The train is a great way to travel the long distance from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya has no more airport so the only alternative is to either fly via Bangkok or take a bus or minivan. Travel by day on the train to enjoy the scenery or travel by night and save money by booking a sleeper berth rather than pay for a night in a hotel.
Train Times from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
There are 5 train services a day from from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya.
| Train | Chiang Mai | Ayutthaya | Service |
| 102 | 06:30 | 19:14 | Rapid |
| 8 | 08:50 | 18:05 | Special Express |
| 52 | 15:30 | 03:56 | Express |
| 14 | 17:00 | 04:53 | Special Express |
| 10 | 18:00 | 05:27 | Special Express |
- Train #8 departing at 08:50 is the fastest train service from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya and is scheduled to take only 9 hours 15 minutes to complete the journey.
- The slowest service from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya is Train #102 which departs at 06:30, and takes 12 hours 44 minutes to reach Ayutthaya.
Buy Tickets from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
Use the Search Box below to buy your train tickets from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya.
The train journey from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya passes some fantastic scenery. The fastest service is Train #8 which departs from Chiang Mai at 08:50, is the only train which is scheduled to complete the entire journey in daylight hours providing passengers to enjoy views of both the mountain range South of Chiang Mai and the flat Central Plains of Thailand.
Ticket Prices from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
By purchasing your tickets online you can guarantee your seat on the train of your choice. In Thailand the best train tickets, particularly 1st and 2nd Class A/C Sleeper seats, often sell out before the day of travel.
| Seat Type | Online Price | Station Price |
| 1st Class A/C Single Sleeper | 2,198 THB | 1,898 THB |
| 1st Class A/C Sleeper | 1,648 THB | 1,398 THB |
| 2nd Class A/C Sleeper | 1,046 to 1,106 THB | 796 to 856 THB |
| 2nd Class A/C Seat | 866 THB | 616 THB |
| 2nd Class Fan Sleeper | 831 THB | 556 THB |
The service fee for purchasing tickets online is 250 to 350 THB extra on top of the actual price of the ticket.
About Train Travel from Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya
To enjoy the views on the way book Train #8 which departs at 08:50. The other departures travel overnight and sleeper berths can be booked. The best overnight service is Train #10 departing at 18.00 from Chiang Mai because this train uses the brand new passengers carriages introduced late 2016 which are much more comfortable than the other older carriages on other trains.
Wat Phra Si Samphet in AyutthayaSome visitors opt to arrive early in Ayutthaya by overnight train and spend only a single day visiting the historical park before travelling to Bangkok to stay the night. A day is long enough to visit the historical park, but not long enough to also visit nearby Bang Pa-In Palace. An overnight stay in Ayutthaya is required to see all the main historical sites in the area.
Chiang Mai Train Station
Chiang Mai Railway Station is 3.7 km from the Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai’s Old Town and about 1.9 km walking distance from Chiang Mai’s night bazaar area. Expect to pay around 100 THB for the trip from the Old Town and slightly less from the riverside area near the night bazaar. There are some restaurants and small shops in, or near, the railway station to buy some drinks and snacks for the journey.
Location of Chaing Mai Railway Station
Taxis from Ayutthaya Train Station
Ayutthaya Railway Station is located outside the old town centre on the other side of the Pa Sak river, 4.4 km by road from the historical park. The tuk-tuk is commonly used as the main form of local transport in Ayutthaya. A journey from the train station to most points within the old town centre should cost around 100 THB.
Ayutthaya Train StationIf you plan on taking another train to leave Ayutthaya onward to Bangkok consider staying in one of our recommended hotels near Ayutthaya train station particularly if you plan an early morning departure.
Location of Ayutthaya Train Station
Hotels Near Ayutthaya Station
Ayutthaya train station is not in the historic town centre and if you have an early train to catch consider staying in one of the hotels near to the train station.
The Krungsri River HotelA budget option is Baan Are Gong Riverside Homestay (120 metres from the train station) or for a more luxurious stay try the Krungsri River Hotel (400 metres from the train station).