Starting from 20th November 2023, you can buy train tickets 90 days in advance for eight CNR sleeper trains. For all other trains, you can only buy up to 30 days in advance. The CNR trains are:

• Special Express (Diesel Railcar) No. 7/8 Chiang Mai
• Special Express No. 9/10 Chiang Mai
• Special Express No. 13/14 Chiang Mai
• Special Express No. 23/24 Ubon Ratchathani
• Special Express No. 25/26 Nong Khai
• Special Express No. 31/32 Hat Yai Junction
• Special Express No. 37/38 Su-ngai Kolok
• Special Express (Diesel Railcar) No. 39/40, 43/44 Surat Thani
• Special Express No. 45/46 Padang Besar  
• Express No. 51/52 Chiang Mai
• Express No. 83/84 Trang
• Express No. 85/86 Nakhon Si Thammarat  
• Express (Diesel Railcar) No. 71/72 Ubon Ratchathani
• Express (Diesel Railcar) No. 75/76 Nong Khai  

However, please note, if your journey is less than 25% of the complete route of the train, then you can only buy on the day. In addition, trains with non-reserved seats (no seat numbers), you can only buy these ticket about an hour before departure. These are mainly local and commuter trains.

DATES FOR WHEN TO BUY TICKETS: JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER

Click here to download a PDF of the Calendar for the entire year.

You may notice that the travel agency websites such as 12Go sell tickets far in advance. These are not confirmed ticket sales. However, it does have the advantage that the minute these tickets go on sale, their agents will be in the queue to buy the ticket for you. This is very useful for popular routes such as from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.