Key hubs
Ayutthaya airport and railway station
- Airport
- No commercial airport in Ayutthaya. Fly into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi BKK or Don Mueang DMK); the city is about 70 km north, roughly 1.5 hours by road depending on traffic.
- Railway station
- Ayutthaya station is on the Northern and Northeastern lines, about 71 km from Bangkok's main railway station. It is on the east bank; a short cross-river ferry or bridge links to the island.
- Getting around
- Hired tuk-tuk or car with driver for the ruins; bicycles suit fit visitors in cooler months. Distances between sites are too long and hot for most seniors to walk.
How to reach Ayutthaya by air
There is no commercial airport at Ayutthaya. Fly into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) airport; several Indian cities have direct flights to Bangkok, so check current schedules. From the airport allow about 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
How to reach Ayutthaya by train
Ayutthaya station lies on the Northern and Northeastern lines, about 71 km from Bangkok's main railway station, and trains from Bangkok stop here. The station is on the east bank; a short ferry or road crossing leads to the island. Check timetables with the State Railway of Thailand.
How to reach Ayutthaya by road
Ayutthaya is about 70 km north of Bangkok by road and about 1.5 hours in normal traffic. Buses, minivans and private cars run regularly, and organised day tours are also common.
Getting around Ayutthaya
Tuk-tuks and hired cars cover the scattered ruins; bicycles suit fit visitors in the cooler season. Agree fares before setting off. Boat tours around the island and to Wat Chaiwatthanaram are available.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Ayutthaya
- Hire a car with a driver or a tuk-tuk for the day, and agree the price and route first. Distances between sites are too long for walking.
- Carry water, a hat and sun protection. Shade is limited at several ruins, but museums and some halls are cooler.
- Take proper travel insurance. Ayutthaya has hospitals, but for complex care Bangkok has more choice.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.