Lopburi: How to Get There and Back
Originally from Thailand, Ming is a 25-year-old student currently pursuing her studies in England. Passionate about travel, she enjoys sharing the rich culture of her home country with others.
Everything you need to know about getting to and from Lopburi, the famous city of monkeys. Timetables, journey durations, prices, and practical advice to make your trip easier.
Why Visit Lopburi?
Many people like to stop off in Lopburi to visit the Khmer ruins, but above all to see a town completely overrun by monkeys. The town is ideally situated for a one- or two-day stopover (maximum) for travellers heading north.
Lopburi is not far from Ayutthaya. Only 144 km separate the two towns. This makes for a pleasant stopover before heading to either Chiang Mai or Phitsanulok (and then on to Sukhothai).
The other big advantage of Lopburi is that it has a railway station (northern line linking Bangkok and Chiang Mai). So there are several ways to get to the north of the country from Lopburi.
Getting to Lopburi
Bangkok to Lopburi by Train
Trains in Thailand are rarely on time. Trains often arrive dozens of minutes late. The further away you are from the departure station (Bangkok or Chiang Mai), the greater the likelihood of a delay. Patience is the watchword.
Note: Tickets for Bangkok to Lopburi trains are usually available only one or two days in advance. Be prepared to buy your ticket on the day or the day before your trip.
Lopburi Train Station:
- Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi 15000
- Google Maps
Bangkok to Lopburi by Bus or Van
Buses and vans to Lopburi depart from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Station. They are frequent and affordable, offering another convenient way to reach the city.
For more details, check out our guide to Mo Chit Bus Station :
Ayutthaya to Lopburi
Ayutthaya is only 144 km from Lopburi. Getting between the two cities is straightforward:
- By Train: Less than 1 hour.
- By Bus or Van: Departures every hour or more, no booking required. Journey time: ~1 hour 10 minutes.
From Northern Thailand to Lopburi
Traveling from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Phitsanulok? You can take buses, vans, or trains to Lopburi.
Leaving Lopburi
To Ayutthaya
- By Train: Tickets available on the day or the day before.
- By Bus/Van: Departures every hour or more. No booking required.
To Nakhon Sawan
Frequent buses and vans are available. Just head to the bus station.
To Chiang Mai or Phitsanulok
There are no direct buses from Lopburi to Phitsanulok or Sukhothai. You will need to transfer at Nakhon Sawan.
Tip: For Chiang Mai-bound trains, book your tickets several days or weeks in advance.
| Departure and arrival times | Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| 09:44 Lopburi 21:10 Chiang Mai | 11h 26 mn | Reservation |
| 10:28 Lopburi 19:30 Chiang Mai | 9h | Réservation |
| 20:40 Lopburi 07:15 Chiang Mai | 10h 35mn | Reservation |
| 21:58 Lopburi 08:40 Chiang Mai | 10h 42m | Reservation |
Warning:
It is strongly recommended that you book the Chiang Mai - Bangkok train several days or weeks in advance.
Transport Options to Lopburi: Pros and Cons
| Mode of Transport | Duration | Cost | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 2-3 hours | 20-250 THB | Scenic, affordable, comfortable options | Frequent delays, limited booking window |
| Bus | 2 hours | 100-150 THB | Frequent departures, reliable, fast | May encounter traffic jams |
| Van | 2 hours | 100-150 THB | Convenient, direct routes, faster | Less legroom, potential overcrowding |
| Car (Private) | ~2 hours | ~500-800 THB (fuel) | Flexible schedule, direct route | Higher cost, need to navigate traffic |
Notes:
- For short distances, buses and vans are often the fastest and most convenient.
- Trains are recommended for those who prefer scenic views and a relaxed pace.
- Private cars offer the most flexibility but are less economical for solo travelers.
More information about Lopburi
For a comprehensive overview of the city, from its culture to its past history, not forgetting all the practical aspects for easy travel in the region:
