Bangkok, Thailand’s vast and vibrant capital, is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. One of the highlights of visiting this extraordinary city is the efficiency of its well-developed mass transit systems. While taxis and motorbike taxis offer flexibility, the city’s public transport systems provide a quick and efficient way for visitors to navigate the bustling metropolis. In this guide, we’ll explore how to get around in Bangkok. We’ll look at the Bangkok Airport Rail Link, BTS Skytrain, MRT, and water taxis, providing insights into how to use them, their fare systems, and the areas they service.
We’d also like to introduce our quality hotel located near the BTS station at Chid Lom. The Cape House Hotel is the perfect, centrally located, hotel for adventurous travellers.
Bangkok Airport Rail Link: Gateway to the City
The Bangkok Airport Rail Link is a convenient and speedy way to travel between Suvarnabhumi Airport and downtown Bangkok. With a dedicated express train, travellers can bypass traffic and reach the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. The fare is reasonable, and you are charged according to the length of your journey. Tickets can be purchased at the airport in the Bangkok Airport Rail Link concourse or online and at any of the line’s stations in the city. This service ensures a hassle-free start or end to your journey. The Bangkok Airport Rail Link interconnects with the MRT at Makkasan Station and the BTS at Phaya Thai Station.
BTS Skytrain: Soaring Above Traffic
The BTS Skytrain is an iconic elevated rail system that traverses both the Sukhumvit and Silom areas of the city, connecting major business, shopping, and entertainment districts. It’s how many residents get around the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok. Payment is made through a token system that charges according to the length of your journey or a rechargeable, stored-value smart card known as the Rabbit card. The tokens are available from machines in the station’s concourse. The Rabbit card is available at the station’s ticket office. Foreign visitors must present a passport to purchase a Rabbit or MRT card.
The Skytrain is a popular choice for reaching shopping centres, markets, and cultural attractions, providing a quick and scenic way to explore the city from above.
MRT: Underground Connectivity
Bangkok’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system complements the BTS Skytrain by offering underground connectivity. The MRT serves key areas such as the central business district, Hua Lamphong Railway Station, and popular neighbourhoods like Chatuchak, Ladprao, and Bangkapi. Travellers can purchase single journey tokens at machines in the stations or rechargeable MRT cards for seamless rides.
The MRT interconnects with the BTS Skytrain at several stations along the lines, including Petchaburi, Saladaeng and Siam. One of the busiest transfer points is at the intersection of Sukhumvit and Asok Roads (Asok Station on the BTS Skytrain and Sukhumvit Station on the MRT).
Water Taxis: Navigating the Chao Phraya River
Embrace the scenic route along the Chao Phraya River with Bangkok’s water taxis. This unique mode of transportation connects riverside attractions and offers a different perspective of the city. Tickets are affordable, and payment is made directly to the boat staff or at a kiosk on the piers. Water taxis are perfect for reaching historic sites like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, providing a picturesque journey through Bangkok’s waterways.
There are several colour-coded water taxis – both express and local, plus the blue-flagged water taxis that serve Bangkok’s tourists. Called the “Hop On Hop Off Boat”, this water taxi has English-speaking crew and an open upper deck with seating so you can view the sights along the Chao Phraya River. The boat is named as such because you can buy an all-day pass for 150 THB that allows you to hop on and off the boat at any pier along the boat’s route.
Choosing the Right System
- For a quick airport transfer, opt for the Airport Express.
- Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT for efficient travel above and below street level to major districts.
- Explore the Chao Phraya River and its attractions with the scenic water taxis.
Book Your Stay at Cape House Hotel
As you plan your adventure in Bangkok, consider booking a room at Cape House Hotel. Situated in a central and convenient location close to the most popular shopping and entertainment areas of Bangkok, our hotel provides easy access to the city’s mass transit systems, ensuring that you can explore the best of Bangkok effortlessly. Whether you’re a business or pleasure traveller, Cape House Hotel offers a comfortable and luxurious stay, making it the perfect base for your Bangkok experience.
