Using the Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok: Exploring like a local in 2025

Mastering the Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok will transform your Bangkok experience. Forget everything you’ve heard about the city’s notorious traffic jams. The modern transit system is one that most tourists never fully figure out – but once you do, you’ll explore Bangkok like a local, paying local prices and reaching any destination in air-conditioned comfort.

This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know about Bangkok’s three rail systems: the elevated BTS Skytrain, the underground MRT, and the airport-linking SRT. You’ll learn which lines to take, how to buy tickets and tips to navigate like a local.

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Getting Started: Understanding Bangkok’s Rail Systems

Bangkok’s public transport might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the basics.

The city has three main rail systems, each serving different purposes and areas of the city.

The BTS Skytrain runs elevated above the streets, giving you a bird’s eye view of the city while whisking you past the traffic below. The MRT runs underground, reaching some of the older and more characterful parts of Bangkok. And then there’s the Airport Rail Link, connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city centre.

The Basics You Need to Know:

• All stations are air-conditioned and clearly marked in English
• Trains run from 6am to midnight
• Fares are distance-based, starting around 16฿ (less than 50¢)
• Most tourist attractions are within walking distance of stations

Using the BTS Skytrain

The BTS is likely to be your main mode of transport in Bangkok. It’s clean, efficient, and connects most of the places visitors want to see. The elevated position gives you a great view of the city, and it’s often the fastest way to get around central Bangkok.

BTS Ticket Options and Fares

You’ve got three main choices, and I’ll help you choose the right one for your style of exploring:

Single Journey Tickets – Perfect if you’re just making a few trips. They’re easy to buy from the machines (don’t worry, there’s an English option) but here’s a tip: avoid buying these during rush hours (8-9am, 5-6:30pm) unless you enjoy standing in long queues! The system is tap-on, tap-off. Single journey tickets will be collected when you exit.

Day Pass – If you’re planning to visit lots of different spots in one day, this is your best bet. You get unlimited rides for 24 hours and you’ll save yourself the hassle of queuing for tickets at every station. I usually recommend grabbing one through Klook before your trip – one less thing to worry about when you arrive. Currently 150฿.

Rabbit Card- This is my recommendation if you’re staying more than a few days. Just top it up and tap your way around the city. It’s valid for 7 years (though your credit expires after 2), and you can even use it at convenience stores. Perfect for feeling like a local instead of fumbling with tickets every time you travel.

Pro tip: If you are travelling in a group of 2 or more and going across town sometimes it’s cheaper to get a rideshare.

Navigate Like a Local: Essential Routes

Now that you’ve got your ticket sorted, let’s look at where these trains actually take you. The BTS has two main lines – the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line – and between them, they’ll get you to most places you want to visit.

Sukhumvit Line (Light Green)

This line runs through modern Bangkok’s heart.

Here are the stations you’ll likely use most:

• Phaya Thai: Your gateway to the airport – this is where you catch the Airport Link – it’s also within walking distance to Pratinum Market.
• Mo Chit: Jump off here for the Chatuchak Weekend Market
• Asok: Home to the huge Terminal 21 mall and a handy connection to the MRT
• Nana & Thonglor: This is where Bangkok comes alive at night – some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.
• On Nut: Want to see how locals live? This area has great food markets and a more genuine vibe.

Silom Line (Dark Green)

This is your ticket between the vibrant malls of Siam to old-school Bangkok and the riverside area:

• Siam: The beating heart of Bangkok shopping – all the major malls are here, and it’s where you switch between BTS lines.
• Sala Daeng: Hop off here for a morning jog in Lumphini Park or evening shopping at Patpong Night Market.
• Saphan Taksin: Your starting point for river adventures – catch all the ferry services here.
• National Stadium: MBK Shopping Centre is right here (imagine endless market stalls in air-conditioned comfort)
• Krung Thon Buri: Take the Gold Line connection from here to reach the stunning ICONSIAM mall.

Insider tip: Want to avoid feeling like a sardine? Skip the rush hours (8-9am, 5-6:30pm), especially at Siam, Asok and Mo Chit. Even shifting your journey by 30 minutes can make a huge difference. I usually grab a coffee or do some shopping if I hit these times.

Practical Details & Accessibility

Before you head out, here’s what you need to know about BTS and MRT stations:

• Everything’s marked in English, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way.
• You’ll find small shops and convenience stores in most stations (great for grabbing water or snacks)
• There’s free WiFi, but it can be patchy.
• One important thing to note: no public toilets in the stations (but most nearby malls have them)

Getting Around the Stations

A note about moving through the stations:

• There are elevators, but they can be tricky to find – look for the wheelchair symbols.
• The escalators switch directions during rush hour (and yes, it can be confusing!)
• You might need to tackle some stairs between street level and the escalators.
• The staff are very helpful – don’t hesitate to ask for directions.

Accessibility Reality Check

I’ll be honest – Bangkok’s transit system isn’t the most wheelchair-friendly. I had the misfortune of tearing my meniscus while I was staying here last year nad while there are elevators, they are almost always tucked away and sometimes out of sight to the side of the street and connected by a ramp to the main station. When in doubt, look up!

Some stations have gaps between platforms and trains and you might encounter steps in unexpected places. There are station staff assigned to help you if you decide to brave it but if you’re using a wheelchair or have mobility issues, it’s worth having a backup transport plan.

Beyond the Basics: Complete BTS Network Guide

Whether you’re using the BTS or MRT, all stations share some common features and quirks you should know about before setting off to explore Bangkok.

Station Numbers: Your Secret Weapon

Here’s a handy tip: look for the station codes (like N5 or E4) instead of trying to pronounce Thai names. The first letter tells you the direction (N for North, E for East, etc.) and the numbers get bigger as you move away from central Bangkok. These codes will become your best friend!

Key Interchange Stations

These are the stations you’ll probably use the most – they are like ‘superhubs’:

• Siam: The central station of Bangkok’s shopping universe
• Asok/Sukhumvit: Your gateway to modern Bangkok (and the famous Terminal 21 mall)
• Mo Chit: Where to change for the Weekend Market – arrive early!
• Sala Daeng/Silom: Ideal for night markets and street food adventures
• Phaya Thai: Your best friend when catching flights (connects to Airport Link)

I always keep the BTS website bookmarked on my phone – their station area maps are great for figuring out exactly which exit will get you closest to where you’re going.

If you prefer to be really organised, you can purchase a Rabbit card or one day BTS pass on Klook before you leave home.

The MRT: Bangkok’s Underground Network

While everyone’s focused on the Skytrain, I actually prefer the MRT for exploring the ‘real’ Bangkok. The Blue Line is my favorite – it curves through the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods in a giant loop and it’s usually less crowded than the BTS.

Blue Line Highlights – Where to Stop and Why

• Chatuchak Park: Your weekend shopping paradise – connects to both the Weekend Market and the BTS
• Wat Mangkon: This is your stop for the best of Chinatown – incredible street food and those famous market alleyways.
• Sanam Chai: Closest station to the Grand Palace, plus you can catch river boats from here.
• Sam Yot: Step back in time in Bangkok’s Old Town – the architecture here is stunning.
• Sukhumvit: Links to BTS Asok and Terminal 21 (great food court on the top floor!)
• Silom: Perfect for Lumphini Park morning walks, connects to BTS Sala Daeng

Local Secret: The stations between Wat Mangkon and Sam Yot are my favourite for street photography – the mix of old and new Bangkok is incredible.

The MRT isn’t just about getting from A to B – some of these stations are worth a visit just for their incredible design. I often take first-time visitors to these four just to see their reactions:

Bangkok’s Most Beautiful Stations

• Wat Mangkon: The whole station is a tribute to Chinatown’s heritage, with stunning Sino-Portuguese details that will make you forget you’re in a metro station.
• Sam Yot: My personal favorite – it feels like stepping into old Bangkok, complete with fascinating historical displays.
• Sanam Chai: They basically built an underground palace. The Thai-style interior is so gorgeous you might miss your train while taking photos.
• Itsaraphap: Look up as soon as you enter – those golden Thai swans on the ceiling are Instagram gold.

Getting Around on the MRT

Here’s what you need to know before your first ride:

• Grab a token or use your credit card for a single trip.
• If you’re here for a while, get a prepaid card.
• Just remember: your BTS tickets won’t work here – it’s a different system.
• Look for the blue “M” signs when you’re at street level.
• Trains run from 6am to midnight (perfect for most sightseeing schedules)
• Don’t worry about the language barrier – everything’s marked in English.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to use both BTS and MRT in one day, consider your route carefully – you’ll need separate tickets for each system and switching between them means exiting one and entering another.

Making the Most of the Blue Line

The Blue Line is brilliant because it loops through both old and new Bangkok, crossing the river to connect both sides of the city. Trains come every 5-7 minutes so you never wait long. Here’s where I recommend stopping:

Must-Visit Stations:

• Bang Sue Grand Station: Bangkok’s shiny new transport hub – it’s massive! Worth a look if you’re into architecture.
• Chatuchak Park: Not just for the weekend market – there’s a lovely park here too and the wonderful Or Kor Tor food market is nearby.
• Phra Ram 9: Come hungry – the Jodd Fairs night market here is a paradise for food lovers.
• Wat Mangkorn: My favourite station for exploring Chinatown’s maze of streets
• Sanam Chai: Best access point for the Grand Palace area – and the station itself is beautiful.

Connecting from the MRT to the BTS

You’ve got three main interchange points:

• Silom/Sala Daeng: Easy connection, just follow the signs.
• Sukhumvit/Asok: A bit of a walk but well signposted
• Chatuchak/Mo Chit: Ideal if you’re market-bound

Pro Tip: Most stations have at least four exits and picking the right one can save you a lot of walking. I always check the maps (they show nearby landmarks) or ask the staff – they’re used to helping lost tourists find their way!

Where to Stay Along the Blue Line: If you’re looking for accommodation, I particularly recommend the areas around Lumphini and Sukhumvit. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, and you’ll have convenient access to both the MRT and BTS.

Beyond the Main Lines: Other Routes Worth Knowing

While the main BTS lines and Blue Line MRT will cover most of your travel needs, Bangkok’s rail system is constantly expanding. Let’s look at some of the newer lines that might be useful depending on where you’re heading:

The Gold Line: Your Shopping Express

This tiny but useful line is basically ICONSIAM’s private route to the BTS system. It’s just three stations long, but it’s worth knowing about because:

• It’s free to transfer from the BTS at Krung Thon Buri.
• It takes you straight to ICONSIAM (one of Bangkok’s most impressive malls)
• The views along the short ride are pretty spectacular.

My tip: If the Gold Line is busy (common on weekends), you can always take the river ferry from Saphan Taksin instead – it’s actually more fun!

Bangkok’s Newest Train Lines – Worth Your Time?

The network keeps growing and these new lines are opening up parts of Bangkok that were difficult to reach before:

• Yellow Line (Opened 2023) – Ideal if you’re staying out east. This line is great for connecting to the Airport Rail Link at Hua Mak or checking out the Srinagarindra Train Night Market
• Pink Line (Opened 2023) – Honestly? Unless you’re heading to Impact Arena or the Immigration Office, you probably won’t use this one much. It’s mainly serving the northern suburbs.
• Purple Line – This one’s really for locals living in Nonthaburi – but if you’re curious about suburban Bangkok life, it’s an interesting ride!

Getting to and from Bangkok’s airports

Bangkok has two airports, and knowing how to use the train from each one will save you time and money. Here’s what you need to know:

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – The Main International Hub

The Airport Rail Link is a lifesaver here. Head down to the basement level of the airport and follow the train signs. You’ll pay around 50฿ (compared to 400฿+ for a taxi) and the train takes you to Phaya Thai station in about 25 minutes.

From there, you can connect to the BTS to reach pretty much anywhere in central Bangkok. Trains run every 15 minutes from 6am to midnight and there’s plenty of space for luggage.

Don Mueang Airport (Where Budget Airlines Fly)

The Red Line train is your best option during the day. It’s a bit of a walk to the station (follow the red line signs), but you’ll save a lot of money – just 35฿ to Bang Sue compared to 300฿+ for a taxi.

From Bang Sue, you can connect to the MRT Blue Line to reach central Bangkok, with the whole journey taking about 30 minutes. Trains run every half hour from 5:30am to midnight.

Personally though – if your flight arrives after 9pm, just grab a taxi or Grab car. The train service gets patchy in the evening and you don’t want to be waiting around after a long flight.

Pro Tip: Save money by taking the Red Line to Bang Sue station, then switch to the MRT Blue Line to reach central Bangkok. Just avoid this route late at night when trains run less frequently.

Essential Bangkok Transit Map

The transit map might look like a rainbow-coloured maze at first, but I promise it’s easier than it looks. Here’s the map you’ll need:

Click for larger view – Credit: Zeddlex, CC BY-SA

Making Sense of the Colours

Think of it this way:

• Green is for the Skytrain (the ones up in the air)
• Blue is for the underground MRT (like most metro systems worldwide)
• Red takes you to the airports.
• Those black dots? They’re your friends – that’s where you can switch between lines.
• Gray lines are under construction (maybe ready for your next visit!)

The Only Lines You Need to Know

• Light Green (Sukhumvit Line): This is your shopping and nightlife route.
• Dark Green (Silom Line): Ideal for riverside attractions and local markets
• Blue Line (MRT): Your gateway to Chinatown and the Old Town
• Airport connections are simple:
  • Flying into Suvarnabhumi? Airport Link to Phaya Thai.
  • Using Don Mueang? Red Line to Bang Sue

My Top Tips for Not Getting Lost

• Save this map on your phone before you leave your hotel.
• Those interchange stations (black dots) make great meeting points.
• If you find Thai pronunciations difficult, listen and repeat to yourself on the train! Before long, you will say them perfectly or if it’s all too hard just use the station numbers.
• When in doubt, Google Maps is accurate for Bangkok transit.

More Bangkok Transport Guides

Want to explore all your transport options in Bangkok? Check out our other detailed guides:

• Complete Guide to Bangkok River Boats
• Exploring Bangkok’s Saen Saep Canal
• Bangkok Airport Transport Guide
• Bangkok Bus Guide

With this guide and map in hand, you’re ready to explore Bangkok like a local. The rail system might seem overwhelming at first, but after a couple of rides, you’ll wonder why anyone bothers with taxis at all.

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