Hua Lamphong Railway Station (2026)
You’re standing in Bangkok’s historic train hub. Built in 1916, it’s still operational despite closure rumors. The layout is simple: walk in, find your platform, done. Air-conditioned, clean enough, but expect crowds during peak hours.
This isn’t a modern airport. It’s a working-class station with basic facilities. Left luggage works. Food is cheap. The MRT connection saves you from taxi scams. Here’s what you need to know.
Layout & Navigation
You enter through one of two main doors. Ticketing area is straight ahead with 26 booths. Waiting hall has rows of chairs, two electronic display boards, and a mega TV screen showing departures.
Platforms 1-14 are behind the waiting area. No confusing terminals or shuttle buses. Walk to your platform number. That’s it.
Mezzanine level upstairs has shops and restaurants. Go up if you need food or want to kill time away from the crowds below.
Essential Facilities
Left Luggage: Front entrance, left side. 60 THB small bag, 80 THB large bag. Open 4am-11pm. Don’t arrive at midnight expecting storage.
Showers: 20 THB, opposite the luggage office. Basic but functional if you’re on an overnight train.
Toilets: Near ticket counters. Free. Bring tissue paper.
ATMs & Money Exchange: Multiple ATMs inside. Exchange rates are standard Bangkok rates, not airport robbery.
SIM Cards: No official booth here. Buy one at Klook before arrival or grab one at 7-Eleven outside the station.
Food Options
Ground floor left side: cheap food stalls. Pies, pastries, rice boxes for 40-80 THB. Take-away only, no seating.
Mezzanine level: sit-down restaurants and cafes. Expect 150-300 THB per meal. Convenience stores (7-Eleven style) sell snacks and drinks at normal prices.
Skip the fancy cafe near the entrance. Overpriced coffee for tourists. Head to the ground floor stalls if you’re on a budget.
Getting to the City
You have three options: MRT, taxi, or Grab.
MRT (Best Option): Hua Lamphong MRT station connects directly to the train station. Blue Line takes you to Sukhumvit, Silom, or anywhere on the subway network. 20-50 THB depending on distance. No traffic jams.
Taxis: Queue outside the main entrance. Meter should read 100-200 THB to most city center hotels. Insist on the meter. If the driver refuses, walk away.
Grab: Works perfectly here. Pre-book if you have luggage or want fixed pricing. Same price as metered taxis but no arguments.
Need to reach Khao San Road? Take the MRT to Sanam Chai, then taxi. Or head to Chao Phraya Riverside via MRT to Saphan Taksin.
Survival Tips
WiFi: Free WiFi exists but it’s slow and unreliable. Don’t count on it for video calls or uploading photos.
Charging Points: Limited. Bring a power bank. You might find a socket near the waiting area walls, but they’re always occupied.
Overnight Stays: Station operates 24 hours for trains, but facilities close. Left luggage shuts at 11pm. Food stalls close around 10pm. Sleeping on chairs is tolerated but uncomfortable.
Safety: Generally safe. Watch your bags in crowds. Pickpockets target distracted tourists near ticket counters.
Planning a longer trip? Check out routes to Kanchanaburi for the Death Railway or to Ayutthaya for temple ruins.
Where to Go Next
Most travelers head to these spots:
Schedules change seasonally. Check current availability on 12Go to guarantee your seat and avoid sold-out trains during holidays.
Direct train from Hua Lamphong to Hua Hin Beach runs daily if you’re heading to the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there luggage storage at Hua Lamphong station?
Yes. Left luggage office is at the front entrance (left side). 60 THB for small bags, 80 THB for large bags. Open 4am-11pm daily.
How to get from Hua Lamphong to Bangkok airport?
Take the MRT Blue Line to Phetchaburi, transfer to Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi. Total 45-60 minutes, around 60 THB. Or book a private transfer via Kiwitaxi if you have heavy luggage.
What are train times from Hua Lamphong to Chiang Mai?
Multiple departures daily, mostly evening trains (6pm-10pm) for overnight travel. Journey takes 12-15 hours. Book tickets in advance on 12Go during peak season.
Is Hua Lamphong station air-conditioned?
Yes. The main 2-storey building is air-conditioned. Waiting areas stay cool. Platforms are open-air and hot.
Where is the left luggage at Bangkok train station?
Front entrance, left side as you walk in. Look for the sign ‘Left Luggage Office’. Can’t miss it.
How to get from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Hua Hin Beach
You have three train types from Hua Lamphong to Hua Hin Beach. Special Express (3h 14m, ฿144-439) is fastest and most reliable. Ordinary Train 261 (4h 15m, ฿44) is dirt cheap but no AC or reserved seats. Sleeper trains (evening departures, ฿439-1100) let you sleep through the journey and wake up at the beach.
