Operator profileState Railway of Thailand
The State Railway of Thailand is the country's state-owned rail operator, running overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok to the northern city of Chiang Mai and south toward the Gulf of Thailand coast at Surat Thani. Since January 2023, all Bangkok long-distance departures moved from the historic Hua Lamphong terminus to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station).
Key facts
A mix of older carriages and 115 sleeper cars purchased from China's CNR Corporation in 2016, including first-class private cabins and second-class open berths with vacuum toilets, used on the flagship Chiang Mai overnight trains.
Standard free baggage allowance.
No formal check-in; board at the platform.
Refund rules vary by fare type and how close to departure a ticket is cancelled.
All Bangkok long-distance departures relocated from Hua Lamphong to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue) in January 2023.
Rail passes
No regional rail pass covers Thailand; standard point-to-point ticketing only.
Routes operated
Chiang Mai 
~12h
SRT
How to book State Railway of Thailand
- Check the route and date on our route page, then note the cabin you want.
- Go to the operator’s own booking site — we never resell or mark up fares.
- Pick your cabin: prices rise as the train fills, so book early for the lowest fare.
- Bring photo ID for border crossings, and arrive a few minutes before departure — there is no airport-style check-in.
We link to the operator — we never mark up the fare.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance can you book State Railway of Thailand?
Tickets usually go on sale around 90 days before departure, and the cheapest fares go first.
Does State Railway of Thailand accept Interrail and Eurail passes?
No regional rail pass covers Thailand; standard point-to-point ticketing only.
What cabins does State Railway of Thailand offer?
State Railway of Thailand sells Seat, Couchette, Private Cabin. Comfort and privacy differ a lot between them.
What is the luggage policy on State Railway of Thailand?
Standard free baggage allowance.
Can I cancel or change a State Railway of Thailand ticket?
Refund rules vary by fare type and how close to departure a ticket is cancelled.
Which routes does State Railway of Thailand run?
We track 2 State Railway of Thailand routes, including Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Bangkok–Surat Thani.