Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) Railway Station: A Perfect Hub to Explore Thailand

The Bear Team 4 min read

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Concerning public transport in Thailand, it can be surprisingly good and excellent value for money. Although the nation’s bus service is the chosen mode of public transport for the masses, its rail network can be just as affordable and helpful as the bus service. 

No matter where you want to travel in Thailand, if you are in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) and want to visit a train station that can connect you with the rest of the nation, Hua Lamphong, otherwise known as Bangkok Train Station, is a perfect choice.

Hua Lamphong connects many parts of the country with the capital. Whether you want to go to the north of Thailand, the east, northeast, or even the south, this train station is the perfect hub to explore the country.

If you are in the city and want to get to the train station easily, Hua Lamphong is also connected to the MRT underground system. 

Bangkok Railway Hub

The train station has been open since 1916 and was initially designed by an Italian architect named Mario Tamagno and enjoys a neo-renaissance flair. The design is similar to what you will find on some official government buildings in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) that were also built during this period. The building’s design and layout are sometimes compared to the stunning Frankfurt Train Station in Germany, offering something unique in Thailand. 

Making your way through the train station's entrance, you are greeted by 26 ticket kiosks and massive arrival and departure boards so you can keep track of your train times. On this level, you will find a vast choice of fast food outlets, shops, and stores. 

  Trivia!

Every day, 200 trains and 60,000 passengers arrive and depart Hua Lamphong station.

Types of Thai Train Tickets and Options

There are a number of options when it comes to booking train seats at Hua Lamphong. For a more comfortable journey, kindly note that most trains have:

• First-Class seating with air-conditioned carriages and sleeping compartments. These are the more private seating options and are ideal if you are looking to take an overnight journey.
  
  
• Second-Class seating also has air-conditioning and also has some sleeping berths.
  
  
• Third-Class is the ideal choice if you are looking for the cheapest possible options, and although it doesn’t have air-conditioning, it’s immensely affordable. 

If you are looking to travel over long distances by train from Hua Lamphong, we would suggest you take the Special Express. These long-distance trains connect with significant areas such as Chiang Mai in the north, Yala and Suratthani in the south, and Sukhothai in the central regions.

If you want to travel to regional hubs such as Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani, Trang, and Udonthani, we strongly recommend booking yourself a first or second-class ticket on the Express service. 

If you want to visit southern Thai regions such as Yala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, or Sungai Kolok, we highly recommend booking tickets on the Rapid service. 

  Did You Know?

Hua Lamphong station was opened to the public in 1916 and was constructed on Italian architectural designs by Italian designer Mario Tamagno. It has 12 platforms and 22 ticket counters, shops, fast food outlets, and stores.

Regional Excursions

The best part about catching trains at the Bangkok Train Station is that it’s a hub to explore most of Thailand. This is the perfect train station if you are staying in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) and want to explore Thailand via train excursion.

Hua Lamphong works in conjunction with the State of Railway of Thailand (SRT) to offer excursion trips to explore the surrounding regions. Using the SRT’s special excursion options, you can visit places such as Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Kanchanaburi, Petchaburi, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and Amphawa Floating Market. 

You can also take overnight train excursions to the Thai-Burmese border (Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi), northeastern regions along with the Mekong River, and even international destinations in Laos and Vietnam. These train excursions offer sleeper packages and are something a little different.

Whether looking for a cheap and easy way to explore Thailand or something more exotic and high-end, Hua Lamphong train station in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is the perfect hub to explore Thailand by railway. 

 Fun Fact!

Being the central railway station in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), visitors can catch a train anywhere in Thailand from here. Visitors can also eat fast food and shop inside the station while waiting for their train.

Map & More Information

Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) Railway Station is a century old and was opened in 1916 to the public. It is the central railway station in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), and every day 200 trains arrive and depart to and from different parts of Thailand.