Chiang Mai train station sees surge in passengers as fuel crisis bites

Record-high fuel prices and growing anxiety over petrol shortages at stations across the city have given Chiang Mai’s railway station a noticeably busier atmosphere. Travellers are turning to the train to cut costs, and tourists from other provinces who had planned to drive to Chiang Mai for this year’s Songkran festival are switching to rail in growing numbers.

Station staff say the uptick in passengers since the latest fuel price hike has been unmistakable. With Songkran approaching, all five daily northbound services on the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route are now fully booked for 10–12 April 2026, while southbound trains from Chiang Mai to Krung Thep Aphiwat on 14th-18th April still have around 20 percent of third-class seats available per day. Passengers and tourists are advised to plan ahead and book early.

The State Railway of Thailand has confirmed there will be no fare increases, in a bid to ease the burden on travellers. Six additional special services on the northern line will be added over the Songkran period, with bookings opening on 27th March. The SRT has also confirmed it is securing adequate fuel reserves to keep trains running without interruption.