Special Express 9 (Northern Line)

State Railway of Thailand (SRT)
Thailand
Loading Map...
The Journey

Navigate from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central (Bangkok) to Chiang Mai across a span of 751km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Doi Khun Tan National Park
  • Khun Tan Tunnel (1.3 km)
  • Northern Thai Jungles
  • Lamphun Sunrise
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    12.5 hours

  • Distance

    751 km

  • Est. Price

    THB 1,050–1,650 depending on class

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

SRT diesel locomotive (General Motors GT42LOC or similar) + AC coach consists

Locomotive Weight

~120 tonnes (GT42LOC)

Track Gauge

1,000 mm (metre gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes (dual-pipe)

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Khun Tan Tunnel — 1.3 km single-bore tunnel on steep mountain grade

  • Single-track operation with passing loops — schedule flexibility limited

  • Long northbound ascent through mountain terrain — slower speeds on grades

  • Gauge-compatible with all SRT metre-gauge rolling stock

  • Ageing rolling stock requiring periodic maintenance cycles

Route Classification

State Railway of Thailand Northern Line

Maximum Speed

~80 km/h on level sections, ~50 km/h on mountain grades

Notable Section

Khun Tan Tunnel / Doi Khun Tan National Park crossing

Rolling Stock Age

Varied — some carriages dating to 1970s–90s

Crew

Conductor + onboard service staff

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    12.5 hours

  • Distance

    751 km

  • Est. Price

    THB 1,050–1,650 depending on class

Official Booking Provider