Discover Bangkok with the skytrain: fast, easy and stress-free travel through the city
The Skytrain, better known as the BTS, is the ideal way to explore Bangkok. With its modern and fast connections between major districts and tourist hotspots, this above-ground metro offers a stress-free alternative to the busy traffic of the Thai capital. Find out how to travel around the city quickly and comfortably and visit the best sights at the same time.
What are the 10 best things to do in Bangkok?
Bangkok is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia and the ever-bustling capital of Thailand. There are many beautiful temples and palaces to explore, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Traimit. Other points of interest include the Jim Thompson House, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chinatown and Lumpini Park.
BTS Skytrain and MRT metro: get around the capital Bangkok quickly, cheaply and efficiently
The Skytrain (BTS) and Metro (MRT) in Bangkok are important parts of urban transport. With multiple lines, they connect parts of the city, offer fast and efficient travel options, and are affordable. The BTS has two main lines and the MRT consists of the Blue and Purple Line. Transferring between systems is possible, but requires separate tickets. Both networks are particularly useful for tourists, with timetables ending around midnight.
The Ministry of Railways warns that the proposed fare reduction for electric trains in Bangkok and surrounding areas could have financial implications. The proposal comes from the Pheu Thai party, which promises to reduce tariffs to a maximum of 20 baht in their election manifesto. According to the ministry, a special fund should be set up to compensate for lost income of train operators.
It's been a while but I used to regularly use the shuttle bus from Suvarnabhumi airport to Don Muang and vice versa (free on presentation of plane ticket). Now I have heard somewhere that this is now also possible with the BTS train transport, but whether that is also free?
Grandpa, what was Bangkok like without the Skytrain?
In the first week that the Skytrain opened in Bangkok, I already traveled with it. It was new, it was free and it was the first time in my life that I used public transport. The latter is not really something special, because I am an American. Taking an American's car is pretty much equivalent to castration.
Northern Green line extension in Bangkok operational on December 6
The first test runs have started on the northern extension of the Green Line from Wat Phra Sri Mahatat in Bangkok. The Green Line connects the capital with Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan provinces.
Yesterday, photos emerged on social media of busy platforms of the BTS Skytrain at the National Stadium and Siam station. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has asked the management of the BTS for clarification.
Those who regularly travel with the Skytrain in Bangkok will not have missed it, the sweet voice of the announcer, who will let you know in Thai and English what the next station is.
Joseph in Asia (part 2)
Today is my last full day in Bangkok and tomorrow I will travel to Pattaya where I will stay for a few days and then travel by bus to the border town of Aranyaprathet with Cambodia.
My experience with public transport in Thailand
It is interesting, if you live in Thailand, to sometimes use public transport. This is to avoid the large crowds and parking problems between Christmas and New Year.
Ha Yaek Lat Phrao BTS station will open on Friday on the northern extension of the Sukhumvit Line. The opening is performed by Prime Minister Prayut.
BTS Skytrain passengers are entitled to a full refund of ticket costs for delays of half an hour and longer.
Reader question: Which BTS stations have escalators?
Could you please let me know if all ARL and BTS stations have escalators to/from the platform?
On December 6, the extension of the Green metro line between Bearing and Samut Prakan will become operational.
Can I take my bicycle on the Skytrain in Bangkok?
Thursday, November 29 I arrive at 10.05 am with a KLM flight at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi BKK) airport. I have a bicycle with me. From November 29 I booked a hotel near the Praha River, Chinatown area. I don't want to cycle from the airport, but find a good alternative. I want to take my bicycle on the Skytrain.
BTS Skytrain Bangkok (video)
The BTS Skytrain is highly recommended for tourists and expats who want to move quickly and comfortably in Bangkok. In this video you can see how it works.
More convenience for travelers who want to travel by MRT subway and BTS skytrain. The MRTA will install EMV technology (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) so that you can easily pay with your credit/debit card.
BTS Skytrain will become more expensive on October 1
After four years, the prices of a ride on the BTS Skytrain will go up on October 1. The existing rates will be increased to 16-44 baht (that was 15-42 baht), so not really shocking. Travelers with a subscription pay the old rate for another six months.
Bottleneck BTS station Saphan Taksin will be tackled
The major bottleneck in the Sukhumvit line, which is at BTS station Saphan Taksin, will be tackled for 1 billion baht. There will be a double track instead of the current single track. The station will be expanded and the bridge over the Chao Phraya to Thon Buri will also be renovated. The project should be completed in December 2019.
More than a year after the Purple Line of the Skytrain in Bangkok became operational, the problem with the missing piece has been solved. It is a 1,2 km long connection between Bang Sue metro station and Tao Poon.
Ten new subway and skytrain lines in Bangkok
It is less fun for motorists because it means extra traffic nuisance: Bangkok will have ten new public transport routes, all of which must be ready in 2023. The network partly consists of underground metro and Skytrain routes with connections to the outskirts of Bangkok.