Express 76: Bang Sue Junction to Bangkok Hua Lamphong by Train

My purpose of visiting Bang Sue Junction Railway Station was to check out the progress of Bang Sue Central Station, and if need to, to bid goodbye to Bang Sue Junction for one last time from what’s left of I know it (which is already more than half gone) with the rapid advancements in railways in Bangkok. As there was an impending train departure to Bangkok, I took the opportunity to use it instead of heading back to the city by MRT, since I’ve had lots of MRT rides for this trip already.

The now severely-shortened overhead bridge once perfect for trainspotting over the two Bang Sue Junction Railway Stations and the yard. Bet many didn’t know that Bang Sue was once split into Bang Sue 1 for Northern and Northeastern Line trains and Bang Sue 2 for Southern Line trains. Only Bang Sue 2 remains currently for all lines.

The facade of Bang Sue Central Station as seen from Bang Sue Junction Railway Station. The vents and other facilities for the MRT Blue Line Bang Sue Station can now be seen integrated into the Bang Sue Central Station complex, rather than sticking out like a sore thumb before this new development. The station box of Bang Sue MRT Station had always sat directly under the future Bang Sue Central Station footprint, future-proofing integration, which explains the long walk out of Bang Sue MRT Station for all these years.

The future drop-off point and entrance to Bang Sue Central Station.

The future entrance into Bang Sue Central Station.

The most obvious contrast between Bang Sue Junction Railway Station and Bang Sue Central Station can be seen from Platform 4 of Bang Sue Junction Railway Station.

If the reports of only Special Express trains terminating at Bang Sue Central Station are true, perhaps these two stations could co-exist while the full transitioning is taking place.

The island platform for Platforms 1 and 2.

Locals waiting for the next trains.

Heading to the ticket counter to check if there is a next train departing shortly.

And despite my late arrival, there is indeed one, thanks to the train’s late arrival of 33 minutes. It would be a 20 minute wait for the next train to Bangkok, which would be a shortcut down to Hua Lamphong for me than going through the MRT loop at twice the fare.

Surprisingly, the sign for Bang Sue 2 still remains, rather than taking out the 2.

More shots of the contrasting Bang Sue stations.

My ticket for the delayed Express 76 to Bangkok Hua Lamphong, coming in all the way from Nong Khai, the border town to Vientiane, Laos.

There is a special fare of 20 Baht for Rapid and Express trains with Third Class coaches attached for this short distance journey. This special fare is not available for Special Express trains without Third Class coaches. Thanks SRT for the special fare because I certainly wouldn’t pay the actual price of 152 Baht for this journey.

The Express 76 arriving at Bang Sue Junction Railway Station.

Heading to a Third Class carriage to board the Express 76.

The destination sign of the Express 76 from Nong Khai to Bangkok.

The interior of the NKF Bogie Power Diesel Railcar Third Class.

Departing from Bang Sue Junction for perhaps the last time? I’m not sure.

I’ve been bidding goodbye to Saphan Taksin station since 10 years ago but that thing is still standing strong. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Heading down to Sam Sen.

Making a quick drop-off stop at Sam Sen since we’re quite delayed already.

Passing through Saowani Junction.

Passing through Yommarat Intersection.

Entering Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

Arrived at Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

I headed into the ATC Air-conditioned Power Diesel Railcar to take some shots of the air-conditioned Second Class coach.

Seats are fixed in a forward and reverse direction.

Haven’t tried this ATC coach yet though, since I wouldn’t travel with a THN or NKF train for long distances.

The welcome sight of Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

The Express 76 at Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

Overall, a cheap and good shortcut trip down from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong for a fare half of the MRT.