Transporting Motorcycle or a Bicycle on a Thailand Train – Thailand is one of the best countries in Asia that offers exciting motorcycling roads but sometimes the long journey on highways can become a little bit monotonous. The good news is that you can actually transport your big/small motorcycle or bicycle on a Thailand train to skip riding the long-distance journey. No need to spend 12 hours on a highway.
Enjoy a sleeper train and arrive the next morning relaxed in the mountains of Chiang Mai or the beautiful coastlines in the South.
I did quite a bit of search on the Internet and I must say the information on how one can transport their motorcycle on trains is lacking or incomplete.
I have gone through the process and compiled all the details you need in this article and hopefully, it will be beneficial for you.
Page Contents
Trains With Cargo
First of all, you can only transport your motorcycle on a train that has a cargo compartment. For your convenience, below is a list of trains which have a cargo compartment: (Updated 9th Feb 2019)
North route
No cargo train – Train no: 9 & 10.
1 cargo carriage train no: 13, 14, 108, 111, 201, 202, 212.
2 cargo carriage train no: 51, 52, 109, 102, 107, 112, 115, 116.
3 cargo carriage train – Not available for this route.
North East Route
No cargo train – Train no: 23 & 25.
1 cargo carriage train no: 67, 68, 70, 135, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145.
2 cargo carriage train no: 136 & 146.
3 cargo carriage train no: 133 & 134.
South Route
No cargo train – Train no: 31 & 32.
1 cargo carriage train no: 83, 84, 85, 86, 177, 178, 255.
2 cargo carriage train no: 37, 38, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174.
3 cargo carriage train – Not available for this route.
* There is no cargo for Thailand’s Kanchanaburi & Eastern routes due to the short distance. If you’re in Malaysia, you will need to take it from either Hatyai or Padang Besar (Thai side) as there are no longer direct trains from Malaysia to Thailand.
Getting Started
First of all, you MUST book your train ticket for a train that has the cargo capacity to transport your motorcycle. Tell the ticket guy you need to travel with a motorcycle. You may refer to the list above on which train no. has cargo carriages or ask at the ticketing counter.
You can either purchase your train ticket in person at their counter or book it online.
Note: Please ensure you book based on the train no. that can carry cargo.
You can now purchase Thailand Train Ticket online directly from SRT Thailand website. More details can be found at the link below:
SRT Thailand Train E-Ticket Booking
Note: If you’re thinking of which class you should travel to, you can check on Thailand Train Classes Type.
An example of an original Thailand first-class train ticket can be found below.
Transporting Into Train
A few hours before the train is scheduled to leave, proceed to the weigh station or the cargo counter (depending on which station you go to) and you will be asked to wheel your motorcycle. Do not start your motorcycle’s engine.
At this point, they might ask you to pay the handler’s tip. Tell them that you will pay the handler(s) yourself later, usually tip the handler(s) THB50-100 each. DO NOT tip at the weigh station. You might also be asked to purchase tie-down straps for your motorcycle which will cost you about THB 60 or just bring yours. Some bubble wraps will help to avoid scratches on your fuel tank.
The fee for transporting the bike is calculated by weight and not by train distance. You may want to show the train station guy your Motorcycle registration document, which lists the dry weight to speed up the process. Below are the estimated figures:
- Between 100KG to 125KG = THB 900
- Between 126KGto 150KG = THB 1100
- Between 151KG and above = THB 1500
Note: At some stations, the staff could be trying to overcharge you for your cargo. Since you already know the charges, you can try to negotiate based on the estimated prices.
As for documentation, you will need to provide your motorcycle registration document and your passport or Thai ID Card. After the paperwork is settled, and money is paid, you’d be asked to stick a transport slip on the motorbike.
You will also be handed a luggage ticket, which you must pass to the staff at your destination in exchange for your bike. Keep it safe!
Once the paperwork is done. You can just wait for the train or go for coffee etc but do keep an eye on your luggage/boxes.
When the train arrived, the cargo men will take your bike to the cargo carriage for loading. Follow them. Handler’s tips (THB50-100 each person) are expected here and they might get sulky if it is not forthcoming. Please note they will not allow you to put your luggage or boxes into the cargo but you can carry them with you and put them in the passenger’s luggage compartment.
Once the bike is loaded and secured identity who on the train is in charge of the cargo carriage and if you want to ensure your bike is looked after, tip him too. You may need to check how they have tied the bike. Sometimes, they may ruin your front brake by tying it back too tightly. It is recommended to be present at the loading and to supervise the securing of the bike. The handlers will be happy if you offer to give them a hand and at the same time, you can make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Once you’re happy with your motorcycle in the cargo compartment, just take your seat in the train and enjoy the ride.
Getting Off Train
Once you’ve arrived at your destination and under normal circumstances, you will find your bike unloaded by the time you are off the train. Check your bike for scratches, tip the handlers again (it is totally up to you since everything has been paid already), pass them your luggage ticket and then wheel the bike out of the station.
If your motorcycle is on another train/cargo, go to the cargo area of the station and get the phone number of the person who deals with cargo arrival. You can then give them your number (if you speak Thai) to notify you when your motorcycle has arrived. In most cases, your motorcycle will be on the same train and once they have unloaded it, provide them with the slip and your motorcycle is ready for collection.
*The biggest problem you may encounter is when loading the bike at stations that are not the final stations of the route, such as Chumphon or Nakhon Sawan. There is sometimes friction between the train staff and the station staff, especially on night trains. The motorcycle might get refused or they simply can not load it in the short time the train stops there. This is a fraught experience. The procedure is that they will then put it on a later train. If you find this is the case go to see the main guard for your train, show him your paperwork and find out what has happened and when the bike will arrive. He can call the station and find out when it will be sent.
*Info credited to Dan White. Some information may change from time to time by State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and if you need confirmation, you may contact SRT over the phone as per below or refer to Thailand SRT Train Contact Information.
SRT Thailand Contact
SRT Call Center: 1690 (within Thailand)
Bangkok Station (Hua Lampong): 0-2223-3762, 0-2224-7788, 0-2225-0300 Ext. 5100
International Contact Number: + 66 2 223 3762
FAQ
Any other questions? Try the link below:
Thailand Train Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions, drop them at the comment box below and feel free to share this article via the social buttons.
FAQs
Can you take a motorbike on a train in Thailand? ›
Depending on the type of train the charge is 90 to 130 THB per bicycle. Transporting motorbikes on trains in Thailand costs 1,200 to around 3,000 THB per motorbike depending on the weight of the bike.
Can I bring a motorbike on a train? ›No. Trains are not permitted to carry any petrol–powered vehicles, for safety reasons.
Is it OK to take a bike on a train? ›Our cycle policy
If you have a fully folding cycle, you're welcome to bring it on board any of our trains. Just be sure to fold and carry your bike before going through the ticket gates and when doing so, please make sure you use the wide aisle gate as this provides more space and time for you to walk through.
Legally, to drive a motorbike in Thailand you need a valid international or Thai motorcycle license. Previously, the rules were more strict and required an international license issued by the Paris Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic, but as of 2021, any International Driver's Permit is sufficient.
Can I bring my motorcycle to Thailand? ›Foreign Vehicle Permit – to temporarily import your own motorcycle, officially you must have a permit issued by the Thai Department of Land Transportation and travel with a licensed agent.
How much is a motorbike in Thailand? ›Brand new bikes are from around 40,000 baht upwards. But you can pick up a second hand scooter in good condition for 15 – 20,000 Baht easily.
How can I carry my bike in train bag? ›If you are booking the bike as your luggage, carry at least two or three copies of mandatory documents of the bike with you. Fill the form providing the relevant information and pay the bike parcel charges as intimated. Let your bike get parcelled or packed by a packer.
Can I leave my bike at train station? ›Our 20 managed stations offer plenty of convenient storage spaces for you to leave your bike before heading onto your next destination.
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle to Thailand? ›The average cost to ship a motorcycle overseas is between $1,000 and $2,000, however if you crate it and ship it on a transport carrier. That said, the overall cost depends on several factors.
Is it hard to drive a motorbike in Thailand? ›Getting around on a motorbike or motorcycle in Thailand is easy enough and, especially in busy traffic, will get you to your destination faster whilst the cars and trucks are plodding along in the traffic. There will be plenty of people who say the first tip about driving a motorbike in Thailand is “DON'T”.
Should I ride a motorbike in Thailand? ›
But riding a motorbike in Thailand can also be very dangerous. But if you stick to the common sense basics – ride within the speed limits, wear a bike helmet, obey the traffic rules and don't drink and drive – it remains a perfectly reliable way to get around.
How old can you ride a motorcycle in Thailand? ›The minimum age to drive a motor vehicle is 18, and to drive a motorcycle is 15. Driving licence is issued and administered by the Department of Land Transport, Ministry of Transport and its branches, land transport offices across Thailand.
Are scooters allowed on trains? ›E-scooters have been banned from all public transport in London from today. It comes amid fire safety concerns after one e-scooter caught fire on a Tube train. The ban includes all e-scooters and e-unicycles, but does not include mobility scooters that are permitted on the network or foldable e-bikes.
Are folding bikes allowed on trains? ›No restrictions and no need to reserve a space. The only rule is that you must be able to carry the bike onto the train and fit it in the luggage rack. So, if you own, borrow or hire a folding bike such as a Brompton you shouldn't have any problems.
Can you take an electric bike on a train? ›Small bikes: e-bikes and bicycles with up to 16 inch wheels are always allowed on long-distance trains as a free luggage item. However, you need to pack them accordingly and store them in the designated luggage areas. This works especially well with folding bicycles.
How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Thailand? ›If you want to rent a motorcycle, you can expect to pay around 720 Thai baht per day on the low end, which comes out to around $22. If you're looking for something even cheaper, you can rent a motor scooter for around 600 baht per day, which comes out to around $18.
Can you bring a motorcycle overseas? ›It may interest you to know that shipping motorcycle overseas services involve significantly more paperwork than shipping domestically. You need specific documents ready to clear your bike at U.S. customs and then more documents to clear customs in the destination country.
Do you need a licence to ride a scooter in Thailand? ›To ride a motorcycle or scooter, you need an international motorbike license or a Thai motorbike license.
What is the most popular motorcycle in Thailand? ›Shiketo Kimura, President of Thai Honda Manufacturing Co., Ltd., stated: "The overall market for the motorcycle industry in Thailand continued to grow in 2021. Honda has maintained its market leadership for 33 years in a row. Of the 1,611,078 units registered overall, Honda accounted for 1,236,476 units.
Can I buy a motorcycle in Thailand on a tourist visa? ›If you're buying a new bike from a dealer, they usually can still get the bike registered in your name even if you don't have the 3-month non-immigrant visa. However this does vary from province to province & dealer to dealer – how well they are connected.
Are motorcycles cheaper in Thailand? ›
Motorbikes hold their resale value in Thailand.
That means, even if you operate it for two years before selling it, it will only cost you a few hundred dollars plus the price of gas (cheap!) and the price of insurance (even cheaper!)
The average cost to ship a motorcycle overseas is between $1,000 and $2,000, however if you crate it and ship it on a transport carrier. That said, the overall cost depends on several factors.
Can a foreigner get a motorcycle license in Thailand? ›Planning to drive a car or motorbike in Thailand for travel, leisure or everyday living foreigners can get a Thai driving license with the Department of Land Transport throughout Thailand provided that they are: At least 18 years old.
How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Thailand? ›If you want to rent a motorcycle, you can expect to pay around 720 Thai baht per day on the low end, which comes out to around $22. If you're looking for something even cheaper, you can rent a motor scooter for around 600 baht per day, which comes out to around $18.
Do you need a licence to ride a scooter in Thailand? ›To ride a motorcycle or scooter, you need an international motorbike license or a Thai motorbike license.
What is the cheapest way to ship a motorcycle? ›Ship it Freight
One of the cheapest ways to ship your motorcycle is to ship it by freight. You get a lower price because most freight companies will estimate the prices based on the weight of your bike. Just be sure to get a binding quote and make sure you have some type of insurance coverage for your bike.
How Long Does Motorcycle Transport Take? The time it takes to ship a motorcycle is depends on many factors. If you're shipping your bike state to state it will take less than 14 days, but if you're shipping your motorcycle internationally, it can take up to 4 weeks.