Getting Around Bangkok: A User’s Guide For Bangkok MRT & BTS

Discover this handy guide to get around Bangkok like a local using the smart systems of BTS and MRT. Everything from transport maps to buying tickets and a sample itinerary is well covered.

Nguyen Oanh

Getting around Bangkok is a breeze thanks to its system of public transport, especially the BTS and MRT. BTS is an abbreviation for Bangkok Skytrain while MRT stands for the Bangkok Subway. These two networks operate independently with different ticketing systems. I’ll dig into the purchase options and user’s guide on each down below.

Read on to explore how to travel around Bangkok with the MRT and BTS. I also included a detailed map and sample itinerary later in the article.

Bangkok MRT And BTS Lines At A Glance

Refer to the map above and you’ll see two major BTS lines:

  • The neon green line is the Sukhumvit line that connects Khu Khot and Kheha.
  • The dark green line is the Silom line that connects Bang Wa and the National Stadium

Other than these two, the yellow line is also in action which connects the Silom line and the Icon Siam shopping mall. This line will stop at Klong San and Prajadhipok in the middle.

Meanwhile, the MRT is operated on two underground lines:

  • The blue line connects Bang Sue and Lak Sang.
  • The purple line connects Tao Poon and Khlong Bang Phai as well as the suburban areas of Bangkok.

To travel from the Suvarnabhumi Airport, take the red line of the Airport Rail. This line stops at the Phaya Thai BTS station.

How To Buy A BTS Ticket?

Buy a BTS ticket at a ticketing vending machine.

Most of these machines accept coins only so make sure you have 1, 2, 5, or 10 Baht coins or change your banknotes at a BTS Station Ticket Office.

Tap the touch screen and choose your desired destination.

Insert the right amount of coins to complete the payment in accordance with the number stated on the screen.

A ticket will be issued and spilled out of the ticket-dispensing slot.

Keep these single-use tickets with you and insert them at the entrance gate. Upon exiting, pop it in the gate again but this time you don’t need to take it back as the exit gate will swallow the single-use ticket at the end of your ride.

If you plan to ride the BTS on most of your trips, opt for the One-Day Pass or Rabbit card to save up on multiple rides. Those travel passes and cards can be purchased online or in person at one of the BTS Station Ticket Office or at Suvarnabhumi Airport on arrival.

How To Buy An MRT Ticket?

曼谷自由行

Unlike the BTS vending machines, the MRT ticket vending machine takes both coins and banknotes (1, 5, 10 Baht coins or 20, 50, and 100 Baht banknotes).

Tap the touch screen and choose your desired destination.

A token will be issued and spilled out of the ticket-dispensing slot.

Keep the token with you and tap it at the green spot at the entrance gate to enter. Upon your exit, insert the token into the gate and walk to your desired destination.

Maps and directions are clearly marked throughout these BTS and MRT stations so you won’t get lost.

Essential Tips To Travel With Bangkok BTS

  1. BTS has no air-cons and restrooms.
  2. Many BTS stations are not equipped with elevators, not lifts but stairs only.
  3. These BTS stations are large with multiple exits and directions which take you to different routes. Make sure you know where you’re going or ask the guard for a better direction. Those passengers traveling with large luggage will be stopped for a bag check by the guards.

A Sample Five-Day Itinerary To Explore Bangkok With The BTS

Day 1:

  1. Get to Bang Wa Station and catch a taxi to Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) before hailing Bus #78 from there to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
  2. Maeklong Railway Market
  3. Amphawa Floating Market

Day 2:

  1. Get to Mo Chit Station to Chatuchak Weekend Market
  2. Get to Siam Station to Siam Paragon and Oasis Spa Massage

Day 3:

Saphan Taksin Station to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Icon Siam.

Day 4:

  1. Get to Chit Lom Station to visit Erawan Buddha, Central World, Pratunam Market.
  2. Get to Phloen Chit Station or Phrom Phong Station to visit The EmQuartier and the Emporium.

Day 5: 

Join a one-day trip to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, the Reclining Buddha Temple, and Ayutthaya Night Market.

Getting around Bangkok with BTS and MRT is a great way to help you keep up with the main happenings. If you’re planning your next adventure in Bangkok, check out more travel guides and food reviews below:

Travel Guide to Thailand

Explore more of our adventures around Thailand:

Thailand Travel Essentials


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