The ancient city of Ayutthaya is just 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok, making it the perfect place for a day trip outside the Thai capital. This ancient city, formerly known as the Venice of the East, was the former capital of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province and the second capital of Siam. Today, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its ruins are protected by the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Although the city is in ruins, it is intact enough to feel the grandeur of the ancient capital, with prangs (reliquary towers) rising from the temples and huge statues of Buddha. This is an attraction not to be missed.
Being close to Bangkok, it is relatively easy to get to Ayutthaya from the capital. There are several different travel options from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: by car, bus, van and train.
Private car or taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Tourists talking to taxi driver in Bangkok © 2p2play / Shutterstock, Inc.
The direct journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya takes just over an hour, so if you’re looking for a quick getaway from the city and want door-to-door service, a private car or taxi is the best option. You can rent a car in the city or at one of Bangkok’s two airports, and if you’re traveling as a couple, with friends or family and want to go elsewhere, a rental car can be a good alternative.
Taxis are also a good option if you want to sit down and not worry about finding your way around. It’s a good idea to agree on a price before you start your trip, and it’s even more advisable to have the hotel you’re staying at arrange a taxi ride and fix the price.
By train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Train on its way from Bangkok to Ayutthaya © Akenakub / Shutterstock, Inc.
Many travelers who have traveled from Bangkok to Ayutthaya will tell you that the train is without a doubt the best option for this journey, and we cannot disagree with them. The train is not only the cheapest option, but also the one that allows you to enjoy the scenery the most, although it is not the fastest means of transport. Trains in Thailand are notoriously slow, but the two-hour journey allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, which is accessible by subway, and run fairly frequently throughout the day. Delays are common, so if you decide to travel by train, be prepared to skip it and don’t expect to be very punctual.
But the train is unbeatable for the price. You can buy a third-class ticket for around 15 baht or choose a little more comfort and choose a first-class or second-class seat. When buying a ticket at the station, remember to go directly to the ticket offices and ask questions only in these places. You can often see people pretending to be station employees, even in formal clothes, who try to convince tourists to choose another mode of transport or ensure that the train is out of service. Ignore everything they tell you and keep going your way.
Another advantage of trains to Ayutthaya is that they have some services on board, such as drinks and snacks, as well as a bathroom (although it’s not the best bathroom you can find).
By van from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
Vans at Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok © hayachanta / Shutterstock, Inc.
Van to Ayutthaya departs from Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok and is another cheap alternative to reach this fantastic city. The vans are quite modern and tidy, so they offer a very acceptable level of comfort (better than public buses) and are a good way to meet other travelers.
The vans usually don’t leave until they’re full, so on a windless day you might have to wait a bit, but that’s usually not a problem. The van to Ayutthaya doesn’t go directly, but it does stop a few times along the way, but it still makes fewer stops than the public bus, so it’s a quicker option. You can expect the journey to take about an hour. Make sure you don’t get out of the van until you reach the end of the tour, near Wat Mahathat in Naresuan Alley.
Public bus from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
If you want to save money and a van service is beyond your budget, another option is the public bus. Buses run frequently from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, so you won’t have to wait too long at the northern bus station to start your journey. With a low price, you’ll sacrifice some convenience and time, as the buses make multiple stops along the way, making the journey one to two hours.
Here are the main ways to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. As with almost all destinations, you can base your decision on budget and time available, but we recommend taking the train to Ayutthaya. It is the cheapest way to travel, the level of comfort is good, it offers services on board and allows you to enjoy the scenery.