standards, even on express trains, so simply book the train that is most convenient for you!