Best Ways to Travel from Bangkok City Center to Kanchanaburi

ModeTimeCostComfort
Taxi (PGS)2h 30m3,000–3,400 THB⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Train (SRT)2h 30m–2h 45m100 THB⭐⭐
Bus (Win Happy)2h 30m–3h150–170 THB⭐⭐⭐
Minivan (Thai Sriram)2h 30m–3h220–260 THB⭐⭐
Minivan (Kwan Chee Vee)3h150–200 THB⭐⭐

Ranked by reliability score. Taxi wins on comfort and flexibility. Train wins on price and scenery. Buses split the difference. Minivans are cramped but convenient if you’re near their pickup points.

A view of a city at night from across the water

Cheapest vs Fastest vs Most Reliable Options (2026 Prices)

Cheapest: Train at 100 THB. But you’re stuck with two departures and wooden benches.

Fastest door-to-door: Taxi. Driver picks you up at 8 AM from your Sukhumvit hotel, you’re in Kanchanaburi by 10:30 AM. No walking to stations.

Most reliable: Taxi again (score 8/10). Buses and trains are solid (7/10). Minivans dip to 5–6 because of unpredictable departure bay changes and cramped conditions.

💡 TIMING HACK: Take the 07:45 train from Thonburi. You’ll arrive in Kanchanaburi by 10:30, tour the Death Railway and Bridge, then catch the 16:00 bus back from Sai Tai Mai. Full day trip under 400 THB.

If you’re staying near Khao San, Thai Sriram minivan saves you the trek to Sai Tai Mai. If you’re near Chao Phraya Riverside, grab a taxi to Thonburi station (15 minutes) and take the train.

Bangkok City Center Pick-Up Points, Terminals & Train Stations

Thonburi Railway Station: West bank of Chao Phraya. BTS to Wongwian Yai, then taxi (60 THB). Or take a river ferry to Tha Wang Lang and walk 10 minutes.

Sai Tai Mai (Southern Bus Terminal): Far southwest. From Sukhumvit, taxi costs 150–200 THB and takes 45–60 minutes in traffic. BTS to Bang Wa, then taxi (80 THB).

Khao San (Thai Sriram): Office on Chakrabongse Road near Mayom junction. Walk from Khao San main strip in 8 minutes.

Mo Chit (Kwan Chee Vee): Northern Bus Terminal, minivan section. BTS/MRT to Mo Chit, then 5-minute walk.

💡 SCAM ALERT: Touts at Khao San will offer ‘VIP minivans’ for 300+ THB. They drop you at a tour agency in Kanchanaburi, not the bus terminal. Book direct on 12Go instead.
green trees beside lake under white clouds during daytime

Booking Tickets Online: Bus, Minivan, Train & Private Taxi

Train tickets are sold at Thonburi station on the day. No reservations. Show up 45 minutes early.

Buses and minivans sell out on weekends and holidays. Book 1–2 days ahead on 12Go to lock your seat. You’ll get an e-ticket. Show it on your phone at the terminal.

Taxis require 24-hour advance booking. Use Kiwitaxi or 12Go. Driver calls you 30 minutes before pickup. Price is fixed, no meter games.

Weekend return buses from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok fill fast. Book your return ticket the moment you arrive in Kanchanaburi, or do it online before you leave Bangkok.

Day Trip Itineraries: First Departure, Last Return & Local Tips

Budget day trip (under 400 THB):

  • 07:45 – Train from Thonburi (100 THB)
  • 10:30 – Arrive Kanchanaburi, rent a bike (50 THB/day)
  • 11:00–15:00 – Death Railway, Bridge, War Cemetery
  • 16:00 – Bus back to Sai Tai Mai (150 THB)
  • 19:00 – Back in Bangkok

Comfort day trip (3,200 THB for 2 people):

  • 08:00 – Taxi picks you up at hotel (1,600 THB one-way)
  • 10:30 – Arrive, tour, lunch
  • 16:00 – Return taxi (1,600 THB)
  • 18:30 – Back at hotel
💡 LUGGAGE CHECK: Minivans allow one small backpack. Saw a couple get charged 200 THB extra for a 25kg suitcase. If you’re carrying big bags, take the bus or taxi.

Last bus from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok leaves around 18:00. Miss it and you’re sleeping in Kanchanaburi or paying 3,000 THB for a private taxi back.

city with high-rise buildings during night time

First train is 07:45, last return bus is 18:00. Plan accordingly. Kanchanaburi is worth an overnight stay if you want to see Erawan Falls the next morning, but that’s another trip.