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With a comprehensive Bangkok train system, the Thai capital stands out as one of the friendliest destinations for international travelers. How many types of trains are there in Bangkok, and how to use them? This article by Klook Vietnam will help you find the answers.
Thailand is a beautiful country with numerous attractions, shopping, serene landscapes, and incredibly friendly locals. It's a favored destination for many Vietnamese due to its proximity and ease of travel. For those who enjoy independent exploration, the Land of Smiles is an ideal choice, with convenient immigration procedures, efficient transportation, and reasonable travel costs.
When traveling to Thailand independently, most likely, you would want to experience it like a local: savoring local cuisines and using public transportation. Bangkok's train system is very convenient, connecting various shopping centers, restaurants, theme parks, bustling residential areas, and much more.
Thailand Train Map - Updated 2023
The first thing you need is the public transportation map or the Bangkok train map, usually available for free at airports. Remember to pick up the map at self-service public display stands or information counters. Some hotels in the city center may also provide maps, but it's advisable to get one at the airport for convenient and cost-effective travel by train. Klook will break down the map for easy use. Refer to the map and instructions simultaneously.
Pro tips for #teamKlook: If you're not too confident with self-navigation, you can visit the https://www.transitbangkok.com/mrt.html => enter your departure and destination => the system will provide detailed instructions. You can also use Google Maps!
Overview of the Train System in Bangkok, Thailand
BTS Bangkok, also known as Skytrain, and MRT Bangkok, or Subway, are the two most popular and convenient means of transportation in Bangkok. Both operate on independent transport networks. This means you need to purchase separate tickets when switching between these two systems or between them and other networks like the Airport Rail Link (ARL), Dark Red Line SRT, and Yellow Line MRT.
There is a third network, the Airport Rail Link (ARL), which is also independent and requires a separate ticket. In 2022, a fourth network, Dark Red Line SRT, became operational. In June 2023, a fifth network, Yellow Line MRT, started operating.
Notably, Dark Red Line SRT and Yellow Line MRT are not displayed on the above map. Travelers often prefer using BTS Skytrain and MRT as they cover central areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, and Siam Square.
To save time and avoid long queues when buying BTS Skytrain tickets, you can purchase a prepaid card online called the BTS Skytrain Rabbit card. For MRT, you can use credit cards or debit cards for contactless payment. This applies to MRT only, not BTS.
A few tips for #teamKook:
(*) Choose a hotel in Bangkok near a Skytrain or MRT station for convenient travel. You can check the hotel location on the map when booking through websites to ensure a convenient choice.
(*) When paying with an international credit or debit card, you may incur an additional foreign currency conversion fee.
(*) Present your passport to purchase train cards like BTS or ARL.
(*) If traveling to Thailand in a large group, you can opt for airport transfer services or take Bolt/Grab to the city center. Prices do not differ much; however, consider avoiding peak hours as traffic in Bangkok can be congested.
Where to Buy Bangkok Train Tickets?
1. How to Purchase Bangkok BTS Train Tickets
The simplest and most convenient way is to book your Bangkok Train Card on Klook and pick it up at the airport upon arrival. Klook offers a variety of transportation options at budget-friendly prices, suitable for all types of travelers. This avoids queues and provides additional attractive deals. The card comes with 200 baht and is valid for up to 5 years from the date of issue. Incredibly convenient and cost-effective for independent travelers exploring Thailand, isn't it?
However, if you prefer to buy individual train tickets for each route, it's also quite straightforward.
Most tourists find it easy to purchase tickets at train stations with many informative signs. At each station, there's a guide board like the one above with various sign numbers. These correspond to the fare prices.
If you want to go to a specific station, locate the fare board at the station you're at and find the corresponding number for your destination. Press that number on the machine and insert the coins one by one until the total amount matches the display on the machine. The machine will then dispense a card for you.
Use the card to pass through the gate into the station. If you don't have coins, you'll need to queue at the paper money to coin exchange counter, then queue again at the self-service card machine as mentioned above. It's straightforward but seems a bit multi-step and somewhat complex, doesn't it?
2. How to Purchase ARL Train Card
Buy a one-way ticket and travel to any station you want if your hotel is near this area or go straight to the end station to transfer to the BTS if you think you'll use this route less. But if you're near the airport and plan to explore this area extensively, it's advisable to buy the Smart Pass for better benefits.
(*) Note: ARL tickets cannot be used for BTS, and vice versa. You must buy two different types of tickets for these two different routes. The reason is that the segments of these two routes are different, and these two train services are not from the same provider.
Bangkok BTS - Various Types of Overhead Trains in Bangkok, Thailand
1. Airport Rail Link (ARL) Train - From Suvarnabhumi Airport to the City Center
You can travel directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center of Bangkok by using the Airport Rail Link (the red line on the BTS map). From the Arrival area at Suvarnabhumi Airport, follow the signs to go down to the lower floor of the airport. There, you can board the train.
(*) Please note that you can only use this train route when your flight lands at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) only.
Quite convenient if your flight lands at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) because this is a large, newly built airport, so it's quite beautiful and modern. Just go down to Floor B, and you'll immediately see the Airport Rail Link (ARL) station. You can exchange your voucher for a SIM 4G and a travel card purchased on Klook right at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The Airport Rail Link will take you to BTS Phaya Thai station. From there, you can either stay in the Phaya Thai area or purchase a ticket to board the BTS train system and continue your journey to your final destination. You can transfer to the MRT subway from the BTS line at Asoke or Mo Chit station.
2. Bangkok Skytrain
As mentioned above, the Bangkok BTS (Bangkok Skytrain) and Bangkok MRT are the two most common types of trains in the capital of Thailand.
Currently, there are 2 main lines of the Bangkok Skytrain:
- The light green Sukhumvit line runs from Khu Khot to Kheha.
- The dark green Silom line runs from Bang Wa to National Stadium.
Additionally, there is the short Gold Line, inaugurated in December 2020. This line connects to the Silom line to the Icon Siam shopping center. You can also reach Icon Siam by going to the Saphan Taksin BTS station and then transferring to the free Icon Siam ferry to reach this shopping area. The Gold Line currently has two stops, ending at Klong San. Finally, it will be extended with an additional station – Prajadhipok.
2.1. Bangkok Skytrain - Sukhumvit Line
The BTS elevated train (Sukhumvit line) is one of the most popular routes if you're staying in the city center and enjoy shopping or exploring famous shopping areas such as Siam, Central World, MBK, Platinum, and Pratunam market.
Mochit is the first station of the BTS Sukhumvit line. Remember to take the stairs to the elevated train station; then, buy your ticket and catch the train to your desired station. It's worth mentioning that this line has 2 main interchange points with 2 other lines, still elevated (meaning you don't need to go underground). However, you have to exit the train at the interchange station (Interchange point) and then exit at the corresponding station at that point of each line, buy a ticket to continue to your destination.
The 2 BTS Bangkok train lines mentioned above are the ARL line and the Bangkok Skytrain - Silom Line.
2.2. Bangkok Skytrain - Silom Line
Bangkok Skytrain - Silom Line starts from the National Stadium to Bang Wa, with 3 interchange points connecting to other public transportation systems.
Siam Station: This station links with the BTS Skytrain (Sukhumvit Line) above, making it easy for you to transfer to the city center.
Sala Daeng Station: Connects to the Silom station of the MRT, and as mentioned earlier, the MRT is underground, so remember to go downstairs to transfer to the next train. From here, it's easy to continue on the MRT to Hua Lamphong MRT station in Bangkok's China Town, where you can visit temples or explore the area known for its delicious and affordable food.
Chong Nonsi and Talat Phlu Stations are the starting and ending points of the BRT rapid bus route, where travelers switch from the train to the bus.
Saphan Taksin Station: This is a special station where you can transfer to the Sathorn Taksin Pier (central pier). Don't forget to enjoy a lavish buffet on a cruise along the Chao Praya River or disembark and take the station's boat to cross the Chao Praya River to explore the Grand Palace and temples.
3. Bangkok MRT - Types of Subway Trains in Bangkok, Thailand
3.1. MRT Route (Blue Line)
The Blue Line runs underground from Bang Sue to Lak Sang. This MRT route attracts a lot of attention from travelers as it covers most central locations. It's particularly popular for those staying in China Town or wanting to visit and shop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. It intersects with the Main Mochit Station, making it easy to transfer to BTS Skytrain routes.
3.2. MRT Route (Purple Line)
The Purple Line runs from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai, primarily serving large suburban areas of Bangkok. This route seems less frequented by tourists, perhaps due to being relatively new and having fewer attractions. However, there are still small buses on the ground that can be explored.
3.3. MRT Route (Yellow Line)
The Yellow Line runs from the eastern district of Lat Phrao to Samut Prakarn, a southeastern neighboring province. Serving along the congested Lat Phrao road and Srinagarindra corridor.
3.4. MRT Route (Pink Line)
The Pink Line travels between the suburban areas of Nonthaburi and Minburi in Bangkok.
The Airport Rail Link (Red Line) runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport to BTS Phaya Thai station.
Since 2022, the Dark Red Line SRT has been operational. This line runs from Bang Sue Grand Station to Rangsit. There is a station near Don Mueang Airport, but it is not directly integrated into the airport terminal.
3.5. Dark Red Line SRT
If you don't mind walking, you can catch the Dark Red Line SRT from Don Mueang Airport. The SRT station is not within the airport premises. Follow the signs and walk about 10 to 15 minutes from the terminal to reach Don Mueang station. From there, the SRT train will take you to Bang Sue station at the Bangkok Central Center (also known as Bang Sue Central Station). You can then transfer to the MRT and continue to your final destination or switch to the BTS Skytrain from one of the MRT stops.
How Much Are Bangkok Train Tickets?
The ticket prices for the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok in 2023 are as follows:
Single journey tickets on the BTS Skytrain range from 17 Baht to 47 Baht.
In 2023, MRT Bangkok ticket prices have increased, with MRT Blue Line fares ranging from 17 Baht to 43 Baht per trip. Tickets on the MRT Purple Line are priced from 14 Baht to 42 Baht per journey. If you need to transfer between the Blue Line and Purple Line, the MRT ticket price can go up to 71 Baht.
Tourist Attractions Near Bangkok Train Stations
Exploring famous Bangkok attractions without the hassle of exhaustive walking is incredibly convenient. Bangkok's history began along the river, evolving into the sprawling metropolis you see today. Many unique tourist spots are situated along the Chao Phraya River. MRT Sanam Chai station provides easy access to renowned Bangkok landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, as well as the riverside of Bangkok.
Below is a list of tourist attractions and activities in Bangkok near the train stations:
- Grand Palace | Wat Pho – MRT Sanam Chai Station
- Wat Arun – MRT Itsaraphap Station
- Jim Thompson House – BTS National Stadium Station
- Lebua State Tower (Sky Bar from The Hangover) – BTS Saphan Taksin Station
- Lumphini Park – MRT Silom Station
- Khao San Road – MRT Sanam Chai Station (still quite a distance)
- Sukhumvit 11 Nightlife Street – BTS Nana Station
- Soi Cowboy – BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit Station
- Nana and Nana Plaza – BTS Nana Station
- Benjakiti Park – BTS Asoke or MRT Sukhumvit Station
- Siam Paragon Shopping Center and IMAX Cinema – BTS Siam Station
- Central World Shopping Center – BTS Chit Lom Station
- Emporium | Emquartier | Emsphere Shopping Center – BTS Phrom Phong Station
- Chatuchak Market – BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak Station
- Ari Area – BTS Ari Station
- Bangkok River Boat Tours – BTS Saphan Taksin Station
There you go, a quick overview of how the Bangkok train system operates. Travel confidently and don't forget to visit Klook Vietnam's Travel Blog for handy Thailand travel tips, Unmissable Thai Festivals, Affordable Thailand Tours, 4-Day 3-Night Bangkok Itinerary, Safari World Bangkok, Top Places to Visit in Thailand HOT, Thailand Travel Essentials, Thai Souvenirs, Bangkok Night Markets, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia 6 Days 5 Nights Tour,...
Explore the beauty of Thailand with the Bangkok train system!
