Transportation in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya's transport is built around three tiers: the commuter trains that rattle in from Bangkok every hour, the songthaew pick-ups that loop the old city for pocket-change fares, and the bicycle rental stalls clustered near the station. The train is the cheapest ride you'll find, just grab a third-class seat and you're there in 90 minutes. But it dumps you on the east bank. Most ruins sit on the western island, so budget an extra songthaew hop or a short ferry crossing. Bicycles rule the ruins: flat lanes, shade from banyans, and you can lock them at any temple gate for free. First-timers should skip the tuk-tuk touts at the station exit. They quote triple what the blue songthaews charge and often insist on "tour packages." Instead, walk 100 m to the main road, flag the shared pick-up, and pay the same fare the locals do. If you're coming straight from Bangkok's airports, the smart move is the airport rail link to Hua Lamphong, then the Ayutthaya train, no direct service exists, and taxis are a splurge that can eat half a day in traffic.