Bangkok - Trains

The State Railways of Thailand (tel: (02) 222 0175; website: www.railway.co.th) operates four lines, all terminating in Bangkok. They run trains with air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned carriages. The main station in Bangkok is Hualampong, Rama IV Road (tel: (02) 223 3762 or 224 7788, advance bookings), which serves most of the long-distance routes. Facilities at the station include cafes, bureau de change, ATM, left luggage, post office and hotel reservation service. It is advisable to book tickets for long-distance trains in advance. Noi station across the river in Thonburi (tel: (02) 411 3102) serves Kanchanaburi and a few destinations to the south so visitors should check which station to depart from.

Rail services: The four lines run from Chiang Mai in the north, Nong Khai in the northeast, Pattaya in the east and from Surat Thani and Butterworth (Malaysia) in the south. Direct trains take from 3 hours 40 minutes to Pattaya, 12 hours to Chiang Mai and 21 hours 10 minutes to Butterworth. The Thailand Rail Pass is available and is valid for 20 days in second and third class.

Transport to the city: Each station is served by numerous buses to the city. The subway system starts at Hualampong station and the National Stadium Skytrain station is relatively close.