Bangkok MRT – Getting around Bangkok

Want to know about the Bangkok MRT underground train?

Bangkok is a big chaotic city that suffers from some awful traffic. There is no need to say that conventional ways of moving around Bangkok such as buses and taxis just won’t cut. Unless of course you intentionally want to waste time stuck in traffic.

Fortunately Bangkok has one of the best public transport networks in the world. The mass rapid transit (MRT) in Bangkok consists of a network of underground rails that connect to major parts of the city.

Currently there are 2 MRT lines: blue and pink. Stops of interest are on the blue line and inc

The Bangkok MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) currently has 2 lines. The Blue Line runs in a circular route through central Bangkok, linking key areas such as Hua Lamphong, Silom and Sukhumvit. The purple line connects the northern part of Bangkok and is less popular especially among tourists.

Understanding the MRT

Bangkok’s MRT network is constantly expanding. Currently there are 2 lines. The Blue Line runs in a circular route around central Bangkok and is the only line that links to places of interest for visitor.

Stops of particular interest include:

• Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal – (new Bangkok train station)
• Kamphaeng Phet – (Chatuchak Weekend Market, Or Tor Kor Market)
• Sukhumvit – (Asoke BTS and interchange)
• Silom – (Patpong Night Market, Lumpini park, Sala Daeng interchange BTS)
• Wat Mangkon – Chinatown and Yaowarat

The MRT blue line is the only mass rapid transit option that goes to the old parts of Bangkok. Currently the trains go to Chinatown with stops being Hua Lamphong and Wat Mangkon. The next stop is Sam Yot which is close to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Plans are currently underway to expand the MRT which will also cover the Khaosan area.

MRT → BTS interchange stations

To efficiently get around Bangkok it’s important to understand how the mass rapid transit system works. Most importantly is to know where to interchange from BTS to MRT and vice versa. Having this knowledge will help you cover a wider part of Bangkok without having to resort to taxis and buses. Below are the names of the stations for the respective lines ⤵

Related – Bangkok BTS

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How to use the MRT

To use the MRT it’s important to first plan your route. If your journey involves using both the BTS and MRT, make sure you plan where you should interchange. The MRT to BTS (and vice versa) interchanges are Mochit and Asoke on the BTS Sukhumvit line. On the Silom line, Sala Daeng is the most common interchanges to the MRT blue line.

MRT operating hours

The MRT in Bangkok operates between 6:00am and midnight. While the trains do not have a fixed schedule, they are frequent with trains approximately every 7 minutes. During rush hour and busy time, you can expect more frequent trains.

Buying tickets

Buying tickets for the MRT is easy and there are 2 option, either from the ticket vending machines or from the ticket office counter. The vending machines accepts coins and notes up to ฿100. Find and choose your destination on the interactive map, select number of tickets, insert coin or paper note. The tickets come in the form of a round token which is used to enter and exit the platforms.

From the ticket office counter you just need to tell the attendant which station you are going to and pay in exchange for the ticket/token.

Accessing the MRT platforms

Your tickets/token need to be scanned on the machine to open the turnstile. The platforms are a level down and accessed by escalator, stairs or lift. At most stations there will be rails on opposite sides with trains going in opposite direction. Make sure to check on the map in which directions you need to go.

At the end of your journey, insert the token into the turnstile to exit the station.

Airport Rail Link → MRT or BTS

The airport rail link connects Suvarnabhumi airport to Bangkok city centre. The train journey terminates at Phaya Thai connecting commuters to the BTS skytrain. If however you are staying anywhere close to an MRT station, you will want to get off at the Makkasan Station. From here connect to the MRT blue line at Phetchaburi station which is around 3 minute walk or 300 meters.

Useful information – Moving around Thailand

Thailand is a big country with popular tourist destinations in the North and tropical islands with gorgeous beaches to south.

To plan your route easily it’s good to know available options to move around. The 12Go platform allows you search for routes easily. Just enter your origin and destination and view a list of available options.

Even complicated routes such as traveling to islands are made easy thanks to the bus+ferry joint tickets. But make sure to book in advance (especially during peak season and holidays) as the best options often sell out.

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