Book a private taxi from your Hua Hin hotel to Maeklong Railway Market. The trip is roughly 140 km and takes about 1.75 hours by car. Your Thai driver picks you up at the door and takes you straight to your destination — fuel and tolls included.
Get your Hua Hin → Maeklong Railway Market price
Fixed price for the whole car, fuel and tolls included. No payment to ask.
Want the driver to wait and bring you back, or visit several places in one day? A car with driver for 10 hours starts at 2,200 THB — see Hua Hin day tours.
About Maeklong Railway Market
At Maeklong the market stalls fold back as the train rolls through — a unique sight in Samut Songkhram.
Maeklong Railway Market sits beside Maeklong station in Samut Songkhram, where traders lay out vegetables, fish, fruit and snacks right on the railway line. When a train approaches, awnings fold back and goods are pulled clear moments before it inches past, then the market reopens as soon as it has gone. Locals simply call it the umbrella-closing market. It is a working local market, so traders appreciate visitors who keep the path clear.
Visitors from Hua Hin come mainly for the spectacle, but the area offers much more. Amphawa’s evening floating market, Damnoen Saduak’s morning floating market and canal-side temples are all nearby, making a full day out. With a car, you can combine several of these sights at your own pace. Samut Songkhram is also known for coconut sugar, pomelos and fresh seafood, which make good snacks along the way.
Things to see and do in Maeklong Railway Market
- The market stalls folding back as the train passes
- Maeklong station at the end of the line
- Amphawa Floating Market, busy on weekend afternoons and evenings
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, best in the early morning
- Wat Bang Kung, a temple enveloped by banyan roots
- Firefly boat trips from Amphawa in the evening
- The King Rama II Memorial Park near Amphawa
What’s included in your Hua Hin to Maeklong Railway Market transfer
- A private car or van for your group only — no sharing, no extra pickups
- Pickup at your hotel, villa or condo anywhere in Hua Hin
- Drop-off at your hotel or address in Maeklong Railway Market
- Fuel and expressway tolls included in the price
- Toilet, food and photo stops on request
The road between Hua Hin and Maeklong Railway Market
The drive between Hua Hin and Maeklong Railway Market follows Phetkasem Road (Highway 4) north through Cha-am and Phetchaburi. Beyond Phetchaburi the route turns onto Rama II Road (Highway 35) towards Samut Songkhram, then local roads lead into Maeklong town and the station. Most of the drive is wide and easy, with traffic building mainly on Rama II at weekends and holidays, when Bangkok visitors head to the floating markets. Parking near the station is limited, so the driver drops you close by and waits. The return can follow the same route or include a stop in Phetchaburi.
Good places to stop on the way
- Cha-am beach on the way
- Phetchaburi and Khao Wang palace
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Amphawa riverside town
Toilet and food stops are free. Sightseeing stops at attractions are 500 THB each — add them in the booking notes.
Best time to travel to Maeklong Railway Market
Train times shape the visit, so check the current schedule before you go. Mornings are cooler for the railway market and the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, while Amphawa is liveliest on weekend afternoons and evenings. The cool season from November to February is most comfortable. Weekends are busier with day-trippers from Bangkok. Afternoon visits can be combined with Amphawa and an evening firefly boat trip.
Travel tip for Maeklong Railway Market
Check the train times first; we plan the departure so you arrive just before a train.
Taxi vs. bus, train or flight to Maeklong Railway Market
Tour buses follow a fixed programme. With your own car and driver you choose when to leave, how long to stay and where to stop on the way back.
Choose your car
Sedans suit one to three travellers, MPVs and SUVs four, and VIP vans up to eight with luggage. For long trips a van gives everyone more room to stretch out.
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SedanTaxi Sedan (Altis)
Toyota Corolla Altis taxi or similar
- Up to 2 passengers
- 1–2 suitcases
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SedanEco-Car Economy (Altis)
Toyota Corolla Altis or similar
- Up to 3 passengers
- 1–3 suitcases
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Business sedanLuxury Sedan (Camry)
Toyota Camry or similar
- Up to 3 passengers
- 1–3 suitcases
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SUVFamily SUV (Fortuner)
Toyota Fortuner or similar
- Up to 4 passengers
- 1–5 suitcases
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VanMini Van VIP (Commuter)
Toyota Commuter VIP van
- Up to 8 passengers
- 1–8 suitcases
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VanAll New VIP Van
New-generation Toyota Commuter VIP van
- Up to 8 passengers
- 1–8 suitcases
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Pickup truckPickup Truck
Isuzu D-Max Spacecab with cargo box or similar
- Up to 4 passengers
- Closed cargo box
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Questions about this route
How far is Hua Hin from Maeklong Railway Market?
About 140 km by road.
How long does the drive take?
Around 1.75 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
How much is a taxi from Hua Hin to Maeklong Railway Market?
The fare table on this page shows the fixed price for each car, for the whole car, with fuel and tolls included. No deposit is needed.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes — tell your driver whenever you need a break, food or a photo stop.
How often does the train pass through the market?
Several trains a day pass through, but the timetable changes, so check the current schedule before you travel.
Can we combine Maeklong with a floating market?
Yes, Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa are both close, so one or both can be added to the same day.
Is it safe to stand by the tracks?
Yes, if you follow traders’ signals and step well back when the train approaches.
