Thailand Bangkok

How to get from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 4 kilometre (2 miles) distance from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Bangkok as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Ela - Senior Travel Writer

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Why visit Bangkok?

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!

Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.

Hua Lamphong Railway Station

Hua Lamphong Railway Station is Bangkok’s main train station, boasting an Italian neo-renaissance style with a distinct half-dome structure. The train station serves as the main hub for intercity and international train services in Thailand, and it is also connected with the MRT underground system.

What are the 5 ways to travel from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre?

There are 5 ways to travel the 4 kilometre (2 miles) distance from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre. You can choose between the bus, taxi, train (MRT), train (BTS) and TukTuk. The journey takes 10 minutes - 1 hour and the quickest way is by train (mrt). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 10 THB ($0.30).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

30m

From 10 THB ($0.30)

Train (MRT)

10-55m

From 20 THB ($0.60)

Train (BTS)

20m - 1h

From 20 THB ($0.60)

Taxi

15m

From 70 THB ($2.20)

TukTuk

15m

From 140 THB ($4.50)

Where to stay in Bangkok?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.

Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre by Bus

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 10 THB ($0.30)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 10 THB ($0.30)

The cheapest way to get to the city centre is to catch a public bus outside Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Bus #53 is a red-coloured non-aircon bus that travels throughout the city centre. It is the only shared transport that makes a stop at Khao San Road.

Tickets only cost 10 THB ($0.30) to the city centre. The fare speaks for itself, so don’t expect a comfortable ride. The bus will likely be hot and crowded.

Buses are available every 20 minutes from 05:00 until 22:00 daily. Travel time is about 30 minutes, but this depends entirely on traffic. Be prepared to spend up to an hour on the bus due to heavy traffic in Bangkok during peak hours.

This bus line circles around the downtown Bangkok area. For a complete list of bus stops, you can check the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority website.

Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre by Train (MRT)

Duration: 10-55 minutes

Costs: 20 THB ($0.60)

Duration: 10-55 minutes

Costs: 20 THB ($0.60)

There are two main train networks that offer easy transport options to travellers within Bangkok: the Skytrain (BTS) and the underground train (MRT).

The MRT is directly connected to Hua Lamphong station, and you can easily find it by following the signs. The MRT connects Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the northeastern part of Bangkok, which includes the following areas:

Bang Rak
Thung Maha Mek
Lumphini
Khlong Toei
Din Daeng
Huwai Kwang
Samsen Nok
Chum Phon
Chatuchak.

The MRT line is continuously expanding its network, so more destinations will follow when completed.

Trains operate from 05:30 to 00:00 from Monday to Friday. During weekends and public holidays, trains are available from 06:00 to 00:00.

Fares start from 20 THB ($0.60) , depending on your current location and desired destination. For a single journey, you can buy tickets from the counter or vending machines at the train station.

Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre by Train (BTS)

Duration: 20-60 minutes

Costs: 20 THB ($0.60)

Duration: 20-60 minutes

Costs: 20 THB ($0.60)

The BTS is the most popular train line in Bangkok with trains running to different areas in Bangkok every few minutes. This train is your best option if you are staying in the city centre because it stops at all tourist, shopping, and sightseeing areas in Bangkok, except the popular Khao San Road area.

There are two BTS lines: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line.

To reach the BTS lines, you need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Hua Lamphong Station to National Stadium or Siam BTS Station. Tuk-tuk or taxi fare is about 60 THB ($1.90) to 80 THB ($2.60), but expect to pay more during peak hours.

Travel time via BTS can take around 20 minutes - 1 hour, depending on your destination. The sky trains operate from 06:00 to 00:00 every day.

The Sukhumvit Line

The Sukhumvit route passes through the followings areas:

Chatuchak
Phaya Thai
Ratchathewi
Nana
Asoke
Thong Lo
Phra Khanong
Bang Na
Bearing

Fares start from 20 THB ($0.60). This BTS line is projected to extend further north and south in the coming years.

The Silom Line starts at the National Stadium and passes through the following stations:

Sala Daeng
Pathumwan
Bang Rak
Yan Nawa
Thon Buri

For this line, ticket prices start from 20 THB ($0.60). For more information, you can visit the BTS Skytrain website.

Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre by Taxi

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 70 THB ($2.20)

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 70 THB ($2.20)

Want to travel to or from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre straight to your hotel? Taking a taxi is your best option. Taxis are available outside the train station.

Note that the roads in Bangkok can get extremely busy during peak hours. This is why many taxi drivers will request a flat rate, which may be much higher than using the meter. Some drivers will refuse to use the metre or agree on a fare, so prepare your negotiating skills or simply find another driver.

The taxi fare for a ride to and from the city centre starts from 70 THB ($2.20) . An alternative option is to book a Grab taxi with fares from 125 THB ($4).

PRO TIP: Always take a metered taxi so that you don’t end up paying twice the actual fare!

Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre by TukTuk

Duration: 15m

Costs: 140 THB ($4.50)

Duration: 15m

Costs: 140 THB ($4.50)

Tuk-tuk drivers tend to charge around the same price as a taxi, especially in tourist areas. This option is a good way to experience the local transportation in Thailand, but if you’re not hoping for that, it’s best to stick with a taxi.

Bangkok is hot and sunny almost all year round, even during the rainy season. While a ride in a tuk-tuk may get hot, especially if stuck in traffic, it does provide a nice, refreshing breeze.

Also, note that tuk-tuks do not provide a lot of space for your luggage, so it could be quite cramped.

Negotiate your price

Many tuk-tuk drivers will quote you a high price, which may start at 140 THB ($4.50) or more for two people to the city centre. Tuk-tuks are not metered, so you will need to negotiate a price. You can just move along to the next driver if you think the price is too expensive.

Note that some drivers may try to lead you to a restaurant or hotel that they are affiliated with to receive a commission. If they offer you a ride that is much cheaper or even free, you should be aware that they will likely try to sell you something.

In this case, be firm in your negotiations and tell the driver you do not want any stops on the way to your destination. This does not apply to all drivers, but it’s certainly something to be aware of.

Best places to stay in Bangkok

Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:

Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.

Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:

dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself

dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.

The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.

One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
Rooftop swimming pool
Onsite gym
Bright and modern rooms

King rooms start from $110 per night.

Check Available Rooms

The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself

The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!

It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.

Great value for money
Close to the airport
Helpful staff
Beautiful rooms

Double rooms start from $50 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Naga Residence - Mid Range

Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.

There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.

Huge rooms
Exceptionally clean
Private balcony
Onsite gym

Double rooms start from $37 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range

It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.

The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.

Unique design and rooms
Incredible staff
Nice local neighbourhood
Very clean

Double rooms start from $33 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly

As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.

The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.

Great value for money
Relaxing chill-out areas
Good location
Free cancellation

Private rooms start from $21 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

Frequently Asked Questions about Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre

What is the distance from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre?

The distance from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre is 4 kilometre (2 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre?

The fastest way to get from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre is by train (mrt) and takes 10 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre?

The cheapest way to get from Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the city centre is by bus with ticket costs starting from 10 THB ($0.30).

About the author(s)

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Ela

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.