🚆 BANGKOK TO AYUTTHAYA BY TRAIN
Travelling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by train is one of the easiest and most popular day trips in Thailand. Trains run frequently throughout the day, the journey is short, and tickets are very affordable. It's also one of the most enjoyable ways to reach Ayutthaya, with views of the countryside along the way.
🧭 Quick Overview
Distance~70 km
Journey Time1h 15m – 2h
Frequency20+ per day
Price from~15 baht
Best forDay trips
🔍 Bangkok to Ayutthaya Train Timetable (2026)
Search all trains between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, or browse the full timetable for every service:
💡 Tip: Use Bangkok (All Terminals) to see all departures from across the city.
⭐ Richard's Recommendations
Based on years of travelling this route, here are the trains I'd suggest:
🟢 Going to Ayutthaya
TOP PICK
Rapid No. 111 — departs Krung Thep Aphiwat at 07:50
Arrives in Ayutthaya in just over an hour. The early arrival means you get a full day to explore before the heat peaks. 3rd Class with fans and open windows — perfectly fine for this short journey.
👉 Best if you can get to Krung Thep Aphiwat station
ALTERNATIVE
Ordinary No. 201 — departs Hua Lamphong at 10:15
A good option if you're staying near Hua Lamphong and prefer a later start. Takes around two hours, so you'll arrive closer to midday. Also 3rd Class with fans and open windows.
👉 Best if you're a late riser or based near Hua Lamphong
🔵 Returning to Bangkok
TOP PICK
Rapid No. 112 — departs Ayutthaya at 16:04
A reliable afternoon return that gets you back to Bangkok before the evening rush.
👉 Best if you want to leave a little earlier
ALTERNATIVE
Rapid No. 136 — departs Ayutthaya at 16:41
Gives you an extra 37 minutes in Ayutthaya. Good if you want to squeeze in a late afternoon visit to the ruins or grab food before heading back.
👉 Best if you want more time in Ayutthaya
💡 Both outbound options run in 3rd Class with fans and open windows — ideal for this short journey and part of the charm of travelling this route.
⚠️ What to avoid on this route
- Weekends and public holidays — trains to Ayutthaya are popular with both tourists and locals. Services can be standing-room only. If you must travel at the weekend, aim for an early departure.
- Thai national holidays (Songkran, New Year) — the route gets extremely busy. Plan well ahead and travel very early.
🚆 Types of Trains on This Route
🎟️ Tickets
For this route, buying tickets is straightforward:
- Buy at the station on the day — no need to book in advance for most trains
- Reserved seats are available on some Rapid and Express services
- Local and Ordinary trains are unreserved — sit wherever there is a free seat
🚉 Which Bangkok Station?
Trains to Ayutthaya depart from both main Bangkok stations:
- Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal — main hub for most services
- Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) — some local and commuter trains
👉 Easiest option: search using Bangkok (All Terminals) to see everything available.
📍 Ayutthaya Station
Ayutthaya Railway Station is located across the river from the historical park. From the station you can:
- Take a short ferry ride across to the island
- Hire a tuk-tuk to the main temple sites
- Rent a bicycle and explore at your own pace
🏛️ Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?
Yes — it's one of the best day trips from Bangkok and easy to do independently by train:
- UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient temples and ruins
- Easy to explore in a single day
- Far less crowded than many Bangkok tourist sites
🧰 Plan Your Trip
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
About 1 hour 15 minutes on Rapid No. 111, or around 2 hours on Ordinary No. 201. It depends which train you take.
Which is the best train to Ayutthaya?
Rapid No. 111 departing Krung Thep Aphiwat at 07:50 is the top recommendation — it's fast, arrives early, and gives you a full day. If you're near Hua Lamphong and prefer a later start, try Ordinary No. 201 at 10:15.
Which train should I take back to Bangkok?
Rapid No. 112 at 16:04 or Rapid No. 136 at 16:41. Both are solid afternoon returns — the later one gives you a bit more time in Ayutthaya.
Do I need to book in advance?
No — buy your ticket at the station on the day. But avoid weekends and public holidays if you can, as trains get very busy.
Is the train better than a tour?
Yes — it's cheaper, more flexible, and more interesting. You set your own pace and can stay as long as you like.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Taking the train to Ayutthaya is not just transport — it's part of the experience. It's simple, affordable, and gives you a glimpse of everyday life in Thailand along the way. Use Thai Tracks to find the best train for your trip.
ANY QUESTIONS? Visit our Asian Train Guide Facebook group — many experts are there to help. For more information about train travel in Thailand, visit Richard Barrow's Thai Train Guide.
This website is not affiliated with the State Railway of Thailand. All times are subject to change.