Ultimate guide to use BTS and MRT in Bangkok, Thailand

You might think why I only write about BTS and MRT. It is true that Bangkok has a thousand ways to travel around the city but trust me these are the easiest way to travel around Bangkok.

But why? Bangkok is the worst traffic in the world (from CNN 2017), especially in rush hour. I used to stuck at a red light for 30 minutes. That was a terrible time. Can you imagine I finish my lunch or even get makeup in my car because it didn’t move at all!!

So, BTS and MRT are great ways to travel around with saving your time. Also, it isn’t expensive and very easy to use.

What is it?

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BTS and MRT are the names of a public transportation in Bangkok, Thailand. Both are rapid transit that was built to solve a traffic problem in Bangkok. BTS and MRT are very popular transportation of people in the city because they are the easiest way to travel around Bangkok. Also, you can easily avoid a scam taxi and confusing bus system in Thailand.

BTS is a skytrain that run across Bangkok from North to South East area. MRT is a subway that runs along with the main road in Bangkok. Both have air conditioning system with comfy chairs, which keep you comfortable from hot humid in Thailand.

Also, there are two travel help desks that can give traveler an advice, such as travel destination, tour service and itinerary in Bangkok. This is very helpful for a new traveler or even Thai people from other cities. You can find travel help desks at Phaya Thai and Saphan Taksin BTS station.

Working Hours

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The first train starts around 6 AM every day and the last train is around 12 AM every day for BTS and MRT. The working hour might be changed a little bit for weekend and holiday.

Stations

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BTS (green line in Picture) has 2 lines which are 35 stations but 5 new line that is being constructed might be done by 2020. Sukhumvit line starts at Samrong station to Mo Chit station. The other line is Silom line which starts at Bang Wa station and end at National stadium station. Both lines are connected at Siam Station.

MRT (blue line in picture) has only 1 line which is 18 stations. It starts at Hua Lamphong station and end at Bang Sue station.

BTS and MRT are connected by 3 stations

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Sukhumvit line

* Mo Chit station (BTS) and Chatuchak Park station (MRT)
* Asok station (BTS) and Sukhumvit station (MRT)

Silom line

* Silom station (BTS) and Sala Daeng (MRT)

How much it costs

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You can buy BTS and MRT pass at every BTS and MRT station. It doesn’t have to booked and the ticket is unlimited. For Rabbit card and Top-up card, you can buy at customer service of every BTS and MRT station but you will need to show an ID card or passport for the first time you buy the card.

BTS

MRT

Unfortunately, MRT canceled 30 days pass and one-day pass already so it has the One-way pass (Token) and Stored Value care (Top-up). The first station is 16 baht (50 cents) and maximum price is 44 baht (1.25 baht).

Also, It doesn’t have any ticket that can use for both MRT and BTS in one ticket so if you have to use both trains, you will need to buy the ticket for both MRT and BTS.

How to use

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For One Way Pass and One Day Pass

* Check price - the price of a ticket will show at the ticket machine in every station

* Exchange - Ticket machine accept only 5 and 10 baht coin so if you don’t have enough, you will have to exchange it at customer service.
* Buy a ticket - go to the ticket machine and choose the station you want to go, then insert money and receive a ticket.

* Go to enter - insert the card into the slot. It will return to you in the other slot so you have to receive it and walk through the automatic door. For MRT, you have to tap your token at the door.
* Get out - when you arrive at your destination, go to the automatic door. Insert card (or token) into the slot and walk through it (no return ticket). For one day pass, the machine will return your ticket until it runs out of time.
For 30 Day Pass and Top-Up, You have to tap your card at the enter and exit.

I told you it is very easy but please be careful the automatic door. Sometime, it close too fast so you might get hurt from it.

Then, enjoy your Bangkok trip :)