How much does it cost to travel by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The cost of traveling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depends heavily on the carriage class and seat type. Prices start from around 250-300 baht for a 3rd class seat and can go up to 1300-1500 baht for a seat in a 1st class two-person compartment.

Here is an approximate price range for this popular route (distance about 750 km, travel time 11-14 hours):

Approximate prices for the Bangkok-Chiang Mai train in 2026

Carriage class and seat type	Approximate cost (in Thai baht)	Comment
3rd class (3rd class seats)	250 - 350 baht	The most budget option, seating, often without air conditioning. Suitable for short segments, but not very comfortable for an overnight trip.
2nd class seating (2nd class seats)	450 - 650 baht	Air-conditioned carriage with reclining seats. A good option for a daytime trip.
2nd class sleeper (2nd class sleeper)	750 - 1000 baht	Platzkart carriage with sleeping berths (bunks with curtains). The best choice for an overnight journey to save on hotel costs. Available with and without air conditioning (cheaper without).
1st class (1st class sleeper)	1300 - 1500+ baht	Two-person compartment with a sink. Comfort level close to business class on a plane, but the price is comparable to a budget flight.

It's better to check the exact cost and seat availability for a specific date on the aggregator 12go.asia or, if possible, on the official website of the Thai railways. Note that when purchasing online, a small service fee will be added to the ticket price.

We recommend reading our detailed guide, where we talked about all carriage classes and travel nuances: Trains in Thailand - everything travelers need to know.

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