Trains & Railways in Bangkok

Share | Print | +

Delicious

Digg

Facebook

Google

Propeller

reddit

StumbleUpon

Twitter

Yahoo!

Trains & Railways in Bangkok

Thai trains are run by the State Railway of Thailand. Although Thai railways do not cover the whole of Thailand they offer a very good value method of travelling long distances. It is possible to travel by train from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as well as to the north, south, east and west of Thailand.

• State Railway of Thailand
  At: 1 Rongmuang Road, Rongmuang, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Tel: 1690 / 02 223 3762 / 02 224 7788 / 02 225 0300
  e-mail
  Website

Following the introduction of a new test system in February 2009, it is possible to book and pay for train tickets online to certain destinations in Thailand.

• For further information: Click here 

Types of Train

There are three different services of train – ordinary, rapid or express. There is a surcharge for the rapid and express trains, but the standard of the train is usually better.

• First Class: travel is only available on rapid or express services
• Second Class: travel is available on all services and usually consists of coach-like seats
• Third Class: travel seating arrangements are bench-type seats.

Check when reserving seats whether the seat will be in an air-conditioned carriage. Sleeping berths are available on all express trains and on some rapid trains.

Trains in Bangkok

Hua Lamphong Railway Station is located in the centre of Bangkok on Rama IV Road and most trains destined for the outer provinces of Thailand originate from it. Trains travelling out of Bangkok should be booked at least three days in advance as they are frequently full. This can be done at all the major train stations or by telephone.

Train schedules in English are available at Hualamphong Station and online, but they are condensed versions of the Thai schedules showing only the major routes and do not list all the local trains available.

• For the condensed timetable: Click here

Tickets

Anyone travelling on a train without a ticket will be fined. It is not possible to buy a ticket once on board the train.

Children aged four to twelve and measuring under 1.50m travel at half the adult fare. Children up to the age of three travel for free. Special rail passes are sold, although it is best to call the reservation line listed below in order to check what is available. A Thailand Rail Pass is valid for unlimited travel for 20 days in either second or third class.

• For information on fares rates: Click here

Reservations

For reservations and enquiries contact the State Railways reservation line.

• Tel: 1690 / 02 220 4444
  Open: 08:30-16:30

or call the Advance Booking Office at Bangkok Station (Hua Lamphong)

• Tel: 02 223 3762 / 02 224 7788 / 02 225 0300

Reservations can also be made by e-mail. It is recommended to send an e-mail at least 15 days before travelling.

Disabled passengers

Those with reduced mobility can ask for help, however, there are no special facilities for disabled people.

Travelling with a bicycle

Those wishing to travel with a bicycle should contact the following number and inform the person which train they wish to travel on. They will be informed if it is possible or not and what the extra charge will be.

• Tel: 02 220 4334 (Thai-language only)

Animals

Animals can be taken on trains but not in air-conditioned carriages. There is no extra charge.

Further Information

• For a complete description of the Thai railway system: Click here
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Bus, Metro, Sky Train & River Buses in Bangkok
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Airport Contacts in Bangkok

0904ww