Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok
Photo by KarlDubost (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Hua Lamphong

Bangkok’s central train station

Hua Lamphong was Bangkok’s main train station, connecting the capital with major cities in each part of the country. The historic building in European style is over a hundred years old.

As of January 2023, Hua Lamphong has been replaced by the new Bang Sue Grand station as Bangkok’s central station.

Opened in 1916

Hua Lamphong railway station opened on June 25, 1916. The building has become one of Bangkok’s historic landmarks.

Neo-Renaissance style

The hall with its dome structure and stained glass windows was built in Italian Neo-Renaissance style. The building was designed by Mario Tamagno, an Italian architect who worked in Bangkok in the early 20^th century. He also designed several other buildings in Bangkok like the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, the Bang Khun Phrom palace and the Parliament building.

To be turned into a museum

In early 2023 Bang Sue Grand Station in Chatuchak has become Bangkok’s main railway station. Initially it was planned to close down the old Hua Lamphong and turn it into a railway history museum. Late 2022 it appears that Hua Lamphong will remain open for a limited number of trains.

Huge hall

The station comprises of a large hall with a straightforward layout. In the hall with its huge arched dome are a waiting area, information boards, ticket counters, eateries and coffee shops. To the back of the hall is the exit to the train platforms.

Information boards

Two large electronic information boards in the hall show upcoming departures and arrivals in both Thai and English. To get more detailed information, go to the SRT State Railway of Thailand information booth.

Services

Among the services offered in the hall are luggage storage, a small supermarket and basic restrooms.

Food & drinks

At the food court on the ground floor you can get Thai dishes as fried rice, noodle soup and pork or chicken dishes at low prices.

Also on the ground floor a Café Amazon and a Dunkin’ Donuts. Up the stairs is a Black Canyon Coffee.

Train platforms

To the back of the hall are exits to the train platforms. An electronic information board next to each platform shows the destination, departure time and train number of the next train.

Train of the SRT
Photo by Maurits90 (CC0 1.0)

Operated by SRT

Hua Lamphong station is operated by SRT, the State Railway of Thailand. The long distance trains of the Northern Line, Northeastern Line, Eastern Line and Southern Line connect Bangkok with each region of Thailand.

Tens of thousands of people use the station every day. During national holidays as Songkran, Loy Krathong and New Year the place is packed with people traveling to see their families.

Train tickets

Same day as well as advance tickets can be bought at the ticket counters inside the station’s hall. Check the sign over each counter to get into the correct line. Ticket prices depend on the type of seat and train.

Online tickets

For more convenience, tickets can be bought online at the 12Go website.

For more details about the various lines, schedules, ticket prices and more, check Travel Thailand by train.

Types of trains and seats

You have a choice of several types of trains, depending on distance and degree of comfort that you want.

Long distance trains
For a long distance trip, choose either a Special Express train or an Express train. Both have regular seats and sleepers, either with air conditioning or without. A popular service is the sleeper train to Chiang Mai.

Rapid and Ordinary trains are long distance services, but they make more stops and are slower.

Short distance trains
Bangkok Commuters are short distance trains near Bangkok that stop at each station.
Rural Commuter are short distance trains connecting provinces other than Bangkok.

First, second or third class
You can choose first, second or third class. First class offers more room and is air conditioned.

Railway Museum

To the left of Hua Lamphong’s main entrance is a small railway museum exhibiting old photos, models of trains and other memorabilia. The museum opens daily from 10 am until 6 pm. Admission is free.