Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - trains timetables
Travelling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or in reverse, is a popular budget means of getting between the cities. Slightly more expensive than the bus, and taking longer, the train is a much more comfortable means of travel, especially if you take an overnight sleeper. Recently, the emergence of budget flights for 1500 baht or less one-way between Chiang Mai and Bangkok has taken the edge off train travel, but many prefer to see the country from the ground.
Invariably the train arrives in its own 'Thai time', which is usually up to an hour late. Food and drinks are freely available on board, served to your own seat, at a reasonable price (a meal and drink is less than 100 baht). However, there's no harm in picking up snacks beforehand on the station concourse.
There is adequate luggage storage and safety on the trains is, on the whole, pretty good. You are advised, however, to keep your valuables close at hand while sleeping. If your train isn't air-conditioned, it will at least have fans, but can nonetheless be quite warm. There are no individual compartments (except in first class); the bunks are lined length-ways along the carriage.
The beds are big and comfortable and if you take a bottom bunk, you can awake to the pretty mountain scenery as the train enters the highlands and traverses Doi Kuntan National Park and mountains between Lampang and Lamphun. The top bunk can be a challenge for the claustrophobic and difficult to climb into if you are slightly immobile. It can also be difficult to sleep due to nearby ceiling florescent lights, which remain on throughout the night. Beds are made up between 9 and 10pm and broken down about an hour before reaching your destination.
First class trains do have individual cabins, however the 1,200 baht prices makes them poor value against the emergence of cheap air travel. None-the-less they are comfortable and private, can be locked and provide you with your own table, sink and free drinking water. If you are travelling alone however there is no guarantee who you will be sharing with, luckily people in Thailand are polite and friendly. You needn't worry about safety among fellow passengers.
During the busy season (November to February), or on weekends, tickets should be booked a couple of days in advance; otherwise we suggest you arrive at least an hour earlier than the second-last train, to avoid disappointment. There is a safe luggage storage facility at both stations, charging a minimal fee. With 24 hours notice a travel agent can arrange a ticket for you, saving you a trip to the station.
Although Chiang Mai train station has limited facilities, there are toilets, a comfortable concourse and food vendors. Bangkok train station has far more to offer with plenty of waiting seats, a newsagent, supermarket, restaurants, bars, plenty of food vendors and even a KFC. Taxis or tuk-tuks are freely available at both; parking is short at Bangkok station.
Timetables published are correct as of: November 2008
Hualampong railway station Cnr Phra Ram IV road and Kung Kasem road Tel: Hotline: 1690, website: www.railway.co.th
Bangkok to Chiang Mai train timetable
All prices for second class
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Fare/Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Express | 8.30 | 20.30 | 791/881 Baht sleep (top/bottom) |
| Rapid Train | 14.30 | 5.30 | 271 Baht |
| Special Express | 18.00 | 7.15 | 791/881 Baht sleep (top/bottom) |
| Sprinter | 19.20 | 7.40 | 611 Baht |
| Special Express | 19.35 | 9.45 | 791/881 Baht sleep (top/bottom) |
| Express | 22.00 | 12.45 | 431 Baht |
Chiang Mai to Bangkok train timetable
Chiang Mai railway station Charoen Muang road, east of the city, across the river. Tel: 0-5324-4795, 053 242094, 053 245364
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Fare/Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Train | 6.45 | 21.00 | 271 Baht |
| Sprinter | 8.45 | 20.30 | 611 Baht |
| Express | 14.50 | 5.30 | 431 Baht |
| Special Express | 16.30 | 6.40 | 791/881 Baht sleep (top/bottom) |
| Sprinter | 17.55 | 7.00 | 611 Baht |
| Sprinter | 21.00 | 9.00 | 611 Baht |
- Bus timetable between Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- Air Timetable between Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- Getting around Chiang Mai
Updated and correct: November 2008
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