Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Big Station)

Long-distance trains to and from Bangkok now use a new train station. On 19 January 2023, service was moved from Bangkok to Hua Lamphong Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in the Bang Sue district of the Thai capital. Travelers heading to destinations including Chiang Mai, Udon Thani or Surat Thani will now travel from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Meanwhile, the old station in Bangkok Hua Lamphong will continue to operate for several routes.

What is the meaning of a name?
The new station was originally called Bang Sue Big Terminal. In September 2022, the king of Thailand bestowed the station with a royal name: Krung Thep Aphiwat (translated as “prosperity of Bangkok”). However, as of January 2023 the original name Bang Sue Grand Station is still written on the terminal building. The contract to change the signs at the station was mired in controversy. Although the station's official name is Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, it is likely that many people (including taxi drivers) may need some time to get used to the new name and still know it by its original name.

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Big Station)

Krung Thep Aphiwat is Bangkok's gleaming new railway hub. The ultra-modern building is a stark contrast to the classic old station at Hua Lamphong. While the new station is used for long-distance routes, some trains will continue to operate from Hua Lamphong.

Anyone who has traveled from Hua Lamphong will be familiar with the sight of traffic piling up at the railroad crossings at ground level. Transport officials say this congestion will be reduced because trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat will use the elevated rail near the terminal.

Trains to the north and northeast

Trains going north (eg Chiang Mai) and northeast (eg Udon Thani) will depart from platforms 1 and 2 at Krung Thep Aphiwat. Arriving trains will use platforms 5 and 6.

Train south

Trains departing to the south of Thailand (eg Hat Yai, Surat Thani) will depart from platforms 7 and 8. Arriving trains will use platforms 11 and 12.

Important note for passengers
Krung Thep Aphiwat uses a ‘closed platform' service. This means that only passengers with valid tickets can enter the platform area. The platform will open 20 minutes before departure time. There is a large and spacious waiting room and departure boards along with station announcements (in Thai and English) will notify passengers when the platform is opened and the train can be boarded.

Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station

Bangkok's old train station at Hua Lamphong will remain open for regular trains, suburban routes and some special tourist trains. Trains to and from Hua Lamphong are scheduled to stop at Sam Sen station and the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Later, 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 north of Bangkok not far from Chatuchak Market and the bus terminal to the north. The nearest MRT metro station is Bang Sue (station BL11 on the Blue Line).

Before officially changing its name to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, this station was called Bang Sue Grand Station and taxi drivers may still know this station by its original name. Opposite the central terminal is a smaller suburban station called Bang Sue Junction. But even if for whatever reason you end up at Bang Sue Intersection by mistake, you can't miss the giant Central Terminal across the street.

During the changeover period, State Railways of Thailand (SRT) allows passengers holding valid tickets for trains from the old station to use the connecting suburban train service free of charge.

Holders of valid train tickets can also use the free shuttle bus between Bangkok Hua Lamphong station and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Junction). Buses operate at frequent intervals between 04:30 and 23:00. The average travel time is about 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

Among the facilities that can be found within the station building are a food court, disabled access, toilets (some with showers), ATMs. Signs at stations are in Thai and English.

Buying train tickets in Thailand

Train tickets can be purchased directly at the SRT station or online via the SRT official website. Tickets can also be easily ordered online using 12Go Asia:
Buy train tickets to or from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal