Leaving Ayutthaya: train, buses and minivans to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and northern Thailand
How do you leave Ayutthaya to reach Bangkok, Chiang Mai or other destinations in Thailand? Here are the main transport options available: train, buses and minivans.
Ayutthaya lies about 80 km north of Bangkok in Thailand’s central plains. Once the capital of the Siamese kingdom, the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular stop on many travel itineraries.
After exploring the historic temples and ruins, many travellers continue their journey to other major destinations in Thailand, whether heading north toward Chiang Mai or south via Bangkok. Below are the practical transport options available from Ayutthaya.
Schedules and prices are indicative and may change depending on the season or transport companies. Travel times between cities, however, generally remain similar.
Ayutthaya to Bangkok: best transport options
Travelling from Ayutthaya to Bangkok is one of the most common routes in Thailand. The two cities are about 80 km apart and several transport options are available, including trains, buses and minivans.
Most travellers choose the train because it is inexpensive, reliable and runs many times a day. Depending on the train type, the journey usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Transport from Ayutthaya to Bangkok
| Transport | Average time | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 1h30 – 2h | 15 – 300 baht |
| Minivan | 1h30 – 2h | 100 – 200 baht |
| Taxi / private car | 1h – 1h30 | 1000 – 2000 baht |
How to leave Ayutthaya: train, bus or minivan?
Several transport options make it easy to leave Ayutthaya. Trains are often the most convenient way to reach Bangkok, while buses and minivans connect the city to other regions of Thailand.
Minivans and vans from Ayutthaya
Minivans are commonly used for regional routes. They usually depart from Ayutthaya’s local transport hubs and connect the city to nearby destinations.
Ayutthaya to Bangkok minivan
This is one of the most frequently used routes for travellers returning to the Thai capital.
Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi minivan
This route allows travellers to reach the River Kwai region without returning to Bangkok.
Ayutthaya to Aranyaprathet (Cambodia border)
| Ayutthaya | Aranyaprathet | Price per person (Baht) |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | 12:00 | 500 |
| 13:00 | 17:00 | 500 |
This route is commonly used by travellers heading to the Poipet border crossing to enter Cambodia.
Long-distance buses from Ayutthaya
Long-distance buses allow travellers to reach northern Thailand without stopping in Bangkok.
Bus Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
Bus Ayutthaya to Sukhothai
Bus routes from Ayutthaya to northern Thailand
| From Ayutthaya to | Bus type | Departure times | Price (Baht) | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phitsanulok | 2nd class | 09:10 21:00 | 400 | 5 h |
| 1st class | 08:50 10:00 11:00 13:30 14:00 | 500 | 5 h | |
| Lampang | 2nd class | 06:30 07:30 08:25 09:50 11:30 12:30 13:30 15:30 17:30 18:50 20:50 | 550 | 8 h |
| VIP | 21:30 | 650 | 8 h | |
| Tak | 2nd class | 09:15 20:15 | 500 | 7 h |
| 1st class | 10:00 22:00 | 600 | 7 h | |
| Mae Sot | 2nd class | 09:15 20:15 | 450 | — |
| 1st class | 10:00 21:20 22:00 | 550 | — | |
| Nan | 2nd class | 07:00 08:45 19:00 20:20 21:20 | 600 | 8 h |
| 1st class | 09:30 21:30 | 750 | 8 h | |
| VIP | 21:00 | 1050 | 8 h | |
| Chiang Rai | 1st class | 18:30 20:30 | 850 | 12 h |
| VIP | 20:40 | 1150 | — |
Train from Ayutthaya: travel to Bangkok or Chiang Mai
The train is one of the easiest ways to leave Ayutthaya. The city lies on Thailand’s main railway line connecting Bangkok with northern Thailand.
Trains run frequently between Ayutthaya and Bangkok, making it easy to travel back to the capital or continue north.
Train schedule Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
Train schedule Ayutthaya to Bangkok
The journey to Bangkok usually takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on the train.
Travel tips for leaving Ayutthaya
Depending on your travel route in Thailand, some options may be more convenient:
- train for a quick trip to Bangkok
- overnight bus to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai
- minivan to Kanchanaburi or the Cambodian border
Booking in advance can be useful during peak travel seasons or Thai holidays.
To avoid missing out on seats, especially on night trains or long-distance buses, booking in advance is recommended.
You can book your tickets here
FAQ – Leaving Ayutthaya
What is the easiest way to travel from Ayutthaya to Bangkok?
The train is usually the simplest option. Services run frequently and the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can you travel directly from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai?
Yes. Some trains and long-distance buses allow direct travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.
Where do buses depart from in Ayutthaya?
Most buses and minivans depart from Ayutthaya’s bus stations or local transport hubs near the city centre.
How much is the train from Ayutthaya to Bangkok?
Train tickets usually range from about 15 to 45 baht depending on the class and train type.
How far is Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
Ayutthaya is located about 80 km north of Bangkok. Travel time ranges from 1 hour to 2 hours depending on the type of transport.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Ayutthaya to Bangkok?
The cheapest option is the train, with some third-class tickets costing less than 20 baht.
Is it easy to do a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
Yes. Many travellers visit Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok because trains run frequently between the two cities.
Additional information
