Train from Bangkok to Udon Thani: Online Booking, Schedules, and Routes
Discover the scenic railway journey from Bangkok to Udon Thani, traveling through Thailand’s central plains and into the heartland of Isan region. Choose from three daily departures offering everything from budget seats to premium sleepers on this 568 km route.
At your destination, explore Udon Thani’s historic sites and vibrant city life, including the famous Red Lotus Sea (seasonal). SiamTickets handles all your booking needs with clear pricing and instant ticket delivery.
Use the search tool above or click here to book.
Contents
Train Schedule & Fares
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is Bangkok’s modern railway hub with ticket counters, food outlets, and clean facilities—readily accessible by MRT subway. Once onboard, plan for travel times of 8 to 9.5 hours, varying by train service. Trains run throughout the day, giving you options for morning, evening, or overnight travel.
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
| Time & Duration | Train Info | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 08:45 – 16:55, ~8h 10m | #75, Seat: 2nd A/C, 3rd Fan | Daytime scenic journey, passes Pasak Reservoir |
| 20:25 – 05:39 (+1), ~9h 14m | #25, Sleeper: 1st A/C, 2nd A/C | Premium overnight service, dining car |
| 21:25 – 06:57 (+1), ~9h 32m | #133, Seat: 2nd Fan, 3rd Fan | Budget overnight option, bicycle transport available |
Sleeper and Seat Classes
From comfortable private cabins to authentic local experiences, find your perfect seat for the Bangkok to Udon Thani railway journey:
| Class | Price (THB) | Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class AC Sleeper | 1,620 | Private 2-berth cabin, lockable, washbasin, AC, shower access | Couples, privacy seekers |
| 2nd Class AC Sleeper | 830-1,080 | Open berths, curtains, bedding, AC, personal reading light | Solo travelers, groups |
| 2nd Class AC Seats | 520-570 | Reclining seats, AC, footrests | Daytime travelers |
| 2nd Class Fan Seats | 390 | Padded seats, open windows, fans | Photography, budget |
| 3rd Class Seats | 260-290 | Basic benches, fans, local vibe | Short trips, locals |
Private 2-berth cabin, lockable, washbasin, AC, shower access
Couples, privacy seekers
Open berths, curtains, bedding, AC, personal reading light
Solo travelers, groups
Reclining seats, AC, footrests
Daytime travelers
Padded seats, open windows, fans
Photography, budget
Basic benches, fans, local vibe
Short trips, locals
Note: Children receive discounts on train tickets. Those under 3 years (below 100cm) travel free without a seat, while children ages 3-11 receive half fare with their own seat.
1st Class AC Sleeper
Private cabins with two berths, ideal for couples or those seeking privacy. Each cabin includes a lockable door, washbasin, and power outlets. First class passengers also have access to a shared shower facility in the carriage. Available on train #25.
2nd Class AC Sleeper
Popular open-plan berths with AC and privacy curtains. Each berth has a personal reading light and power outlet. A dedicated Ladies-only carriage is available for female travelers. Available on train #25.
2nd Class AC Seats
Comfortable reclining seats with air conditioning, ideal for the 8-hour daytime journey. Available on trains #75 and #133.
2nd Class Fan Seats
Natural ventilation with open windows, offering an authentic Thai travel experience and better views for photography. Available on train #133.
3rd Class Seats
Basic bench seating with fan cooling, popular with locals. The budget-friendly option for travelers who don’t mind simplicity. Available on trains #75 and #133.
Booking Your Train Ticket
Book your train from Bangkok to Udon Thani up to 90 days in advance:
- Search: Enter Bangkok and Udon Thani as your departure and arrival stations, along with your travel date.
- Select: Choose your preferred train and class.
- Book: Fill in your details and select your payment method.
- Confirm: Complete the payment to receive your ticket confirmation.
Ticket Types
- E-ticket: Sent immediately to your email. Show the QR code directly from your device.
- Paper ticket: Collected from our Bangkok office or delivered to your hotel/train station (fees apply).
Timeline Example: Train #25
Special Express Train #25 is the premium overnight sleeper service with modern Chinese-built carriages. Below is the typical timeline, though times may vary slightly depending on seasonal adjustments.
Detailed Journey (Train #25)
Luggage & Policies
| Policy Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Luggage | No formal weight limits; typically 1-2 bags per person (keep under ~20kg each) |
| Bicycles | Only available on Train #133 with freight service (extra fee); folding bikes allowed on all trains |
| Child Policy | Under 3 yrs (below 100cm): Free, no seat; Ages 3–11: Half fare |
| Ticket Changes | 70% cancellation fee if more than 3 hours before departure; no refund if less than 3 hours before |
| Boarding Requirements | Show e-ticket (phone or print) + matching ID/passport. Passport number required and may be checked when boarding. Arrive at least 30 mins early |
| Not Allowed | Alcohol consumption, smoking, flammable items |
| Safety Tips | Keep valuables secure, especially when sleeping; be prepared for potential delays |
Food & Onboard Services
Food adds flavor to Thai train travel. The Special Express #25 features a dining car with freshly prepared meals at reasonable prices. From at-seat service in AC carriages to sampling local specialties from platform vendors at station stops, your trip becomes a tasty tour through central Thailand and Isan’s regional cuisine.
Dining Options
- Available on Train #25 only
- Thai meals (~80 THB) and drinks
- Evening dinner and morning coffee
- Available on all trains
- Pre-packaged meals and snacks
- Prices range from 70-150 THB
- Local specialties at major stops
- Khon Kaen: Grilled chicken & sticky rice
- Early morning vendors at Ayutthaya
Route Highlights
- Ayutthaya: Former capital and UNESCO World Heritage site (visible on daytime train #75)
- Pasak Chonlasit Reservoir: The famous “floating train” crossing in Lopburi (daytime only)
- Bua Yai Junction: The gateway to Northeastern Thailand (Isan region)
- Khon Kaen: Major Isan city with vibrant markets and culture
- Early morning Isan countryside: Dawn light over rice fields (for overnight trains)
Onboard Essentials
- Modern Western-style vacuum toilets on Special Express #25 (older trains may have squat toilets)
- First Class passengers on #25 have access to a shower facility
- Each berth has a personal reading light and power outlet on #25
- Morning or evening wake-up call for sleeper passengers
- No Wi-Fi available; bring mobile data (works on ~85% of the route)
- Staff available throughout the trip
- Bring entertainment and snacks for the journey
- Consider a light jacket for air-conditioned carriages (AC can run cold at night)
Udon Thani Arrival Station
All trains from Bangkok arrive at Udon Thani Railway Station, located in the heart of the city. The station offers basic facilities including a ticket office, small shops, mobile charging stations, and restrooms (small fee applies). Getting to your hotel or downtown is simple with these options:
Transportation from Udon Thani Station
- THB 50-100 per ride within city
- Distinctive three-wheeled design
- Negotiate fare before boarding
- THB 60-80 for short trips
- Air-conditioned comfort
- Fixed price via app
- THB 10 per person
- Route #7 passes Bus Terminal 1
- Local shared pickup trucks
Things to Do in Udon Thani
Key attractions in Udon Thani include:
- Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng): Stunning pink lotus flowers covering the lake from November to March. Located 45km south of city; best viewed by boat in early morning.
- Ban Chiang Archaeological Site: UNESCO World Heritage site with 5,000-year-old artifacts and famous red pottery.
- Nong Prajak Park: City center park with lake, walking paths, and the iconic yellow duck installations.
- UD Town Night Market: Shopping and dining area near the train station with local food and live music.
- Day trip to Nong Khai: Visit the Mekong River and Sala Keoku sculpture park, or cross to Vientiane, Laos.
Udon Thani offers a unique blend of Isan and Vietnamese influences, especially in its cuisine. Don’t miss trying local specialties like Naem Nueng (Vietnamese spring rolls), Som Tam (papaya salad), and Kai Yang (grilled chicken).
FAQ
While we try to secure adjacent seats, it’s not always guaranteed, especially on busy trains or for larger groups. For best results, book 2–3 months ahead and make a specific request when booking your tickets.
Under 3 yrs (below 100cm): Free, no seat. Ages 3–11: Half fare with their own seat. 12+ or 150cm+: full adult fare.
Changes are difficult as there’s no simple date exchange policy. Cancellations incur a 70% fee if more than 3 hours before departure, and no refund within 3 hours of departure. Double-check your plans before booking.
Your e-ticket on phone or printed plus matching ID/passport. Passport number is required and may be checked when boarding. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
No, Wi-Fi is not available on any trains. Get a local SIM card for internet access during your trip.
The rail distance is about 568 kilometers. Travel times range from 8 to 9.5 hours, depending on which train you choose.
Full-sized bicycles are only allowed on Train #133 with the dedicated cargo car (extra fee applies). Folding bikes under 120 cm when packed can be brought on any train.
Yes, Thai trains are generally very safe. On Train #25, there’s a dedicated Ladies-only sleeper carriage for women and small children. First class cabins can also be locked from inside.
No, you can board the train directly with the e-ticket QR code on your phone. Paper tickets need to be collected before travel.
Not from Udon Thani. Take the train to Nong Khai (1 hour beyond Udon), then transfer to the international shuttle train to Thanaleng station in Laos. From there, take a taxi to Vientiane (20km away).
Summary
The train journey from Bangkok to Udon Thani offers comfortable travel through Thailand’s scenic central plains and into the Northeastern Isan region. Here are the key points to know before you go:
- Three daily train options include daytime, premium overnight and budget overnight services
- Modern Special Express #25 sleeper offers both 1st and 2nd class air-conditioned berths
- Daytime Train #75 lets you enjoy the scenic Pasak Reservoir crossing and rural landscapes
- Onboard dining options include a proper dining car on the Special Express
- Udon Thani station is centrally located with easy connections to hotels and attractions
SiamTickets provides current schedules, instant confirmation, and a smooth start to your Isan region adventure. Whether you’re heading to see the Red Lotus Sea, exploring ancient archaeological sites, or using Udon as a gateway to Laos, the train offers an authentic and comfortable travel experience.
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