Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, please check below. If you cannot find the answer to your questions, you are welcome to contact us visa social media such as on Twitter and Facebook.
Can I take pet animals on the train?
Yes you can but only in 3rd Class carriages with fan. The fee starts at 90 baht. Dogs over 30 kilos cannot be taken on the train.
Do I have to print out e-tickets?
No. If you buy tickets online you can just show the PDF that was sent to your e-mail address. A screenshot is also accepted. But don’t share online as the QR Code gives access to your personal details.
Is Hua Lamphong Station still open?
Yes, the station is still operating as normal. However, the long distance trains will be moved to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal on 19th January 2023. Local and tourist trains will remain at Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) for at least another five years.
Are there restaurant cars on the long-distance trains?
No, there aren’t any restaurant carriages in service at the moment. On some long distance overnight trains you should be prepared by bringing your own food. However, on local popular routes where trains stop at most stations, vendors will be jumping on and off with food.
Can I buy a ticket for the seat next to me to give me more room?
No, you are only officially allowed to buy a ticket for yourself. You cannot buy for an empty seat. The conductor could resell your seat to someone else on a crowded train.
Can you smoke on Thai trains?
No, it is illegal to smoke at the railway stations and on the trains. However, they seem to turn a blind eye to people who smoke in-between carriages as long as it doesn't disturb other people. At railway stations, you may find an area set aside for smoking.
What is the main train station in Bangkok?
There are three terminal stations in Bangkok. At present, the main terminal station is at Bangkok Railway Station, otherwise known as Hua Lamphong. Bang Sue Grand will at some point start taking over as the main terminal for long distance trains. Thonburi Railway Station is the terminal station for some southern line trains and the branch line to Nam Tok.
What are the train numbers for the new Chinese sleepers?
They are:
(1) Special Express No.9/10: Bangkok > Chiang Mai > Bangkok
(2) Special Express No.23/24: Bangkok > Ubon Ratchathani > Bangkok
(3) Special Express No.25/26: Bangkok > Nong Khai > Bangkok
(4) Special Express No.31/32: Bangkok > Hat Yai > Bangkok
Odd numbered trains are ones out of Bangkok and even numbered ones are the return journey to Bangkok.
For more information and pictures, please click here.
Can you drink alcohol on Thai trains?
The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on trains and at railway stations. However, they do turn a blind eye if you are discreet. Even more so if you are drinking moderately behind the curtains on a sleeper train. The fine for being caught is 2,500 baht.
Are overnight trains in Thailand safe?
Sleeper trains are generally safe, particularly the newer ones. Doors are controlled from the inside and so you don't get people getting on and off like you do with ordinary trains. There are CCTV cameras throughout the train. The lights are also kept on all night. The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Although some people do sneak beer onboard, it is generally done discreetly and there is hardly any rowdiness. If you are on one of the Chinese CNR sleeper trains, you can actually book a berth on one of the carriages which are reserved exclusively for women and young children. If you are travelling 1st Class, you can book a cabin for yourself which obviously means you can lock the door from the inside.
How do I book a sleeper train in Thailand?
You can book a berth on a sleeper train up to 30 days in advance. However, you may find that the newer trains on popular routes such as to Chiang Mai, will sell out fast. 1st Class usually sells out first as there is only one carriage with 12 cabins. If the new CNR sleepers are sold out for the dates you want, then check availability on the older trains. Most of the main routes have two sleeper trains per night.
You can buy tickets at any train station. You can call 1690 for information about availability and also to reserve your berth. But you would need to then go to the train station within 24 hours to pay for it. You cannot pay over the telephone. The State Railway of Thailand has an official online booking site called D-Ticket. You can also buy using online agents such as 12Go Thailand and Baolau. The advantage with agency sites is that you can book tickets more than 30 days in advance. Then, the second tickets go on sale, their agents will be in the queue to buy the ticket for you. You might not be able to choose which seat you want, but you will have a better chance of getting a ticket.
More information: How to Buy Train Tickets in Thailand
I am reading some conflicting information regarding booking first class sleeper berths more than 30 days out. I am traveling Bangkok (krung thep aphiwat station) to Chiang Mai on January 24, 2024. I see these trains can now be booked 120 days out (as of November this year) But, can the first class berths also be booked that far out? I dont see them available on 12go.asia.
The CNR sleeper trains can be booked 90 days in advance. The other long distance trains are 30 days.
Hai..May I know is it tourist train available in between 24 – 25 February 2024?
Tourist trains only run at weekends and some public holidays. So yes to 24th December. But I’m sure sold out. You have to book 2-3 weeks in advance.
Hi Richard, I was thinking of taking a sleeper train from Padang Besar all the way to Bangkok sometime in mid-December. Last year it was cancelled and the train tickets refunded partially due to flooding from monsoon rains. I was wondering if this year could also be the case, or is it just a one-off situation occasionally? Am I taking a risk? Thanks.
It was actually due to a trackside bombing! Hopefully this year will be fine as I will be crossing that border twice by train in December.
So technically speaking there will still be a shuttle service between Padang Besar and Hatyai? Do you have the schedule? Thanks.
Yes, here: https://www.thaitrainguide.com/international/hat-yai-to-padang-besar
I am just wondering when booking a train on a daytime in my case Bangkok to Hua Hin, one of the options is 2nd class ac sleeper, I presume in the daytime the seats just stay as that seats and not turn into sleepers?
Yes that is correct though those type of trains are generally more expensive. Plus if your journey is less than 25% of the complete trip for that train you cannot book in advance. They want people to go further and so make more money.
Thanks make sense as it says I can’t book until a day before!
Click on: From BKK to PHuket by train´
and it will lead to FAQ without this Question even being mentioned.
(yes, I know the answer from long ago, but was interested if it has changed)
Sorry for this oversight. There is no direct train. There has been talk about doing this for a long time, but nothing concrete yet. Your only alternatives are either doing a sleeper train to Surat Thani and then change to a bus to Phuket, or go by bus all the way which will be quicker.
Here are your options on 12Go website.
Can we still send our small 150cc motorcycle by pax or cargo train from say, Hatyai to Bangkok or Chiangmai? Vice versa…
Thank you
Yes, but they won’t offload it at Krung Thep Aphiwat. You would need to arrange with them a convenient nearby station. But loading of motorcycles is done at Bang Sue Junction which is next door.