Overview
Bangkok's rapid transit system is a multi-modal network that has grown substantially since 1999. It consists of elevated Skytrain lines, underground and above-ground metro lines, an airport rail link, commuter rail, and a growing monorail system. For a visitor, the system is navigable and relatively straightforward: you buy a stored-value card or single-journey ticket, tap it at the entry gate, find your platform, and tap again to exit. The network connects most major tourist attractions, business districts, and both airports, though some routes require transfers between operators.
The network
BTS Skytrain
The BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) Skytrain operates three elevated lines totalling 70.05 kilometres. The Sukhumvit Line runs southwards from Khu Khot Station along Phahon Yothin Road, then eastwards along Sukhumvit Road to Kheha Station in Samut Prakan. The Silom Line runs eastwards from National Stadium Station in Pathum Wan District, then southwest along Ratchadamri, Si Lom, Narathiwat Ratchanakharin and Sathon Roads, crossing the Chao Phraya and passing Wong Wian Yai Station in Khlong San to Bang Wa Station in Phasi Charoen District. Both lines interchange at Siam Station. The Gold Line runs along Charoen Nakhon Road in Khlong San from Krung Thon Buri Station (interchange with Silom Line) to Khlong San Station.
MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit)
The MRT system opened in July 2004 and operates four lines. The Blue Line (Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line) runs 37.1 kilometres from Tao Poon Station in a southward arc through the east along Ratchadaphisek Road, passing Hua Lamphong (the main railway station), to Lak Song, with 38 stations. It connects to the BTS at Mo Chit, Asok, Sala Daeng, and Bang Wa stations. The line was extended to form a circle in 2020. The Purple Line (Chalong Ratchadham Line) opened in 2016. The Yellow Line and Pink Line are monorail services that opened in 2023 as the country's first monorail lines.
Airport Rail Link
The Airport Rail Link opened in August 2010 and is operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). It connects Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan Province to the city centre across eight stations spanning 29 kilometres. The line terminates at Phaya Thai Station (where it connects to the BTS Skytrain) and also passes through Makkasan station, where it connects with Phetchaburi Station of the MRT.
SRT Red Lines
The Red Lines opened in 2021 alongside the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. They consist of two lines: the Dark Red Line and Light Red Line, serving the Bangkok Metropolitan Region as commuter rail services.
Buses and other services
Bangkok BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) began operation in 2010 and provides dedicated bus corridors. Extensive city bus networks also serve Bangkok, and ferries operate on the Chao Phraya River and other waterways for both transport and sightseeing.
Tickets & fares
BTS Skytrain fares
The BTS offers stored-value cards called "Rabbit cards" in three types: adult, student, and senior, with an initial stored value of 100 baht. Single-journey fares start from 16 baht and are calculated based on distance travelled. Travel between certain station pairs (such as Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa, or On-Nut to Bearing) costs 15 baht, with an additional 15 baht when transferring between these stations and the main line.
MRT Blue Line fares
The MRT offers stored-value cards for different passenger categories: Adult cards (full fare), Elder cards for those over 65 (50% discount), Student cards for those under 23 (10% discount), and Child cards for those under 14 or under 120 cm tall (50% discount). Fares are distance-based, starting from 16 baht for one station and increasing by 2–3 baht per station up to a maximum of 42 baht for 17 stations.
MRT Purple Line fares
The Purple Line uses the same stored-value cards as the Blue Line. Fares for card holders start from 15 baht for one station, increasing by 1 baht per station up to 29 baht for 15 stations. Passengers without cards pay from 17 baht for one station, with fares increasing by 2–3 baht per station, reaching a maximum of 42 baht for 11 stations.
Airport Rail Link fares
Fares on the Airport Rail Link city line start from 15 baht for one station, increasing by 5 baht per station up to 45 baht for 7 stations.
Fare transfers and discounts
Transfer discounts are available between certain lines: Purple Line to Blue Line, Blue Line to Yellow Line, and Purple Line to Pink Line.
Where to buy tickets
You can purchase single-journey tickets at ticket machines and booths at every station. Stored-value cards can be obtained and topped up at station ticket offices and convenience stores throughout the network. An official fare calculator tool is available online to help you determine exact fares for your journey.
From the airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi is Bangkok's main airport, located 30 kilometres east of the city centre. The Airport Rail Link is the fastest public-transport option: trains depart every 10–13 minutes between 06:00 and midnight daily, taking 26 minutes to reach Phaya Thai Station (interchange with BTS Skytrain) and costing 45 baht. The service also stops at Makkasan and Ratchaprarop stations (where you can connect to the MRT).
A free shuttle bus runs to the airport bus terminal, where inexpensive city buses serve suburban areas and the city centre. Since June 2017, express bus S1 runs from the terminal building to Khao San Road.
Metered taxis are available on the first floor below arrivals; follow the "public taxi" signs to reach the official queue outside the terminal. An ATM-style ticket booth dispenses numbered slips indicating the taxi bay. A surcharge applies on top of the meter (not per passenger), with trips to the city centre typically costing 250–400 baht plus possible expressway tolls of 25–50 baht. The taxi ride takes about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
Don Mueang Airport, 30 kilometres north of the city, primarily handles budget carriers. It has no practical rail connection.
The A1 airport bus runs to Sena Nikhom BTS station (30 baht, about 20 minutes), departing the airport from exit 6 (Terminal 1) or exit 12 (Terminal 2) between 07:30 and midnight daily. The bus continues to Ratchayothin BTS station and Vibhavadi hospital.
Express buses A3 and A4 serve central Bangkok routes (50 baht) between 07:00 and 23:00. A3 runs via Dindaeng, Pratunam, Ratchaprasong, Ratchadamri, and Lumphini Park. A4 runs via Democracy Monument and Khao San Road.
A commuter train from Don Mueang Train Station (accessible via a covered overpass) now runs every 12–20 minutes to Bang Sue in northern Bangkok, where you must change to the MRT Blue Line.
City buses also serve the airport. Buses toward central Bangkok are on the airport's side of the road. Air-conditioned bus 504 goes to Ratchaprasong (CentralWorld area), Lumphini Park, and Silom (19 baht); bus 29 serves Hualamphong Train Station, Victory Monument, Siam Square, and Chatuchak Weekend Market (19 baht); and bus 59 serves Sanam Luang in Rattanakosin (a longer journey). Note that some city buses are marked "additional bus" (Thai: รถเสริม, rot serm) with a red sign showing the final destination, and may not complete the full route.
Metered taxis are available at the public taxi stand at the end of the arrival area, using the same numbered-slip system as Suvarnabhumi. An unofficial metered-taxi queue on the main road just outside the terminal (accessed via the bridge toward the railway station, then down a narrow staircase) can reduce wait times and avoid the airport surcharge. Ignore touts and do not enter vehicles with white licence plates, which are not licensed for passenger transport.
Etiquette & customs
Queue in an orderly line when waiting for trains and boarding. On escalators, stand on the left side to leave room for others to walk past on the right. Priority seating (usually marked with special colours or signs) is reserved for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and small children; give up your seat if you occupy one of these reserved spots. Do not eat full meals on the train, though water and snacks are generally tolerated. Eating and drinking may be restricted on some lines, so observe what others do. During rush hours (typically 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00), trains are crowded; hold the handrails and be prepared to stand.
Official links
Survival terms
- สถานีรถไฟฟ้า (sathani rot fai fah) – Metro/subway station
- ตั๋ว (tua) – Ticket
- สายรถไฟ (sai rot fai) – Line
- ทางเข้า (thang khao) – Entrance
- ทางออก (thang ok) – Exit
- แลกรถ (laek rot) – Transfer
- ตั๋วเดียว (tua diow) – Single fare
- บัตรผ่านวัน (bat phan wan) – Day pass
Download the BTS or MRT mobile apps before your journey to check real-time train arrivals and plan your route with up-to-date transfer information.