Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (previously known as Bang Sue Grand Station ) is the new heart of long-distance train services in Thailand. This ultra-modern train terminal, situated in Bangkok, is one of the largest railway station in the world and a symbol of Thailand’s growth and modernisation. With its grand opening in early 2023, it has taken the mantle from the iconic Hua Lamphong Railway Station as the primary departure and arrival point for most long-distance train services in the country.

Key Information about the new station:

Location and Accessibility:

• Located next to Bang Sue Junction Station in the north of Bangkok.
• Connected to the Bangkok urban rail transit system by the MRT Blue Line, accessible via an underground walkway from Bang Sue MRT Station.
• Served by SRT Red Lines, including the Dark Red Line to Rangsit and the Light Red Line to Taling Chan, which also connects to Don Muang Airport.

Facilities:

• Platforms: 24 platforms for trains, plus 2 platforms for the MRT station.
• Waiting Areas: Large, air-conditioned waiting areas similar to airport departure lounges, located near the entrance gates to platforms.
• Toilet Facilities: Clean and modern toilet facilities, similar to those found at large international airports.
• Mobile Phone Charging Stations: Free to use and located in various spots on the Ground Floor.
• Food Court: Available on the Ground Floor.

Train Services:

• Long-Distance Trains: The terminal for Northern, Northeastern, and Southern rail services. Eastern services and special train services still use Hua Lamphong[2][4].
• Commuter Lines: SRT Dark Red Line and SRT Light Red Line operate from the terminal[2].

Travel Information:

• Getting There: Accessible by train, MRT, bus, taxi, or car. The train from Sam Sen to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal takes 1 minute and costs $1-$25.
• Ticketing: Tickets for long-distance trains can be booked in advance, especially recommended for overnight trains. Websites like 12go.asia can be used for booking.

Tips:

• Name Confusion: Also known as Bang Sue Grand Station, which might be more familiar to taxi drivers.
• Future Developments: Expected to serve significantly more passengers than Hua Lamphong, with plans for high-speed rail links to various destinations.

The conception of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal dates back to 2010, with construction commencing in 2013. The reason for its long construction period is largely due to its vast size and the new railway tracks that had to be built to connect with the station. These elevated railway tracks offer panoramic views of Bangkok, a delightful surprise for many travellers using the terminal for the first time.

The Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is truly impressive . With 26 train platforms spread over three levels and an internal floor space of 274,192 sqm, it is the largest railway station in Southeast Asia. In comparison, the Hua Lamphong Railway Station, the previous main Bangkok railway station, struggled at times to cope with 60,000 passengers passing through each day. The new terminal is designed to accommodate ten times that number, with a capacity to handle a massive 600,000 passengers daily.

Despite its size, as Nov’23 the terminal might feel empty due to only half of the platforms being in use. Eight platforms are dedicated to long-distance train services, four platforms are used for suburban light railway services, and four platforms in the basement are reserved for underground train services. The remaining ten platforms on the top level are currently unused, awaiting the advent of a new generation of high-speed train services.

The terminal is well connected to Bangkok’s public transport network, ensuring fast and relatively inexpensive travel to most other parts of the city. It has an entrance to the Bang Sue MRT station, which is on the MRT Blue Line linking the train station to areas in Central Bangkok such as Silom and Sukhumvit Roads. The MRT Blue Line also connects with other Bangkok public transport networks such as the Airport Link, the BTS, and the Chao Phraya Express Boat Service.

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is also the departure and arrival point for various train services. For instance, the Northern Line, which connects Bangkok to Chiang Mai, uses platforms 1 and 2 for departures and platforms 5 and 6 for arrivals. The same platforms are used by the Northern Eastern Line, which links Bangkok to Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani. Meanwhile, the Southern Line, which connects Bangkok to Malaysia via Hua Hin, Chumphon, and Surat Thani, uses platforms 7 and 8 for departures and platforms 11 and 12 for arrivals.

The terminal offers a range of facilities to cater to travellers’ needs. It has large indoor waiting areas similar to airport departure lounges, located near the entrance gates to platforms 1, 2, 7, and 8. There are also clean and modern toilet facilities, and free mobile phone charging stations installed in various locations on the ground floor of the station.

While the range of food and drink outlets is currently small, there are three locations in the terminal where passengers can purchase food and drink. The largest collection of outlets is in a food court close to the main entrance to the train station, offering Thai and Chinese style dishes, as well as fresh coffee and snacks.

Despite its modern facilities and services, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is still a work in progress. It’s expected that over time, more services and facilities will be added, making it a comprehensive transport hub.

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is a significant development in Thailand’s transport infrastructure. It not only offers a modern, efficient and comfortable travel experience for passengers but also stands as a symbol of Thailand’s progress and ambition. As the station continues to evolve and expand its services, it’s set to play a pivotal role in the country’s transportation network for years to come. We will be posting updates as the station evolves.