The Northern Line is a railway line in Thailand, running between the capital Bangkok (at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) and the northern city of Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai railway station). It is the second longest railway line in Thailand at long, has 130 operational stations and halts, and is operated by the State Railway of Thailand. The line first opened in 1896. Major cities served by the line include Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Lampang, and Chiang Mai.
The line's operations were severely affected during World War II.
Since January 2023, long-distance (Special Express, Express and Rapid) trains terminated at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok replacing Hua Lamphong station.
A new 323 kilometer-long branch line, from Den Chai to the Lao border at Chiang Khong, is under construction and is expected to open in 2028.
History
Timeline
Name changes
Infrastructure
The Northern Line is entirely single track, except at stations. Track gauge is meter gauge. As the train frequency increases, it is becoming increasingly challenging to operate trains running both direction on the single-line track. Double-tracking has commenced between Lop Buri and Pak Nam Pho, and is planned for the rest of the line.
The Northern Line is not electrified. Regular services run on diesel power. The current maximum operating speed on the line is .
Stations
Tunnels
See also
Rail transport in Thailand
Lopburi Line: railway line of the Greater Bangkok commuter rail
Northeastern Line (Thailand) Eastern Line (Thailand) Southern Line (Thailand)