Hua Lamphong to Hua Hin Beach Overview
Hua Lamphong Railway Station sits near MRT Hua Lamphong in Old Town (Rattanakosin). It’s Bangkok’s iconic old terminal with high ceilings and pigeons everywhere. Hua Hin Beach is 203 km south on the Gulf of Thailand. Three train types cover the route: Special Express (fast, reliable), Ordinary (cheap, slow), and Sleeper (overnight comfort).
Most trains now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue Grand Station), but Hua Lamphong still runs select services. Check your departure station before you go.
Bangkok–Hua Hin Train Timetable, Fares & Booking Options
| Train Type | Time | Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Express | 3h 14m – 3h 44m | ฿144-439 | 8/10 |
| Express Sleeper | 3h 30m – 4h 30m | ฿439-1100 | 7/10 |
| Ordinary Train 261 | 4h 15m | ฿44 | 6/10 |
Nine daily Special Express trains run 07:30-22:50. Train #43 (07:30) is fastest at 3h 14m. Train #171 (15:10) is popular for afternoon departures. Book 1-2 days ahead on 12Go to lock reserved seats. Ordinary Train 261 (09:20) can’t be booked online; buy same-day at Hua Lamphong counter.
Sleeper trains depart evenings (16:50, 18:50, 19:50). 1st Class costs ฿1100, 2nd Class ฿439. Good if you’re heading to Hua Hin from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal area and want to skip a hotel night.
Cheapest vs Fastest vs Most Reliable Trains to Hua Hin
Cheapest: Ordinary Train 261 at ฿44. No AC. No reserved seats. Reliability score 6/10 because delays stack up. Saw it arrive 45 minutes late last month. Good for backpackers with flexible schedules.
Fastest: Special Express Train #43 (07:30 departure, 3h 14m). Reliability score 8/10. Reserved seats, AC, direct route. Costs ฿144-439 depending on class. Worth every baht if you value time.
Most Reliable: Also Special Express. Diesel railcars run tight schedules. Expect 15-30 min variance max. Ordinary trains can drift 45+ minutes behind.
Onboard Comfort & Amenities by Class (What to Expect)
Special Express 3rd Class (฿144): Hard seats, AC overhead. Luggage racks fit backpacks and rolling bags. Power sockets rare. Windows crack open for breeze. Toilet at end of car; bring tissue.
Special Express 2nd Class AC (฿289-439): Padded reclining seats. More legroom. Same luggage racks. AC cranked high so bring sweater. Saw a family spread picnic on tray table; no food cart but you can bring snacks.
1st Class Sleeper (฿1100): Private cabin with two berths. Door locks. Small sink. Pillow and blanket included. Tight for two adults with big luggage. Attendant converts seats to beds after dinner time.
2nd Class Sleeper (฿439): Bunk beds with curtain. Shared aisle. Pillow provided but thin. Upper bunk has less headroom. Lower bunk gets foot traffic noise. Luggage stored under lower berth or overhead.
Ordinary Train (฿44): Wooden benches. Fans overhead spin slow. Windows wide open; dust and heat blow in. No power. No reserved space. Luggage sits on your lap or floor. Toilet’s a squat hole that smells like regret.
From Hua Hin Station to Hua Hin Beach: Transfers, Time & Cost
Hua Hin Railway Station sits in town center, 2 km from main beach strip. You have three transfer options:
Walk (30 min, free): Exit station, turn left on Damnoenkasem Road, walk south to Phetkasem Road, then right to beach. Flat route but hot. Saw a guy drag suitcase with broken wheel; wheels melted on asphalt.
Songthaew (shared pickup truck, ฿20-40, 10 min): Blue trucks wait outside station. Tell driver “beach” and hop in back. Drops you near Hilton or Marriott. Cheap but cramped if packed with tourists.
Taxi/Grab (฿80-150, 5 min): Meter taxis park at station exit. Negotiate fare before getting in or use Grab app. AC comfort. Direct to hotel door. Worth it if you have luggage.
Beach strip runs north-south along Phetkasem Road. Most hotels cluster between Soi 51 and Soi 94. If your hotel is north (near Cicada Market), songthaew saves walking. If south (near Vana Nava Water Park), grab a taxi.
Similar to Suvarnabhumi Airport to City Center, station transfers in Thailand are straightforward once you know the drill. Just confirm destination with driver before you move.
Train vs Other Transport from Bangkok to Hua Hin
Buses from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal take 3-4 hours, cost ฿180-250. Faster than Ordinary train but cramped seats. No toilets on some buses. Saw a woman throw up into plastic bag.
Private car/taxi costs ฿2500-3500, takes 2.5 hours via Highway 35. Flexible stops but expensive for solo travelers. Good for groups of 3-4 splitting cost.
Train wins for comfort, scenery, and avoiding highway traffic. Special Express beats bus on reliability. Ordinary train only makes sense if you’re broke and patient.
3h 30m - 4h 30m
