How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok: Train, Bus, Van or Car
Located about 80 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is one of the most popular day trips in Thailand. The former capital of the Kingdom of Siam attracts visitors for its temples and ruins listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ayutthaya is located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, north of Bangkok, in the heart of Thailand’s central plains. From Bangkok, several transportation options make it easy to reach Ayutthaya: train, bus, minibus or car.
How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Ayutthaya lies in Thailand’s central plain, around 1 to 1.5 hours from Bangkok depending on traffic and transportation. The city is very well connected to the capital and makes an easy day trip.
Distance and travel time
- distance Bangkok – Ayutthaya: about 80 km
- average travel time: between 1 and 1.5 hours
- cheapest option: the train
- most flexible option: car or taxi
Getting to Ayutthaya by bus from Bangkok
Air-conditioned buses regularly depart from Bangkok’s northern bus station, Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
Schedule and information
- departures approximately every 30 minutes
- first bus: around 05:30
- last bus: around 19:30
- travel time: about 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic
The main drawback is the location of the bus terminal, which is quite far from Bangkok’s main tourist districts.
Going to Ayutthaya by minibus or van
Air-conditioned minibuses carrying around a dozen passengers depart from Mochit Van Terminal, near Chatuchak Market.
Practical information
- departures roughly every hour
- travel time: between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes
- average price: about 80 baht
Vans are a fast option and usually drop passengers directly in Ayutthaya.
Can you go to Ayutthaya by boat?
Today there is no regular public boat service between Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
Some tour agencies offer excursions combining land transport and a short boat cruise around Ayutthaya’s rivers. These are mostly sightseeing cruises around the old city rather than direct transportation.
For a simple journey between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, the train is generally the easiest option.
Getting to Ayutthaya by train from Bangkok
The train is often considered the easiest and cheapest way to reach Ayutthaya. For as little as 20 baht, travelers can cross the countryside north of Bangkok before arriving near the historical center.
Which stations in Bangkok?
Today there are two main departure options:
- the new station Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station)
- the historic Hua Lamphong railway station
From Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, you can also exit the station and walk to Bang Sue Junction, located just across the road.
Trains departing from Hua Lamphong also pass through this station, which means you can usually find a train to Ayutthaya roughly every hour.
Advance booking is usually not necessary.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the station on the day of departure.
When arriving at Ayutthaya railway station, walk straight toward the street opposite the station.
It leads to the Chao Phraya River where a small ferry (around 10 baht) takes passengers directly to the old city.
Bangkok to Ayutthaya train schedule
Trains between Bangkok and Ayutthaya run throughout the day. Depending on the time, departures occur every 30 minutes to one hour.
Most trains leave from:
- Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
- Hua Lamphong
- Bang Sue Junction
Travel time generally ranges between 1 hour 10 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the train type.
Can you visit Ayutthaya by train in one day?
Yes. Many trains run daily between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, making it very easy to travel there and back in the same day. This is why Ayutthaya remains one of the most popular day trips from Bangkok.
Getting to Ayutthaya by car or taxi
Renting a car or taking a taxi allows you to travel at your own pace and stop along the way.
Main route
- Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road)
- then Highway 32
- follow signs toward Ayutthaya
Travel time usually ranges between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.
Renting a car or private van with driver
For groups or travelers seeking more comfort, it is also possible to rent a private car or van with driver for the day.
To avoid stress about seat availability on trains, minibuses or buses, you can also book your ticket online.
FAQ: transportation from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
What is the cheapest way to get to Ayutthaya?
The train is the cheapest option. Third-class tickets can cost around 20 baht.
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
Travel time usually ranges between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic and the chosen transport.
Can you visit Ayutthaya in one day from Bangkok?
Yes. Ayutthaya is one of the easiest day trips from Bangkok and can easily be visited in a single day.
Is there a direct boat from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
No. The boat trips offered are tourist cruises rather than regular transportation services.
What is the best way to get to Ayutthaya?
The train is generally considered the easiest, cheapest and most practical option.
Which transport should you choose?
| Transport | Travel time | Approximate price | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 1h20 | 20–300 baht | cheapest |
| Van / minibus | 1h–1h30 | about 80 baht | fast |
| Bus | 1h30 | about 60 baht | frequent departures |
| Taxi / car | 1h | 1000–2000 baht | flexible |
