Timetable, ticket prices and an easy day-trip plan on the historic northern railway.
The northern line of the State Railway of Thailand starts in Chiang Mai and runs south through Lamphun - one of the oldest cities in Thailand, home of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai - and over the mountains to Lampang, the city of horse carriages and teak temples. The train is cheap, scenic and a fun way to see the "slow" side of Northern Thailand.
| Train | Chiang Mai | Lamphun | Lampang (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102 Rapid | 6:25 AM | 6:47 AM | about 9:10 AM |
| 8 Special Express | 7:30 AM | 7:48 AM | about 9:30 AM |
| 52 Express | 3:30 PM | 3:54 PM | about 6:40 PM |
| 14 Special Express | 5:05 PM | 5:29 PM | about 7:20 PM |
| 10 Special Express | 6:20 PM | 6:42 PM | about 8:15 PM |
| Train | Lamphun | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Special Express | 6:50 AM | 7:15 AM |
| 13 Special Express | 8:21 AM | 8:45 AM |
| 51 Express | 11:16 AM | 11:40 AM |
| 7 Special Express | 5:32 PM | 5:50 PM |
From Lampang, the same trains leave roughly 2 hours earlier than at Lamphun - e.g. the afternoon train back to Chiang Mai leaves Lampang around 3:30 PM. Ask at the station for the exact time on the day.
| Class | To Lamphun | To Lampang |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd class (fan, wooden or padded seats) | about 10-30 THB | about 25-60 THB |
| 2nd class seat (fan) | about 30-60 THB | about 80-150 THB |
| 2nd / 1st class sleeper, air-con | - | about 300-700 THB |
The station is a short tuk-tuk, songthaew or Grab ride (about 2 km) from the old town.
About 20-25 minutes. Lamphun is the first stop south of Chiang Mai, only about 25 km away.
About 2 to 3 hours, depending on the train. The line climbs through the mountains and the Khun Tan tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in Thailand.
Roughly 10-30 THB to Lamphun and 25-60 THB to Lampang in 3rd class (fan). 2nd class seats cost a little more, sleeper and air-con seats about 300-700 THB. Prices change - check the State Railway of Thailand D-Ticket website or the station.
Yes. Lamphun is an easy half day. Lampang is a full day: take the early morning train and come back in the afternoon, or book a private car to see both on the same day.
At Chiang Mai railway station (counter or machine), or online at dticket.railway.co.th. Morning local trains rarely sell out; book sleeper or 2nd class in high season (Nov - Feb).
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