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Thailand has a wide range of transport options that make it very easy to travel through the country. Thailand has a comprehensive railway network, connecting all regions of Thailand. Discover detailed guide to train travel in Thailand with railway lines and train stations on Thailand train map and the most popular train routes.

Thailand Railways

Thailand’s rail network is operated by State Railways of Thailand (SRT). Train travel is largely safe, comfortable but slow. The trains tend to start their journey on time, but arrival most probably will be an hour or two later than scheduled.

Train Travel

Thailand Train Lines

Thailand’s rail network consists of four lines that can be clearly seen on Thailand railway map below.

Most of railway lines now start from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal station in Bangkok, which is now the main train station in the country.

Previously the main train travel hub of the city, Hua Lamphong Railway Station now mainly serves Eastern Line trains and have some other departures for the ordinary and commuter trains on shorter routes.

Northern Thailand Train Line

The northern line connects Bangkok with Chiang Mai via Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Phitsanulok and Lampang.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the most popular train route in Thailand so tickets should be booked in advance. It can be done here: Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Northeast Thailand Train Line

The northeast line has two branches:

- One branch is running from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani via Khorat and Surin.

- The other branch is linking the capital with Nong Khai via Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.

Taking a train to Nong Khai is a popular option for travelers, who are planning to do Thailand - Laos Border Crossing Nong Khai to Vientiane.

Train tickets for this popular route should also be booked in advance: Train from Bangkok to Nong Khai.

Eastern Thailand Train Line

The eastern line also has two branches:

- One branch is running from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet on the Cambodian border.

- The other is connecting Bangkok with Si Racha and Pattaya.

For more details on taking a train on this route, check Bangkok to Pattaya Train.

Southern Thailand Train Line

The southern line extends from Bangkok via Cha-Am, Hua Hin, Chumphon and Surat Thani to Hat Yai, where it continues to Butterworth in Malaysia and makes it possible to travel down south to Singapore after changing the train.

There are branches to Nakhon Si Tammarat and Trang on this line too.

At Nakhon Pathom a branch of this line goes to Nam Tok via Kanchanaburi and the Bridge on the River Kwai.

These are also some of the most popular train routes in Thailand as they let you reach the popular islands on the east coast of Southern Thailand:

Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani (for ferry to Koh SamuiKoh Phangan)

Train from Bangkok to Chumphon (for ferry to Koh Tao)

Thailand Train Map with Railway Lines

For locations of all main train stations in Thailand see our Thailand Railway Map.

Train Tickets & Schedule

Tickets for sleeper services should be purchased in advance. It can be done online or from stations at a maximum of 60 days in advance.

Fares depend on the class of seat and on the speed of the train. Hard third-class seats are much cheaper than buses. For longer journeys it would be wise to opt for the padded and reclining seats in second class. On long-distance trains, second-class berths, with day seats that convert into comfortable curtained-off bunks in the evening and first class air-con sleeping compartments should be the options to choose from.

Train tickets for traveling by train in Thailand can be booked with the help of this search form.

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As it is only possible to book online higher class train tickets, for current schedule of ordinary and commuter trains check the website of State Railways of Thailand (SRT).

Tips

If you are looking to travel on a long-distance train right after arrival at Bangkok Airport (BKK), discover travel options for getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station.

In case you are going to take Eastern Line train or any other ordinary train from the old Bangkok Railway Station, find the best way for getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Lamphong Train Station.

Find tips & inspiration
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