I took train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and from Chiang Mai to Bangkok at least 4 times, both night train and a quicker day train. Here is everything you need to know about the train Bangkok Chaing Mai trip.
Table of Contents
Key Details
- You can buy online (12goasia) or directly at the railway station. I did both and both ways are equally legit.
- You don’t have to print the ticket from 12go.
- If you’ve traveled this route before pandemic, the station at Don Mueang has moved to the new building, the old one is no longer operating for passenger transit.
Byuing Tickets
You can book tickets online (only do it at 12go) or buy them directly at the railway station in Bangkok (both Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station and Don Mueang).
Having your tickets pre-booked gives peace of mind, but often 1st class isn’t available or you can’t select the seats to be next to each other.
At the ticket office at the station, the staff rarely speaks English but they are patient and will help you book it. You can use Google Translate, too. However, it leaves buying tickets till late in your planning and you may simply be out of luck for the time/day you want to travel.
You can buy your ticket 3 months in advance.
Classes
- 2nd class seating with AC – for day trains only these seats are available. They recline a little bit.
- 2nd class sleeper with AC is my go-to. You have you own bunk bed, top or low, with lower ones transforming into seats and table. Each bed has a privacy curtain. Great if you travel as a couple and can secure top and bottom. Available for Trains No. 9/10 and 13/14. There is also 2nd class ticket without AC, be carefull not to book that!
- 1st class sleeper with AC is a compartment for 2 people with a small sink. We took it once and I honestly can’t say it is such of an upgrade from 2nd class other that you have complete privacy for the night. 1st class isn’t available on all the trains that go from BKK to CM, only on Train No. 9/10 and Train No. 13/14.
- Class 3 with fans is a seated class for night trains, the cheapest one. I don’t see foreigners using it much.
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Overnight Train
I have taken the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai a couple of times with my partner, from both Central Station (main departing station) and a few times from DMK station when it was still at the old location and at the new one.
DMK is a quick stop, right after the train leaves the central station, but it is more convenient if you flew into DMK airport as it is right across the street and you can use their built covered tunnel above the road to get there.
Train only stops here for a couple of minutes. The station staff is super helpful and if they will see you are standing at the wrong platform, they will help you.
Central Station is more modern, has lots of space, better organized and has lockers to store your luggage if you need to go out of the station. It also the station train departs from so you get a bit more time to load and settle.
Trips were always smooth, the bed is ready for you when you board and you will be offered dinner on the trains that leave earlier (no 9). I have no problems sleeping but I know some people are sensitive and need earplugs.
Another thing to consider is how much the train rocks. Sometimes it gets pretty speedy and rocky, not as soothing as you may think, but overall, I still won’t say it was uncomfortable at any point.
Bangkok-Chiang Mai Train Schedule & Prices
| Train Number | Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, Bangkok | DMK (Don Mueang) Station, Bangkok | Arriving to Chiang Mai | Prices (Central Station / DMK) |
| 7 (day train) | 07:30 | 07:45 | 17:50 | 2nd class seating 858 BTH / 653 BTH |
| 109 | 14:15 | 14:32 | 04:00 | 2nd sleeper AC ~ 858 BTH / 853 BTH |
| 9 | 18:40 | 18:57 | 07:15 | 2nd sleeper AC ~ 1338 BTH / 1133 1st class ~ 1746 BTH / 1735 BTH |
| 13 | 20:05 | 20:22 | 08:45 | 2nd sleeper AC ~ 1128 BTH / 933 BTH 1st class ~ 1546 BTH / 1535 BTH |
| 51 | 22:30 | 22:47 | 11:40 | 2nd sleeper AC ~ 898 BTH / 893 BTH |
You won’t get lost, all stations have screens with departure times shown in English:
Day Train
Leaves at 7.30 from central station in Bangkok or about 7.45 from Don Mueang (it arrives at Don Mueang at 7.43, platform 6, usually).
We took train #7 in spring 2026 and it is apparently the fastest way to get to Chiang Mai (compared to the night train), departing from DMK station.
Tip, do not wait at the end of the platform 6, go in the middle of it!
Day train isn’t for you if you need to transport a bicycle as they have no space for it.
I enjoyed the views (the best ones were from the toilet 🤣)
Everything was kept clean, quite and we were offered a lunch (50 bath fried rice) to order and it was served at about 1 PM.
A bit challenging if you have a lot of luggage as main spot for luggage is overhead shelves, they are not very large and won’t work if you can’t lift your suitcase or backpack there. There is a small space at the back of the cart for luggage but sometimes staff doesn’t let you put your backpack there (not sure why).
Toilets available both regular and squat toilet, both were kept clean and had toilet paper the whole route.
At each stop, the steward will announce the station and they will make sure to come to you and say it in English, too.
Arriving In Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the last stop so you can take your time without rushing to get your stuff and step off the train.
There are luggage carts at the platforms, but the entrance into the station building.
I recommend ordering taxi (Grab or Bolt) right away. Cars are usually somewhere around the corner. There will be salesy drivers but overall you can board your car without any issues, Grab or Bolt drivers are allowed to pick you up right at the exit/entrance of the station.
If you see red trucks, you can try your luck. In the city, a ride costs 30 bath, but those at the station will ask for 100-200 baht, you can negotiate but they unlikely will go down to 30.
You can also rent a bike right at the station, too!
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram @mashkazavr
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