Are you planning to visit Bangkok, the vibrant and bustling capital of Thailand? If so, you might be wondering how to get around the city and explore its many attractions, culture, and cuisine. Well, look no further than the BTS Sky Train, the elevated rapid transit system that covers most of the central and suburban areas of Bangkok. The BTS Sky Train is not only a convenient and efficient way to travel around Bangkok, but also a great way to experience the city from a different perspective. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the BTS Sky Train, such as how to use it, where to go with it, and what to do with it. So, hop on board and let's get started!
How to Use the BTS Sky Train
The BTS Sky Train consists of two lines: the Silom Line and the Sukhumvit Line. The Silom Line runs from the National Stadium station in the city center to the Bang Wa station in the west, passing through the business and shopping districts of Siam, Silom, and Sathorn. The Sukhumvit Line runs from the Mo Chit station in the north to the Kheha station in the east, passing through the popular areas of Chatuchak, Phaya Thai, Sukhumvit, and On Nut. The two lines intersect at the Siam station, where you can transfer between them.
There are different types of tickets and passes that you can use for the BTS Sky Train, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are the main options:
- Single Journey Ticket: This is a paper ticket that you can buy from the ticket machines at any station. You can choose your destination and pay the corresponding fare, which ranges from 16 to 59 baht depending on the distance. The ticket is valid for one trip only and expires within two hours of purchase. You need to insert the ticket at the gate to enter and exit the station.
- One Day Pass: This is a plastic card that you can buy from the ticket offices at any station. It costs 140 baht and allows you to take unlimited trips on the BTS Sky Train for one day. You need to scan the card at the gate to enter and exit the station. The pass is valid until midnight of the day of purchase.
- Rabbit Card: This is a smart card that you can buy and top up at the ticket offices or the Rabbit Service Centers at any station. It costs 200 baht for the card and 100 baht for the minimum balance. You can use the card to pay for the BTS Sky Train fares as well as other services and products at participating shops and outlets. You need to scan the card at the gate to enter and exit the station. The card has no expiry date and can be recharged with any amount from 100 to 4,000 baht.
To use the ticket machines, you need to follow these steps:
- Select your destination from the map or the list on the screen.
- Insert coins or banknotes to pay the fare. The machine accepts 1, 5, and 10 baht coins and 20, 50, and 100 baht banknotes. The machine will give you change if needed.
- Collect your ticket and change from the slots below the screen.
- Proceed to the gate and insert your ticket to enter the station. Keep your ticket until you exit the station.
To use the Rabbit Card, you need to follow these steps:
- Buy or top up your card at the ticket office or the Rabbit Service Center. You need to show your ID card or passport when buying the card for the first time.
- Proceed to the gate and scan your card to enter the station. The gate will display your remaining balance and deduct the minimum fare of 16 baht.
- When you exit the station, scan your card again at the gate. The gate will display your remaining balance and deduct the actual fare of your trip.
Here are some tips and advice on how to use the BTS Sky Train:
- Avoid the rush hours, which are usually from 7 to 9 am and from 4 to 7 pm on weekdays. The trains and stations can get very crowded and you may have to wait for several trains before you can get on board.
- Check the operating hours of the BTS Sky Train, which are usually from 6 am to midnight every day. The last trains depart from the terminal stations at around 11:30 pm. The operating hours may vary on public holidays and special occasions.
- Show your ID card or passport when buying the Rabbit Card or the One Day Pass. This is to prevent fraud and misuse of the cards and passes.
- Respect the rules and regulations of the BTS Sky Train, such as no smoking, no eating or drinking, no littering, no pets, and no loud noises. There are signs and announcements that remind you of these rules and the penalties for violating them.
- Enjoy the view from the train and the station. The BTS Sky Train offers a unique and scenic way to see Bangkok from above. You can admire the skyline, the landmarks, the river, and the street life of the city. Each station also has its own design and theme that reflect the local culture and history.
Where to Go with the BTS Sky Train
The BTS Sky Train connects you to many of the tourist attractions and shopping malls in Bangkok. You can easily hop on and off the train and explore the city at your own pace. Here are some of the places that you can visit with the BTS Sky Train, grouped by the lines and the stations they belong to:
Silom Line
- National Stadium station: This is the terminal station of the Silom Line and the closest station to the Jim Thompson House, the former residence of the American businessman and art collector who revived the Thai silk industry. You can take a guided tour of the house and see the exquisite collection of Thai art and antiques. You can also visit the nearby Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, a contemporary art museum that hosts various exhibitions and events.
- Siam station: This is the interchange station of the Silom Line and the Sukhumvit Line and the heart of the shopping district of Bangkok. You can find some of the largest and most popular shopping malls in the city, such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and MBK Center. You can shop for everything from luxury brands to local crafts, from electronics to souvenirs, from fashion to food. You can also enjoy the entertainment and leisure facilities, such as cinemas, aquariums, museums, and theme parks.
- Ratchadamri station: This is the closest station to the Lumphini Park, the largest and oldest public park in Bangkok. You can relax and enjoy the greenery, the lake, the playground, and the outdoor gym. You can also join the locals in doing some activities, such as jogging, cycling, yoga, tai chi, and aerobics. You can also visit the nearby Erawan Shrine, a Hindu shrine that is famous for its four-faced statue of Brahma and its lively atmosphere of prayers, offerings, and performances.
- Sala Daeng station: This is the closest station to the Silom Road, the main street of the business and nightlife district of Bangkok. You can find some of the best restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels in the city, catering to different tastes and budgets. You can also experience the vibrant and colorful Patpong Night Market, where you can bargain for clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and more. You can also watch the shows and entertainment at the Patpong Red Light District, which is notorious for its adult-oriented venues and activities.
- Saphan Taksin station: This is the closest station to the Sathorn Pier, where you can take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, the main waterway of Bangkok. You can enjoy the view of the city and its landmarks, such as the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Dawn, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. You can also hop off at any of the piers and explore the riverside attractions, such as the Asiatique The Riverfront, a large open-air mall that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Sukhumvit Line
- Mo Chit station: This is the terminal station of the Sukhumvit Line and the closest station to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest and most famous market in Bangkok. You can find over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothes, accessories, handicrafts, antiques, books, plants, pets, and more. You can also enjoy the food and drinks, the live music, and the street art. You can also visit the nearby Chatuchak Park, a peaceful and shady park that offers a respite from the heat and the crowd.
- Phaya Thai station: This is the interchange station of the Sukhumvit Line and the Airport Rail Link, which connects you to the Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main international airport of Bangkok. You can take the train to or from the airport, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 45 baht. You can also visit the nearby Victory Monument, a large obelisk that commemorates the Thai victory in the Franco-Thai War. You can also find some of the best street food, cheap shopping, and local transportation in the area.
- Nana station: This is the closest station to the Nana Plaza, one of the most famous and controversial nightlife areas in Bangkok. You can find some of the most popular and notorious bars, clubs, and shows in the city, catering to the adult-oriented and alternative crowd. You - can also find some of the best restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls in the area, such as the Landmark Hotel, the Terminal 21 Mall, and the Bumrungrad Hospital.
- Asok station: This is the interchange station of the Sukhumvit Line and the MRT Blue Line, which connects you to other parts of Bangkok, such as the Hua Lamphong Railway Station, the Chinatown, and the Lumpini Park. You can also visit the nearby Soi Cowboy, another famous and controversial nightlife area in Bangkok. You can find some of the most colorful and lively bars, clubs, and shows in the city, catering to the adult-oriented and mainstream crowd.
- Phrom Phong station: This is the closest station to the EmQuartier, one of the newest and most upscale shopping malls in Bangkok. You can find some of the most exclusive and high-end brands, products, and services in the city, such as fashion, jewelry, beauty, electronics, and entertainment. You can also enjoy the stunning architecture, the lush garden, and the gourmet food court of the mall. You can also visit the nearby Benjasiri Park, a small and serene park that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Ekkamai station: This is the closest station to the Ekkamai Bus Terminal, where you can take a bus to other destinations in Thailand, such as Pattaya, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. You can also visit the nearby Gateway Ekkamai, a Japanese-themed shopping mall that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and services that cater to the Japanese community and culture in Bangkok. You can also find some of the best cafes, bars, and cinemas in the area, such as the Cinema Oasis, a boutique cinema that showcases independent and alternative films.
- On Nut station: This is the closest station to the On Nut Night Market, a lively and popular market that opens from 4 pm to midnight every day. You can find some of the best street food, drinks, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs in the city, at very affordable prices. You can also enjoy the live music, the games, and the atmosphere of the market. You can also visit the nearby Tesco Lotus, a large supermarket that sells everything from groceries to electronics, from household items to clothing.
Conclusion
The BTS Sky Train is one of the best ways to travel around Bangkok and experience its diverse and dynamic culture. You can easily and quickly get to many of the tourist attractions and shopping malls in the city, and enjoy the view and the vibe of the city from above. You can also save time, money, and hassle by using the BTS Sky Train, instead of taking taxis, buses, or tuk-tuks, which can be expensive, slow, and unreliable. You can also have fun and adventure by exploring the different areas and neighborhoods that the BTS Sky Train connects you to, and discover the hidden gems and secrets of Bangkok.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ticket or your card, and hop on the BTS Sky Train, and enjoy your trip to Bangkok!
