SRT Free Shuttle Bus from Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station
The SRT Free Shuttle Bus is a relay service provided by State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Hua Lamphong Railway Station. As I was heading from the Red Line to Hua Lamphong where my hotel is, I decided to get the SRT Free Shuttle Bus since it was departing soon, as the journey time would be much faster than if I had taken the MRT Blue Line, and best of all it was free of charge.
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
The SRT Free Shuttle Bus picks passengers up outside Gate 12 at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
The SRT Free Shuttle Buses can be seen at the end of the sheltered walkway out to the driveway.
SRT Free Shuttle Bus
There are 2 SRT Free Shuttle Bus routes available. Buses depart every 15 to 60 minutes from 4.30am to 11.00pm.
The blue air-conditioned bus is a direct express service between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Hua Lamphong Railway Station only.
The orange air-conditioned bus or red non-air-conditioned bus is a stopping service serving railway stations and halts between the 2 main railway stations.
The timetable of the SRT Free Shuttle Buses are displayed at the bus stop.
The interior of the SCN-CHO NGV bus operating on the non-stop express route between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Hua Lamphong Railway Station only.
The SRT Free Shuttle Bus departed from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal right on time at 10.00pm.
The controversial façade of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
Passing by the new mega depot for Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
Si Rat Expressway
Heading on to the Si Rat Expressway.
The SRT Free Shuttle Bus travels mainly on the Si Rat Expressway for this express bus service.
Exiting the Si Rat Expressway at the Rama IV Road intersection.
Passing by Hua Lamphong MRT Station.
The façade of Hua Lamphong Railway Station as seen from on board the SRT Free Shuttle Bus.
Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station
My SRT Free Shuttle Bus arrived at Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 10.14pm, making this a total journey time of only 14 minutes. Much faster than the railway or the MRT Blue Line.
The SRT Free Shuttle Bus drops off at the regular bus stop at Hua Lamphong Railway Station beside Platform 12.
The main driveway and station entrance is just ahead.
At past 10pm with no more long distance trains, Hua Lamphong Railway Station was closed.
The SRT Free Shuttle Bus service was still available from outside the station, with the last bus at 11pm.
Passengers can connect with the MRT Blue Line from here.
The façade of Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Conclusion
The non-stop SRT Free Shuttle Bus service is a good relay service provided by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) with the reduction of trains on the Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong sector. Aside from being a free alternative, the journey time is also sped up with the non-stop express service using the Si Rat Expressway for a fast journey, with journey times beating the railway and MRT.
The low hourly frequency outside of off-peak times do need to be taken note of as the faster journey combined with the long frequency may not work out if you have to wait for a long time for the SRT Free Shuttle Bus, and paying for the MRT Blue Line or an Ordinary or Commuter train if available may be a better alternative instead.