Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (formerly known as the Bang Sue Grand Station) is Bangkok’s main train station and a busy hub for long-distance trains. With 26 platforms and 38 tracks, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is currently the largest railway station in Southeast Asia! On 19 January 2023, this station replaced Hua Lamphong as the central train station.
True to its name, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal gives more of a modern airport experience than a traditional train station. It has gates, signposts, toilets, and free charging stations like an airport. Moreover, you can only enter the platforms once the boarding is open. But don’t you worry about ever getting bored or lost here – there are plenty of cafes, information desks, and helpful staff ready to guide you.
Quick facts about Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
- Address: 336 Soi Kamphaeng Phet 2, Thoet Damri Road, Chatuchak.
- 26 platforms over 3 levels, 38 tracks.
- 624,000 passengers capacity per day.
- Four floors, 1 of them underground.
- Opened in 1898 as a Bang Sue Junction railway station. Construction of the new station started in 2013.
- The name Krung Thep Aphiwat means “prosperity of Bangkok”.
- Local transport: Bang Sue MRT station, shuttle bus to Hua Lamphong, Light Red and Dark Red SRT suburban lines, taxis, and tuk-tuks.
Map of the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
- B/B1 Basement Level: Parking, MRT Blue Line
- G Concourse Level: MRT Blue Line, tickets, offices, restaurant, chapel, first aid, breastfeeding room, bus stop, gates
- M1 Mezzanine Level: shops
- 2 M2 Second Level (Platforms 1-12): Commuter train red line, long-distance train, ticket offices
- 3 Third Level (Platforms 13-24): high-speed rail, airport rail link
Train Departures Schedule
Northern Line
| Number | Departure Time | Destination Station | Destination Arrival Time |
| 111 | 7:30 | Denchai | 16:30 |
| 7 | 9:05 | Chiang Mai | 19:30 |
| 109 | 14:15 | Chiang Mai | 4:05 |
| 9 | 18:40 | Chiang Mai | 7:15 |
| 13 | 20:05 | Chiang Mai | 8:40 |
| 107 | 20:45 | Denchai | 5:15 |
| 51 | 22:30 | Chiang Mai | 12:10 |
Northeastern Line
| Number | Departure Time | Destination Station | Destination Arrival Time |
| 21 | 6:10 | Ubon Ratchathani | 14:00 |
| 135 | 7:10 | Ubon Ratchathani | 18:00 |
| 75 | 8:45 | Nong Khai | 17:30 |
| 71 | 10:35 | Ubon Ratchathani | 19:50 |
| 139 | 19:25 | Ubon Ratchathani | 6:15 |
| 25 | 20:25 | Nong Khai | 6:25 |
| 23 | 21:05 | Ubon Ratchathani | 6:40 |
| 133 | 21:25 | Nong Khai | 7:55 |
Southern Line
| Number | Departure Time | Destination Station | Destination Arrival Time |
| 43 | 8:10 | Surat Thani | 18:50 |
| 171 | 13:10 | Su-ngai Kolok | 10:50 |
| 31 | 14:50 | Hat Yai Junction | 7:25 |
| 37 | 15:35 | Su-ngai Kolok | 12:30 |
| 45 | 15:35 | Padang Besar | 9:50 |
| 169 | 16:10 | Yala | 11:45 |
| 83 | 17:30 | Trang | 8:50 |
| 167 | 18:50 | Kantang | 12:05 |
| 85 | 20:10 | Nakhon Si Thammarat | 12:05 |
| 39 | 22:10 | Surat Thani | 9:25 |
Food and Shops at the Terminal
Foodcourt
You have many options if you’re hungry at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. On the ground floor, near entrance/exit number 4, is an awesome food court waiting for you!
First, the prices are just like what you’d find outside an airport, not those crazy expensive ones. Picture this: there are lots of delicious Thai and one or two international food stalls. Fancy some juicy burgers or maybe a cup of coffee? You can also find it all here.
The place is pretty roomy, so finding a spot to sit won’t be a problem. Plus, the view is fantastic with those big windows giving you a panoramic look. And here’s the best part – it’s all self-service, so no waiting time. Just remember to return the tray and dishes.
Food and Shops in the Waiting Area
If you have some time before boarding the train, there are a few options to grab a snack or have some drinks. Among other cafes, you’ll find Yogurt Berry, Tong Garden, Monkey Shake, BokBok, The Waffle, Dunkin, Chicken Burgers, Baked by Bees, Mahasan Cafe (with delicious coffee), and many other places.
Vending Machines
There are a few vending machines, with coffee, drinks, snacks, Tao Bin beverages, a paid phone charging machine, and even a 7-Eleven vending machine.
Facilities and Amenities at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
Waiting area. The waiting area is located on the ground floor (concourse) down the center of the building. Before you head in, take a look at the departure displays to find out which platform your train is leaving from. Double-check you’re seated in the correct waiting zone.
Now, here’s a bit of a twist – the platforms are all on the 2nd and 3rd floors. But here’s the catch: unlike other stations in Thailand, you’ve got to wait downstairs on the concourse level until your name is called. So, keep an eye out and stay tuned for your train’s announcement. It usually happens 20 minutes before the train departure.
Ticket Vending Machines. If you’re traveling with SRT, there is a ticket vending machine and a card add-value machine (at the concourse level).
Lockers. Available 24/7, 180 baht per day of storage. You can pay with banknotes and coins.
ATM. There are a few Krungthai Bank (KTB) ATMs in the waiting area.
Displays. You’ll find the boarding and departure times right up on the electronic info boards. Gates usually open 20 minutes before the train departure.
Lost and Found. It’s located on the concourse level, right next to the first aid room.
First Aid Room. It’s located on the concourse level.
Men’s restroom with Shower. Toilets with showers are so convenient for long journeys!
Women’s restroom with Shower. Women on the go, whether they’re traveling long distances or waiting for the connecting train, will appreciate the option to freshen up quickly. Showers in the restroom are a very convenient solution!
Mobile Charger. Charge your device and stay connected! The charging station is located in the waiting area.
Massage chairs. 20 baht for 10 minutes, 50 baht for 25 minutes, and 100 baht for 50 minutes. To use the machine, insert banknotes, and the chair will activate.
Vending Machines. 7-Eleven, snacks, drinks.
Parking. There’s huge underground parking for 1,624 vehicles. The first 30 minutes of parking are absolutely free. Now, if your stay is within 1 to 14 hours, the charge is 20 baht per hour. Worth noting, that any extra time beyond a full hour is considered an additional hour. However, if your stay extends from 15 to 24 hours, there’s a fixed service fee of 300 baht. So, it’s good to be aware of your parking duration. As you plan to exit, be sure to have some cash and coins handy because you’ll need to pay the service fee. The process is straightforward – just prepare the money when driving out. There’s a concierge at the kiosk who will happily take back your parking card when you’re done.
Small parcel service. You can receive & deliver small parcels via Thailand train service not over 2KGS.
Muslim prayer room.
Museum. There is a small Bang Sue museum at the concourse level waiting area. They have an exhibition of the old station items. Train lovers will appreciate it.
How to Book Your Tickets at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
Ticket Counters
- SRT commuter trains: Tickets are sold at dedicated Commuter Line ticket counters.
- Long-distance trains: There is a dedicated ticket area for long-distance trains.
When you’re ready to book your tickets at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, the process depends on the type of train you’re taking.
For SRT commuter trains, head over to the dedicated Commuter Line ticket counters. They’ve got dedicated counters set up just for these trains, making it easy for you to get what you need efficiently.
If you’re taking long-distance trains, they’ve got you covered too. There’s a separate ticket area specifically for long-distance trains. Here’s the good part – from the information desk to the ticket sales team, everyone is incredibly helpful, and you’ll find that the staff can communicate well in English.
Ticket Machines
There are ticket vending machines where you can get tickets for commuter trains. They accept banknotes and coins only, so prepare some cash beforehand.
Online
The 12Go website is the most convenient way to book train tickets from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal for foreigners (without the need to create an account with SRT). You can search for train schedules and fares, and book your tickets on the platform.
Book your tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling on overnight trains during peak season.
Local Transport at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
MRT
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) makes things super convenient.
Head down to the underground floor, and you’ll find the entrance to the Bang Sue MRT station. This station is part of the MRT Blue Line, operating in a loop that connects the train station to key areas in Central Bangkok. Picture it linking up to places like Silom and Sukhumvit Roads, as well as the vibrant Hua Lamphong, which happens to be Bangkok’s lively Chinatown area.
The Bang Sue MRT station itself is an underground marvel, spanning 30 by 226 meters and going down 12 meters deep. It’s not just a standalone system either. The MRT Blue Line seamlessly connects with other crucial parts of Bangkok’s public transport network.
You’ve got the Airport Link, making your travel to Suvarnabhumi International Airport a breeze. There’s also the BTS, an overhead train network that covers extensive parts of the city. This line also connects with the Chao Phraya Express Boat Service, a commuter boat service running along the main river, with stops near iconic spots like Khao San Road and the Grand Palace.
Commuter Trains: SRT Red Dark and Light Red Line
You’ve got two commuter train options to choose from: the SRT Dark Red Line and the SRT Light Red Line.
To catch these trains, the entrances to the commuter line platforms are easy to spot. They’re marked, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way. Now, the key thing to remember is the destination of the red line you’re planning to take.
SRT Light Red Line: This one heads west from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and takes you all the way to Taling Chan.
SRT Dark Red Line: If you’re hopping on this line, it goes north from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, making stops along the way, and eventually reaching Rangsit. Oh, and it’s worth noting that it makes a stop at Don Mueang International Airport on its route.
Buses
There are currently bus services on 27 routes departing from the bus stop at the rear of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Among them are buses number 3, 16, 49, 52, 67, 77, 96, 104, 134, 136, 138, 145, 157, 170, 509, 517, 536.
Taxi
You’ll find taxis and tuk-tuks on the ground (concourse level), at the rear of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. They are located close to the bus stops.
Frequently Asked Questions about Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
How to pick up train tickets booked with 12Go
12Go Chatuchak Station opens daily from 09:00 to 20:00 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Although we strongly recommend planning your journey here before 7 pm. there have been reports of them closing an hour earlier.
Train ticket pickup point (Chatuchak branch): https://maps.app.goo.gl/NMxpfBSQKExsTbhd8
You’ll find the 12Go counter in the Metro Mall, among shopping and service zones inside MRT Chatuchak Park station, right next to SuperRich.
Keep in mind, that traveling with a PDF voucher isn’t an option. You should visit the 12Go counter to grab your paper boarding passes. It’s very easy – just show your passport to the staff; there’s no need to print anything beforehand.
Boarding passes (paper tickets) become available for pickup at the counter only three days before your departure date.
If you’re looking to collect the ticket more than three days in advance, you should get in touch with 12Go customer support to schedule a pickup.
Those who booked their ticket less than three days before the departure should come to the station at least 3 hours before the train departure to collect their paper ticket.
Where to load motorcycles
If you plan to take your motorcycle along for the ride, you’ll need to load it up in advance. Head to the loading area situated on the opposite side of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, and keep an eye out for the sign that reads SRT Express.
The designated bike drop-off point is operational between 5 am and 10 pm. The 1690 call center advises drop off at least 3 hours before your train departs. It’s important to note that not all trains can accommodate motorcycles, so make sure to check beforehand. Luckily, they offer a complimentary golf car service to transport you to the main station building.
Motorcycle dropoff point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1RjygLS4TQp5MXDs8
Where to stay nearby if catching an early train
We recommend Best Western Chatuchak as the closest option with good reviews. It is located in the heart of Chatuchak district, close to the Chatuchak Weekend Market and just 500 meters from the Krungthep Apiwat Central Station (1 MRT station away). The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a 24-hour front desk.
How can I get to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal?
There are several ways to get to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. You can take the Bangkok MRT Blue Line, or you can take a taxi or bus. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Hua Lamphong Railway Station around every 30 minutes.
What are the train services available at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal?
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal serves as the terminal for Northern, Northeastern, and Southern rail services. However, Eastern and special train services operate from Hua Lamphong.
How can I book train tickets from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal?
You can book train tickets through the website of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), at the station via counters or ticket machines (commuter trains), or through an online travel agent.
