Taking the train to Chiang Mai is one of the best classic Thailand backpacker moves. It is slower than flying, but it saves a night of accommodation, avoids airport hassle, and gives you a proper overland arrival into the north.
How to Take the Train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok
The simple version: book a Bangkok to Chiang Mai train, go to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok, sleep or sit your way north, and arrive at Chiang Mai Railway Station the next morning or evening. From there, it is a short ride into the Old City and the main hostel areas.
Most backpackers take the overnight sleeper train. It is not the fastest way to reach Chiang Mai, but it is comfortable enough, social without being messy, and usually more memorable than another domestic flight. Good choice if you want to save a hotel night and wake up in northern Thailand.
Bangkok has more than one train station, so check your ticket carefully. For the main Bangkok to Chiang Mai long-distance trains, expect to use Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Do not just tell a taxi driver “train station” and hope for the best. The old Hua Lamphong station still exists, but it is not where most travellers now start this route.
Once you reach Chiang Mai, you can get to Stamps Backpackers in Chiang Mai by Grab, taxi, or red songthaew. If you arrive very early, message your accommodation in advance so you know where to leave bags before check-in.
Which Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Should You Book?
There are usually several daily trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Times can change, so use this as planning guidance and check the official schedule before booking.
| Train | Typical Bangkok Departure | Typical Chiang Mai Arrival | Best For | The Catch |
| Train 7 | Morning | Early evening | Daylight views and travellers who hate sleeping on trains | You spend the whole day travelling |
| Train 109 | Afternoon | Very early morning | Budget travellers who do not mind awkward timing | Arriving around 4 am is not ideal unless you have a plan |
| Train 9 | Early evening | Morning | Most backpackers who want the easiest sleeper option | Popular berths can sell out first |
| Train 13 | Evening | Morning | A solid backup if train 9 is full or too expensive | Older carriages on some services |
| Train 51 | Late evening | Late morning | People who want to leave Bangkok late | You lose more of your Chiang Mai arrival day |
For most first-time backpackers, train 9 is the easiest pick. It leaves at a useful time, arrives in the morning, and has proper sleeper options. Train 13 is also fine if the price or timing works better.
Skip the very early arrival train unless you are comfortable waiting around before sunrise. Chiang Mai is safe and calm compared with Bangkok, but arriving at 4 am with a backpack, no room, and no plan is not the smoothest start.
Sleeper Classes on the Train to Chiang Mai
Second class AC sleeper is the sweet spot for most backpackers. You get a berth, a curtain, bedding, and enough privacy to sleep. It is not fancy, but it works. Lower berths are usually a bit more popular because they have a window and feel roomier.
Upper berths are usually cheaper. The catch is that they can feel brighter and colder because of the carriage lights and air conditioning. Worth it if you are watching your budget. Bring a hoodie or light layer either way, because Thai train AC can feel colder than expected at night.
First class sleeper gives you a private or shared cabin. It is good if you are travelling as a couple, want better privacy, or know you sleep badly in open carriages. For solo backpackers, it is often harder to justify unless you really value quiet.
Seats are the cheapest option, but be honest with yourself. A daytime seat can be fine. An overnight seat is rough unless you sleep anywhere. If you have a few extra baht, a sleeper berth is usually worth it.
How to Book Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Tickets
You can book through the official SRT D-Ticket website, at a train station, or through a travel booking agent. The official site is usually the cheapest direct option, but some travellers find agents easier if cards fail or the website is awkward.
Book early for sleeper berths, especially in cool season, around Thai holidays, before and after Full Moon Party travel waves, and during big Chiang Mai events like Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. Lower berths and first class cabins often go first.
Use the same name as your passport. Check the station, date, train number, class, berth type, and arrival time before paying. Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a long route, and fixing a mistake later can be annoying.
If you are already in Thailand and unsure what to book, ask hostel staff or a station ticket desk. The best ticket is not always the cheapest one. Sometimes paying a little more for a better arrival time is the smarter backpacker move.
What to Expect on the Overnight Train
The train is practical, not luxury. Expect a busy station, simple carriages, staff making up beds, people eating snacks, and lights staying on in some areas. It is part transport, part travel story.
Pack your overnight bag before boarding. Keep your toothbrush, layers, charger, earplugs, eye mask, water, and any medication easy to reach. Put your main backpack where you can see it or where it is secured. Theft is not something to panic about, but normal travel awareness still matters.
Bring snacks before you board if you are picky, vegetarian, arriving late to the station, or travelling on a tight budget. Food may be available, but do not rely on it being exactly what you want. A 7-Eleven stop before the train is never a bad idea.
The train can be social, but it is not a party bus. People are trying to sleep. Keep your voice down late at night, use headphones, and do not be the person rustling plastic bags at 1 am.
Other Backpacker-Friendly Ways to Use the Train to Chiang Mai
Bangkok is the default departure, but it is not the only way to make the train useful. If you have time, you can break the route and make it part of a slower Thailand trip.
Ayutthaya is the easiest stop to add. You can visit temples, stay overnight, then continue north by train. It works well if you want history without adding a flight or bus detour.
Phitsanulok is useful for travellers heading toward Sukhothai. You can stop there, visit Sukhothai by local transport, then continue to Chiang Mai later. It takes more planning, but it is a good route if you have extra days and want more than beaches and big cities.
Lampang is another good northern stop before Chiang Mai. It is quieter, more local-feeling, and easier than trying to pack every northern Thailand experience into Chiang Mai alone.
Travelling from the south? You will usually come through Bangkok first. From islands like Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Koh Samui, many backpackers train or bus up to Bangkok, then switch to the northern train. It is possible, but do not stack tight connections unless you enjoy stress.
Once you arrive, give yourself a soft landing day. Chiang Mai is a great place to reset, do laundry, meet people, and plan the next part of your trip. Our Chiang Mai travel guides can help you decide what to do first, and the hostel team can help with Chiang Mai tours once you know your energy level after the journey.
FAQ
Is there a direct train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok?
Yes, there is a direct train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. Most backpackers take an overnight service from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Chiang Mai Railway Station.
How long does the train to Chiang Mai take?
The train to Chiang Mai usually takes around 10 to 14 hours depending on the service. Faster special express trains take less time, while slower overnight options can arrive later in the morning.
Which Bangkok to Chiang Mai train is best for backpackers?
The best Bangkok to Chiang Mai train for most backpackers is usually the early evening overnight sleeper. Train 9 is a popular choice because it leaves at a useful time and arrives in Chiang Mai in the morning.
Is second class sleeper worth it on the train to Chiang Mai?
Second class sleeper is worth it on the train to Chiang Mai for most travellers. It gives you a proper bed, curtain, bedding, and better sleep than a seat without paying first class prices.
Can you take the train to Chiang Mai from Ayutthaya?
Yes, you can take the train to Chiang Mai from Ayutthaya. It is a good option if you want to visit Ayutthaya’s temples first and then continue north instead of returning to Bangkok.
How do you get from Chiang Mai train station to the Old City?
You get from Chiang Mai train station to the Old City by Grab, taxi, tuk-tuk, or red songthaew. Agree the price first if you are not using an app, especially if you arrive early or with a big backpack.
