Thailand's rail network is centered in Bangkok and extends to the country’s east, south, north, and northeast regions. Traveling by train is an important and comfortable way of getting around Bangkok.
Currently, there are three stations serving the city: Bangkok Railway Station, Thonburi Railway Station, and Wongwian Yai Railway Station.
A fourth train station – Bang Sue Railway Station – serving as a terminal in Bangkok, is under construction.
Bangkok Railway Station, also known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station, opened in 1916. It was designed in the new Renaissance style by an Italian architect, Mario Tamagno.
The station’s interior has retained its classic decoration. The facilities in the station are relatively old but are clean and well-maintained.
Hua Lamphong is the largest railway station as well as the most important transportation hub in Thailand. Trains operating to the east, south, north, and southeast of Thailand start from this station.
It is the terminus for four major domestic railways: Eastern Line to Aranyaprathet, Northern Line to Chiang Mai, Southern Line to Hat Yai, and Northeastern Line to Nong Khai.
It is also serves the international trains from Bangkok to Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia.
Subway
Currently, Bangkok subway (MRT) has two lines: Blue Line and Purple Line. The Blue Line is terminated at Bangkok Railway Station and connects it with Bang Sue Railway Station.
Bangkok Railway Station is connected with the MRT subway system by an underpass. If you take the Bangkok subway, get off at Hua Lamphong MRT Station, then walk through to the station hall.
Bus
Taking a bus is one of the most affordable means of transportation in Bangkok and the bus routes cover a wide range of the city.
There are two types of buses: air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned ones. Air-conditioned buses are orange and yellow, and the fare is 10–24 baht per ticket.
Non-air-conditioned buses are red and green, and the fare is about 6.5 baht per ticket. Some of the non-air-conditioned buses are even free of charge.
Here are the buses that travel to Bangkok Railway Station:
It also links Bangkok Station to Chinatown and North Transport Station.
Taxi
In Thailand, some taxis charge by the meter while others don’t. It is recommended that you take taxis that have been fitted with meters.
Remember to allow plenty of time if you take a taxi as there are traffic jams everywhere in Bangkok.
Motorbikes and Tuk-Tuks
Motorbikes and tuk-tuks are flexible and cheap ways of getting around the city of Bangkok. They can also provide you with a unique travel experience.
Always remember to agree upon the price before you start the journey.
Also known as Bangkok North Station, Thonburi Railway Station is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, next to the ferry pier.
It is a small station that mainly serves trains operating to Southern Thailand.
Wongwian Yai Railway Station is small and has a faded look. It mainly serves trains operating to Eastern Thailand.
Bang Sue Railway Station is currently under construction. It is expected to be completed and put into use by 2020.
When it is finished, it will be the largest railway station in Southeast Asia.
Mongolian local passenger trains mainly follow the Trans-Mongolia Line, but stop at more stations.
There are two trains running between China and Russia including Trans-Mongolian Railway.
International train tickets for the Trans-Siberian can be bought in China, Mongolia and Russia.