Taking an overnight train to explore Thailand is an opportunity to experience a unique cultural immersion while enjoying one of the most economical modes of transport available. From train categories and classes to the various routes possible, ticket purchases, and all our tips for preparing your overnight train journey… we'll tell you everything you need to know to travel by overnight train in Thailand.

Thailand's Railway Network

With 4,200 km of railway tracks, Thailand's railway network is one of the most developed in Southeast Asia. Managed since 1951 by the State Railway of Thailand, the network comprises four train lines that connect nearly the entire country:

The Northern Line:

It connects Bangkok to Chiang Mai and is the most popular train route among travelers.

The Northeastern Line:

It connects Bangkok and ends in the city of Ubon Ratchathani at the Laotian border.

The Eastern Line:

This line allows you to reach the city of Aranyaprathet-Poipet located at the Cambodian border.

The Southern Line:

It is the longest railway line in the country. It serves the entire peninsula down to the Malaysian border.

The Different Train Categories and Classes

There are seven types of trains in Thailand that run on the country's railway tracks (Express trains, Special Express trains, Rapid trains, Ordinary trains, local trains, suburban trains, and tourist trains). Among these, only Special Express trains (numbers 1 to 48), Express trains (numbers 51 to 98), and Rapid trains (numbers 101 to 198) offer the possibility of traveling overnight in sleeper cars.

Regarding the different classes available, you will find:

First Class:

It is the most expensive class and is available only on Rapid, Express, and Special Express trains. Moreover, it is quite suitable for overnight journeys. First-class carriages consist of private air-conditioned cabins offering two berths. Note that if you travel alone and do not reserve the entire cabin (higher price), the second berth may be occupied by another traveler of the same gender.

Second Class:

For overnight journeys in second class, you will find air-conditioned or fan-cooled berths. Available on Rapid and Express trains, this class allows you to sleep in dormitory-style cars with dozens of bunk beds installed face-to-face. Each bed has a curtain for more privacy. Be aware that upper berths are larger than lower berths and therefore more expensive.

Third Class:

This class consists only of benches and contains no berths. While it is the most economical class, seats are not reservable and it is recommended for short journeys.

The Advantages of Overnight Trains

Taking an overnight train to travel across Thailand offers numerous advantages. As the cheapest mode of transport in the country, the overnight train also allows you to save money on a night in a hotel room. The overnight train is also more environmentally friendly than flying and a way to avoid wasting time in airports. While it will allow you to discover the various landscapes of Thailand (before nightfall or at sunrise), the overnight train is also an excellent cultural experience. Indeed, trains are not only frequented by tourists but are also very popular with locals. In other words, an overnight train journey in Thailand will not only allow you to save money and time but also to immerse yourself in the country's culture and make wonderful encounters…

Possible Routes for Overnight Train Travel in Thailand

On Thailand's four railway lines, three lines (North, Northeast, and South) allow for overnight train travel. Knowing that most routes depart from Bangkok (journeys are also possible in the reverse direction with different stops), here is a non-exhaustive list of Thai destinations you can reach by sleeper train:

Northern Line:

Bangkok - Chiang Mai via trains no. 9, 13 (possible stop at Ayutthaya for these two trains), 51, and 109.

Northeastern Line:

Bangkok - Nong Khai via train no. 25. Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani via trains no. 23 and 139.

Southern Line:

Bangkok - Sungai Kolok via trains no. 37 and 171. Bangkok - Padang Besar via train no. 45. Bangkok - Yala via train no. 169. Bangkok - Trang via train no. 83. Bangkok - Kantang via train no. 167. Bangkok - Phatthalung via train no. 31. Bangkok - Nakhon Si Thammarat via trains no. 85 and 173. Bangkok - Surat Thani via train no. 171.

Note that trains heading to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani will then allow you to take a ferry to reach the islands of the Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao.

What to Prepare Before Taking an Overnight Train in Thailand

If you are a light sleeper (especially for a second-class journey), we recommend bringing earplugs and an eye mask as the lights remain on throughout the journey. For those who get cold easily, bring something to keep warm (sweater, socks…) as air conditioning can be set very high.

For meals, you will generally find a dining car where you can get something to eat. For those on a tight budget, be aware that many street vendors roam the trains offering local preparations (skewers, fruits…) at lower prices.

Where to Buy Train Tickets in Thailand?

Directly at the Station:

You can book your train tickets directly at the station between 1 and 60 days before your departure date, from any railway station in the country.

Online:

You can purchase train tickets online on the official website of Thai railways railway.co.th, but it only allows you to buy tickets for certain routes. The site 12go.asia/en is more convenient for booking train tickets in Thailand since it lists all routes without translation issues.

Warning: there are no e-tickets in Thailand. This is why you will need to collect your ticket one hour before departure (at the latest) either at the departure station or at one of the collection points provided by the website, or have them sent directly to your hotel.

Through an Agency:

For more peace of mind, you can purchase your tickets through an agency like Sawa Discovery. We will take care of picking up your tickets at the station and deliver them to you before your departure.

Good to Know:

While Thai railway traffic is reputed for serving the entire country, it is much less known for respecting schedules. This is why we recommend allowing plenty of time if you plan a connection or have an appointment scheduled upon arrival.