🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Getting to Ayutthaya is easier than you'd think. It's only about an hour from Bangkok whether you take the train or a van. The real question isn't "how do I get there" but "how do I get around the old city once I arrive" — the temples and ruins are spread across several spots, so walking alone will wear you out fast. This guide splits into two parts: the trip to and from Bangkok and getting around town. Pick whatever fits your style and budget.
How to Get to Ayutthaya — Train vs Van
The two main options from Bangkok are the train and the van. Both take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, so they're about even on time. What differs is the vibe, the price, and where you get dropped off. The train arrives at Ayutthaya station on the opposite bank from the old city, so you'll need to catch a short ferry across. Vans drop you in town or closer to the sights.
Train — cheap and laid-back
The charm here is the low price and the atmosphere. A 3rd-class fan car starts at just 15-20 THB. You can board at either Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (long-distance, rapid, and express trains) or Hua Lamphong station (commuter and ordinary trains). You'll arrive at Ayutthaya station, then take the ferry across into the old city. Book ahead through the D-Ticket app or dticket.railway.co.th.
Van/minibus — fast and on time
Board at Mo Chit 2 bus terminal (Building B). The popular operator is Win Ayutthaya 91, with fares around 100 THB. The first run is about 07:30 and the last around 16:50, and they leave often so you won't wait long. The upside is they drop you right in town — no ferry needed. Good if you want to get there quickly and don't care about the scenic ride.
Driving / private taxi
If you're a bigger group or traveling with kids or older relatives, driving yourself or chartering a taxi is the most flexible. Take the expressway or Phahonyothin Road and you're there. You can park at the larger temples. The downsides: traffic is heavy on holidays, parking near the famous temples fills up quickly, and the driver doesn't get to fully relax and enjoy the sights.
What a lot of people miss
If you take the train, don't grab a tuk-tuk the moment you step off at Ayutthaya station — walk to the ferry pier in front of the station first. The ferry is 5 THB per person (10 THB if you bring a bicycle). It crosses the Pa Sak River and drops you at Chao Phrom Market on the old city island, which is much closer to the sights.
Once You're in Ayutthaya, How to Get Around Town
The old city island isn't big, but the temples and ruins are spread out, and walking all day under a hot sun is rough. The popular ways to get around are bicycle, motorbike, and chartered tuk-tuk — pick based on your group size and how well you handle the heat.
Bicycle rental — slow travel around the island
A favorite for budget travelers, at around 50-60 THB per day. There are plenty of rental shops both near the train station and on the island. The big temples — Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Ratchaburana — sit close together and are an easy ride apart. Best in the morning or evening when the sun isn't harsh. Bring water and a hat.
Motorbike rental — nimble, goes further
If you want to head off the island to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, or Wat Phanan Choeng, a motorbike is more convenient. Rentals start around 200 THB per day — popular models like the Scoopy run about 250 THB and the Honda Click about 300 THB. Most shops are near the train station. Bring your ID card or passport, and wear a helmet every time.
Tuk-tuk charter — a driver takes you around
Good if you'd rather not drive yourself, or you're in a group. An Ayutthaya tuk-tuk seats about 6 people. The province set a standard rate (an MOU): around 200 THB per hour per vehicle for Thais and around 300 THB per hour for foreigners, or roughly 1,500 THB to charter for the whole day. Always agree on the route and price clearly before you get in to avoid any issues later.
Tram / 'frog-face' tuk-tuk — a leisurely city tour
The odd-looking 'frog-face' tuk-tuk is an Ayutthaya icon. Some routes are priced by stop — for example, from Ayothaya Floating Market to the train station is around 100 THB. It's great for a relaxed ride and snapping photos along the way, not really a main way to chase down lots of temples, but it has a nice old-capital feel.
Match your ride to your style
Tight budget + only sightseeing on the island = bicycle · want to head out to Wat Chaiwatthanaram / Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon too = motorbike · traveling as a family and don't want to drive = chartered tuk-tuk. Agree on the price every time.
Sample Trip Plans by Style
Budget day trip
3rd-class train round trip + ferry + a bicycle to ride around the old city. The whole day's transport comes to under 200 THB.
Get there fast, see it all
Round-trip van from Mo Chit 2 + a motorbike rental, so you can cover both the island and beyond in a single day.
Group / family
Van or self-drive + a chartered tuk-tuk with a driver to take you temple-hopping, so no one has to drive.
Travel Tips Worth Knowing
- The Ayutthaya sun is intense — midday heat is brutal, so if you're cycling or walking the temples, avoid roughly 11am-3pm. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Book train tickets ahead on holidays — weekends and long holidays get crowded, so booking through the D-Ticket app in advance gives you peace of mind.
- Have your documents ready for rentals — motorbike shops usually ask for your ID card or passport as a deposit. Photograph the bike's condition before you take it to avoid disputes over scratches.
- Respect the sites — many spots are ancient ruins, so dress modestly at the temples and don't climb on the monuments for photos.
Plan a full Ayutthaya trip — see all the sights, food, and places to stay
See the Ayutthaya travel guide →