Bangkok to Khao Yai By car, or to Pak Chong first.
The short answer: a car is the easy way: about two and a half to three hours from Bangkok, and you will want it inside the park anyway. Without one, take a train, van or bus to Pak Chong, the gateway town, then the park bus or a songthaew to the gate. There is no public transport past the gate.
Below: the options compared with fares checked on 7 November 2026, the trains to Pak Chong, the park fee and gate hours, and what is closed in the park right now.
Bangkok to Khao Yai at a glance
Prices are 12Go and counter prices for a November 2026 date; 12Go includes a booking fee.
| Option | How long | Leaves from | Price (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private car | About 2.5–3 hours | Your hotel or either airport | About 2,050–2,650 baht per car | Most people: you need a car in the park |
| Train to Pak Chong | About 2.5–3.5 hours | Krung Thep Aphiwat | About 135–350 baht | A cheap, relaxed trip |
| Van to Pak Chong | About 3 hours | Mo Chit van terminal, about hourly | About 220–290 baht | Many departures |
| Bus to Pak Chong | About 2.5 hours | Mo Chit 2 | About 180–230 baht | The lowest price |
Compare live times and prices: Bangkok to Khao Yai on 12Go · Bangkok to Pak Chong
Which one should you pick?
Book a car if you can. The park is big, the visitor centre is about 14 km past the gate, and no public transport goes inside, so a car or a tour is how you see it.
Take the train or a van to Pak Chong if you are joining a tour from there, or staying in town and renting a scooter.
Check your ticket says Pak Chong. Many vans and buses on this road go on to Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
Trains from Bangkok to Pak Chong
Departures from Krung Thep Aphiwat, from Rail Thailand's timetable (January 2026) as published by Visit Thailand Today; other timetables show arrivals up to 10 minutes later. All of these stop at Don Mueang about 17 minutes after leaving.
| Train | Leaves Bangkok | Arrives Pak Chong | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Express No. 21 | 06:10 | about 08:45 | Air-conditioned seats; the best start for a day in the park |
| Rapid No. 135 | 07:10 | about 10:45 | About 135 baht in 3rd class, 180 baht in 2nd |
| Express No. 71 | 10:35 | about 13:20 | |
| Rapid No. 139 | 19:25 | about 22:35 | For a night in Pak Chong before the park |
Pak Chong station is about 300 m from the night market. Seats go on sale about 30 days ahead on the State Railway's D-Ticket site and on 12Go.
From Pak Chong to the park
The park bus leaves Pak Chong about every 30 minutes through the day and costs 15 baht; songthaews also run along the road. Both stop at the northern gate by the Chao Por Khao Yai shrine, less than an hour away.
From the gate to the visitor centre it is about another 14 km, too far to walk, and no public transport goes past the gate. Rent a scooter in Pak Chong, ask your guesthouse for a driver, or join a guided park tour from town.
The park: fee, hours and closures
Foreign adults pay 400 baht at the Pak Chong (northern) gate and children 200 baht; a car is 30 baht more. The gate is open from 06:00 to 18:00.
Haew Narok waterfall has been closed since its bridge washed away in the floods of September 2026, and some viewpoints close every year from 1 June to 30 September. Check what is open before you go.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip from Bangkok is possible but long, about 11 hours there and back, and it misses the early morning, when you are most likely to see wildlife. One night or more near the park is better; see where to stay in Khao Yai.
Booking Bangkok to Khao Yai on 12Go
12Go sells private cars from Bangkok and the airports to Khao Yai, the vans and buses to Pak Chong, and reserved train seats.
If you book a van or bus, make sure the ticket names Pak Chong, not only Korat.
Bangkok to Khao Yai FAQ
How long does it take from Bangkok to Khao Yai?
About two and a half to three hours by car; about two and a half to three and a half hours by train or van to Pak Chong, plus the ride to the park.
Is there public transport into Khao Yai National Park?
Only to the northern gate: the park bus and songthaews from Pak Chong. Past the gate you need a car, a scooter or a tour.
How much is the Khao Yai entrance fee?
For foreigners, 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children at the Pak Chong gate, plus 30 baht for a car.
What time does Khao Yai open?
The gate is open from 06:00 to 18:00.
Can you do Khao Yai as a day trip from Bangkok?
Yes, by car or on a tour, but it is a long day of about 11 hours. Staying one night gives you the early morning in the park.
Last checked: 7 November 2026. Train times, transport prices, the park bus and closures from Visit Thailand Today (27 October 2026, using Rail Thailand and 12Go), cross-checked with Thai Train Guide, Train36, Travelfish, Khao Yai National Park's site and 12Go; entry fees from Khao Yai National Park's official fee page; gate hours from Thai Holiday Guide and GoAsia. Times and fees change, so check before you travel.