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Leaving Ayutthaya's crumbling brick stupas and serene Buddha heads, you are back among Bangkok's skyscrapers within the hour. The way south follows the Chao Phraya plain, and the train is the classic way to make the trip. Vans and private cars are faster door to door if you are heading for an airport.
Ayutthaya to Bangkok by Train
Trains run from Ayutthaya Station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Bangkok's main long-distance station. It replaced Hua Lamphong, was formerly called Bang Sue Grand Station, and connects to the MRT Blue Line.[1] The fastest train, Special Express 8, leaves Ayutthaya at 16:50 and arrives at 17:40, only 50 minutes later. The other services take about 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.[2]
| Train | Leaves Ayutthaya | Arrives Krung Thep Aphiwat |
|---|---|---|
| Uttrawithi 10 | 05:25 | 06:30[2] |
| BNEX commuter 9002 (Monday to Friday) | 06:50 | 08:05[2] |
| BNEX commuter 9004 | 14:40 | 15:55[2] |
| Rapid 112 | 16:04 | 17:10[2] |
| Special Express 8 | 16:50 | 17:40[2] |
| Rapid 102 | 18:59 | 20:05[2] |
| BNEX commuter 9006 | 19:45 | 21:00[2] |
More trains from the north stop in the small hours: Rapid 108 at 03:25, Express 52 at 04:01 and Special Express 14 at 04:48.[2] The slower trains have open windows and wooden benches, and you watch rice fields and village stations roll by.
Ayutthaya to Bangkok by Van
Regional vans run between Ayutthaya and Bangkok. The ride takes from about 1 hour 30 minutes, and longer when Bangkok's traffic builds up near the city. On booking platforms a seat costs about $4 to $5 (October 2026).[3] Vans have little room for large suitcases, so they suit backpackers best.
Ayutthaya to Bangkok by Private Transfer
A private car or van picks you up at your hotel and takes you to any address in Bangkok or straight to an airport. On booking platforms private transfers to central Bangkok start at about $53 and reach about $189 for a luxury van (October 2026). The drive takes from about 1 hour 30 minutes.[3]
Don Mueang Airport is the closer airport, from about 1 hour, and Suvarnabhumi Airport takes from about 1 hour 15 minutes. Transfers to Don Mueang start at about $56.[3]
Tips for Traveling from Ayutthaya to Bangkok
- Avoid the evening rush: Between about 16:00 and 19:00 a road journey can take much longer than usual, and the train is the safe choice then.
- Know your station: Long-distance trains arrive at Krung Thep Aphiwat, not at Hua Lamphong, so check the arrival station when you book.
- Heavy bags: Choose the train or a private car if you carry large suitcases.
- Peak dates: Book private transfers ahead around Songkran and New Year.
Timetable
| Taxi Ayutthaya - Bangkok $ 53.29–188.89 1h 30m – 2h | |
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| Train Ayutthaya - Bangkok $ 2.07–24.40 46m – 1h 42m | |
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| Van Ayutthaya - Bangkok $ 4.44–5.03 1h 30m – 2h | |
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| Taxi Ayutthaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport $ 53.29–188.89 1h 15m – 2h | |
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| Taxi Ayutthaya - Don Mueang Airport $ 56.25–188.89 1h – 1h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, including current prices and schedules.
Special Express 8 is the fastest train. It leaves Ayutthaya at 16:50 and arrives at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at 17:40, after 50 minutes.
Regional vans are the budget option on booking platforms, with seats at about $4 to $5 (October 2026). The train is the other low-cost choice.
Trains take 50 minutes to about 1 hour 30 minutes. Vans and private cars take from about 1 hour 30 minutes, and longer in traffic.
Trains arrive at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, formerly called Bang Sue Grand Station. It has replaced Hua Lamphong as the main long-distance station.
Don Mueang Airport is closer, from about 1 hour by private transfer. Suvarnabhumi Airport takes from about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Government Public Relations Department, Thailand: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal: The center of rail transportation in Thailand. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [2] State Railway of Thailand: SRT Timetable Matrix 2026 (Northern Line inbound). Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Ayutthaya to Bangkok. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.