Bangkok Railway Station is the main railway station for traveling domestically from Bangkok to the rest of the country. The railway station is operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Bangkok Railway Station is locally known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station. It is located in the center of the Pathum Wan District, close to Chinatown.
Hua Lamphong Railway Station is one of Bangkok’s key tourist landmarks as the station preserves its charm and beauty since it was officially launched back in 1916.
All Thailand’s train lines depart from or arrive at Bangkok Railway Station, except of one line. The line going to and from Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai starts and ends at Thonburi Railway Station (Bangkok Noi) which is located on the other side of the Chao Phraya River.
Facilities and Amenities at Train Station
The map of Hua Lamphong Railway Station can be easily noticed at the front of the station.
Hua Lamphong Railway Station has small shops and convenience stores selling a variety of medicines, foods, snacks, and magazines.
There is also a food court selling various Thai Food dishes as well as a number of cafés such as Black Canyon Coffee, Mr. Bun and Dunkin Donuts for you to sit and enjoy some snack while waiting for the train.
At the front entrance of Hua Lamphong Railway Station, there is luggage storage. The left luggage office is open daily from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Hua Lamphong Railway Station has a large air-conditioned waiting area for passengers. The area is in the middle of the station and surrounded by ticket counters, shops and cafés.
There are few ATMs of different banks available for the passengers.
Public toilets (restrooms) can also be used for a small charge.
The Information Office for foreign passengers can be found inside the station. Here you will get any type of information related to your journey.
Hua Lamphong Railway Station is not far from the most important attractions in Bangkok. There are many hotels and hostels located in vicinity of the station. Taxis, public buses and nearby MRT Metro station let you easily reach any part of the city.
Ticket Reservation and Purchase
There is a number of Ticket Counters available at the railway station. The ticket counters are separate for same day traveling and advance bookings.
There’s no need to book 3rd class tickets for short journeys in advance as you can buy them at the station on the day of your travel. Just show up at Today Ticket Counters 45-30 minutes before departure time and you will get a ticket. Be warned that you will not get a specific seat and may need to stand when it’s too crowded.
However, for long-distance journeys and sleeper trains booking in advance is necessary, especially if you are traveling during holiday periods such as New Year or Songkran Festival in April. Booking can be done online or at the Advance Ticket Office in the station not more than 60 days in advance.
You can book your tickets through online travel agents such as 12go.asia.
Timetables & Fares
The easiest way to check current timetables and fares is on the official website of Thai Railways.
The information on the website is presented in Thai language. If you want to see current schedule, you just need to choose your origin and destination, the departure and arrival times will appear together with the prices of 1st, 2nd and 3rd class seat tickets and the distance.
Taking a train is cheap in Thailand. Fares depend on the class of the seat and on the speed of the train. Hard third-class seats are much cheaper than buses. For longer journeys it would be wise to opt for the padded and reclining seats in second class. On long-distance trains, second-class berths, with day seats that convert into comfortable curtained-off bunks in the evening and first-class air-con sleeping compartments should be the options to choose from.
Thailand’s Rail Network
Thailand’s Rail Network consists of four lines.
The Northern Line
This line connects Bangkok with Chiang Mai via Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Phitsanulok and Lampang.
The Northeastern Line has two branches
One branch is running from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani via Khorat and Surin.
The other is linking the capital with Nong Khai via Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.
The Eastern Line also has two branches
One branch is running from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet on the Cambodian border.
The other is connecting Bangkok with Si Racha and Pattaya.
The Southern Line
This line extends from Bangkok via Hua Hin, Chumphon and Surat Thani to Hat Yai, where it continues to Butterworth in Malaysia and makes it possible to travel down south to Singapore after changing the train. There are branches to Nakhon Si Tammarat and Trang on this line too.
At Nakhon Pathom a branch of this line goes to Nam Tok via Kanchanaburi and the Bridge on the River Kwai. Keep in mind that this railway branch starts at Thonburi Railway Station and NOT Hua Lamphong Railway Station!
Train Time
Train travel in Thailand is largely safe, comfortable but slow. Trains tend to start their journey from the city of departure on time but arrive at the destination later than scheduled.
Majority of tracks in Thailand are single-track lines and trains cannot overtake each other, which can affect train delays. Generally, on short routes such as Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Hua Hin or Lopburi, trains hardly get delayed. Whereas on long-distance routes such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani trains are expected to get delayed by minimum 1-2 hrs.
Traveling by train in Thailand is an experience. If you’ll decide to travel by train, allow time and be flexible. Otherwise, use another mean of transport.
How to get there
MRT
The easiest way to get to Hua Lamphong Railway Station is taking MRT Metro to Hua Lamphong MRT Station (Exit 4).
Public Bus
There are many public buses running to Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
- Bus stop at MRT Hua Lamphong (Exit 3): No. 4, 25, 40, 46, 73, 501, 507, 73ก
- Bus stop at MRT Hua Lamphong (Exit 4): No. 4, 25, 34, 40, 46, 53, 73, 85, 109, 507, 542, 73ก
Taxi
Taxi can be the fastest option but it’s the most expensive. The taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Lamphong should cost about 350-450 Baht. Always remember to ask the driver to turn the meter on.
For those who take a train to Bangkok, there are taxis waiting outside the train station near the entrance to the MRT station. Your trip should cost as follows:
- To Khao San Road - about 80-90 Baht
- To Don Mueang Airport - about 300-400 Baht
- To Suvarnabhumi Airport - about 350-450 Baht
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Lamphong Railway Station
Taxi
There are many airport taxis waiting for you between Gates no. 4 and 7 on the 1st floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport Terminal building. Taxi fares are based on meters. The approximate fare per journey should be about 350 - 450 Baht with an additional charge for tollway of 75 Baht and airport surcharge of 50 baht.
Airport Rail Link & MRT
Take the Airport Rail Link to Makkasan Station and change to MRT Metro Phetchaburi Station (check here how to change trains from Airport Rail Link to MRT). Then take MRT to Hua Lamphong Station, Exit 4.
Best way
If you are looking for the best way to get from BKK airport to Bangkok Train Station, check How to get from Suvarnabhumi to Hua Lamphong.
Don Mueang Airport to Hua Lamphong Railway Station
Taxi
There are many airport taxis waiting for in front of the arrival halls of both international and domestic terminals of Don Mueang Airport. Taxi fares are based on meters. The approximate fare per journey should be about 300 - 400 Baht with an additional airport surcharge of 50 baht.
Bus & MRT
Take a bus A1 (30 baht) at the bus stop in front of the arrival hall and get out at MRT Metro Chatuchak Park Station. Then take MRT to Hua Lamphong Station, Exit 4 (30 mins, 42 baht).
Public Bus
Take Public Bus No. 29 or 529 from the bus stop on the main road of Don Mueang Airport to Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok if you are planning to take an early train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station? The answer can be found here: Where to Stay in Bangkok - Guide to Bangkok Best Areas.
