Long distance trains to and from Bangkok are now using a new railway station. On 19 January 2023, services moved away from Bangkok Hua Lamphong to the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in the Bang Sue district of the Thai capital. Travellers heading to destinations including Chiang Mai, Udon Thani or Surat Thani will now travel from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Meanwhile, the old station at Bangkok Hua Lamphong will remain operational for some routes.
What’s in a name?
The new station was originally called Bang Sue Grand Terminal. In September 2022, the Thai king bestowed a royal name on the station: Krung Thep Aphiwat (translates as “Bangkok’s prosperity”). However, as of January 2023 the original name of Bang Sue Grand Station is still writ large on the terminal building. The contract to change the signage at the station is mired in controversy. Although the official name of the station is Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, it’s likely that many people (including taxi drivers) may take a while to get used to the new name and will still know it by the original name.
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station)
Krung Thep Aphiwat is Bangkok’s gleaming new railway hub. The ultra-modern building is a distinct contrast to the classic old station at Hua Lamphong. While the new station is being used for long-distance routes, some trains will continue to run from Hua Lamphong.
Anyone who has travelled from Hua Lamphong will be familiar with the sight of traffic building up at the ground level railway crossings. Transport officials say this congestion will be eased because trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat will use elevated rails near the terminal.
Trains to the north and north-east
Trains departing to the north (e.g. Chiang Mai) and north-east (e.g. Udon Thani) will leave from platforms 1 and 2 at Krung Thep Aphiwat. Trains arriving will use platforms 5 and 6.
Trains to the south
Trains departing to the south of Thailand (e.g. Hat Yai, Surat Thani) will leave from platforms 7 and 8. Trains arriving will use platforms 11 and 12.
Important note for passengers
Krung Thep Aphiwat uses a ‘closed platform’ service. This means only passengers with valid tickets can enter the platform area. The platform will be open 20 minutes before departure time. There is a large and spacious waiting area and departure boards along with station announcements (in Thai and English) will advise passengers when the platform is open and trains can be boarded.
Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station
The old Bangkok train station at Hua Lamphong will remain open for ordinary trains, suburban routes, and some special tourist trains. Trains to and from Hua Lamphong are scheduled to call at Sam Sen station and the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Eventually, the plan is that the old station will be turned into a museum.
How to get to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is located in the north of Bangkok not far from Chatuchak Market and the northern bus terminal. The nearest MRT metro station is Bang Sue (station BL11 on the Blue Line).
Before being officially renamed as Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, the station was called Bang Sue Grand Station and taxi drivers may still know the station better by its original name. Opposite the central terminal there is a smaller suburban station called Bang Sue Junction. But even if for any reason you end up at Bang Sue Junction by mistake, you can’t miss the hulking Central Terminal across the road.
In the changeover period, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is allowing passengers holding valid tickets for trains out of the old station to use connecting suburban train services free of charge.
Holders of a valid train ticket can also use the free shuttle buses between Bangkok Hua Lamphong station and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Junction). Buses run at frequent intervals between 04:30 to 23:00. Average journey time is around 30 minutes.
Don Mueang train station
Passengers using Don Mueang airport can connect to trains to and from Krung Thep Aphiwat at Don Mueang train station.
Facilities at Krung Thep Aphiwat
Amongst the facilities to be found within the station building are a food court, disabled access, toilets (some with showers), ATMs. Signs at the station are in Thai and English.
Buying train tickets in Thailand
Train tickets can be purchased in person at SRT stations or online via the official SRT website. Tickets can also be conveniently booked online using 12Go Asia:
Buy train tickets to or from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
