While it is possible to get around Thailand by plane in no time, traveling by train is much more fun, exciting and cheaper. With four different train lines covering much of the country, traveling by train in Thailand is quite easy and is a great way to get between big and small cities. The Northern Line, Southern Line, Eastern Line and Northeast Line meet in the capital city of Bangkok, which serves as the nerve center of the country’s rail transport in a network of approximately 4,180 kilometers. Traveling by train in Thailand is a wonderful experience that we recommend as it is the best way to experience the beautiful landscapes of this Asian country as well as a cultural experience. Trains are not only used by tourists, but they are also popular with the locals as they are very cheap, so traveling by train in Thailand will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture of the country.
Is it safe to travel by train in Thailand?
Unlike other countries where railways are privately owned, all tracks in Thailand are owned by the state-owned National Railways of Thailand and are one meter wide. Since the trains and lines are state-operated, you can be sure that they meet certain standards. According to some travelers, Thailand has one of the best one-meter rail systems in the world, and in addition to being a safe mode of transport, you’ll feel safe on board.
The biggest disadvantage of traveling by train in Thailand is the speed, as no train reaches high speeds. In fact, the average speed they cover is 40 km/h, although at the same time it makes them even safer and allows you to calmly enjoy the landscape and cities through which they pass.
Where to buy train tickets in Thailand
Passengers queuing to buy tickets, Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. Easily accessible from the MRT (subway). The MRT station bears the same name © Kevin Hellon / Shutterstock.com
As you can imagine, it’s easy to buy tickets at the train station and at travel agencies, but we always recommend using an online booking site like 12Go. Buying online is easier than deciding what kind of ticket you need and telling the seller who may not understand or speak English well. When buying online, you will be able to see all the options that are available to make your trip and you will be able to compare prices at a glance, as well as departure and arrival times and the duration of your trip. It’s also a good idea to go with 12Go as you can read real reviews from travelers who have pre-booked these services to get an idea of what to expect, what are the pros and cons.
For peace of mind, it is worth buying tickets in advance. Not all trains fill up, but some services are more popular than others, such as night trains and Super Express trains, so book early. You also need to take into account that if you are traveling on a bank holiday or during holidays, the trains will fill up in no time. If you plan to travel during these times of year, buy your tickets 60 days in advance for extra peace of mind.
Types of classes and trains in Thailand
Third class carriages without air conditioning. Open windows and fan keep the temperature slightly cooler © jflin98 / Shutterstock.com
There are several types of trains that run regularly in Thailand, and depending on which one you choose, the speed of the train will vary, it will make more or less stops along the way, it will take longer to get to your destination, and you will be able to access tickets at some classes or elsewhere. We have compiled a list of the different types of trains for you to consider when making your booking. We provide the train numbers so that you can more easily know which service you are buying.
conventional trains they are very slow and serve only third class carriages. They travel only during the day and do not travel more than 500 kilometers. The numbers of these trains range from 298 to 300.
Suburban trains or commuter trains, are, as the name suggests, used by residents on suburban routes. They are very similar to conventional trains and are numbered from 301 to 398.
local trains They are similar to conventional trains but run over shorter distances with numbers 401 to 498.
special express trains They are the most expensive in Thailand because they are also the fastest. These trains can travel from one city to another with few or no stops, and all (except number 37 from Bangkok to Sungai Kolok) only have first and second class carriages. Special Express trains in Thailand are numbered from 1 to 48.
express trains They are also fast, as the name suggests, although not as fast as the special express. Express trains make more stops along the way, which makes the journey longer, but if you want to save some money, they can be a good option as they are cheaper than Special Express. Express trains in Thailand have first, second and third class cars and run numbers 51 to 98.
fast trains They’re not exactly fast. They usually stop at almost all the stations they pass through, which can add a lot to the journey. The numbers of these trains range from 101 to 198 and usually have second and third class cars, usually without air conditioning. These are the most common trains in Thailand and there are always plenty available.
Sleeper trains in Thailand
New second-class sleepers on Special Express trains © moxumbic / Shutterstock.com
If you are traveling long distances on one of the slow trains, you may want to buy a sleeper train ticket. One of the best things about traveling by train in Thailand is that you can enjoy the scenery, but if you travel at night you will miss almost all the sights. Still, buying a sleeper ticket isn’t necessarily much more expensive than a regular seat, so if you’re traveling overnight you’ll save an overnight stay and have a different experience.
As with train seats, there are several types of sleeping compartments you can choose from depending on your plans and budget. In First Class you can have an entire compartment to yourself with air conditioning, sink and linen. You can book it for one person if you’re traveling alone, but don’t forget that if you don’t, you can share a seat with another passenger of the same gender. There are also VIP compartments, though don’t be fooled by the name as they don’t necessarily offer more amenities.
Second class sleeping compartments are very popular as they are less expensive than first class and can be quite comfortable. Bed linen is included in the ticket price and each bed can be covered with a curtain. Thanks to this, even if you are close to other passengers, you can enjoy a bit of privacy. You can choose between air-conditioned cars and fan cars, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Cars with air conditioning tend to be newer and maybe cleaner, but in cars with a fan you can open the windows, enjoy the views more and take better pictures of the scenery. It should be noted that the upper berths are a bit cheaper, but the beds are a bit smaller so may not be the best option for taller people.
Buy a seat or bed compartment ticket on a reliable website like 12Go as this way you know exactly what type of ticket you are buying and can compare prices, timetables, durations and services.
Fast trains in Thailand
We’ve already talked about the different trains in Thailand you can travel on these days, and as you’ve probably noticed, none of them are particularly fast, not even the special express trains. Fortunately, that will soon change as Thailand is in the process of building a high-speed rail network. In 2010, parliament approved that the network has five different lines from Bangkok. The trains will be able to reach speeds of up to 250 km/h (156 mph), dramatically changing transport options in Thailand and greatly improving connections with neighboring countries.
High-speed trains in Thailand will be more expensive than conventional trains, but should be reasonably priced when compared to flights. In addition, this way you will still have the opportunity to admire the scenery while traveling.
But for now, if you decide to travel by train in Thailand, you will have to choose one of the free options. In any case, traveling by train is a pretty good experience, which we recommend live. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture, chat with the locals and admire the scenery. Also, if you buy tickets through sites like 12Go, the experience will be easier and safer.