New Year Rail Rush: Thailand Rolls Out Special Trains On Northern And Southern Routes

As Thailand’s New Year celebrations get under way, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has reported a sharp rise in passenger numbers, with more than 1.14 million people travelling by train on Saturday, December 27, 2025. To cope with the surge and ease overcrowding, the SRT has introduced additional special services on both its Northern and Southern routes to ensure smoother journeys for passengers during the festive period.

The additional services are intended to ease congestion and improve travel comfort during the busy holiday period. At the same time, strong demand was also recorded across other rail networks, with intercity services handling 87,398 journeys, while urban mass transit systems logged more than 1.05 million passenger trips.

Rail Services Introduced To Handle Festive Travel Rush

With the holiday period driving record levels of domestic movement, rail travel remains one of the most popular options for people heading home or visiting major tourist centres. To meet rising demand, the State Railway of Thailand has introduced two supplementary services designed to increase capacity on long-distance routes during the peak festive rush. The move reflects broader efforts to manage seasonal travel pressures, as thousands of passengers plan journeys to cultural hubs and regional centres across the country.

Rail officials say the additional services will help distribute passenger loads more evenly, particularly during peak departure times, while maintaining safety and comfort standards. The Northern and Southern corridors, which link Bangkok with key destinations such as Chiang Mai and Yala, traditionally experience the heaviest traffic during New Year celebrations. By expanding services on these routes, the railway aims to minimise congestion, shorten waiting times, and ensure travellers can complete their journeys with minimal disruption.

Services On Key Routes

To handle the festive surge in passenger numbers, the State Railway of Thailand has launched two supplementary services on its busiest routes. On the Northern Line, Special Train No. 5 will depart Krung Thep Aphiwat Station in Bangkok at 7:05 pm, providing an additional evening connection to Chiang Mai, a popular destination famed for its historic temples and lively night markets.

Meanwhile, the Southern Line will see Special Train No. 983 leaving the capital at 7:30 pm for Yala, offering extra capacity for travellers heading to the deep south to experience the region’s natural landscapes and distinctive local culture. Both services will operate throughout the extended New Year holiday from December 31, 2025 to January 4, 2026, supporting government efforts to stimulate domestic tourism while easing pressure on regular train schedules during the peak travel period.

Booking Tips For Holiday Rail Travel

Passengers planning to travel with the State Railway of Thailand over the festive period are advised to secure tickets well in advance, particularly for the newly added supplementary services, as seats are expected to sell out quickly. Making a reservation early can help ensure a smoother and stress-free journey. Travellers should also arrive at stations ahead of departure time to allow for crowds and boarding procedures.

With passenger numbers at peak levels, minor delays remain possible, so flexibility is recommended. Keeping track of announcements and updates from railway authorities can help travellers stay informed about any schedule adjustments or service changes.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

Which routes have additional trains for the New Year period?
Extra services have been added on the Northern Line to Chiang Mai and the Southern Line to Yala, two of the busiest long-distance routes during the holiday season.

When will the special trains operate?
The supplementary services will run throughout the extended New Year holiday period, from 31 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.

Where do the special trains depart from?
Both special services depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station in Bangkok.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Passengers are strongly advised to book early, as seats on popular routes are expected to sell out quickly during the festive rush.

Are delays expected during the holiday period?
While additional trains are in place to ease congestion, travellers should still allow extra time and monitor official updates, as heavy passenger volumes may lead to minor delays.

Are other rail services also busy during New Year?
Yes. Intercity and urban mass transit services typically experience high passenger numbers during the holiday period, reflecting increased nationwide travel.