Day Trips by Train from Bangkok: Easy Escapes on the Rails

Looking to escape the city for a day without the hassle of long drives or airport lines? Bangkok’s train network makes it surprisingly easy to explore Thailand at a slower pace — and for just a few baht. With dozens of destinations within a few hours of the capital, there’s no shortage of options for a rewarding day out by rail.

But first, what exactly counts as a “day trip”? For most travelers (myself included), anything within about 2–3 hours by train feels ideal. Any longer, and you risk spending more time on the train than enjoying the destination. Local trains can be fun too, but anything over 4 hours is pushing the limit for a single-day return.

In this post, I’ll share some of the best ideas for day trips from Bangkok by train — organized by line to help you easily plan your adventure. Some spots are perfect for a short visit and return, while others can be combined into a fuller day of exploration. If you’ve got your own tips or favorite train-based escapes, feel free to share them in the comments!

(1) NORTHERN LINE:

a) Bang Pa-in Station
 Ordinary No. 111 (54 minutes)
 Highlight is the nearby summer palace and the temple that looks like a cathedral.

b) Ayutthaya Station
 Ordinary No. 111 (one hour and 7 minutes)
 Highlight is the nearby historical park

c) Ban Phachi Junction
 Ordinary No. 111 (one hour and 7 minutes)
 Highlight is Wat Tako. A motorcycle taxi costs 70 baht

d) Nong Don Station
 Ordinary No. 111 (two hours)
 Highlight is Wat Phra Phutthabat – The Buddha’s Footprint. There is a songtaew connection.

e) Lop Buri Station
 Ordinary No. 111 (two hours and 12 minutes)
 Highlight is the nearby ancient ruins and palace

(2) NORTHEASTERN LINE:

a) Kaeng Khoi Junction
 Rapid No. 135 (two hours and 20 minutes)
 Highlight is the nearby Wat Kaeng Khoi which has a memorial for the bombing raid during the war that killed many Thais.

b) Muak Lek Station
 Rapid No. 135 (three hours)
 Highlight is the nearby waterfall

c) Khok Salung Station
 Express No. 75 (two hours and 30 minutes)
 Highlight is the viaduct over Pasak Chonlasit reservoir

(3) MAEKLONG LINE:

a) Mahachai Station
 Trains every hour (one hour)
 Highlight is the market on the train tracks and nearby fish market

b) Maeklong Station
 Need to take two trains and one boat (2+ hours)
 Highlight is the market on the train track and Amphawa Floating Market

(4) EASTERN LINE:

a) Hua Takhe Station
 Ordinary No. 281 (one hour)
 Highlight is the nearby riverside market

b) Chachoengsao Junction
 Ordinary No. 281 (one hour and 30 minutes)
 Highlight is the nearby Wat Sathon and the 100 year old market

c) Prachinburi Station
 Ordinary No. 281 (two hours and 45 minutes)
 Highlight is the traditional medicine museum and national museum

d) Chon Buri Station
 Ordinary No. 283 (three hours) *
 Highlight is Bangsaen Beach. Can go by songtaew

e) Pattaya Station
 Ordinary No. 283 (three hours and thirty minutes) *
 Highlight is Pattaya Beach. Can go by songtaew

 Special No. 997 (three hours and 25 minutes)
 Highlight is nearby Nang Ram Beach. Can go by songtaew

* Faster service by Express No. 997

(5) SOUTHERN LINE:

a) Nakhon Pathom Station
 Ordinary No. 255 (one hour and 15 minutes)
 Highlight is the biggest stupa in Thailand

b) Nam Tok Station
 Ordinary No. 257 (four hours and 45 minutes)
 Highlight is Death Railway route (best to do as two day trip)

c) Bang Pong Station
 Ordinary No. 255 (two hours)
 Highlight is street art and old market

d) Phottharam Station
 Ordinary No. 255 (two hours and ten minutes)
 Highlight is street art and old market

e) Ratchaburi Station
 Ordinary No. 255 (two hours and 30 minutes)
 Highlight is street art, old market, and museums

f) Phetchaburi Station
 Ordinary No. 255 (three hours and 30 minutes)
 Highlight is street art, old market, summer palace, and temples

g) Cha-am Station
 Ordinary No. 255 (four hours)
 Highlight is nearby beach. You can go by motorcycle taxi

h) Hua Hin Station
 Special Express No. 43 (three hours)
 Highlight is nearby beach