Buzz
Explore how to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok using the Airport Rail Link with Hana.
☑ 1. Where is the Airport Rail Link station located at Suvarnabhumi Airport?
The Airport Rail Link (ARL) is an elevated train connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai terminal station. Compared to taxis and buses, ARL is preferred due to its fixed fare, eliminating concerns about overcharging.
First thing first, pinpoint your desired destination. The Airport Rail Link spans approximately 28 km, encompassing 8 stations including:
- Suvarnabhumi Station (Airport)
- Lat Krabang Station
- Ban Thap Chang Station
- Hua Mak Station
- Ramkhamhaeng Station
- Makkasan Station (connects with MRT underground train)
- Ratchaprarop Station
☑ 3. Purchase Airport Rail Link tickets
Before entering the station and reaching the train tracks, you need to buy tickets and use them to open the automatic doors to the station.
There are two ways for you to purchase tickets.
– Option 1: Queue up to buy tickets at the counter, inform them of your destination and the number of passengers.
Option 2: Taking the initiative to purchase at the self-service ticket counter. The Hana family opted for this second method.
📷The ticket vending machines at Bangkok Airport Rail Link are incredibly user-friendly.
These machines offer both Thai and English languages, with a simple interface, ensuring success even for first-time users like Hana.
With a touch screen display, you only need to select the route and starting point, such as Suvarnabhumi station to your destination station. Hana chose Phaya Thai, and the fare was 45 baht per person.
Hana felt utterly perplexed, unsure whether to drop the ticket into the slot or what to do to open the gate. Fortunately, the security guard spoke Vietnamese, saying, 'My dear, place it gently and take it back. Drop it in that slot only when you're boarding the train.' Phew, almost lost 45 baht there!
📷Automatic gate at the Airport Rail Link area. Source: Google.
Hana reiterates once again to her friends: touch your ticket to the designated area, the gate will open, swiftly move through, and remember to retrieve your ticket (keep it safe because you need it to exit the station).
📷 Waiting area for boarding the train. Illustrative image.
☑ Step 5: Board the train and wait to get off at your stop.
Wait for about 5 – 10 minutes for the ARL train to arrive. There are no assigned seats or cabins here, so quickly choose an empty cabin and find a seat.
📷 Inside the ARL train cabin. Photo by Hana.
Pay attention to the station map above the entrance and exit doors to know what the next station is. The name of the next station is also clearly announced through the public address system in advance, giving you time to prepare to disembark.
❌ Note: If you choose the wrong direction or miss your stop, don't worry. Just get off at the next station, take the opposite direction train to go back to the previous stop. You won't need to buy a new ticket, just switch to the train going in the opposite direction.
Hana's house is near the last station, so she's feeling relaxed, sitting tight, waiting to reach Phaya Thai ^^.
So there you have it, Hana has guided everyone on how to travel by ARL from Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok. Thank you all for reading!
Posted by: Bùi Ngọc Dư
Keywords: Traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok using the Airport Rail Link
