Short answer
The State Railway of Thailand began running its air-conditioned SRT Bangkok Connex (BNEX) train between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok and Ayutthaya on 1 August 2026. Promotional fares are 30 baht to Don Mueang, Rangsit and Khlong Phutsa and 50 baht to Bang Pa-in, Ban Pho and Ayutthaya, valid until 31 October 2026. The train runs daily, from 5.15 am on weekdays and 9.05 am at weekends, and takes just over an hour. Tickets are sold only at stations. No fare for the period after 31 October has been reported.
What the State Railway launched on 1 August
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) started its air-conditioned SRT Bangkok Connex (BNEX) service on 1 August 2026. The train now runs between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok and Ayutthaya station. The Nation, which reported the launch the same day, wrote that the first trip was fully booked. The service replaces a weekday-only run that started at Don Mueang, and it now operates on Saturdays and Sundays too.
SRT uses refurbished KIHA 40/48 diesel railcars donated by Japan, now fitted with air-conditioning. According to the Nation's report of 2 August, the Bangkok terminal connects with the MRT Blue Line, and the Red Line suburban railway connects at Rangsit and Don Mueang stations.
Timetable, fares and tickets
On weekdays there are six trips (trains 9001 to 9006), the first leaving at 5.15 am. At weekends there are four trips (trains 9003 to 9006), the first at 9.05 am. SRT set promotional fares for 1 August to 31 October 2026: 30 baht from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Don Mueang, Rangsit or Khlong Phutsa, and 50 baht to Bang Pa-in, Ban Pho or Ayutthaya. The Nation says the trip to Ayutthaya takes just over an hour.
Tickets are sold only at railway stations. On 1 August the Nation reported that there was no online booking for this service at the time, and seats are not reserved. SRT's call centre is 1690. The reports do not say what the fare will be from 1 November, so check the SRT timetable, the D-Ticket system or a station counter before you travel.
What it changes for a visitor
For a traveller staying in Bangkok, the train is a low-cost way to reach Ayutthaya, and it now starts at a hub with a Blue Line connection. Two limits matter. According to GoAsia, Ayutthaya station is east of the historical island, so you still need a tuk-tuk, taxi, bicycle or scooter to reach the temples. And the first weekend train leaves at 9.05 am, so a weekend day starts later than a weekday one.
GoAsia also notes that Krung Thep Aphiwat is north of central Bangkok. If you stay around Sukhumvit, Silom or Siam, allow time to get to the terminal before the train leaves, and time at the ticket counter.
How it compares with a guided day
Our Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok is from $25 per person and works differently. The group meets at a central point near a BTS or MRT station, drives about 1.5 hours north, visits four temples with an English-speaking guide and is back after about 9 hours. Transport, the guide and drinking water are included; temple tickets (about 280 baht in total) and lunch are paid on the day.
If you like to travel alone and set your own pace, the promotional train fare is cheaper. If you want the temples explained and the moves between them arranged, the guided day is simpler. Our guide to Ayutthaya by train or by tour compares the two in more detail.
Practical checklist
- Check the SRT timetable, the D-Ticket system or the 1690 call centre for fares from 1 November 2026.
- Buy your ticket at the station: BNEX had no online booking at its launch.
- Allow time to reach Krung Thep Aphiwat, which is north of central Bangkok.
- Plan how you will get from Ayutthaya station to the temples (tuk-tuk, taxi or bicycle).
Questions and answers
Where does the BNEX train to Ayutthaya leave from?
From Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok, which connects with the MRT Blue Line. The Nation also reports Red Line connections at Rangsit and Don Mueang stations. Before 1 August the service started at Don Mueang.
How much is the BNEX train to Ayutthaya?
The promotional fare is 50 baht to Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in or Ban Pho, and 30 baht to Don Mueang, Rangsit or Khlong Phutsa, from 1 August to 31 October 2026. The reports do not give a fare after that date.
Can I book BNEX tickets online?
Not at launch. The Nation reported on 1 August 2026 that tickets are sold only at railway stations and seats are not reserved. Check SRT's D-Ticket page or call 1690 in case this has changed.
How long does the train take?
Just over one hour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, according to the Nation's report of 1 August 2026. Add the time to reach the terminal and, in Ayutthaya, the transfer from the station to the temples.