The city of Ayutthaya is one of the most beautiful cities near Bangkok, Thailand, and certainly one of the most significant in terms of cultural interest. As the former capital of the Siamese kingdom, it houses some of the largest architectural remains of the once-great Siamese empire. Fortunately, it can be easily visited if you know how to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya quickly.
The distance between Bangkok and Ayutthaya is less than 90 kilometers, and thanks to the motorways connecting the two cities, you can get there quickly enough to visit the ancient capital without needing to stay overnight.
An interesting note is that Don Mueang Airport is located halfway between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, which is something to consider if you’re flying from there.
The most common way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is by minibus, or van, as this means of transport is commonly called. The main station to catch a van to Ayutthaya is Mochit (map), although it’s not the only one. Vans also depart regularly from Khaosan and other stations, such as Makhasan.
The usual process is to arrive at the station and purchase a ticket for the next minibus to Ayutthaya. The price is typically around 150 baht (about five dollars), and if you want to guarantee a seat, it’s best to buy the ticket in advance.
The minibuses take you to a station in Ayutthaya, from where you can also return to Bangkok.
The van ride from Bangkok to Ayutthaya takes about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on traffic.
Without a doubt, the most scenic way to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is by train. While it may not be the fastest option, it certainly feels the most authentic. The ticket is also very affordable, costing around two dollars.
Trains used to depart from a station near Bangkok’s Chinatown, but now they leave from the new central station at Bang Sue (map). It takes about an hour to reach Bang Sue from many parts of Bangkok, so keep that in mind.
However, once you’re on the train, the journey to Ayutthaya takes just 55 minutes, as it’s halfway between the current capital and the old one.
We recommend buying your tickets online to ensure you get a seat.
Taking a taxi is definitely the quickest and most direct option. You can simply flag down any taxi driver in Bangkok and ask them to take you to Ayutthaya. Although you can negotiate the price, it’s usually best to use the meter, as the trip will cost you around 600 baht (approximately 16 euros).
If you’re traveling with a group of four, the taxi fare will be roughly the same as traveling by minibus. In addition to these options, both cities are connected by the Chao Phraya River, but to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by boat, it’s necessary to book a tour that typically includes dinner and other shows.
