SRT Launches New Bangkok-Ayutthaya Commuter Rail Service
Thailand's State Railway launches a new daily air-conditioned commuter rail service between Bangkok and Ayutthaya starting August 1, with fares as low as 30 baht and six weekday trips to serve both commuters and tourists.
BANGKOK — 17 July 2026, The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will launch its new air-conditioned suburban rail service, SRT BANGKOK CONNEX (BNEX), linking Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Ayutthaya from 1 August, with fares starting at 30 baht.
The service will operate daily (Monday to Sunday) and is intended to provide an affordable and convenient travel option for both commuters and tourists. The route has been extended to originate from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, allowing passengers to connect easily with Bangkok's suburban and urban rail networks.
Acting SRT Governor Anan Phonimdaeng said the launch of SRT BANGKOK CONNEX represents a significant expansion of the previous weekday-only Don Mueang–Ayutthaya service, aiming to better meet passenger demand. The trains use refurbished KIHA 40/48 diesel railcars imported from Japan, which have undergone extensive maintenance and interior refurbishment to provide air-conditioned carriages with more comfortable seating and spacious interiors.
On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the service will operate six trips a day (Nos. 9001–9006), with the first departure at 05:15 to accommodate commuters travelling to Bangkok and surrounding areas. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), services will begin at 09:05, with four trips operating daily (Nos. 9003–9006), targeting both Thai and international tourists wishing to enjoy a leisurely visit to the historic city of Ayutthaya.
SRT is introducing a three-month promotional fare from 1 August to 31 October to help reduce passengers' travel costs. During the promotion, passengers travelling from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Don Mueang, Rangsit or Khlong Phutsa stations will pay a flat fare of 30 baht, while journeys to Bang Pa-in, Ban Pho and the terminus at Ayutthaya will cost no more than 50 baht. SRT said it remains committed to improving the safety and punctuality of Thailand's railway services.
