How to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Being located so close to Bangkok makes Ayutthaya relatively easy to get to. There are several different options for travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, including car, minivan, bus and train.

Just 80 kilometers north and an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, the royal city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes for a perfect day trip.

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was once the capital of the kingdom of Siam—centuries before the land became known as Thailand. Today, the ruins of this city—characterized by its giant spires, prang (reliquary towers), and moats surrounding the temples—offers visitors a chance to explore a completely different side of “the land of smiles.”

There are several ways to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya—from the easy do-it-yourself option on public transportation to the comfort of a guided tour. No matter what your preferences are, here is a breakdown of the options for getting to Ayutthaya:

Private Car or Taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

The direct journey by road from Bangkok to Ayutthaya only takes around an hour so if you’re looking for a quick escape from the bustling city and the convenience of door-to-door service, a private car or taxi is your best bet. You can rent a car from the city or from one of Bangkok’s two airports, and if you’re traveling with a couple of friends or family and are planning to go elsewhere, a rental car could be a good choice.

Taxi or Grab

Taxis are also a good choice if you want to sit back and not have to worry about finding your way. It’s a good idea to agree on a price before you leave, and an even better idea to have your hotel organize the taxi and agree on a price for you.

If the Grab driver agrees and doesn’t cancel your ride request, you can book a grab car up there as well for around 1300-1500 bahts.

Take the Train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Many travelers who have taken the trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya will tell you that the train is by far the best way to go, and we can’t disagree! Not only is the train the cheapest option, it is also the most scenic, however it’s not the quickest way. Trains in Thailand are notoriously slow but the 2 hour journey does give you the chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery as you amble past.

Trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, which you can reach via the MRT, and they leave regularly throughout the day. Delays are quite common so if you do take the train, be prepared to go with the flow and expect it to take a while.

You cannot beat the train for affordability though. You can buy a third class ticket for around 15 Bahts or get a little more comfort and a designated seat by choosing first 65 Bahts or second class for 45 Bahts. When buying your ticket at the station, be sure to head directly for the ticket booths only to buy your ticket and ask any questions you might have there. This is because there are frequently people posing as station personnel when you enter the station, even going so far as to wearing official looking uniforms, who will try to get you to use alternate modes of transport or convince you that the train is not running. Just ignore these people and you will be fine!

Another advantage with the trains to Ayutthaya is that they do have some facilities and services onboard. You can buy drinks and snacks, and there is a toilet (albeit not the nicest toilet you’ve ever seen!).

Minivan from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Up until 2016, it was possible to take a regular city bus to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok, but the route no longer exists. Instead, passengers trying to reach the ancient city via public transportation will have to use a minivan instead. The vans (which carry 12 passengers) are Thailand’s midway option between buses and taxis. They’re faster; they have AC; and they’re a lot more comfortable than crowded, hot city buses.

Minivans leave from Victory Monument (right under the BTS metro station of the same name) and cost around 100 baht (3 USD). There’s no set time for departure and you can’t book tickets in advance—instead, minivans will leave as soon as they’re full, which means you could wait around anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.

Keep in mind that the minivans make several stops along the one-hour trip to Ayutthaya, and you have to stay on until the last stop to reach the ruins. It’s a short walk from the end of the line to Wat Mahathat in the northeast corner of the park.

Public Bus from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

As of 2019, you can no longer take a large public bus to Ayutthaya as the service is not available. You will have to go via a public mini bus.

Before you go on your trip, make sure to protect yourself from the potential accidents that can happen during travel. Travel insurance is a must and it would be foolish to go without it.

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