How to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and want to explore the historical wonders of Ayutthaya? If you're wondering about the best ways to travel from Bangkok to this ancient capital, you are in the right place. In this article, we will cover all the options available for visiting Ayutthaya, whether you prefer to go independently or join a guided tour, along with the pros and cons of each choice and some personal insights from our own experiences.

Ayutthaya is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Thailand. Located just 80 kilometers from Bangkok, getting there is straightforward and quick. We will guide you through your options for traveling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, offering tips to maximize your experience.

⭐ Here we share what to see and do in Ayutthaya in a day.

Private tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Booking a day tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya can be a great choice, especially if you're short on time or prefer to explore with a Spanish-speaking guide. These tours typically depart early in the morning and last approximately 7 hours.

Included in the tour are transportation via minivan (about 1.5 hours travel time), visits to the most significant temples and ruins of the ancient capital of Siam, entry fees, and a return trip to the meeting point in Bangkok.

This option is highly recommended for those travelers who do not want to waste time and want to make the most of their days in Bangkok. Having a specialized guide enhances the experience, allowing you to learn not only about the site itself but also about local customs, religions, and traditions. Our last visit to Ayutthaya was via this method, and it was thoroughly enjoyable, especially since we traveled with family and wanted to avoid losing anyone among the temples!

⭐ Here are some of the best excursions from Bangkok.

Many local travel agencies offer such excursions, easily found in tourist areas of Bangkok. However, most only provide guides in English. If you prefer a tour in Spanish, it’s advisable to book online ahead of time, which may come at a slightly higher cost. Here are a couple of options to consider (note that departures might not be available daily):

→ Morning excursion to Ayutthaya

→ Ayutthaya tour including the train market and floating market (11-hour tour)

Traveling by train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

If you're on a budget or prefer to travel independently, taking the train is a fantastic option. There are two types of trains available: the ordinary train, which costs between 15-35 baht (approximately €0.40-€0.90) and takes about 1.5 hours, and the express train, which ranges from 160-350 baht (€5-€9)* and takes about 1 hour, depending on the train.

* The express train is the one with the lowest fares among fast trains: the third class with a fan costs only 44 baht (€1).

This option is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a more authentic experience. Ideally, you should catch one of the early morning trains (around 7-8 am), spend the day exploring Ayutthaya's temples (by renting a bike or motorcycle, or hiring a tuk-tuk), and return in the evening.

Many travelers also make Ayutthaya a stop on their way to Northern Thailand. If that's the case, you can take a morning train, leave your luggage at the Ayutthaya station (costing about 10 baht), and after sightseeing, return to catch an evening train, such as train number 9 at 19:45 or number 13 at 21:07. The latter train should be reserved in advance.

→ For booking transportation in Thailand, we recommend visiting 12go.asia, although it might not be necessary to reserve this particular journey.

Don’t forget to get a Revolut card (with a €10 promotion) to avoid fees when withdrawing and spending abroad.

Departure stations for trains from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

As of January 2023, trains depart from two stations:

• Hua Lamphong, which now operates only ordinary lines.
• Bang Sue Grand (Krung Thep Aphiwat), the new station where the express trains operate (future plans suggest all trains may eventually operate from this station).

The frequency of trains is quite high, with departures approximately every hour during the morning. Below is a table with the train schedules we noted during the writing of this article; however, we recommend checking the Thai railway website for the latest updates:

Outbound: Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Return: Ayutthaya to Bangkok

The Ayutthaya station is about 4 kilometers from the ruins and temples, and you can take a tuk-tuk for about 100-150 baht. There are also full-day tuk-tuk services available for around 500 baht, or you can rent a bike (50-100 baht) or scooter (250 baht) nearby the station.

Our experience taking the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

During our first trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, we opted for a local train, which cost us just 15 baht and turned out to be a memorable experience. We arrived at the station before 8 am, just in time for the national anthem that plays throughout public spaces, a moment that the locals respect without moving a muscle.

As we traveled, the initial kilometers passed through the poorer neighborhoods of Bangkok, a striking view of makeshift homes lining the railway. Along the way, we encountered elderly women offering exotic snacks, curious children staring at us as if we were aliens, lush green landscapes, and refreshing breezes through the eternally open windows (which also left our hair quite messy!).

Bus or minivan options to Ayutthaya

Alternatively, you can reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok via buses or minibuses that depart from the Mo Chit station. The fare ranges from 60-100 baht (a little over €1.5), and the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. If you’re staying near Khao San Road, many agencies might offer guided tours (in English) that could include hotel pickup or transport from that area.

While this is not our preferred option, it can be convenient if you find yourself near the bus station. Another option is to take a taxi or Grab, but given the ease and affordability of traveling independently, we haven’t considered this route.

We hope that after reading this, you have a clearer understanding of how to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Which option are you leaning towards? Do you know of other ways to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?

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