How To Get To Ayutthaya: Main Transport and Transit Hubs Information
The only cheap transport options to Ayutthaya are by train or mini-bus.
The railway has regular train services with several options for levels of comfort, and you are paying local prices.
Mini-bus services are quicker but often not very comfortable and luggage size restrictions apply.
A private taxi from bangkok would be expensive.
There are no large bus services from Bangkok anymore and no boat services except for booked day tours.
Getting around Ayutthaya for the tourist is best by simply hailing a tuk-tuk or hiring a bicycle. Just a quick tip when hailing a ride or attracting some-ones attention in Thailand, slowly wave your hand down-wards from a low position with the palm of your hand facing down. The western style when hailing a taxi would be considered rude and offensive. There are local route vehicles, including songthaews, small buses, and vans, but these services are irregular and informal which makes it difficult if you are not a local with understanding how and where they run. These serve areas around the city, markets, temples, suburbs, and nearby districts.
Ayutthaya does not have a public river transport network like Bangkok. Most trips around Ayutthaya are boat tours or you can book a private longtail boat tour.
Ayutthaya Train Station
Express trains to Ayutthaya generally depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, while ordinary, commuter, and local trains use Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
The train services from Bangkok is the most popular way to get to Ayutthaya. See the Bangkok transport map for these train hub locations.
You have the option to use ordinary trains, rapid trains, and express trains, with ordinary trains generally being slower and cheaper, while rapid and express services are better for a faster day trip. Popular examples include Rapid No. 111 from Krung Thep Aphiwat, Express No. 75 or No. 71, and Ordinary No. 201 or No. 233 from Hua Lamphong.
Ayutthaya is on the shared northern corridor before routes continue onward toward cities such as Lopburi, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Isan destinations. A popular option is to continue onto Chiang Mai city to the north after exploring Ayutthaya for a few days.
Ayutthaya Railway Station is a convenient arrival point because you can cross the river by ferry or take a tuk-tuk to your accommodation.
The station sits on the east side of the Pa Sak River, outside the main historical island. This station was built in 1921 and still keeps much of its classic railway character.
The most direct option to get into the city area is to take one of the tuk-tuks waiting outside the station. These can carry you to the Historical Park, hotels, markets, or riverside temples in around 10 minutes. Fares can vary, but short trips to the old city are commonly quoted around 150 to 200 baht.
Another option is to walk across the road from the station and follow the small lane to the ferry pier, where a short boat crossing takes you over the Pa Sak River toward U Thong Road and the old city area.
Don't forget to get the Ayutthaya city tourist map which has all the transport hub locations as well as the tourist spots to visit.
Ayutthaya Railway Station Ferry Pier
You can ride the Ayutthaya railway station ferry service over the Pa Sak River to reach the old city island instead of taking a tuk-tuk from the railway station.
It's a more direct route and could be quicker to reach your accommodation, depending on the location.
This pier is located over the road from the train station and down an alley. This small local passenger boat crossing is very short, only takes a few minutes and cost about 10 baht.
Once you reach the other side, walk up the narrow roadway to reach the Chao Phrom market. From there you can walk, rent a bicycle, hire a motorbike, take a motorbike taxi, or take a tuk-tuk.
Ayutthaya Van/Minibus Services
Regular big bus services no longer run between Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Regular mini-bus and van services originate from Bangkok's Mo Chit New Van Terminal at building "B" by Win Ayutthaya 91 company with regular services about every 40 minutes per day. Van and mini-bus services are quicker than taking the train to Ayutthaya, but trains are more comfortable and luggage is not an issue.
Ayutthaya check-in/drop off point is located 500 meters west of Chaophrom Market by Naresuan Road, opposite the GH Bank (Government Housing Bank) in Ayutthaya.
There are usually no luggage compartment in a van, only restricted sizes. If you have any large bags then the operator may charge you an extra seat. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
