Thailand has a rail service which links major northern and northeastern towns with the capital city. A southern route permits travel by train to Malaysia and Singapore. Hualumphong central railway station in Bangkok, on Rama IV Road, serves the whole country and acts as a central hub for all services.
Domestic trains comprise first, second and third class seats. Sleeper cars are available on long distance, overnight trips.
With the improvement in the quality of roads, it is frequently faster, though not necessarily cheaper, to travel by bus rather than train, especially for short distances. For example, from Bangkok to Hua Hin in generally 3 hours by bus, whereas the train services takes a more leisurely 5 hours.
Travel to kanchanaburi, the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai, is probably best reached by rail, with trains departing from Bangkok Noi railway station.
Schedules for the major routes can generally be obtained from Thai tourist information offices or from Bangkok railway station (+66 2 223 7010 or +66 2 223 7020).
Note that rail services which serve Koh Samui will include the cost of the ferry crossing to the Island within the ticket price, although this will mean taking a coach at Surat Thani.
Updated 3rd May 1999