Nighttrain between Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Bangkok
Getting Around

Thailand is more than Bangkok and has a lot to offer. Chiang Mai is a popular destination to visit after Bangkok. Although we don't like to see you leave Bangkok, we explain how (and which) you take the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Perhaps the most popular destination to visit after Bangkok is Chiang Mai. From Bangkok you can go to Chiang Mai by (night) bus, plane or (night) train. Despite the fact that the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 14 hours,  it's still a very popular option. The night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai has both 1st and 2nd class sleeper trains with air conditioning (note: cold!) where you wake up after a night's sleep in Chiang Mai.

The nighttrain Bangkok - Chiang Mai in a nutshell

Prices starting at around 1041 THB per person
Duration: about 12-14 hours
Departures: 3x per day, between 18:10 and 22:00
Check availability and reserve online at the Thai Railway website or at 12goAsia
From 2022 onwards, trains leave from the newly build Bang Sue Grand Station (Krung Thep Aphiwat). Easily reached by MRT Metro.
Combine with our 3 hour Bangkok bicycle tour, leave your luggage at our office and take the 19:35 train to Chiang Mai.

Schedule and prices

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2022: The Bangkok - Chiang Mai nighttrain will leave from the newly build Bang Sue Grand station (Krung Thep Aphiwat) in 2022 instead of the old Hua Lamphong station.

Prices nighttrain Bangkok - Chiang Mai

1st class: +/- 1800,- THB
2nd class: +/- 900,- THB

Schedule Bangkok - Chiang Mai

#9 Bangkok 18.40 --> Chiang Mai 07:15
#13 Bangkok 19:35 --> Chiang Mai 08:40
#51 Bangkok 22:00 --> Chiang Mai 12:10

Bangkok is the start/end station of the train, so the night train typically departs on time. You can often board the train 30 minutes in advance to find your reserved spot and settle in.

Please take arrival times in Chiang Mai as a broad estimate in your planning, as possible delays of 2-3 hours en route are no exceptions.

From 2022 onwards, all nighttrains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depart from Bangkok's newly build Bang Sue Grand Station. This station is easily reached by the MRT Metro system or by taxi. From the Co van Kessel office, the nearest MRT Metro station is Hua Lamphong, which is a 10-15 minute walk from our office at River City Bangkok. This shouldn't take more than 1 hour to arrive at the trainstation to catch the nighttrain to Chiang Mai.

Guests taking the night train to Chiang Mai can leave their luggage / backpackers during their bike tour at the Co van Kessel office and walk directly to the station after the tour.

PRO-TIP:  Take the nighttrain directly after your Bangkok bicycle tour. After your hotel checkout you are free to leave your luggage at our office during the tour.

CO CLASSICAL - 3 hour bicycle tour 14:00 - 17:00
Recommended train #13 that departs at 19:35

Availability and prices

It is advisable to book tickets for the night train Bangkok - Chiang Mai in advance as beds are scarce and no extra trains are used. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially for weekends and Thai holidays.

Please note that you can often not book more than 3 months in advance. If the train is fully booked on your desired days, you can also choose to take the plane or bus to Chiang Mai. Prices do not differ much depending on the period.

Where to purchase tickets?

Tickets for the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (and vice versa) can be purchased directly from Thai Railways, as well as from 12goAsia.

Option 1. Thai Railways - Direct

On all train stations accross Thailand you are able to reserve to purchase your train-tickets at the counter.   You may also want to try to reserve your tickets directly online at the website of Thai Railways but many travelers have not had great experiences with using this ticketing system in the past.

Option 2: 12goAsia - Online (recommended)

Book your traintickets Bangkok - Chiang Mai on 12goAsia >

12GoAsia is a booking website for all types of transport within Thailand. In addition to various transport options between A and B, you can also read reviews of the chosen route. The website is user-friendly and it explains exactly what to do and what times and beds are available.

The costs for booking tickets on 12GoAsia are about 150-220 THB per ticket. You can also pay with both credit card and PayPal . Tickets for the night train to Chiang Mai cannot be printed and must be picked up at the office of 12Go.Asia. After you have received a booking confirmation, these can be picked up daily between 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, up to 60 minutes before departure.

Check out other most popular routes, available and prices

Bangkok to Chiang Mai >
Bangkok to Khao Sok >
Bangkok to Koh Chang >