Bangkok BTS Skytrain – How to use it?

Want to know how to use the Bangkok BTS skytrain?

Bangkok – some love it and others hate it but regardless which side you’re on, there’s no denying that Bangkok is an energetic and bustling city that suffers from some awful traffic.

While that is true, Bangkok is also a modern city with one of the best public transport networks in the world. It’s mass transit system includes the BTS skytrain, a futuristic railway that glides over the streets bypassing the congested traffic below.

Covering Bangkok’s most popular tourist neighborhoods including Siam, Sukhumvit and Silom, the BTS skytrain is the answer to avoid the city’s awful traffic and save time getting stuck in it.

Bangkok BTS Skytrain Layout

The BTS skytrain only has 2 lines which cover a relatively small portion of the city. Because of this, it’s important to understand how the BTS skytrain network is laid out. This way you’ll be more familiar with the system and be better prepared to plan your trip.

Sukhumvit Line

Popular stops: Siam, Nana, Asoke, Thonglo, Ekkamai

When it comes to getting around Bangkok, the Sukhumvit line [green line on mass transit map] is the most commonly used used among tourists. This line connects to the city’s most popular neighborhoods including Siam, Nana, Asoke, Thonglo and Ekkamai.

Silom Line

Popular stops: Sala Daeng, Saint Louis, Saphan Taksin, Thon Buri

Siam BTS Station is an interchange for the Silom line. This line travels south connecting to the business districts in Silom and Sathorn. While Silom/Sathon are less popular among tourists, this part of Bangkok offers exclusive experiences thanks to the number of fancy dining options, rooftop bars and chic cocktail lounges and is home to a number of high end hotels.

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How to use the Bangkok BTS skytrain

Using the BTS skytrain is fast and convenient and easy to use and tickets can be bought directly at the station.

Buying tickets Bangkok BTS tickets

To buy skytrain tickets make your way to the closest BTS station and locate the vending machine. The machines have an interactive map with all stations on it. Find your destination and select, choose number of tickets and pay. Note that most machines only accept coins. You can also buy the tickets from the cashier which also accepts paper notes.

Another option is to purchase a BTS skytrain day pass. These prepaid cards will save you money and time and can be purchased in advance online on Viator.

Bangkok BTS platforms

The BTS tickets are a card that need to be tapped on the turnstile in order to access the platforms. Platforms are on the upper floor located on either side of the station and trains go in opposite directions, so make sure to access the platform for the train heading towards your destination.

Bangkok BTS trains

The trains are modern, comfortable, and well air-conditioned. Every stop is announced in both Thai and English. When you reach your station, make your way down the stairs and use your card to open the turnstile. If you purchased a single journey pass, insert the card into the designated slot; it will be retained by the machine.

BTS skytrain interchanges

To make use of the extensive mass rapid transit network in Bangkok its useful to know the stations that are an interchange to other transport options such as the MRT underground train and the river boats which are the best way to access the cultural sites.

Sukhumvit interchanges

The main interchanges along the Sukhumvit line are Siam station to interchange to the Silom line. Asoke station is an interchange to the MRT blue line underground train which goes to Chinatown. And Phaya Thai station where you can change to the ARL (Airport Rail Link).

Silom interchanges

On the Silom line, Siam station is an interchange to Sukhumvit line and 2 stops later is the interchange to the MRT underground train at Sala Daeng station. To access the river boats ride the Silom line to Saphan Taksin station and walk outside towards the river. This is where the boat piers are located.

Conclusion

I hope this post has helped you understand how the BTS system in Bangkok works. Personally I found the skytrain very easy to use even though I don’t come from a city. You can also buy the tickets from the cashier which makes the process a little less confusing.

If I have left anything out or you have any other questions, just leave a comment below. I always respond.

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