There is no need to take a taxi or a tuk-tuk from the Khao San area to catch a train at Bangkok’s main train station, Hua Lamphong. You can do the trip for just a few Thai baht per person, in around 40 minutes, by taking a Chao Phraya Express Boat – Bangkok’s public commuter ferry service. Travel by river is also much more fun than travel by road although it takes a little bit longer.
Chao Phraya Ferry Pier
The nearest ferry pier is located on the Phra Ahtit Road. The Phra Ahtit Road runs parallel to the bottom end of Soi Rambutri.
Sign pointing to the Phra Ahtit Ferry PierChao Phraya Express Boat Services
There are 5 different ferry services. The different services are identified by the flag on the back of the ferry. You need to catch a ferry with either no flag or an orange flag. They run up every 20 minutes from 06.00 in the morning.
Chao Phraya Express BoatYou buy your ticket on board from a conductor who will approach you as soon as the ferry departs. Ticket prices vary depending on which boat you use, expect to pay between 10 THB and 40 THB
Alight at the Pier Number 4
You need to get off the ferry at Pier number 4, which is called the Marine Department Pier. its about a 15 minutes journey from the Phra Ahtit Pier. The pier is pictured above. Make sure you check the name of each pier as you travel along the river.
Marine Harbour Department PierThe Chao Phraya Express Boat stops only a short time at each pier and unless you quick getting off the boat you risk missing your stop. The ferry operator tries to keep to a strict timetable and will not wait around whilst you make your mind up whether or not to leave the boat.
Walk from Pier 4 to the Train Station
Once you arrive at the Marine Department Pier you walk out of the car park area by the Pier onto the main road, and then turn right onto the road pictured above. There are two routes you can take, as soon on the map below.
Walk from the Pier to the main roadThe longer route is the easier to find and it is the one we describe in this article. If you decide to try the slightly shorter route then turn right rather than left once you reach the small square with the vendors.
We suggest taking the slightly longer of the two routes
Follow the road until you get to a small square with food vendor, and follow the road around to the left. When you get to the junction with another main road (pictured above) cross over the road.
Turn right at the main roadThis is the best place to cross before the bridge over the canal where it is more difficult to see the on coming traffic. Be patient and wait for a gap in the traffic before you attempt to cross. At some times of day you may need to wait for 5 minutes or more, which is better than getting run over by a car or motorbike.
Once you have crossed the bridge turn left
Once you have crossed the bridge over the canal you come to a sign showing the way to the train station which is left along the main road. The total walking time from there is 10 minutes (it is a total of 16 minutes walk from the Marine Department Pier).
Sign pointing to the train stationFrom here the station is easy to find. At top end of this road is a busy intersection and you will see the train station on the other side. Until you used to crossing roads in Bangkok perhaps wait for some locals to cross and follow them.
Arrival at the Train Station
At the top of this main road you will see the Train Station in front of you. Follow the pedestrian crossings over three roads between you and the train station. There is an entrance at the front of the train station.
Walking route map from Chao Phraya Express Boat Pier 4 to Bangkok Train Station
- Walking distance: 1.2 km or 1.4 km
- Walking time: 16 or 18 minutes