Bangkok to Kanchanaburi: Take the 07:45 Train or a Bus Every 15 Minutes
Take train 257 from Thonburi at 07:45, due in Kanchanaburi at 10:30, or hop on a bus from the Southern Terminal, which leaves every 15 minutes and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The line past Tha Kilen to Nam Tok closed on 28 September 2026.
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The easiest way is the train from Thonburi at 07:45, which gets you to Kanchanaburi at 10:30. If you would rather leave when you like, take a bus from the Southern Terminal: one goes every 15 minutes from 04:00 to 20:30.
By train
Two ordinary trains leave Thonburi, and both run on towards Nam Tok. Train 257 leaves at 07:45 and train 259 at 13:55. Train 259 is listed at Kanchanaburi at 16:21, and the Kwai Yai Bridge is five minutes further on for both trains.
You cannot book ordinary trains online, so buy at the station. The SRT D-Ticket guide covers the rest.
At weekends, excursion train 909 leaves Hua Lamphong at 06:30 and is listed at Kanchanaburi at 09:38. You can book it online. Check status first, because SRT cancelled it on 3 and 4 October 2026 after heavy rain.
The closed end of the line
Riding on to Nam Tok is off for now: SRT closed the section from Tha Kilen on 28 September 2026 after floodwater rose at the Tham Krasae bridge. Trains turn back at Tha Kilen instead.
SRT asks passengers to follow its announcements. Check ttsview.railway.co.th or call SRT on 1690 before you go.
Getting back
Train 258 leaves Nam Tok at 13:00 and reaches Thonburi at 17:40. For an early start, train 260 gets you to Thonburi at 09:35. At weekends excursion train 910 is the late one, arriving at Hua Lamphong at 19:30.
By bus, Grab or car
The Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) is the hub for the west and south, and the ride takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. Mo Chit works too, with buses from 05:00 to 19:00. Bus fares and minivan operators are not confirmed, so ask at the counters.
To go on to Erawan, bus 8170 leaves Kanchanaburi bus station every hour from 08:00 to 17:20. A GrabCar works for the whole trip, since you can book one between provinces. The Grab and Bolt guide explains the apps.
Which one suits you
For the earliest start, the first bus leaves at 04:00. For a late return on a weekend, train 910 is better than a Mo Chit bus, which stops at 19:00.
Once you arrive
Foreign adults pay THB 300 at Erawan, and a foreign child pays THB 150. Check the Erawan Falls guide before you go, and see the Bangkok day trips guide for other trips from the city.
Step by step
- Pick the train or the busTrain 257 leaves Thonburi at 07:45 and buses leave the Southern Terminal every 15 minutes.
- Check the line statusCheck train status on ttsview.railway.co.th or call 1690 before you go.
- Plan the returnTrain 258 leaves Nam Tok at 13:00 and is listed at Kanchanaburi at 14:43.
Not confirmed: Train fares: the foreigner fare on the ordinary Thonburi trains is not confirmed. Minivan and bus fares from the terminals are not confirmed. The reopening date of the Tha Kilen to Nam Tok section is not announced; train status is on ttsview.railway.co.th and on 1690.
Common questions
How do you get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by train?
Take train 257 at 07:45, listed at Kanchanaburi at 10:30, or train 259 at 13:55. Both leave from Thonburi.
Is there a weekend train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi?
Yes. Excursion train 909 runs on Saturday and Sunday and leaves Hua Lamphong at 06:30.
Can you book the Kanchanaburi train online?
Excursion trains yes. Ordinary trains such as 257 no.
Does the Death Railway reach Nam Tok now?
No. SRT closed the line between Tha Kilen and Nam Tok from 28 September 2026 after flooding.
How often do buses run from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi?
Every 15 minutes from the Southern Terminal, 04:00 to 20:30. From Mo Chit, buses run 05:00 to 19:00.
How long does the bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi take?
Plan on about 2 hours 30 minutes from either terminal.
Can you take a Grab from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi?
Yes, GrabCar can be booked between provinces and Kanchanaburi is on the service list.
Read next
Sources and reader comments
Official sources:
- State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Train Tracking System: Time Table Southern Line, departures (opens in a new tab)
- DNP portal, park page: Erawan (fee box, trails, transport) (opens in a new tab)
- State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Train Tracking System: timetable data, running days by train (opens in a new tab)
- SRT D-Ticket help centre (Thai view): how to book, FAQ, terms, change and cancel conditions (opens in a new tab)
- State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Train Tracking System: Time Table Southern Line, arrivals (opens in a new tab)
Show 4 more sources
Company and press pages (not official sources):
- Thai PBS News, 29 Sep 2026: SRT cancels Tha Kilen-Nam Tok trains after flooding at Tham Krasae bridge (opens in a new tab)
- Grab Thailand: Transport (services, provinces, cross-province rides, FAQ) (opens in a new tab)
- Bangkok Biznews, 2 Oct 2026: SRT cancels tourist trains 909/910 Bangkok-Nam Tok on 3-4 October 2026 after heavy rain in Kanchanaburi (opens in a new tab)
Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.
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