Udon Thani Railway Station - Image 1
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Udon Thani Railway Station

4.2
·50 reviews·, Thailand

A charming, traditional railway station offering incredibly affordable travel options within Thailand, known for its exceptionally helpful staff.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Catch the first trains

CrowdLow
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Udon Thani Railway Station - Image 1

Udon Thani Railway Station

Best Time

Early mornings

Catch the first trains

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, traditional railway station offering incredibly affordable travel options within Thailand, known for its exceptionally helpful staff.

4.2
(50 reviews)

"The least stressful foreign language station I’ve ever used, with incredibly helpful staff and cheap fares."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤝 Staff are Super Helpful

Don't hesitate to ask staff for help; they're known for assisting travelers find the right train and platform.

💰 Cheap Local Trips

The Udon Thani to Nong Khai train is incredibly cheap at just 13 THB.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Train Experience

Traditional Train Experience

Experience a classic Thai train journey, especially on the route to Nong Khai. It's a charming and affordable way to see the countryside.

Helpful Station Staff

Helpful Station Staff

Friendly and supportive staff make navigating the station and finding the right platform stress-free, even for international visitors.

Affordable Bangkok Route

Affordable Bangkok Route

The 8-hour journey to Bangkok is a budget-friendly option, offering a scenic and cost-effective way to reach the capital.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Your Journey

Udon Thani Railway Station is a key hub for travel within Thailand. While it handles fewer trains than major hubs, its staff are noted for being exceptionally helpful, especially to foreign travelers. Plan your connections carefully, as trains can sell out, and be aware of potential noise on longer journeys.

Budget-Friendly Travel

This station offers a significantly cheaper alternative for travel to Bangkok compared to other modes. The short trip to Nong Khai is particularly inexpensive. Consider this for a more traditional and economical Thai travel experience.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Catch the first trains
Crowd
Low
When
Late evenings
Why
Last trains depart
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Train travel is one of the greatest delights of Thailand

🤝 Staff are Super Helpful

Don't hesitate to ask staff for help; they're known for assisting travelers find the right train and platform. Reddit

💰 Cheap Local Trips

The Udon Thani to Nong Khai train is incredibly cheap at just 13 THB. Reddit

reddit.com

Getting from Udon Thani (Thailand) to Vientiane / Vang Vieng / Luang Prabang (Laos) [July 2022 update]

reddit.com

Is the difficult public transport worth trying to navigate from Bangkok>Laos>Chiang Mai>Bangkok for ~10 days?

💺 Bangkok Bound Savings

Traveling to Bangkok from here is significantly cheaper than other options. Reddit

👂 Noise on Long Journeys

For the 5-hour trip to Nakhon Ratchisima, sit at the back of the local train to avoid excessive noise. Reddit

reddit.com

For peoples that didn’t live in Bangkok, how is public transportation?

Tips

from all over the internet

🤝 Staff are Super Helpful

Don't hesitate to ask staff for help; they're known for assisting travelers find the right train and platform. Reddit

💰 Cheap Local Trips

The Udon Thani to Nong Khai train is incredibly cheap at just 13 THB. Reddit

💺 Bangkok Bound Savings

Traveling to Bangkok from here is significantly cheaper than other options. Reddit

👂 Noise on Long Journeys

For the 5-hour trip to Nakhon Ratchisima, sit at the back of the local train to avoid excessive noise. Reddit

🚕 Grab is Available

Use Grab taxi for convenient and good value transport to and from the station. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(50 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Udon Thani Railway Station is praised for its affordability and the traditional travel experience it offers. Visitors highlight the exceptionally helpful staff who make navigation easy, even for foreigners. While services are limited and some journeys can be noisy, the low cost and charming atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for budget-conscious travelers.

"At the time, my train was heading to Bangkok and I got on the wrong train. Luckily, the staff kindly helped me get my train back to Bangkok😆😂💙
Great experience lol
Udon Thani to Bangkok takes 8 hours and cheaper 🤭"

Rahmad panggabean

"It is really cheap if you use this Train from Udon to Nongkhai for only 13 THB. It is nice to experience this traditional train. Must visit the area for the schedule of the trip."

Bandongzki Travels

"Small Railway Station But gets the job done. The Train can take you to Nongkhai or South to Bangkok. You can call Grab taxi for Good value Transport."

Charles law

What People Like

Very affordable fares
Helpful and friendly staff
Traditional train experience

What People Dislike

Limited services
Potential for noise on long journeys

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Udon Thani Railway Station is accessible by local buses and songthaews within the city. For convenience, Grab taxi is a popular and reliable option for getting to and from the station, offering good value. Reddit

Yes, the station is a central point in Udon Thani and is generally easy to locate. Grab drivers will know it well. Reddit

Yes, Grab taxis are readily available for hire at the station, providing a convenient way to reach your next destination. Reddit

While the station primarily serves train routes, you can connect to bus terminals in Udon Thani for onward travel to other cities. Reddit

The most popular and cost-effective way to travel from Bangkok to Udon Thani is by overnight sleeper train, though booking in advance is crucial as tickets sell out quickly. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Train tickets are very affordable. For instance, the trip from Udon Thani to Nong Khai costs only 13 THB. The journey to Bangkok is also significantly cheaper than other transport options. Reddit

You can purchase tickets at the ticket office, which is permanently manned from an hour before the first train until after the last train departs. Reddit

For popular routes like Bangkok, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for sleeper carriages, as they sell out quickly. Reddit

The ticket office is staffed continuously from before the first train (around 05:55) until after the last train of the day. Reddit

Yes, typically there are different classes available, including seating and sleeper options for longer journeys, though specific availability can vary. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Services are limited, but the station is functional. You'll find a ticket office and helpful staff. It's a small station that gets the job done for its four daily trains in each direction. Reddit

The buildings are in good repair but remain unmodernised, giving the station a nice, traditional feel. Reddit

Platforms are functional. Be aware that directional arrows might not always point accurately, so confirm your train's direction with staff. Reddit

Many travelers report it as one of the least stressful foreign language stations they've encountered, thanks to the very helpful staff. Reddit

The train journey to Bangkok takes approximately 8 hours. It's a cheaper option and offers a chance to see the Thai landscape. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the traditional architecture of the station buildings and the classic trains. The helpful staff can also make for interesting candid shots. Reddit

Yes, especially if you appreciate older train designs and the atmosphere of a less crowded station. The limited number of trains means you can plan your shots. Reddit

While staff are helpful, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer lighting for photography, and these times often coincide with train arrivals or departures. Reddit

Focus on the main station building, the platforms, and the trains themselves. The unmodernised feel offers a unique aesthetic. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Traveling with children via Udon Thani Railway Station can be an adventure. The short, inexpensive trip to Nong Khai is a great way to introduce kids to train travel without a huge commitment. The station's small size and helpful staff can make the experience less overwhelming for families. Reddit

For longer journeys to Bangkok, consider booking a family compartment if available, or ensure you have enough entertainment for the 8-hour trip. The novelty of sleeping on a train can be exciting for kids, but be mindful of the potential for noise on certain routes. Packing snacks and drinks is always a good idea for any train journey with children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Udon Thani Railway Station is a goldmine for budget travelers. The train to Nong Khai is incredibly cheap at just 13 THB, making it a must-do for experiencing local transport affordably. Reddit The journey to Bangkok is also a significant money-saver compared to flights or even some bus routes, offering a cost-effective way to cover long distances. Reddit

Opting for the train means you can also save on a night's accommodation by traveling overnight. While the station has limited services, its primary function as a cheap transport hub makes it ideal for those prioritizing their travel budget. Grab taxis offer a reasonable way to get to and from the station, keeping overall travel costs down. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Udon Thani to Bangkok Train Experience

The train journey from Udon Thani to Bangkok is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a more traditional Thai travel experience. This route typically takes around 8 hours, offering a significantly cheaper alternative to flights or buses. Travelers often opt for the overnight sleeper trains, which allow you to save on accommodation costs while waking up in the capital. It's advisable to book these tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they are known to sell out quickly. Reddit

While the journey is long, it provides a unique perspective on the Thai countryside. Passengers can observe the changing landscapes from their windows. However, be prepared for the possibility of noise on certain segments of the journey, particularly on local trains. For instance, the 5-hour trip to Nakhon Ratchisima is noted to be very noisy in the front carriages, making the rear seats a preferable choice for a more peaceful ride. Reddit

Despite the long duration, the Udon Thani to Bangkok train is praised for its affordability and the authentic travel experience it offers. The helpfulness of the station staff at Udon Thani also contributes to a smooth departure, making it a stress-free start to a longer journey. Reddit

Navigating Udon Thani Railway Station

Udon Thani Railway Station, while small, is a functional and welcoming hub for travelers. It handles a limited schedule, with typically four trains operating in each direction daily. This means the station is rarely overcrowded, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere. The buildings retain their original, unmodernised charm, offering a pleasant aesthetic for those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia. Reddit

A standout feature consistently mentioned by visitors is the exceptional helpfulness of the station staff. They are known to go out of their way to assist passengers, particularly international travelers who may not be familiar with the language or the railway system. This support system makes navigating platforms and finding the correct train a remarkably stress-free experience, even for those new to Thai public transport. Reddit

For onward travel from the station, Grab taxi is a recommended option. It provides a convenient and reasonably priced way to reach your accommodation or other destinations within Udon Thani. The station's ticket office is reliably staffed throughout the operational hours, ensuring assistance is always available for purchasing tickets or seeking information. Reddit

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