If you’re seeking an unforgettable train transit adventure between the vibrant streets of Bangkok and the charming coastal resort town of Hua Hin, look no further. Step aboard for a scenic ride on Express Train 43 Bangkok to Hua Hin train, a journey that promises reasonable comfort and a chance to travel like a local!
Date of Departure: January 2024
Setting off on this memorable trip took a bit of planning. The journey begins at a convenient (for the early risers!) 7:30 am from the modern and sprawling Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station.
What’s in a name?
This station is more commonly known as Bang Sue Central Station, the original name before the Thai King gave it a new royal name Krung Thep Aphiwat (which in Thai translates as “Bangkok’s prosperity”) I find Bang Sue is easier to remember, and it’s more popularly known.
How to get there?
The station can be reached by BTS and MRT. From BTS Station Nana to MRT Station Bang Sue changing at ASOKE to Sukhumvit MRT takes about 40 minutes. You can check out your specific route via Rome2Rio.
In case you wondered: The BTS is (Bangkok Mass Transit System or Skytrain) and the MRT is (Metropolitan Rapid Transit) The BTS is above ground while the MRT is below ground.
We elected to stay locally to ensure we did not miss the train. Just call me Ms paranoid!
Bangkok Accommodation
If looking to stay close to the Railway station (10 mins by taxi) you have a few choices.
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok
Overall Comments: A nice enough room for a good value 5-star staycation in an unexciting part of Bangkok, unless you love shopping and parklands. The massage was good, we laughed at the 8 pillows on the bed as we had pre-chosen our pillow selection. We slept well.
Our walk and bike ride in Chatuchak Park was a highlight! The rooftop bar could have been nice but closed due to the rain. Read more here
V20 Boutique Hotel Chatuchak
This was our hotel of choice, for a flop & drop, cheap and cheerful overnight stay. It’s a 10-minute Grab ride to the train station. It is close to Chatuchak Market and offers a good value stay at 1600 THB. The room was great, large and we slept really well in the king-size comfy bed.
Note the hotel charges 500 THB to organise a transfer to Bang Sue Central Station, our Grab Taxi was 169 THB.
Express Train 43 Bangkok to Hua Hin Costs
For those budget-conscious travelers, the cost of a second-class AC seat to Hua Hin is a pleasing 330 THB for an adult. If you are on an uber budget, you can travel for around 40 THB if you are happy with third-class, non-aircon travel. A steal when compared to the hefty price of a taxi or private car.
We paid 2500 THB for our private car transport on the return leg to Bangkok.
We couldn’t find an option to pre-buy the tickets online. So we pre-bought the Express Train 43 Bangkok to Hua Hin ticket in advance at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
Wrens Tip: The tickets are issued in the passenger’s name so remember to bring some ID.
Departure Times
There are surprisingly few options for an Express Train to Hua Hin. We elected to take the only Special Express No 43, which is the fastest option. The train departs from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Surat Thani at 07.30, and arrives at 10.31 in three hours and one minute. We were 25 minutes late arriving.
Aphiwat Central Terminal: A New Hub for Travel
Krung Thep Aphiwat is not just a station; it’s an insight into the investment that Thailand is making in rail travel. As seasoned rail passengers, we can’t help but compare it with recent European and US train trips. The station is noteworthy for its cleanliness and expansive spaces.
While it might be a bit out-of-the-way, if you are staying in the Sukhumvit or downtown Bangkok areas, the station is a great new addition to the Thailand Rail network and worth the trip. For your troubles, it compensates with a food court waiting area and sparkling new essential amenities.
Arrive early to grab a Thai-style breakfast. Coffee carts are to be found for the latte and cappuccino lovers amongst us!
On-Time Departure
The train is ready for boarding 15 minutes before departure, and as all tickets in second class Air con are pre-assigned, there is no mad rush.
Baggage
A ticket conductor is on hand to help load baggage. I was happy that our bags fitted in the overhead storage but others with larger suitcases found additional storage as you boarded the carriage.
Onboard Comfort: Second-Class AC Carriage
Once on board, settle into the comfort of a second-class air-conditioned carriage.
You pay for AC and you certainly get it, our top tip is to pack a jumper! Despite the freezing AC, the journey is a pleasant three and a half hours. The seats offer ample legroom and reclining options, making it an ideal choice for travelers.
Onboard Dining
Onboard food seemed to appear at regular intervals, with staff picking up bags of food & water at each station and selling them to passengers. If you are particular about food and drinks bring your own snacks!
Toilets
Never pass a posh pee is my mantra for travel in Asia and this certainly applies to the train. The toilets at both stations are new whilst the toilets on board are the reason I never pass a posh pee! Okay, so there are limits to my adventuring!
Note at Hua Hin station the Ladies’ Restroom, had run out of toilet paper so always remember to bring your own.
Arrival at Hua Hin: A Step Back in Time
As the train gently pulls into the brand new station in Hua Hin, take a moment to explore the historic old railway station adjacent to the new terminal. This charming piece of history transports you to an era when the elite, possibly even royalty, traversed from Bangkok to this beachside haven.
What is great about the Hua Hin railway station is that, unlike in Bangkok, it is conveniently located in the centre of the town less than a kilometer from the beach.
Accommodation in Hua Hin
If you are looking at a hotel close to the train station we have a few that we can suggest.
We always like Cape Nidhra, one hotel that matches the historic charm of the Hua Hin railway station is Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas with its 1920s colonial decor, fabulous grounds, and superb beachfront.
Laksasubha Hua Hin has a great beachfront location. The Hyatt Regency offers a fabulous range of rooms, a lovely pool area, and an award-winning spa!
The Journey’s Pace: A Contrast with High-Speed Rail
This train stopped frequently between Bangkok and Hua Hin. While it might seem slow compared to high-speed rail experiences in other countries, the Thai railway system is undergoing significant upgrades. The raised elevation and ongoing station improvements hint at a more efficient service in the future.
Further Information
For more information on Thailand train travel check out Richard Barrow’s excellent website Thai Train Guide.
Check out my Reel on Instagram here.
Train Travel Triumphs
The Express Train 43 Bangkok to Hua Hin emerges as a viable and scenic alternative to the notorious traffic. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or a traveler seeking a leisurely experience, this adventure promises a delightful blend of comfort, cultural exploration, and picturesque landscapes.
Share your train travel stories and tips below, and let the tracks guide you to new destinations and weekend wanders!
Little Wandering Wren is an International Travel Writer with her nest in Thailand between 2017-2022. This ex Bangkok Blogger can be found on Instagram and Twitter.
You may also enjoy Our Best Bangkok Staycations.
8 comments
I always enjoy your posts, very detailed and great photographs.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much Jan, lovely to see you here and to know you enjoy these posts! I’m back to good old British Rail next week!
Have a lovely day, enjoy your pancakes!
Wren x
Thank you for visiting my blog, Wren. I enyoed your travel report, thank you
for the many interesting impressions. greetings from Anna
Greeting Anna, it was lovely to see your wanders in Bavaria, it’s a bit warmer here. Thank you for stopping by, I’m glad you enjoyed this travel report.
Hope you have a lovely day.
Wren x
Hello,
The train ride to the coast sounds fun. I have not been on a train ride in years.
Lovely photos and post. Take care, have a wonderful week!
Hello Eileen, I really enjoy trains and these days do try and take a train as much as possible. I like that we can both enjoy the views out the windows and I don’t get asked ‘which way now’ haha!
As always thank you for stopping by. Have a lovely week.
Wren x
I love taking the train when travelling in a new country. We took the train from Bangkok to Chiangmai, but will save this itinerary for next time we visit Thailand!
Thank you Inge, this is a good trip to make by train and a nice way to see the countryside! One of my last train trips was the Bangkok to Chiang Mai too a long time ago! I like train travel too!
Wren x