Train No. 9 Lopburi Station Change 2026: New Route Guide
Key Takeaway: The Train No. 9 Lopburi Station change (2026) means this popular sleeper no longer stops at the old ground-level monkey temple station. Instead, it pulls into the new elevated bypass station 4.2 kilometers away.
A 2nd Class sleeper berth from Bangkok to this new facility costs 840 THB and takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Because Train #9 is an evening sleeper designed for the full trip to Chiang Mai, day-trippers should opt for morning rapid trains. Regardless of your choice, book train tickets online well before your travel dates.
Picture this. You board the famous overnight express in Bangkok, expecting a quick evening stop right next to Lopburi’s famous monkey temples, only to pull into a massive, sterile concrete platform three miles out of town.
The Train No. 9 Lopburi Station change (2026) has completely rewired the northern rail schedule. But don't panic. This infrastructure upgrade actually makes your overnight trip to Chiang Mai significantly faster, provided you understand how the new routing works.
For decades, travelers relied on the classic northern line to drop them right at the footsteps of Phra Prang Sam Yot. The sight of macaques greeting the arriving carriages was iconic. However, progress marches on, and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has implemented a massive double-tracking project.
If you are holding a ticket for the Special Express CNR, your Train No. 9 Lopburi experience will be vastly different from what older guidebooks describe. You will arrive at a modern, elevated facility designed for speed rather than sightseeing.
Quick Overview: Train No. 9 Lopburi Station Shift
The 2026 timetable adjustments brought a sweeping overhaul to how premium express trains navigate the central provinces. The Train No. 9 Lopburi stop is the most notable casualty of this modernization effort, shifting away from the historic center to a purpose-built bypass.
- The Route Change: Train No. 9 (the Special Express CNR) now completely bypasses the historic downtown Lopburi station.
- The New Stop: It stops at the newly built Lopburi Elevated Station on the bypass line.
- Time Saved: Skipping the old city's level crossings shaves 25 minutes off the total journey north.
- Onward Travel: Reaching the monkey temple from the new station requires a 120 THB songthaew ride.
- Ticket Availability: Demand remains sky-high for this premium train. Check latest prices on thailandtrain.org to secure your berth.
Why the Train No. 9 Lopburi Route Actually Changed
Thailand's railway modernization is driven by a simple reality. The old Lopburi station sat right in the middle of a dense historic district, forcing massive sleeper trains to crawl through traffic-choked level crossings. The 2026 double-tracking project solved this by building an elevated bypass around the city.
- Premium express trains now use the elevated bypass.
- Local commuter trains continue to use the old ground-level tracks.
- City congestion has been significantly reduced.
The 2026 Train No. 9 Lopburi station shift eliminates the notorious downtown railway crossings, cutting 25 minutes off the total journey time to Chiang Mai.
This is a massive win for anyone traveling the full distance. The State Railway of Thailand designed the new timetable specifically to speed up long-haul routes. (If you want to understand how this affects your departure from the capital, read our Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Guide: Avoid 2026 Scams).
You get to sleep earlier. You arrive up north faster. To grab a lower berth on this faster route, book at thailandtrain.org as soon as tickets open.
Engineering behind the bypass is impressive. By elevating the tracks for over 10 kilometers, the SRT removed five major road intersections that previously caused daily gridlock in Lopburi town. While tourists might miss the charm of stepping off the train directly into a troop of monkeys, local residents are thrilled to have their city streets back.
The Train No. 9 Lopburi bypass represents a necessary compromise. It balances the preservation of a historic city center with the needs of a 21st-century transport network.
Old Station vs. New Station: The Ground Reality
The contrast between the two transit hubs is staggering. The old station drips with history, featuring macaques literally sitting on the station sign. In contrast, the new elevated station looks like an airport terminal. It has pristine bathrooms, wide escalators, and digital departure boards, but absolutely zero monkeys.
While the old station dropped you directly into the macaque-filled historic center, the new 2026 elevated facility requires a 15-minute, 120 THB songthaew ride to reach the ruins.
| Feature | Old Lopburi Station (Downtown) | New Lopburi Station (Elevated) | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to Phra Prang Sam Yot | 200 meters (3-minute walk) | 4.2 kilometers (15-minute drive) | Book Train |
| Train No. 9 Stops Here? | No | Yes (20:31 arrival) | Book Train |
| Vibe & Facilities | Historic, chaotic, basic toilets | Modern, escalators, clean facilities | Book Train |
| Transport Options | Walk everywhere | Taxis and songthaews waiting outside | Book Train |
If you are plotting out your wider itinerary, taking a look at a Map of Thailand’s Northern Train Line will show you exactly why this bypass was built. It straightens out a massive kink in the track.
The new station features ample parking and a few small convenience kiosks. Travelers will find a massive waiting hall equipped with air conditioning. It is objectively a better facility, even if it lacks the chaotic charm of the old town.
Ticket Prices and Classes for Train No. 9 Lopburi
If you are determined to take this specific train, you need to understand the pricing structure. The Train No. 9 Lopburi route uses the newest Chinese-built CNR sleeper carriages. These are the most modern trains in the SRT fleet, featuring aircraft-style vacuum toilets, bright LED lighting, and smooth air suspension.
A 1st Class private cabin berth from Bangkok to the new Lopburi station costs roughly 1,450 THB. If you want the entire cabin to yourself, you must pay a single occupancy surcharge. A 2nd Class sleeper berth costs 840 THB for a lower bed and slightly less for an upper bed.
Because this is a premium express service, you are paying a high base fare plus sleeper supplements. This applies regardless of how short your journey is. To secure these highly sought-after tickets, book train tickets online well in advance.
Should You Even Take Train No. 9 to Lopburi?
Let's talk logistics. Train No. 9 leaves Bangkok at 18:40. It arrives at the new Lopburi station around 20:30. By the time you navigate the new station and catch a ride into town, it will be past 21:00. The monkey temples are closed. The historic ruins are dark.
Train No. 9 is Thailand's premier sleeper service to Chiang Mai, making it a spectacular waste of money if you are only riding it two hours north to Lopburi.
Day-trippers should absolutely ignore the Train No. 9 Lopburi option. Instead, catch Train No. 111 or Train No. 7. These daytime services still use the old tracks, dropping you right at the monkey temple when the sun is actually shining.
Save the premium sleeper for your big trip north. (Curious about the actual bed quality? Check our guide on Thai Train Classes Explained: 1st Class vs 2nd Class Sleeper). When you are ready for that long haul, book train tickets online to secure the best spots.
| Train Number | Departure (BKK) | Best Used For | Lopburi Station Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train 111 (Rapid) | 07:30 | Day trips to see monkeys | Old Downtown Station |
| Train 7 (Express) | 09:05 | Fast, air-conditioned day trips | Old Downtown Station |
| Train 9 (Special Exp.) | 18:40 | Overnight travel to Chiang Mai | New Elevated Station |
Pro Tips for Navigating the 2026 Schedule
- Don't trust outdated blogs. Any article written before 2026 will tell you Train 9 stops at the monkey temple. It does not. The State Railway of Thailand officially shifted this route, as confirmed by SRT's official timetable.
- Use the right booking platform. If you are wondering how to book Thailand train tickets online?, use thailandtrain.org. You avoid the clunky official government site and get instant confirmation.
- Book lower berths 90 days out. The Train No. 9 Lopburi to Chiang Mai route is the most popular train in the country. Lower berths (which have windows) sell out within hours of release.
- Watch your luggage. If you do get off at the new Lopburi station, there are elevators. You won't have to drag heavy bags down concrete stairs like at the old station.
- Plan your onward transport. Songthaew drivers at the new elevated station charge a flat 120 THB to the old city. Negotiating is pointless late at night.
- Read the specific train guide. For a deep dive into the onboard experience, read our Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train: Best #9 Sleeper Guide (2026) before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Train No. 9 stop in Lopburi?
Following the 2026 timetable update, Train No. 9 stops at the new Lopburi Elevated Station, located 4.2 kilometers from the historic monkey temple district. It no longer stops at the old downtown station.
How much is a Train No. 9 Lopburi ticket from Bangkok?
A 2nd Class sleeper berth on Train No. 9 costs 840 THB. However, because this is an evening sleeper train, morning rapid trains offer much cheaper and more practical options for day-trippers.
How long does Train No. 9 take to reach Lopburi?
The journey from Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central to the new Lopburi elevated station takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, thanks to the new high-speed bypass tracks.
