When we think of the oldest cities in Thailand, Ayutthaya often comes to mind as the country’s former capital, known for its stunning ruins. However, there is another destination that offers an even more remarkable glimpse into Thailand’s historical civilization.
Today, we’ll guide you on how to travel from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, a city with over six centuries of history and a significant legacy from the Khmer Empire.
Traveling from the country’s capital to this ancient city is quite easy, as it is only about 370 kilometers from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. Flying is the quickest option, but the train is also a comfortable and reliable choice.
The fastest way to reach Phitsanulok from Bangkok is by plane. The flight takes just over an hour, with several daily flights operated by major Thai airlines, including budget options like AirAsia and NokAir.
When flying from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, keep in mind that there are two airports in Bangkok, both of which are somewhat far from the city’s main attractions. The primary airport is Suvarnabhumi (BKK) (map), but most low-cost airlines operate from Don Mueang (DMK) (map).
It doesn’t make a big difference which airport you choose to fly from; the decision should depend on which is more convenient and suits your schedule best. If you’re flying from Suvarnabhumi, reaching the airport is easy via the Airport Rail Link train, costing just 30 baht.
For Don Mueang, we recommend getting to Mochit station and taking the A1 bus for the same fare. A taxi to either airport will cost around 300 baht.
Is flying the best way to travel from Bangkok to Phitsanulok? Considering the distance of less than 400 kilometers, we believe the small-time savings don’t justify the environmental impact of flying, especially when this journey can be easily made by train.
Additionally, both Bangkok’s and Phitsanulok’s airports are relatively far from their respective city centers, with the transfer from Phitsanulok airport costing about 150 baht.
Our preferred way to travel from Bangkok to Phitsanulok is definitely by train. The trains are frequent, affordable, and comfortable, providing a pleasant travel experience. The first train departs at 7 a.m., and the last one leaves at 10:30 p.m., offering plenty of options throughout the day.
Although you can book your train tickets on the day of travel, it’s advisable to book in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. Trains now depart from the modern Krung Thep Aphiwat station (map), which is connected to the city via the Bang Sue metro stop. Tickets can be easily purchased on 12GoAsia.
The travel time varies depending on the type of train you choose. The best option is the 9:05 a.m. train, which takes only four hours to reach Phitsanulok, while others can take up to six hours due to multiple stops along the way. We don’t recommend taking the night sleeper train, as it arrives in Phitsanulok at 4 a.m., leaving you with little rest.
Ticket prices depend on the class and type of train, but second-class air-conditioned seats start at around six euros, making it an economical choice.
The least convenient way to get from Bangkok to Phitsanulok is by road. Although the price can be similar to that of the train, the bus journey tends to be longer.
Several bus companies operate from the Mochit bus station (map), with departures from 7 a.m. until late at night. Tickets usually cost around nine euros and can be booked on 12GoAsia.
The buses are modern and comfortable but typically take around six hours to reach Phitsanulok. We only recommend traveling by bus if the 9:05 a.m. train is fully booked, as train travel is our preferred option for this route.
