Stepping off the overnight train at Chiang Mai Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟเชียงใหม่), you know you’ve reached the end of the line — this is the northern terminus of Thailand’s Northern Line and the northernmost point of the country’s main rail network, some 751 km from Bangkok. Arriving here in the early morning is one of my favourite ways to reach the north: the platform slowly fills with travellers, songthaews and tuk-tuks wait right outside the doors, and the Old City is only about 3 km away across the Ping River. Take a moment to look at the station building before you head off — it isn’t the original. The first one was destroyed by Allied bombing in the Second World War and rebuilt in 1947, blending Western construction with traditional Thai touches that still give it plenty of character today.
Station Information
- Address: 27 Charoen Muang Road, Wat Ket Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000
- Phone: +66 5324 4795 (SRT hotline 1690)
- Opening hours: Open daily for all scheduled trains; ticket counters run from early morning until the last evening departure.
- ID required: Bring your passport (or Thai ID card) — it is needed to buy tickets and may be checked when boarding.
- Facilities: Ticket office and advance-booking counter, waiting hall, restrooms, food and drink stalls, and a convenience store nearby.
- Getting around: Red songthaews (shared trucks), tuk-tuks, metered taxis and Grab all wait outside; car and motorbike rental desks are also on site.
- Distance to Old City: About 3 km west (10–15 minutes by songthaew or tuk-tuk) to the Tha Phae Gate area.
Chiang Mai Railway Station Timetable
The times below are from the official State Railway of Thailand boards effective 5 December 2025. Schedules change from time to time, so always confirm with the station or the SRT hotline 1690 before you travel. Times marked (+1) arrive the following calendar day. Chiang Mai is the end of the line, so every outbound train starts here and every inbound train finishes here.
Outbound – Chiang Mai to Bangkok (heading south)
| Train No. | Type | Route | Departs Chiang Mai | Arrives Krung Thep Aphiwat | Duration | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 102 | Rapid | Chiang Mai → Krung Thep Aphiwat | 06:25 | 20:05 | 13h 40m | Book Now |
| 8 | Special Express | Chiang Mai → Krung Thep Aphiwat | 07:30 | 17:40 | 10h 10m | Book Now |
| 52 | Express | Chiang Mai → Krung Thep Aphiwat | 15:30 | 05:10 (+1) | 13h 40m | Book Now |
| 14 | Special Express | Chiang Mai → Krung Thep Aphiwat | 17:05 | 05:55 (+1) | 12h 50m | Book Now |
| 10 | Special Express | Chiang Mai → Krung Thep Aphiwat | 18:20 | 06:30 (+1) | 12h 10m | Book Now |
Inbound – Bangkok to Chiang Mai (heading north)
| Train No. | Type | Route | Departs Krung Thep Aphiwat | Arrives Chiang Mai | Duration | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Special Express | Krung Thep Aphiwat → Chiang Mai | 07:30 | 17:50 | 10h 20m | Book Now |
| 109 | Rapid | Krung Thep Aphiwat → Chiang Mai | 14:15 | 04:00 (+1) | 13h 45m | Book Now |
| 9 | Special Express | Krung Thep Aphiwat → Chiang Mai | 18:40 | 07:15 (+1) | 12h 35m | Book Now |
| 13 | Special Express | Krung Thep Aphiwat → Chiang Mai | 20:05 | 08:45 (+1) | 12h 40m | Book Now |
| 51 | Express | Krung Thep Aphiwat → Chiang Mai | 22:30 | 11:40 (+1) | 13h 10m | Book Now |
Train types: Special Express and Express are the fastest services and carry air-conditioned seating and sleeper classes; Rapid trains stop more often and are cheaper. Overnight trains (10, 13, 14, 51, 52 and others) offer 1st- and 2nd-class sleeper berths — book these ahead in high season. You can follow any train live on the SRT train tracker for Chiang Mai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Chiang Mai Railway Station?
It is on Charoen Muang Road in Wat Ket Subdistrict, on the east bank of the Ping River and about 3 km from the Old City. It is the northern terminus of Thailand’s Northern Line, roughly 751 km from Bangkok.
How many trains run between Chiang Mai and Bangkok each day?
Five trains run in each direction daily: a mix of Rapid, Express and Special Express services, including several overnight sleepers.
How long does the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai take?
Between about 10 and 13.5 hours depending on the service. The daytime Special Express (train 7) is the quickest at around 10 hours 20 minutes, while Rapid and Express trains take longer because they stop at more stations.
Are there overnight sleeper trains?
Yes. The evening departures in both directions carry air-conditioned 1st- and 2nd-class sleeper berths, letting you travel while you sleep and arrive in the morning. Sleepers sell out fast during holidays, so book early.
Do I need my passport to buy a ticket?
Yes. You’ll need your passport (or Thai ID card) to purchase tickets, and it may be checked again when you board.
Is this the original station building?
No. The first station opened when the railway reached Chiang Mai in 1921, but it was destroyed by Allied bombing during the Second World War. The current building was rebuilt in 1947, blending Western construction with traditional Thai design.
How do I get from the station to the Old City?
The Old City is about 3 km west. Red songthaews, tuk-tuks, metered taxis and Grab all wait outside the station; a songthaew or tuk-tuk into town takes 10–15 minutes.
What facilities are at the station?
There is a ticket office and advance-booking counter, a waiting hall, restrooms, food and drink stalls, and a convenience store nearby. Car and motorbike rental desks are also on site.
How can I check if my train is on time?
Use the SRT live tracker at ttsview.railway.co.th, or call the SRT hotline on 1690.
