Taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a fun option to travel from the south of Thailand to the North. The ride can last anywhere from 10 – 13 hours and there are multiple trains to choose from.
There are a few ways to book your tickets. I will detail the three that either myself or friends have used, so you can decide which works best for you.
The train ride offers a unique perspective on Thailand that you can’t get from an airplane. It’s also a great way to meet fellow travelers and locals!
Here are three ways to buy tickets for the Chiang Mai Train to Bangkok.
What Stations Are the Train to Bangkok from Chiang Mai?
From Bangkok:
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station) | Google Map
To Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Train Station | Google Map
The journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via railway is 435 miles. The newer sleeper train (#9) takes 12-13 hours. The fastest train (#7) travels during the day and only takes 10.5 hours.
As a reference, a flight takes a little over an hour and I have paid around $30 USD every time I have flown to Chiang Mai over the last eight years.
3 Options to Book Tickets
You can choose between online or in-person to book your Chiang Mai train from Bangkok.
Option #1: Use the Thailand Railway Official Website
- Go to www.dticket.railway.co.th
- Use a VPN to book, especially if you are not in Thailand.
- Switch to the English site, if needed.
- The site loads slowly, however you can print your ticket immediately after purchase.
- Enter Krung Thep Aphiwat Central as your origin or destination rather than just “Bangkok”.
Option # 2: Use a Third Party Website
- Purchase online at 12GoAsia or BaoLao.
- More expensive than the Thailand Railway.
- Before 2024, we had to go to an office to pick up our 12GoAsia tickets in person which was very time-consuming and they did not give us the seats we originally booked. The website says they do offer E-tickets now, however.
Option 3: Buy in Person at the Train Station
- Must be in Bangkok (or Chiang Mai) to purchase.
- Can be booked last minute.
- Take your passport with you to the railway station to purchase the tickets.
- They take most international credit cards on-site.
How Much is the Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train?
The cost of your Chiang Mai Train From Bangkok ticket will depend on the time of year, time of day, seat choice, and class that you choose to purchase.
Prices for the Bangkok Chiang Mai train (as of 2024) range from 580 Thai Baht to 1900 Thai Baht ($16 USD to $52 USD).
It can cost 250 Thai Baht ($7 USD) more to buy your tickets online versus buying at the train station.
The five different train types offer four ticket prices that tourists commonly purchase:
- 1st Class Sleeper Bed with Air Conditioning
- 2nd Class Sleeper Bed with Air Conditioning
- 2nd Class Seat only with Air Conditioning
- 2nd Class Seat with a Fan only (no AC)
BKK to Chiang Mai Map
What is the Chiang Mai Train from Bangkok Schedule?
Below are the train numbers and corresponding departure and arrival times found on ThailandTrains.com, which are subject to change.
| TRAIN | LEAVES BKK | ARRIVES CM | SERVICE/ MODEL |
| 7 | 09:05 | 19:30 | Special Service (Older) |
| 109 | 14:15 | 04:05 | Rapid (Older) |
| 9 | 18:40 | 07:15 | Special Service (New Model) |
| 13 | 20:05 | 08:40 | Special Service (Older) |
| 51 | 22:30 | 12:10 | Express (Older) |
Choosing the Right Train and Class
Five trains depart from Bangkok to Chiang Mai every day and three of those are overnight sleeper trains.
The popular trains to Chiang Mai are sleeper trains #9 and #13 as they arrive early the next day. However, #9 is a newer model, which makes it the most popular with tourists.
There are first-class and second-class sleeper options in the overnight trains. First-class cabins offer more privacy with individual compartments, while second-class sleepers are more social, with comfortable bunks in a shared space.
If you prefer traveling by day, the #7 train provides an opportunity to see the stunning scenery during daylight hours. You can still choose between different classes, including air-conditioned and fan-cooled carriages on this train.
Chiang Mai Accommodation Options:
- Hostel in the Old City: Revolution Chiang Mai
- Boutique Hotel: Pran @ Kumuang House
- Hotel with Pool: Yantarasri Resort
- Apartment in Nimman Area: Palm Springs Fountain Nimman
Do I Need to Buy the Night Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai Ticket in Advance?
I suggest buying the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai tickets in advance if you want to travel on a newer train (#9) or prefer to sleep on the lower bunk, as it is wider than a top bunk.
You do not need to buy in advance if you are traveling during the low season (June – October) or if you do not want a specific day, time, or class.
Booking for most long-distance journeys opens 30 days ahead. However, booking the newer Chinese-built sleeper train (#9) opens 90 days ahead. 1st Class sleepers sell out first so be prepared to accept 2nd class sleepers.
Can I Bring My Bike On the Train?
Bikes can only be brought on the train if there is a freight car. Trains 13, 51, and 109 DO have a freight car. Trains #7 and #9 do NOT have a freight car.
What Time Should I Arrive at the Train Station?
Check-in starts 20 minutes before your departure time. I would arrive 30 minutes before to pick up any last-minute snacks or water.
Can I also take the train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
Of course! The directions are similar, just use the Thailand Trains site to get an idea of what the current schedule is like leaving from Chiang Mai.
When I Arrive in Chiang Mai – How Do I Get Around?
At the Chiang Mai train station, there will be taxis and tuk-tuks waiting for travelers. However most of the time they do not speak English or understand how to read Google Maps in your native language.
My suggestion is to use the Grab Taxi app for your first ride to your hotel to make sure you get where you need to be. The cost depends on where in the city you are staying but it is usually around $5-$10 USD at most.
Final Thoughts
I hope my guide helps you decide how you will purchase your train to Bangkok from Chiang Mai tickets.
From the excitement of booking your tickets to the serene journey through Thailand’s picturesque landscapes, traveling by train to Chiang Mai is an unforgettable experience.
Next time you’re in Thailand, skip the flight, embrace the adventure, and enjoy the ride.
Safe travels, and see you in Chiang Mai!
Chiang Mai Food Tour + Cooking Class
My favorite tour is a Food Tour with 15+ tastings. They take you around in a Songthaew to try Northern Thai food. We watched someone drink pig’s blood during it!
My favorite cooking class is run by Thai Farm Cooking. They take you to a market and then show you how to cook several Thai dishes. I have been twice!
Visiting Thailand? Here are my Guides:
Northern Thailand
- Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai Thailand
- 10 Waterfalls in Chiang Mai Not to Miss
- 13 Beautiful Temples Not to Miss in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Night Market – Sundays
- 8 Reasons to Live in Chiang Mai
- The Best and Worst of Chiang Mai
- Where to Workout in Chiang Mai
- How to Read a Nutrition Label in Thailand
- How to Lose Weight Eating Thai Food Everyday
- How to Rent a Scooter in Chiang Mai
- Where to Spend a Rainy Day in Chiang Mai – Maya Mall
- Exploring the Nimman Area of Chiang Mai
- Muay Thai in Chiang Mai – Where to Watch & Practice
- How to Get a Muay Thai ED Visa
Bangkok
Southern Thailand/ Islands
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