Metro in Bangkok Thailand: Complete Guide to BTS and MRT

Bangkok has a rapidly expanding public transportation system to help you get around the city quickly. If you come to the Thai capital as a tourist, chances are you will take the BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (subway) networks regularly.

Although getting around Bangkok has become much easier thanks to these train networks, it is helpful to know the different lines and ticketing systems. This guide introduces you to Bangkok's metro system in detail and explains how to use each mode of transportation to make getting around one of Asia's busiest cities easier.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 25-07-2024

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1. Understanding the Bangkok Metro Network

Inaugurated in 1999, the Bangkok metro has continued to expand to cover the main areas of the city. It's made of :

• The BTS Skytrain: aerial metro, made up of 2 lines (green and dark blue) which intersect in Siam. It crosses the city from north to southeast.
• The MRT Subway: underground metro which has 2 lines (blue and purple). It travels through Bangkok from east to west.

The two networks are interconnected and form a rail loop, allowing easy access to all important areas: shopping centers, tourist attractions, business districts, etc. The metro map is very simple with a color code for each line. You will find detailed maps at all stations. Air-conditioned trains run frequently with little waiting during peak hours.

Note that the recently inaugurated MRT yellow line is not part of the same network. Tickets are therefore not valid from one network to another.

The public transportation system map in Bangkok is usually distributed for free at airports. You can find them at information desks. There are also self-service public display stands. Please click in or save the map right below for better view:

Otherwise, you can use the map on your phone by searching for 'Mmap Bangkok' on Google.

2. How to use the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok?

The BTS Skytrain is one of the most convenient ways to get around Bangkok. This aerial metro network allows you to travel above the city's heavy traffic and offers breathtaking views. There are two lines, the green Sukhumvit line and the dark green Silom line, which intersect at Siam Square.

If you want to go to large shopping malls, department stores, or entertainment complexes, BTS is ideal. Its resorts are located close to most tourist attractions (Siam, Central World, MBK,..), making travel easier. This will help you avoid the omnipresent traffic jams in the Thai capital.

Although relatively expensive by Asian standards, the BTS Skytrain remains an interesting option for tourists coming from Europe or North America. For most short journeys, it will be cheaper to take the BTS for 3 or 4 people than to book a taxi. It's a good way to explore Bangkok efficiently and comfortably.

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• What are the BTS timetables?

The BTS Skytrain operates daily and offers regular service during operating hours. Frequencies are increased during peak hours in the morning and evening. Unlike subways in other major cities, the BTS does not run very late. Remember to check the departure times of the last train so as not to find yourself stuck.

The first departures take place at 5:15 a.m. on the Sukhumvit green line and at 5:30 a.m. on the dark green Silom line. The latest departures vary between midnight and 12:30 a.m. depending on the line and direction.

For the exact timetable, check out BTS's website here: Timetable (bts.co.th)

Allow enough time to change lines if necessary, especially at the Siam transfer station. The precise timetables are displayed in each station.

• How much does a BTS ticket cost? How to buy it? 

Bangkok's BTS (Skytrain) offers variable fares depending on the length of the journey. The price of a single ticket varies from 17 to 62 baht ($0.4 to $1.7). You can calculate the exact price of your route on the interactive BTS map. An unlimited-day ticket costs 150 baht ($4).

The Rabbit Card is recommended to save time by avoiding queues at the ticket counters. Usable for the BTS, buses, in certain restaurants and stores, it also offers discounts. You can purchase it before your trip and collect it at the airport or CentralWorld. Only this card allows you to pay with a bank card, otherwise only the purchase of tickets is possible.

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BTS tickets can be purchased from vending machines, not ticket counters. Most older machines only accept coins. Some recent distributors also take tickets. If you don't have a chance, the counters can give you some. They also sell day tickets and Rabbit Cards.

On older machines, view the price on the plan and press the corresponding button. On the most recent ones, select your destination on the touch screen. Insert your coins, collect your ticket, and change. Rabbit Card holders simply swipe their card on the reader at the entrance. Insert your ticket into one of the automatic doors to enter. It will be kept upon exit. The maximum validity period in the paid area is 120 minutes.

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3. The MRT, the underground alternative to exploring Bangkok

The MRT subway is a cheaper alternative to the BTS. It covers more areas in Bangkok, including many tourist attractions. The MRT has two lines: the blue and the purple.

• The blue line is the most popular. It connects the main commercial, residential, and cultural districts (China Town or Chatuchak Weekend Market)
• The purple line mainly serves the outer suburbs. 

The MRT includes 35 stations on the Blue Line and 16 on the Purple Line. The new Yellow Line is not integrated into the MRT network and requires a separate ticket.

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• MRT opening hours

Bangkok's MRT operates from 5:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 6 a.m. to midnight on weekends and public holidays. During peak hours (6 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.), the interval between two trains is less than 5 minutes. At off-peak times it is less than 10 minutes.

• MRT ticket prices and purchase

MRT fares are slightly lower than BTS. In 2023, they were revised to between 17 and 43 bahts ($0.4 to $1.2) per trip on the blue line. On the purple line, they cost 14 to 42 baht ($0.4 to $1.16). For a line change, the price can reach 71 baht ($1.97).

Children and seniors benefit from a 50% reduction. Tickets are black tokens, available at vending machines or ticket counters. It is also possible to buy a rechargeable smart card, only at counters.

Purchasing from ATMs is simple: select English, choose your destination on the map, insert the tickets, collect your token, and change. The integration of Visa cards in the MRT simplifies fare payments, catering to tech-savvy travelers who prefer cashless transactions.

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4. How to get from the airport to the city center by metro?

4.1 From Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center by Airport Rail Link (ARL)

Taking the Airport Rail Link is the easiest and most economical way to reach central Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi Airport, located to the east. This metro includes two lines:

• The City Line connects the airport (A1 station) to Phaya Thai station (A8) in 30 minutes, with stops. You can take the BTS Skytrain there.
• The Express Line connects the airport to Makkasan station (A6) in 15 minutes non-stop. You can take the MRT Blue Line there.

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Airport Rail Link timetables and frequencies

The Airport Rail Link operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. During peak hours (6 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.), the frequency is 10 to 11 minutes. Outside peak hours and on weekends, it is 12 to 13 minutes. The station is in the basement of the airport, near arrivals. Furthermore, if you land at this airport, you can also buy a dtac 5G SIM card at the counter at the exit. Don't worry if you don't have a SIM card ejector tool with you. The seller will help you replace the SIM card and check the network connection!

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• Prices and purchase of tickets

The Airport Rail Link ticket for a single journey costs 15 to 45 baht depending on the distance. The price increases by 5 baht per station from the 2nd.

Tickets can be purchased from vending machines or ticket counters. On the machine, choose English, and select the destination and the number of travelers. Insert coins or notes, and collect the token.

Present the token at the gate to enter. Save it for exiting by inserting it into the turnstile at your destination.

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• From Don Mueang Airport to the city center by SRT Red Line

The SRT Red Line is a subway connecting the northern and western suburbs of Bangkok to the city center and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

Unlike Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang SRT Station is an elevated station opposite the airport. Follow the “SRT Red Line” signs and walk 5 minutes to get there.

From this station, take the "Commuter Line" train towards Bangkok, not the "Long Distance Line" for other provinces. Trains run every 15 to 20 minutes. After 7 stops, you arrive at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, formerly Bang Sue.

Follow the signs to the MRT Blue Line, located below the station. This is the only possible match, there is no risk of making a mistake.

The route operates daily from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight. The ticket costs 33 baht, to be purchased at vending machines (cash only) or at ticket counters (large denominations can be exchanged).

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5. Must-see attractions accessible by metro

Bangkok is one of the most diverse cities in Asia, offering a mix of Eastern traditions and Western influences. The city's streets are full of informal businesses, while the tall modern buildings of world-famous businesses add an intriguing contrast. The Bangkok Metro can be a great way to explore some of these places

Bangkok's iconic temples accessible by BTS and MRT

• The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho - MRT Sanam Chai
• Wat Arun - BTS Saphan Taksin, followed by a short ferry ride
• Wat Traimit - MRT Hua Lamphong
• Jim Thompson House - BTS National Stadium
• Erawan Temple - BTS Chit Lom

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The city's liveliest markets

• Chatuchak Weekend Market - BRT Mo Chit / MRT Chatuchak Park
• Patpong Night Market - BTS Sala Daeng / MRT Si Lom
• Pratunam Market - BTS Chit Lom, followed by 10 minutes walk
• Talad Neon Night Market - BTS Chit Lom, followed by a short walk
• Rot Fai Market Ratchada - MRT Thailand Cultural Center
• Sampeng Market - MRT Wat Mangkon

Shopping centers in Bangkok

• Siam Paragon - BTS Siam
• CentralWorld - BTS Chit Lom
• MBK Center - BTS National Stadium
• ICON SIAM - BTS Saphan Taksin, followed by a free shuttle
• Terminal 21 - BTS Asok / MRT Sukhumvit
• EmQuartier - BTS Phrom Phong
• Attractions for Children in Bangkok
• Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World - BTS Siam
• Lumpini Park - MRT Lumphini 
• Art in Paradise - BTS Mo Chit / MRT Chatuchak Park

6. Tips for Rush Hour in Bangkok

• The BTS and MRT in Bangkok are similar to major city metros like New York's. Avoid rush hours (7am-9am and 4pm-7pm) if traveling with a group or kids, as they get very crowded.
• The Airport Rail Link is efficient for getting to and from the airport, with lifts and stairways for luggage. However, it's better to take a taxi or Grab if you have luggage for a group.
• Expect the BTS and MRT to be packed during rush hours. It’s manageable, but you may need to wait for the next train and will likely stand most of the time.
• The BTS doesn’t connect directly to the airport. Use the Airport Rail Link and transfer to the BTS or MRT. With luggage, especially for a group, a minivan or taxi is more convenient.
• Crowds can vary; rush hours are particularly busy, but at other times, trains might be less packed. Plan accordingly for a smoother experience.

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Our last words

The Bangkok Metro is more than just a transportation system. It is a gateway to the diversity, cultural richness, and wonders of this dynamic city. Whether you want to visit iconic temples, venture into bustling markets, shop at renowned malls, or treat your children to unforgettable moments, the BTS and MRT will take you to all these places, allowing you to discover the fascinating juxtaposition of tradition and modernity that defines Bangkok.

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