How to Get from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
Contents
Leaving the misty mountains and creative cafes of Chiang Mai to travel south toward the ruins of Ayutthaya is a journey through two historic capitals, and it is best made by train. Ayutthaya sits on the Northern Line between Chiang Mai and Bangkok, so every train that runs from Chiang Mai to Bangkok stops there. The line crosses forested hills, then opens onto the central plains. You can compare options and book tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya by Train
The State Railway of Thailand timetable lists several daily trains from Chiang Mai that call at Ayutthaya. The day trains are Special Express No. 8 (leaves Chiang Mai 07:30, arrives Ayutthaya 16:50) and Rapid No. 102 (06:25 to 18:59).[1] The evening and night trains are Express No. 52 (15:30 to 04:01 the next day), Special Express No. 14 (17:05 to 04:48) and Uttrawithi No. 10 (18:20 to 05:25).[1] Journey times therefore range from about 9 hours 20 minutes on the fastest day train to about 12 hours 30 minutes.[1] Schedules are subject to change, so check the timetable close to your travel date. Train fares depend on the train and the class and are shown in the State Railway of Thailand timetable system.[1]
Night Trains
The three evening departures arrive in Ayutthaya in the early morning, between 04:01 and 05:25, so you save a night of accommodation but arrive before most hotels allow check-in.[1] Many night trains offer sleeping berths in addition to seats, and they are popular, so book early, especially around Thai holidays such as Songkran. Check the class options for the train number you want when you book.
Day Trains
If you prefer to see the countryside in daylight, the two day trains leave Chiang Mai in the morning and reach Ayutthaya in the afternoon or early evening.[1] The Special Express (No. 8) is the fastest of them. On the slower Rapid train, plan for a long day on board.
Comparing Your Options
| Train | Leaves Chiang Mai | Arrives Ayutthaya | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Express No. 8 (day) | 07:30 | 16:50[1] | About 9h 20m |
| Rapid No. 102 (day) | 06:25 | 18:59[1] | About 12h 35m |
| Express No. 52 (night) | 15:30 | 04:01 next day[1] | About 12h 30m |
| Special Express No. 14 (night) | 17:05 | 04:48 next day[1] | About 11h 45m |
| Uttrawithi No. 10 (night) | 18:20 | 05:25 next day[1] | About 11h 05m |
Tips for Traveling from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
- Book sleeper berths early: Night trains are popular and can sell out days or weeks ahead, especially in the high season or around Thai holidays.
- Pack layers: Air-conditioned carriages can get cold at night, so bring a light jacket.
- Food and water: Bring your own water and snacks for a journey of up to 12 hours.
- Arrival at Ayutthaya: The railway station is not inside the old city. Ask your hotel how to get from the station to your accommodation or to the temple area.
- Choose the lower berth: If you book a sleeper, the lower berths usually have a window and more room than the upper ones.
Timetable
| Train Chiang Mai - Ayutthaya $ 8.04–55.99 9h 15m – 12h 44m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya, including current prices and schedules.
The fastest train is Special Express No. 8, which leaves Chiang Mai at 07:30 and reaches Ayutthaya at 16:50, a journey of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
By train it takes between about 9 hours 20 minutes and about 12 hours 35 minutes, depending on the train. Night trains take about 11 to 12.5 hours.
Night trains save you a night of accommodation and arrive in Ayutthaya between 04:01 and 05:25. The day trains let you see the landscape, but the Special Express gets you in by late afternoon.
The timetable lists several trains a day from Chiang Mai that call at Ayutthaya, including two long-distance day trains and three evening trains. Schedules are subject to change.
Check the options for your train when you book. It is a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, because a journey of up to 12 hours is long.
The station is not inside the old city. Ask your hotel how to reach your accommodation or the temple area, or take a tuk-tuk from the station.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] State Railway of Thailand: SRT Timetable Matrix 2026, Northern Line inbound. 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.