Subway / Metro, Bangkok

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Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link

We took the SA Express from Makkasan Station to the Airport. Wow! was it fast and before we knew it, we were there. Only less then 15 minutes is all that it takes. This line was opened in August 2010 which meant it is pretty new at the time of this writing.

However, the train service was virtually empty of passengers. I counted about less then 10 passengers boarded the train at Makkasan Station. This could be that it would be about the same price if you were to take a taxi to or from the Airport and the taxi takes you direct to your hotel/accommodation.

Cost per ride is about THB100 per passenger. 4 passengers would be about THB400 which is equivalent to a taxi ride.

One could not wonder why they do not reduce the price of the ticket.

Only benefit one could see is that you would be able to avoid the famous Bangkok traffic jam and a better way to ensure you reach the Airport in time.

Another way by which you can go around the city is using the underground Metro system. Trains are clean and efficient and is a nice alternative to the often chaotic streets of the city. Do take not that this system does not share the same ticketing system with the overhead BTS Skytrain.

Bangkok's first subway (metro) line was opened to the public in July 2004 and consists of 18 stations along 21 kilometers of track. An expansion of the existing line and two other lines are currently under contruction.

There are three interchange possibilities to the BTS, though separate tickets need to be bought for using the BTS and Metro.

Ticket fares vary from 15 Baht to 39 Baht, depending on the distance that you travel. Same as with the BTS, there are several kinds of tickets/stored value cards available but for regular visitors to Bangkok, Single Journey Tokens (you get a coin-like token that you hold upon a sensor while entering the station and put it into a slot when exiting) are still the best option unless you plan on using the Metro extensively during your stay.

As the network is still rather short, we didn't use the Metro but once during our stay. However, the service was efficient, the trains were kept extremely clean but unfortuntely, identical to the BTS, freezingly cold.

In my opinion this newest addition to the public transportation portfolio in Bangkok is also the best.

The subway system is very similar to the one you find in Singapore. It is fast, cheap, efficient, comfortable and one advantage over BTS skytrain is that the waiting area is air-conditioned.

When travelling alone this is a much better option than taxi, as it is slightly cheaper and you don't have to worry about traffic.

The route is shaped like a left-facing "L" character, running West-East from Silom to Suhkumvit/Asok and then going North towards Chatuchak. On Silom and Sukhumvit the station is located adjacent to BTS Skytrain to facilitate changing.

One way ticket can be purchased at automatic machines at the station; you will need to have CASH (both notes and coins are accepted). At the counter you can buy a refillable card and I strongly suggest you to buy one if you're staying >1 day since it means you won't have to queue each time you take the subway.

Full route and prices can be found on their website. An example from Sukhumvit to Chatuchak the ticket costs 33 Baht (about $1).

Beside the popular BTS SkyTrain system that travels above ground on its own tracks, the Bangkok Metro that travels along its own purpose built and dedicated tunnels now offer the commuters in Bangkok another hassle free option to get around the city without getting yourself stuck in one Bangok's infamous traffic jams.

This in combination with the BTS SkyTrain and Chao Phraya Express Boat makes getting around to some of the most popular destinations a much easier task than before. The connection points between Bangkok Metro and BTS SkyTrain can be found at:

1. Chatuchak Park Metro Station - Mo Chit BTS Station
2. Sukhumvit Metro Station - Asok BTS Station
3. Silom Metro Station - Sala Daeng BTS Station

Do note that despite the connection points, the ticketing and fares for both systems are separate and distinct, as with that of the Chao Phraya Express Boat as well.

More information about the full route map can be found here.

Points of interests along the Metro include:

- Hua Lamphong: Chinatown, Bangkok Railway Station
- Lumphini: Lumphini Boxing Stadium, Suan Lum Night Market
- Queen Sirikit National Centre: Queen Sirikit Convention Centre
- Kamphaeng: Chatuchak Weekend Market

The beginning of “Chalerm Ratcha Mongkhon” line is Hua Lum Phong station (also the main train station in Bangkok), total of 18 stations, major stations at: The Queen Sirikit's International Convention and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke, Ratchada, Ladprao and Pahonyotin road. The Asoke and Silom stations are connected to the the BTS. There are also "Park & Ride" at Ladprao and Phra Ram 9 Stations.

As shown on Map, Blue line is Metro , light and dark green are BTS Sky train.

Metro operating everyday from 06.00hr. – 24.00hr.

Price start from 10 baht. Starting from Hua Lampong Station (where you can get train to any part of Thailand) to Bang Sue Station.

The easiest way to travel around Bangkok's congested streets is to take either the Skytrain or the MRTA Subway. Both offer a reliable service around central Bangkok and used together, provide a fast, cheap way to see many places of interest around the city. The Skytrain operates daily from 6am to midnight while the MRTA operates daily from 5am to midnight.

I would suggest to use metro in Bangkok. It is the fastest and the most convinient way to get from point A to B. Easy interchange with skytrains. We bought 24 hour cards.

Note, it is not allowed to eat or drink as well to take any photos/videos in metro.