Kanchanaburi Transport Travel Guide

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Kanchanaburi can be reached by road from Bangkok; the trip takes about 2 to 3 hours by bus or train. [more]

The system of railways in Thailand is well developed and fortunately, Kanchanaburi is serviced two times a day departing from Thonburi Railway Station. Kanchanaburi is also well connected with all the neighboring provinces so you can pretty much go from Kanchanaburi to anywhere in Thailand.

Public transportation as well as private buses depart every 15 minutes from Bangkok's Southern Bus terminal all day long from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. Minibuses depart from Bangkok's Khaosan Road every 2 hours.

Here are some distances from Kanchanaburi

• Phanom Thuan 24 km
• Dan Makham Tia 30 Km
• Sai Yok 50 Km
• Tham Muang 12 Km
• Thong Pha Phum 145 Km
• Tha Maka 30 Km
• Bo Phloi 40 Km
• Sangkhla Buri 230 Km

Airports

Bangkok is a major hub to the Orient, many airlines have direct flights from most European capitals, United States of America, Australia and the Middle East. Chances are you will find one from your city.

There is no international airport in Kanchanaburi; the closest airport is Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport. The airport has a bus station on the first level and taxi and limousine services are located on the arrivals (2nd level) of the terminal. You can make arrangements with your hotel for private transportation to and from Kanchanaburi and local travel agents also offer this service too. Kanchanaburi is one of the most visited places in Thailand and is easy to get to.

In addition, the TAT office in Kanchanaburi issues a current timetable for bus and rail services between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, and major neighboring provinces.

There are a couple of airstrips in Kanchanaburi; Grand Garden Airport and River Kwai Airport that make possible a private flight.

By bus

There are a number of available buses covering the Bangkok - Kanchanaburi route. They depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus terminal, using the new and the old routes with first class air-conditioned busses (in blue) departing every 15 minutes starting at 5:00 am to the last service at 10:30 pm and 2nd class or non air-conditioned also depart every 15 minutes starting at 4:00 am until 8:00 pm. It takes about two hours using the new route and the old route takes about 3 hours.

To check on exact times is best to call the Southern Bus Terminal at 02 434 5557-8 for second class schedules and for first class call 02 435 5012 or visit www.transport.co.th

Alternatively, transportation from Nakhon Pathom to Kanchanaburi takes 1.5 hours. There are several buses departing from Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri Bus Stations the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

By train

Trains leave Bangkok's Thonburi Train Station at 07:45 and arrive at Kanchanaburi at 10:20, also at 13:45 and arriving at about 4:30 pm. You can buy a ticket all the way to the River Kwai Bridge, since these two trains are the only ones which cross the bridge each day. Fares are inexpensive and the scenery is worth a fortune.

The first return train leaves early at 07:20 and in the afternoon at about 2:30 pm from the main railway station; from the River Kwai Bridge they leave a few minutes earlier. The trains have fist class, economy class and 3rd class which is an adventure in itself, especially to those who have never travelled this way before.

These train services end in Nam Tok. The 10:30 am train caters to tourists with an air conditioned tourist section where they give you a complimentary soft drink and a certificate of having ridden the Death Railway a nice souvenir to show off to relatives and friends. Have it framed!

By Road

Kanchanaburi is about 3 hours drive from Bangkok, via the eastern highway towards Ratchaburi. There you can take a detour to the famous Damoen Saduak floating market for some sightseeing and lunch. There are two routes recommended to get to Kanchanaburi:

Route 1: Takes about a 2 hour drive on Highway number 4 also known as Phetkasem via Nakhon Chaisi Province, Nakhon Pathom Province, Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi Province) to Kanchanaburi.

Route 2: Using highway number 338 from Bangkok to Nakhon Chaisi Province and then change to Highway number 4 to Kanchanaburi, this is the easiest way.