How to get from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok to train

Route map and details

Despite its status as one of the busiest and well-visited sites in the country, Kanchanaburi is only served by local trains to/from Bangkok, so it doesn’t use the main station at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central. Instead, trains arrive into Thonburi, a small commuter station just to the west of Bangkok’s city centre.

Note that an Excursion train (weekends and public holidays only) runs to and from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station instead.

Kanchanaburi is located on the Nam Tok line, which is a branch of the main Southern Line. 140km from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is where most of the tourist infrastructure in the area is located but many tourists choose to travel from River Kwai Bridge Station (written as Saphan Kwae Yai in timetables), which is directly adjacent to the bridge itself.

Trains on this line originate in Nam Tok, two hours from Kanchanaburi deep in the Thai countryside. If you have the time, travelling the whole length of the line is a fantastic experience and passes through some incredible scenery (and crosses the impressive 1940s Wang Pho wooden viaduct, also known as Tham Krasae Railway Bridge).

Timetables

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Kanchanaburi to Thonburi

There are two trains per day from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok’s Thonburi Station:

Nam Tok / Kanchanaburi to Hualamphong

There’s also one Excursion train from Nam Tok to Bangkok’s Hualamphong station via Kanchanaburi, only running on weekends and public holidays. It’s very much aimed at tourists and includes extended stops at the main stations for sightseeing and refreshments.

How to buy tickets

Unlike most other routes in Thailand, the trains from Kanchanaburi to Thonburi cannot be bought online via the usual ticket agencies, but you can easily buy tickets at Kanchanaburi Station on the day of travel. This train cannot sell out and it’s usually easy enough to find a seat.

Keep in mind that if you’re travelling from Nam Tok, the section from there (and particularly Thamkrasae) to River Kwai Bridge Station can be very busy. Many tourists use the train for this leg, and then take a tour bus back to Bangkok.

Tickets for the Excursion train from Nam Tok to Hualamphong can be bought online via the Baolau site, but you’ll need to book it as a return trip from Bangkok to Nam Tok. Just remember to choose either a weekend or public holiday departure date.

How much does it cost?

There is a flat fare for non-Thai travellers of THB100 for any station between Nam Tok, Kanchanaburi and Thonburi (third class carriages only).

The Excursion train is sold as a return ticket from Hualamphong to Nam Tok:

What to expect onboard the Ordinary trains from Thonburi

Many tourists worry that the third-class carriages used on the service from Kanchanaburi to Thonburi will be uncomfortable, but they’re actually a key part of what makes the trip so memorable. Admittedly, the carriages can get hot during the day and the seats aren’t as padded as those in first or second-class, but you’ll find the whole experience altogether more authentic and interesting.

Third-class trains comprise a mixture of carriages, so you never know what to expect until you’ve climbed onboard. It’s worth wandering up and down the train to see which carriages are on offer and what suits you best: some are simple wooden benches, others might have plastic padded seats, and you may even get a headrest on others.

All carriages are non air-conditioned, so you’re relying on fans and open windows to provide some relief from the heat. When the train is moving, it works pretty well and you won’t be too hot. Station stops (and random stops in the middle of nowhere waiting for the signal to change) can be more challenging, although it’s only for a few minutes and more than manageable.

Kanchanaburi Station is pretty and well-looked after, so it’s fairly easy to navigate and buy tickets. Station staff are used to dealing with tourists and, as the fare is the same regardless of where you are travelling, there’s little in the way of discussion on ticket prices or options. Cash is preferred, ideally the exact change.

What are the toilets like?

As the journey is only a couple of hours, you might be able to avoid a visit to the toilet but, if nature calls, there’s nothing to worry about. They’re kept clean and in working order, and depending on the carriage type, will either be Western-style or squat and drop.

Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser just in case.

Catering options

Basic supplies are available at Kanchanaburi station, otherwise food vendors wander along the train for almost the entire journey, so you won’t go hungry. Expect to pay around THB20 for drinks, and THB50 for noodles or rice. Snacks are usually only around THB10-15.

Journey description

The scenery around Kanchanaburi is attractive, dominated by green mountains and flat, open countryside. After an hour, the suburbs of Bangkok appear and the pace drops as the train stops at almost every station.

Many travellers enjoy this final section into Bangkok, as it passes parts of town you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see, including simple family homes, riverside apartments, and small rickety bridges that seem to barely support the weight of the train. Try to get a window seat for the best view (and the best breeze).

Arrival into Bangkok is low-key and relaxed: Thonburi has much more character and charm than the main station in Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat), and it’s just a case of crossing the tracks to reach the waiting area.

From here, it’s best to order a Grab to take you into the centre of Bangkok.