Getting Around Lopburi
Trains, Buses & Car Rental in One Place

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Lopburi roughly splits into two zones. The old town around Phra Prang Sam Yot, King Narai's Palace and San Phra Kan is easy to explore on foot. Then there's the out-of-town zone over in Phatthana Nikhom district, home to Pa Sak Jolasid Dam and the Khao Jeen Lae sunflower fields, about 30-40 kilometres from the city centre. You don't need a car for the old town, but if you're heading out to the dam or the sunflower fields, your own car or a rental is by far the easiest option.

The northern railway — the classic way, right into the centre

The train is the most popular way into Lopburi, because the station sits right next to the old town — you can walk to King Narai's Palace and Phra Prang Sam Yot in a few minutes. Step off the train and you'll meet the monkeys right outside the station, the image this city is famous for.

Northern-line trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (and some still stop at Hua Lamphong), running through Lopburi all day, from the pre-dawn services right through to the evening. There are several classes to choose from, from basic third-class trains costing just tens of baht up to air-conditioned rapid and special express services. The trip takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the train.

• Ordinary / local third class — the cheapest, just tens of baht, but it stops at every station and takes the longest. Good if you're on a budget and in no rush.
• Rapid / express — mid-range, around 100 THB and up, faster because it skips most stations.
• Air-conditioned special express — the most comfortable, cool and easy, ideal in hot season. Pricier but still affordable.

Pa Sak Jolasid floating train — a special winter-only service

This is the one a lot of people come to Lopburi specifically for. The State Railway runs a special floating train from Bangkok to Pa Sak Jolasid Dam, only on Saturdays and Sundays from late in the year into early the next (roughly November to January, when the reservoir is at its fullest). The highlight is the stretch where the train runs along the embankment in the middle of the reservoir, water on both sides, as if the carriages were floating on the water.

• It's a day trip — the train leaves Bangkok at dawn, around 06:00, reaches the viewpoint over the middle of the reservoir mid-morning and arrives at Pa Sak Dam around midday. You stop to feed the fish and walk the dam before heading back.
• Return leg — leaves the dam in the late afternoon, around 15:30, and gets back to Bangkok in the evening, around 19:00.
• Price — several tiers, from third-class fan carriages at a few hundred baht return up to special air-conditioned cars at a higher price. Pick what fits your budget.

Buses and vans — flexible timing, frequent departures

If the train timetable doesn't line up, buses and vans run more often. Most leave from Mo Chit 2 bus terminal (Chatuchak), running into Lopburi and on to Lam Narai (Chai Badan district) on the northern side of the province.

• Vans / minibuses, Mo Chit-Lopburi — several operators such as Watcharin Tour, leaving frequently all day, around 100 THB and up, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
• Air-conditioned coaches (BKS) — the Bangkok-Lopburi/Lam Narai route, more comfortable than a van and better if you've got a lot of luggage.
• Book online ahead — through a site like busonlineticket, or buy at the Mo Chit counter. On weekdays there are usually seats available.

The upside of buses and vans is flexible departure times. The downside is that you arrive at the bus terminal, which isn't as close to the old town as the train station, so you'll need a songthaew or a motorbike taxi for the last stretch into town.

Driving yourself — the best control if you're chasing the sunflower fields

If you plan to cover the old town, Pa Sak Dam and the sunflower fields all in one trip, driving yourself is the easiest way, because these spots are spread out and public transport doesn't reach all of them. From Bangkok take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin) or the motorway and connect into Lopburi — roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on where you start and the traffic.

• Old town → Pa Sak Jolasid Dam — drive towards Phatthana Nikhom district, about 40-50 minutes on good roads.
• Pa Sak Dam ↔ Khao Jeen Lae sunflower fields — same zone on the Phatthana Nikhom side, easily done back to back in one day.
• Parking — Khao Jeen Lae has a car park, around 20 THB per vehicle. In the old town you can find roadside spots, but it gets busy during festivals.

Renting in Lopburi — your option if you came by train and want to get out of town

A lot of people take the train to the old town for convenience, then rent a car or motorbike to head out to the dam and the sunflower fields. This way you get both the ease of the train and the freedom of your own wheels.

• Motorbike rental — there are rental shops in town, around 200-300 THB per day, good for getting around the city and short distances. Wear a helmet and carry your licence.
• Car rental — fewer options in Lopburi than in bigger cities. Some people rent at Don Muang or in Bangkok and drive over, or book ahead through a car-rental app.
• Chartering a songthaew / local taxi — if you'd rather not drive, try negotiating a day charter out to the dam and sunflower fields. Agree the price before you set off.

Getting around the old town — walk, cycle, songthaew

The good news is that Lopburi's old town is small and walkable. The main sights — Phra Prang Sam Yot, San Phra Kan, King Narai's Palace and Vichayen House — are all within walking distance of the train station.

• On foot — the best way around the old town. Short distances, and you can stop at cafes and restaurants along the way.
• Motorbike taxi — there are ranks at the main spots, and you can call one for somewhere further out. Agree the price first.
• Songthaew — runs city routes and links the old town with the new town (the bus terminal zone), and it's cheap.

A relaxed 2-day Lopburi plan