absolutelyBangkok archive · Nightlife & Entertainment
Originally published July 17, 2011
The roads in Bangkok city are notoriously clogged and the best option for visitors is to take to the two rail systems for significantly faster movement. The BTS and the MRT rail systems of Bangkok are the most superior way to navigate the big mango. Don’t be intimidated using the BTS or MRT as there are friendly staff everywhere at the stations to help.
Blue = MRT — Underground
Dark Green = BTS Sukhumvitt
Bright Green = BTS Silom Line
Red = ARL — Airport Rail Link
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The underground (MRT) and another overhead rail system (BTS) provide mass transit around Bangkok and its neighborhoods. The BTS is the overhead system or the Skytrain and is considered the best way to get around Bangkok avoiding the congested traffic on the roads. The BTS lines connect the MRT making it even more convenient for the passengers. A dedicated website provides detailed information on the BTS, the route covered, the stations, the fare table and more and can be accessed here.
The website above will even provide you with an overview of what is close to each of the stations from a visitor’s point of view.
The Sukhumvit line and the Silom line are two distinct lines operated by the BTS. While the Sukhumvit line runs from Mo Chit in the north to On Nut in the east, the Silom line operates from the National Stadium/Siam shopping area in the west to Wongwian Yai crossing the river en-route. These two lines meet at Siam Station and the MRT connections are provided at Ashok and Sala Daeng stations.
Also you can see the Bangkok Airport rail link that slices through the MRT and connects to the BTS line. This makes it extremely easy to arrive at your desired location, at a minimal cost and avert a possible traffic jam if you had chosen to take a taxi.
Beginning 06.30 hrs and 24.00 hrs you can find a train almost every 5 minutes, though the frequency is marginally lower during late evening and the afternoon hours. During peak hours (07-09 and 16-19) these trains run to full capacity and visitors would do well to avoid these time slots.
A day pass for one full day costs about 120 Bahts — the equivalent of about US $4 you can enjoy unlimited travel. For visitors with extended stay plans, the BTS Smart pass that can be loaded for values starting 100Baht and going up to 2,000 Baht. 15 Bahts or $0.5 will be deducted for journey between each station.
At many of the stations along both lines, elevators are provided for the convenience of differently abled people.
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