Ratchaburi to Bangkok can be an easy route for travelers if you plan and compare the best travel options for you. We share the best ways to travel between the cities, so you can make the best choice for you.
Ratchaburi offers diverse historic landmarks and temples, as well as great food options and affordable accommodation; which is why it’s one of the best weekend trips from Bangkok. We love heading here for a football game but also exploring the sights and taking in the local life
Ratchaburi to Bangkok
Ratchaburi to Bangkok by Train
There are several trains available, which travel from Bangkok to Ratchaburi. The upside to catching the train is that you can enjoy the scenic views but also take a comfortable journey at an affordable price. However, train times can be limited, as this route doesn’t have as many daily trains as other Thailand routes offer.
Ordinary Train: The ordinary train runs from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to Rachaburi, taking between 2.5 to 3 hours and offering several journeys a day. These are the cheapest train options but can also be the slowest.
Rapid and Express Train: There are also faster and more comfortable train options, taking between 1.5 and 2 hours. They offer more amenities than the ordinary trains and prices range from 50B to 250B depending on which class you choose.
Special Express Train: This is the fastest option, taking around 1.5 hours to travel between the cities. You can enjoy better seats and fewer stops along the route with the Special Express train. These trains range from 200-300B per person.
Tips for catching the train:
- Prices can fluctuate based on the specific train and class of service. Compare the best prices and times for you on the 12Go Asia website.
- Buying tickets and Availability: Seats can sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during holidays and weekends. If you are booking online, you can use 12Go Asia or book via the State Railway of Thailand’s official website. If purchasing in person, you can buy tickets from the office in both railway stations.
- Additional Services: Some trains may offer food and beverage services, but we recommend heading to convenience stores like 7-Eleven to stock up on snacks before your journey.
Bangkok to Ratchaburi by Bus
There are frequent, direct buses that travel between the cities. These do however take around 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic, and comfort is varied depending on which bus you choose:
Public Bus: These run between the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Ratchaburi. These run every hour or so and cost less than $5.
Private Coaches: Private tour operators offer more comfortable, faster services between the two cities. They leave from various bus terminals and prices do range as well, so compare the best place for you online.
Ratchaburi to Bangkok by Minivan
There are also minivan options available to choose from when planning your journey between Bangkok and Ratchaburi. These can be fast and frequent, with more convenient drop-off points for travelers. However, these can be crowded and less comfortable than the train or bus options.
Minivans typically depart from the minivan station in Ratchaburi and drop off at various locations in Bangkok, including Mochit and Victory Monument. These journeys only take around 2 hours and can be booked at the minivan stations, online or through the local travel agents in the city.
Driving from Bangkok to Ratchaburi and vice versa
The most convenient way to travel between the two cities is to drive. However, this isn’t ideal for everyone as cars drive on the left in Thailand and visitors will need an international driving license to be able to drive here.
However, if you can drive in Thailand, we recommend renting a car and driving between the cities. The drive takes between 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. It is an easy drive; from Ratchaburi, you will need to follow Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) and then onto Highway 35 (Rama II Road).
Car rentals are available in both Bangkok and Ratchaburi and can be more affordable than renting a car in the west.
Ratchaburi to Bangkok via motorcycle
You can also choose to cycle from Bangkok to Rachaburi and vice versa, but we personally recommend this for those comfortable with motorcycles only. Traveling through Bangkok on a motorcycle is a challenge; there is a lot of traffic in the city, which can be harder to navigate on a bike.
The journey is flexible and motorbikes are cheap to rent and fill with fuel. However, you can take less luggage with you, you are exposed to the hot weather and the journey takes around 2 to 3 hours.
Ratchaburi to Bangkok via taxi or private driver
Before we started driving in Thailand, we loved using a taxi or driver to get around. These will cost more than the buses and trains but if 2-3 people are taking the journey, it can be a similar price. This is one of the more romantic places to visit in Thailand and we love getting a driver up to the city for a weekend.
This is a comfortable way to travel, with door-to-door service between your hotel or home in either city.
Grab is a similar app to Uber and we recommend pre-booking via this app. Or you can arrange a private driver online; many companies offer private drivers and our top choices are:
- Nam’s Taxi Service
- Mr T. (Tel: 0812587716 (0813513612) Email: mr_ttaxi@hotmail.com)
- Pattaya Central
Ratchaburi to Bangkok FAQ
Ratchaburi is around 80–100 km west of Bangkok. The journey typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your mode of transport and traffic conditions.
The most popular options are train, minivan, bus, or private car. Trains are a scenic and affordable choice, while minivans are usually the fastest. Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or as a group.
Costs vary by transport type. Trains can be very cheap (around 20–100 THB depending on class), while minivans typically cost 100–150 THB. Private taxis or ride-hailing services will be more expensive but offer comfort and convenience.
Trains from Ratchaburi to Bangkok usually take between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the service. Some trains go directly to Hua Lamphong Railway Station or Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
Yes, regular minivans and buses run throughout the day. They usually depart from Ratchaburi town and arrive at major Bangkok terminals such as Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
Yes, driving is straightforward via Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road). The route is well-maintained, but traffic can be heavy when entering Bangkok, especially during peak hours and weekends.
Yes, it’s very doable. With short travel times and frequent transport options, many travelers go between Ratchaburi and Bangkok in a single day.
Trains and vans start early in the morning (around 5–6 AM) and continue until the evening. Exact schedules vary, so it’s best to check ahead, especially for late-night travel.
No matter which journey you choose, make sure to plan your trip, especially if you are traveling in the holidays or on a weekend.
Enjoy the many things to see and do in Ratchaburi and Bangkok!
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