Planning train travel in Thailand? The good news is the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been providing an online booking system, since Feb 2017.
You can still book a train ticket in Thailand at a station or use another service online if it’s required. Options are always a good idea.
When To Book?
It’s the norm in any country to try and book in advance to ensure a seat is available, and the same applies in Thailand, in most cases. If you’re planning an overnight train then booking at least a week in advance is a good idea – especially if it’s high season (Nov – Mar).
Some journeys cannot be booked in advance. These are the day trains for shorter distances, such as the Bangkok – Aranyaprathet that I have taken in past which you’ll need to purchase a ticket at the station for before the train departs.
Advance bookings can be made 60 days before travel, and at least 2 hours before departure.
Holidays: Check if there are any national holidays in Thailand or any of the neighboring countries you’re traveling to. All forms of transport gets booked up well in advance, especially during Songkran (Thai new year) and the calendar new year.
Online Ticket Booking
SRT did have online booking from 2011 – 2013 then it suddenly shut down. They have a new online booking website that’s been live since February 2017, which is great news. Online bookings are made at ThaiRailwayTicket.Com.
I must admit I do have my doubts about the current site because I have already seen issues. And, one basic but extremely important aspect of any website of today is to display well on mobiles and devices, which it doeskin (it views as only desktop).
At least having an online booking system is a step forward, so let’s hope it all continues well for SRT and customers.
When booking online with the SRT you will need to print the ticket. You’re not able to show a ticket from a mobile phone or any other device.
Process and Requirements
- Register online.
- Provide passport number online when registering an account and take your passport with you while traveling. Once registered you have an account. Thai citizens require there ID number online and ID card while traveling.
- You may reserve a seat up to 60 days in advance and at the latest at least 2 hours before departure.
- Credit cards (not debit – free) are subject to a small charge.
- Maximum of 4 tickets can be booked. I’m sure if more tickets are required you could just make another booking after the first 4 tickets have been booked (not 100% sure on that though – never tried).
- Make sure the ticket is printed. This is your valid ticket that must be used and shown to the train inspector.
Other Online Booking Option
12go.asia is another online booking service that can be used. I have used them before the current SRT website was up and running.
This is a company that you book with and they collect the ticket from the station for you and then they either post the ticket to you or it has to be collected from a collection point. Collection points are limited!
12go.asia is a great option I keep in mind and I’m glad it’s still available – just in case the SRT website has any issues. They do charge extra fees and have restrictions, nevertheless, it’s another option.
Check with 12Go.asia if it will be suitable for making a reservation for your trip planned. As mentioned, restrictions apply, and it’s not just a simple pay and print your ticket service.
Station Booking
Making an advance booking at the railway station to reserve a seat and buy a ticket is the traditional method that still operates very well. This is a good option for tourists when they have time on their hands to check out the station and surrounding area.
Agents and Telephoning SRT
Since the online booking has become available and the option of using 12go.asia, the need to use another agent shouldn’t be required. And, if you’re going to telephone SRT you’ll still have to collect the ticket anyway after you request it, before you travel.
