Bangkok Railway Station Hua Lamphong
A grand, colonial-era railway station, once Bangkok's main hub, now a charming spot for local travel and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, better light for photos
Bangkok Railway Station Hua Lamphong
Best Time
Quieter, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand, colonial-era railway station, once Bangkok's main hub, now a charming spot for local travel and photography.
"It's a beautiful, nostalgic station that's still worth visiting, especially for its architecture and local train vibes."
✅ Confirm Your Departure Station
Many trains now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat. Always double-check your ticket and platform!
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light illuminating the station's grand architecture.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hall
Main concourse
A stunning example of colonial architecture, bathed in natural light. Perfect for photos and soaking in the station's history.
Local Rail History Display
Near the main entrance
A small but interesting collection of old photos and artifacts showcasing Thailand's railway past.
Sleeper Train Experience
Platforms
Experience the iconic overnight journey to destinations like Chiang Mai. Book in advance for the best experience!
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Hua Lamphong's New Era
Embrace the Nostalgia (and the Crowds)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Confirm Your Departure Station
Many trains now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat. Always double-check your ticket and platform!
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light illuminating the station's grand architecture.
🎟️ Book Sleeper Trains Ahead
Popular overnight routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai sell out fast. Book your tickets in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Local Lines
For a true local experience, consider short trips on non-air-conditioned trains to nearby towns.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Confirm Your Departure Station
Many trains now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat. Always double-check your ticket and platform!
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light illuminating the station's grand architecture.
🎟️ Book Sleeper Trains Ahead
Popular overnight routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai sell out fast. Book your tickets in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Local Lines
For a true local experience, consider short trips on non-air-conditioned trains to nearby towns.
💰 Budget Travel Hack
The cheapest way to get from DMK airport to central Bangkok is often the Airport Rail Link to Makassan.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hua Lamphong Station, while no longer Bangkok's sole transport hub, retains its charm and historical significance. Visitors appreciate its beautiful architecture and the nostalgic atmosphere, especially for photography and local train journeys. However, the shift of many long-distance services to Krung Thep Aphiwat can cause confusion, making it essential to confirm departure points.
"The central railway station of Bangkok is really incredible. Still in operation. Most of desk are closed, but the rest are renovated. No vending machine at station. If you need ticker just go to ticket desks. The trains are like vintage, bit they are very comfortable. Recommend to visit this place."
Plamen Mitev
"I took a train from here in 2022, the station was so crowded, now it's so calm, almost deserted. Trains still run, but very few compared to before. It's still a great place to stroll around and take in this historic piece of architecture. They have some of the old steam trains on display, also a museum. There are still a few vendors selling drinks and food."
stephen davis
"The station itself is not used much these days as most trains now operate from the new and modern Aphiwat station. However for those of us who have used this station for decades, it still holds a place in our hearts. Artistic gates, the large seating hall, high roof, ths old ticket counters and even many of the old heavy wooden seats are still around.
As you enter from the main front entrance on the road, to your right is a small musuem. This is within the station but before you enter the main seating hall. A small museum but some interesting things there. A small winding steel and wooden staircase, takes you to the second floor of the museum. Not a very bit exhibition are but worth a trip if you happen to visit the Hua Lumpong Station.
Not sure if the entire structure would be dismantled in the future, talking about the whole station. Saying this because only a small fraction of the area is currently in use."
Ramg Work
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Around
You have a few options. The SRT Red Line can take you to Krungthep Apiwat, then you can transfer to the MRT. Alternatively, the 1-18E EV (504) bus goes to BTS Saladaeng, followed by the MRT Silom line to Hua Lamphong. Some local trains still depart from Hua Lamphong, so always confirm your departure point.
Yes, Hua Lamphong is still open, but it's no longer the primary hub for all long-distance travel. Many trains, especially those heading south or to the new terminal, now depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Hua Lamphong still serves some local lines and routes heading east, like towards Cambodia.
The most convenient way is by the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) subway system, which has a direct station named 'Hua Lamphong'. This connects you easily from various parts of the city. Taxis and Grab are also readily available.
Yes, you can still take a train from Hua Lamphong to Ayutthaya. The State Railway of Thailand operates trains on this route, though it's always wise to check the latest schedules as some services may have shifted to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat station. Tickets for these local trains are often best purchased directly at the station.
For popular routes like the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for first-class or air-conditioned sleepers. You can book online via the official Thai Railways website (dticket.railway.co.th) or through third-party sites like 12Go.asia. Be sure to confirm if your departure station is Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For most long-distance and popular routes, booking online via the official Thai Railways website (dticket.railway.co.th) or reputable travel platforms like 12Go.asia is recommended. However, for some local, non-air-conditioned trains, you may need to purchase tickets directly at the station counter at Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat.
Absolutely! Sleeper train tickets, especially for popular routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai, are in high demand and can sell out weeks in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons. Booking ahead is crucial for securing your preferred berth.
Ticket prices for the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya can vary depending on the class and type of train. Expect prices to range from around ฿50 for a basic, non-air-conditioned seat to potentially higher for air-conditioned carriages or faster services. It's best to check current prices on the day of travel or online.
No, there are no entrance fees to simply enter Hua Lamphong Railway Station. You can walk around, admire the architecture, and soak in the atmosphere. You only need a ticket if you plan to board a train.
Yes, you can still buy tickets directly at Hua Lamphong Station, especially for local trains or routes that haven't fully transitioned to the new terminal. However, for popular long-distance routes, online booking is often more convenient and guarantees your seat.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Yes, Hua Lamphong Station is a photographer's dream! Its grand architecture, natural light, and historical ambiance make it a fantastic spot. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions and fewer crowds for capturing stunning shots.
Hua Lamphong has a nostalgic and somewhat quieter atmosphere compared to its busier past, especially since many trains now depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat. It retains a sense of old-world charm and is a great place for people-watching and experiencing a slice of local life.
For the best photographic opportunities, aim for early mornings (around sunrise) or late afternoons (golden hour). The light is softer, and the station is generally less crowded, allowing for clearer shots of the architecture and daily operations.
Yes, there's a small but interesting photographic display showcasing the history of Thailand's railways. It's located near the main entrance and offers a glimpse into the station's past and its significance in the country's development.
The 'Death Railway' typically refers to the Burma Railway, built by the Empire of Japan during World War II. While trains from Bangkok can take you to Kanchanaburi, the historical site of the Death Railway, the railway itself doesn't originate from Hua Lamphong. It's a separate historical journey.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Budget Travelers
Photographers & Art Lovers
+1 The historical displays add another layer of interest. Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and a more tranquil atmosphere, allowing you to capture the station's beauty without the hustle and bustle. The sense of history and the blend of old-world charm with ongoing railway operations offer endless photographic opportunities.Backpackers & Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Shifting Hub: Hua Lamphong vs. Krung Thep Aphiwat
Despite this transition, Hua Lamphong retains its charm and importance for certain routes. It continues to serve local lines and some services heading east, towards the Cambodian border. For travelers interested in a more nostalgic experience or shorter, local journeys, Hua Lamphong is still a viable and atmospheric departure point. Its iconic architecture and historical significance make it a worthwhile visit, even if you're not catching a train there yourself. The MRT subway provides a direct and easy connection to Hua Lamphong, making it accessible for exploration.
Experiencing Thailand's Sleeper Trains
Travelers often recommend booking the newer carriages if possible, as they offer a more modern and comfortable ride.
Photography at Hua Lamphong
+1 The station's main hall, with its intricate details and sense of history, is particularly photogenic. Many visitors find the atmosphere to be quite serene, especially in the mornings, offering a peaceful backdrop for capturing the essence of Bangkok's rail heritage.To get the best shots, aim for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon. The soft, warm light that streams through the windows can create dramatic and beautiful effects. While the station is still active, it's less chaotic than it once was, allowing for more opportunities to frame your shots without too many people in the way. Look for interesting angles, the play of light and shadow, and the details of the architecture. The historical displays also offer unique photographic subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit