There is no direct link from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Ayutthaya, the old Siamese capital about 80 km north of Bangkok, so you travel via the city. The cheapest way is the northern-line train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal; the easiest is a private transfer or a day-tour car straight from the airport, roughly one to one and a half hours on the road.
Suvarnabhumi to Ayutthaya at a glance
| Option | Cost (THB) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train via Krung Thep Aphiwat | ~50–350 + metro | 2.5–3.5 hr total | Budget travellers, the scenic way |
| Private transfer / car | Fixed quote (~1,500–2,500) | 1–1.5 hr | Door-to-door, families, day trips |
| Minivan (rot tu) via the city | ~60–150 + metro | 2.5–3 hr total | Cheap and fairly quick |
| Metered taxi | ~1,500–2,000 | 1–1.5 hr | Leaving straight from arrivals |
By train via Krung Thep Aphiwat
Ayutthaya sits on the State Railway's northern line, and trains are cheap and frequent. From the airport, take the Airport Rail Link to Makkasan, change to the MRT Blue line and ride to Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue), Bangkok's main rail terminal. From there, ordinary and express trains run to Ayutthaya station in around one and a half to two hours for as little as 15–350 THB depending on the class.
It is the most characterful way to go — and it drops you a short ferry-and-tuk-tuk hop from the historical park — but with two changes before you even board, allow a good chunk of the day for the round trip.
By private transfer, car or tour
If your time matters more than the fare, a private transfer or a hired car takes you straight from arrivals to Ayutthaya in about an hour to ninety minutes, with the price agreed in advance (roughly 1,500–2,500 THB). Many visitors book a day-tour car that waits while they see the temples and returns them to Bangkok or the airport — the simplest option if you are combining Ayutthaya with a same-day flight or a first day in Thailand.
By minivan
Shared minivans to Ayutthaya run from city terminals near Krung Thep Aphiwat and the Mo Chit area for a little more than the train and often a touch faster. As with the train, you first ride the Airport Rail Link and MRT in from the airport, so it best suits budget travellers who do not mind a change or two.
What to see when you arrive
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for four centuries, and its ruins — now the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park — are the reason to make the trip. Highlights include the Buddha head cradled in tree roots at Wat Mahathat and the riverside towers of Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The sites are spread out, so hire a bicycle or a tuk-tuk for a few hours once you are there.
Tips for the trip
Carry cash in Thai baht for train tickets, tuk-tuks and site entry, and start early: Ayutthaya is a long enough haul that a rushed afternoon does not do it justice. If you are landing and going straight out, a pre-booked car removes the guesswork; if you have time and a light bag, the train is cheap and part of the experience. Always reconfirm train times, which change with the timetable.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Suvarnabhumi to Ayutthaya?
No. You first take the Airport Rail Link and the MRT to Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue), then the northern-line train to Ayutthaya, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from the terminal.
How far is Ayutthaya from the airport?
About 80 km north of central Bangkok, or roughly one to one and a half hours by car via the expressway — longer by train once you add the ride into the city.
What is the cheapest way to get to Ayutthaya?
The northern-line train from Krung Thep Aphiwat, which can cost as little as a few tens of baht in third class, plus the Airport Rail Link and MRT fare to reach the terminal.
Can I visit Ayutthaya as a day trip from the airport?
Yes. A private car or day-tour that collects you from arrivals is the practical choice if you want to see the temples and still catch a flight or reach your Bangkok hotel the same day.