Skytrain (BTS) and subway (MRT) – get around the city fast
Of course, you can get around the city comfortably by taxi. But as soon as you want to use one of the main roads, such as Sukhumvit, Sathon, or the area around Siam Square, watch out for traffic jams. At these times, you’ll get around much faster by Skytrain or subway!
For even more personal Bangkok tips, special places and recommended audio guides, check out my travel guide
Bangkok Panorama.
Skytrain (BTS) Tips
The Skytrain has many advantages. It runs along the main tourist routes—Sukhumvit, Siam Square and Silom. You can see a little of the city as you travel (air-conditioning included). Fares are affordable for us.
You can easily check routes and fares online using the
Bangkok Metro app
. To make the most of the Skytrain, though, keep the following in mind.
- It only runs until around midnight, so take a taxi back to your hotel.
- Long queues form at the ticket machines during rush hour. It’s so annoying!! I strongly recommend buying a “Rabbit” Card at the ticket counter and loading it with around 200 baht. Then you can breeze past the queues and through the gates!!! It’s also worth it for a two- or three-day visit!
- The route name and direction are always based on the terminus! So check before you go through the gate, or you’ll end up on the wrong platform!
- The Skytrain and subway are operated by different companies, so you need to buy separate tickets.
Discover Bangkok by Skytrain
Want to explore the city off the beaten track, beyond its shiny new façades? Just take the Skytrain to a station and see what you can discover within 500 m / 5 min. The wonderful Blogger Bangkok Pat has some great ideas in his videos! I’ve discovered a lot of new places this way myself.
Subway (MRT) tips
The subway complements the Skytrain network. But because they are operated by different companies, they don’t share stations. Only pedestrian tunnels and walkways connect the stations. Per kilometer, the subway is slightly cheaper than the Skytrain.
- Here, too, your choice of platform depends on the name of the terminus. Be sure to check beforehand!
- Children up to age 14 pay just 50% on the subway.
- Seniors aged 60 and over also pay only 50%! This discount isn’t available on the Skytrain, so depending on your destination, combining the two systems may be worthwhile.
- There are long queues at the ticket machines and counters during rush hour here, too. I STRONGLY recommend buying and topping up an MRT card (blue) at the counter. For seniors, this card is YELLOW!
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Lockers
Whether you’re carrying all your luggage or your shopping bags, these lockers can be a real help. If you’d like to enjoy your last few hours in Bangkok without your bags, or simply store your luggage before a usually late-night flight, you’ll find lockers at many Skytrain and metro stations. Depending on the size, they cost between €1 and €2 per hour, or €5–€11 per day!
Into the city by Airport Rail Link
Travel time: 26 minutes
Price: 45 baht (€2.20)
Daily 5:30 am - 12:00 am
Of course, you can take a taxi straight to your hotel in the city for around 300 baht (€9). If you’d like a cheaper option, the Airport Rail Link is just what you need!
Even if a queue does form outside the taxi exit—which is rare—I recommend the Airport Rail Link as a fast alternative.
I especially like using it before my return flight, which is usually late in the evening. Leave your luggage in a locker at Paya Thai station (Skytrain connection) or Makkasan (MRT connection), then enjoy the city for a few more hours.