Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok: the former central station, current status and visit

Updated on October 9, 2026

Opened on 25 June 1916, Hua Lamphong station was Bangkok's central station for more than a century. Its Italian neo-Renaissance building, designed by the Italian architect Mario Tamagno, and its great hall with a timber roof frame and glass skylights make it one of the finest railway buildings in Southeast Asia. Since 19 January 2023, long-distance trains have left from the new Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue) station; Hua Lamphong, officially "Bangkok (Hua Lamphong)", remains open for ordinary and commuter trains. Come for the architecture, the atmosphere and the access to Chinatown, in thirty minutes to an hour.

Highlights

The great hall

The skylights and roof frame of the hall shelter the platforms and the "Bangkok" sign: this is the station's signature view. Take time to look at the structure from the central hall.

The platforms and ordinary trains

Slow trains on the Northern, Northeastern and Southern lines, as well as all the Eastern lines, still arrive here. Watching the departures gives a lively idea of Thai rail travel.

The neo-Renaissance façade

Seen from Rama IV Road, the symmetrical arcaded façade recalls early 20th-century Italian stations; the station opened in 1916.

The passage to the metro

An underground passage links the station to Hua Lamphong MRT station, making it a good starting point for Chinatown, see Chinatown and Yaowarat and Wat Traimit, the Golden Buddha, a few minutes away.

Practical info

Tips

For a departure to the north (Chiang Mai, night train) or a long-distance line, go to Krung Thep Aphiwat: see our guide to the Bangkok–Chiang Mai night train and the one on train excursions. Before going to catch a train at Hua Lamphong, confirm the departure station and time with the SRT (1690), as services changed in 2023 and may change again. Watch your belongings and offers of unofficial "taxis" outside the station: see our advice on scams and safety. Entering the hall is free; only the train ticket is paid.

How to get there

Rama IV Road, Pathum Wan district, Bangkok 10330. MRT Blue Line, Hua Lamphong station (direct underground passage to the station). For transport in general, see our guide to transport in Bangkok.