Contents
Leaving behind the crumbling brick spires and reclining Buddhas of Ayutthaya for Khao Yai National Park is a move from Thailand's historic heartland to its forested uplands. Khao Yai is the country's first national park and its boundary covers four provinces: Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri and Saraburi.[1]
Because the park is large and its gates are a long way from Ayutthaya, you need either a train to Pak Chong plus a local transfer, or a private vehicle all the way. You can compare options and book a private transfer on GoAsia.cc.
Ayutthaya to Khao Yai by Train and Onward Transfer
The State Railway of Thailand timetable shows trains on the northeastern line stopping at both Ayutthaya and Pak Chong, the town on the railway closest to the park's northern approach. Departures from Ayutthaya include 06:59, 08:28, 11:31, 20:47, 22:02 and 00:17, reaching Pak Chong between about 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 20 minutes later (08:44, 10:47, 13:19, 22:36, 00:01 and 02:36 respectively).[2] Schedules can change, so check them with the railway before you go.
The train does not take you to the park itself. From Pak Chong you need a taxi, songthaew or pre-arranged transfer to reach the park or your resort, so ask your accommodation how to arrange this before you travel. Train fares depend on the train and class, so check the current price with the State Railway of Thailand.
Ayutthaya to Khao Yai by Private Transfer
A private transfer is the simplest way to reach a resort or the park entrance directly, because it avoids changing at Pak Chong. Booking platforms list private cars and vans from Ayutthaya to Pak Chong at about $100 to $120 per vehicle, with a drive of about 2 hours (October 2026).[3] The vehicle classes offered include comfort cars, SUVs and 9-passenger vans, and the price is per vehicle, so a van is good value for groups. Going on to a resort or the park gate adds some time and may change the price, so confirm the exact drop-off point and total price with the provider.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Train to Pak Chong | Several departures from 06:59 to 00:17; onward transfer needed[2] | About 1h 45min to 2h 20min to Pak Chong |
| Private transfer | About $100 to $120 per vehicle to Pak Chong, door to door[3] | About 2h |
Tips for Traveling from Ayutthaya to Khao Yai
- Book in Advance: Khao Yai is a popular weekend getaway for Bangkok residents, so book your transfer a few days ahead for Fridays and Sundays.
- Budget for the Park Fee: The entrance fee for foreign visitors is 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children.[1]
- Prepare for Cooler Evenings: The park is in the hills, with a highest peak of 1,292 meters,[1] so evenings can be much cooler than on the Ayutthaya plains. Pack a light jacket.
- Wildlife Safety: If your driver spots wildlife along the road, stay inside the vehicle and keep your distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Ayutthaya to Khao Yai, including current prices and schedules.
The train to Pak Chong followed by a local transfer is usually cheaper than a private vehicle, but train fares depend on the train and class, so check the State Railway of Thailand. Booking platforms list private transfers from about $100 per vehicle to Pak Chong (October 2026).
A private transfer is the fastest door-to-door option, at about 2 hours according to booking platforms. The train to Pak Chong takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes, but you still need an onward transfer.
By private transfer it takes about 2 hours to Pak Chong, depending on traffic and where in the Khao Yai area you are going. By train, add the onward transfer from Pak Chong to the 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes on the train.
Public transport to and inside the park is limited. It is best to arrange a transfer with your accommodation or a private driver, or rent a car or scooter.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the entrance fee is 400 baht for foreign adults and 200 baht for foreign children.
Yes. Booking platforms list 9-passenger vans among the vehicle classes for private transfers. The price is per vehicle, not per person, so a van is good value for groups with luggage.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Tourism Authority of Thailand: Khao Yai National Park. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] State Railway of Thailand: SRT Timetable Matrix 2026 (Northeastern Line). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Ayutthaya to Pak Chong. Retrieved October 15, 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.