Getting Around Chatuchak and Bangkok
Chatuchak sits in the north of Bangkok, along the major Phahonyothin artery, and it is well served by the city's public transport. The area is home to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chatuchak Park, and Bang Sue Grand Station, Bangkok's new central train station. Because so many people who live in this part of the city commute downtown for work, there are plenty of ways in and out.
Rail, Metro and Commuter Trains
The Skytrain (BTS) and the metro (MRT) are the most practical ways to reach Chatuchak, and they connect with each other so you can move across the city without much trouble.
- BTS Skytrain: The Sukhumvit Line runs above Phahonyothin Road and covers the most important parts of the district. It comes directly from Siam Square and Sukhumvit. If you are starting from Silom, transfer from the Silom Line onto the Sukhumvit Line at Siam BTS station. The line passes Sanam Pao, Ari and Saphan Khwai before stopping at Mo Chit, which is near the Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Northern Bus Terminal.
- MRT metro: The metro is the most convenient way to get to the Chatuchak Weekend Market or Bang Sue Grand Station. Kamphaeng Phet station drops you right in front of the main entrance of the market, arguably the most interesting part of it. Chatuchak Park station also gets you there, but you still have to walk to the eastern entrance.
- Interchange: At Mo Chit, the Skytrain intersects with the MRT station at Chatuchak Park, so you can easily continue on to Ratchadaphisek.
- Long-distance and commuter trains: Bang Sue Grand Station is the terminus of almost all long-distance train services in the country, though a few still continue to the old central station at Hualamphong. Bang Sue is also the current terminus and starting point of SRT commuter lines running north towards Rangsit and west to Taling Chan. It can be reached with the MRT Blue Line.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Bus travel in this part of Bangkok can be troublesome, and getting from north to south can take two hours or more depending on traffic. Still, buses are useful for certain routes.
- Bus 59: The most important line is ordinary and air-conditioned Bus 59, which runs 24 hours a day. It starts at Sanam Luang in Rattanakosin and passes Ratchdamnoen Klang Road (for Khao San Road) and Panfa Leelard pier, the western terminus of the Saen Saep Express Boat. It then continues through Lan Luang Road and Phetchaburi Road, heads north along Phaya Thai Road past Victory Monument, and goes all the way north along Phahonyothin Road, passing the Chatuchak Weekend Market, Don Mueang Airport, and finally the Thammasat University campus in Rangsit.
- Express boat connection: The Saen Saep Express Boat links up with Bus 59 at Panfa Leelard pier, which can be handy if you are coming from that side of the city.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Metered taxis are the most comfortable, and most expensive, way to get in and around the district, and they work for both short and long trips.
- Always insist on the meter. If the driver refuses, get out and get another taxi, as there is always another one waiting.
- A ride from Sukhumvit or Silom to the Chatuchak Weekend Market shouldn't cost you more than 100 baht.
- If you are heading north to Don Mueang Airport, expect a price in the 200-300 baht range, depending on traffic.
Walkability
Walking works well for the final stretch into the market. Kamphaeng Phet MRT station puts you right at the main entrance of the Chatuchak Weekend Market, while Chatuchak Park MRT station leaves you with a walk to the eastern entrance. The park itself sits just north of the market, so the market, the park and the surrounding stations form a compact area you can cover on foot once you arrive.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Don Mueang Airport sits north of the city along Phahonyothin Road, and Bus 59 runs directly past it on its way to and from central Bangkok, making it a useful budget option. A metered taxi from the Chatuchak area to Don Mueang typically costs in the 200-300 baht range depending on traffic. For travel to and from the city's main rail hub, Bang Sue Grand Station is reachable on the MRT Blue Line and connects onward to long-distance and commuter train services.