Even if Taxis are not expensive and very easy to find in Bangkok, using public transport in Bangkok is a cheaper and funnier option giving you much more local traveling experience.
Rapid Transit Systems
There are 3 Rapid Transit Systems in Bangkok:
BTS SkyTrain - elevated train system
MRT Metro - underground system
Airport Rail Link - train, connecting the airport with the city
Rapid Transit Systems are a convenient way to travel around Bangkok as all these three systems are well connected between themselves, making them very useful if you want to escape busy traffic and save some money in Thailand’s capital. Bangkok’s rapid transport systems are reliable and easy to use, the only downside of them being the lack of a single ticketing system.
BTS SkyTrain
Bangkok’s Mass Transit System BTS SkyTrain is one of the most convenient ways to travel around Bangkok as it helps to escape chaotic and often jammed traffic in Thailand’s capital. BTS SkyTrain system links central Bangkok with other important areas of the city making this kind of transport very useful for exploring Bangkok.
There are only two lines with 32 stations at the moment but BTS network is expanding and few more stations should add up in 2018.
For a detailed guide on using BTS SkyTrain check: How to use BTS SkyTrain in Bangkok.
MRT Metro
Bangkok’s Mass Transit System MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit) is one more addition to the public transport system of this bustling Asian metropolis. Conveniently connected with other mass transit systems, MRT is a convenient way to travel around Bangkok as this metro system helps to escape busy traffic in Thailand’s capital. MRT links central Bangkok with important areas of the city making it very useful for exploring Bangkok.
There are two MRT lines (Blue and Purple) with 35 stations around Bangkok at the moment as the Purple line was recently opened and connected to the Blue line. MRT network will be expanded as construction works are still going on.
For a detailed guide on using MRT check: How to Use MRT (Metro / Subway) in Bangkok.
Airport Rail Link
Airport Rail Link is Bangkok’s Mass Transit System, connecting the main airport of the city (Suvarnabhumi Airport) with the Bangkok city. Taking Airport Rail Link is the cheapest and easiest way to get to the city centre from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Airport Rail Link line covers a distance of 28 km and consists of 8 stations. All the trains stop at every station and the journey from the airport to the last station takes approximately 30 minutes.
For a detailed guide on using Airport Rail Link check: How to Use Airport Rail Link in Bangkok.
Connections
Airport Rail Link is connected with MRT Metro via Makkasan station and BTS SkyTrain via Phaya Thai Station.
BTS SkyTrain system connects with MRT (Metro) in several places:
- BTS Asok Station - MRT Sukhumvit Station
- BTS Sala Daeng Station - MRT Silom Station
- BTS Mo Chit Station - MRT Chatuchak Park Station
Operating Hours
Rapid Transit Systems operate daily from 06.00 am to midnight.
Public Bus
Even if the network of Rapid Transit Systems in Bangkok is quite large and still expanding, it won’t let you reach all the desired destinations. At this point another important mean of Bangkok’s public transportation – Public Bus – becomes handy and lifts your local traveling experience to another level.
The network of public bus can take you to any part of Bangkok and its suburbs. The size of the city and a huge number of bus routes there shouldn’t scare you off of using public bus in Bangkok.
The most important information on how to use public bus in Bangkok can be found here: Detailed Guide on Using Public Bus in Bangkok.
More distant areas or smaller streets not covered by public buses can usually be reached by songtaews or motorbike taxis. You can always be sure that you will find a way to reach your desired destination, just look around.
Water Transport
Water transport still plays an important role in transportation system of Bangkok, city known as the “Venice of the East”. As a tourist, you can charter a boat and explore Bangkok’s canals or join one of river cruises on the mighty Chao Phraya River. However, the most fun way of exploring the waterways of Thai capital is joining locals on public transportation.
Chao Phraya Express Boat
River boats also known as Chao Phraya Express Boat operate along the Chao Phraya River and together with cross river ferries connect both banks of the river in Thai capital. Chao Phraya Express Boat service is a very useful mean of transport not only for commuting in central part of the city but for sightseeing too as a big part of Bangkok’s top attractions can be found by the river.
The most important information on using river boat service in Bangkok can be found here: Chao Phraya Express Boat service in Bangkok.
Khlong Saen Saeb Boat
Khlong Saen Saeb Boat is one of public transport services in Bangkok operating along the canal named “Khlong Saen Saeb”. The route is served by 100 boats with 40-50 seats each, running from the west to the east through Bangkok and back. The route is over 18 kilometers long and connects many shopping spots and attractions such as Central World, Pratunam, Nana, and MBK.
The most important information on using canal boat service in Bangkok can be found here: Khlong Saen Saeb Boat Service in Bangkok.
Ferry Crossings
Cross river ferries are available at many piers scattered along the river in central Bangkok for crossing to the opposite bank of Chao Phraya River. These river crossing ferries can be very useful if you’re planning to visit Bangkok’s attractions on the opposite side of Chao Phraya River such as Wat Arun.
The most important information on using ferry crossing service in Bangkok can be found here: Bangkok Cross River Ferries: Chao Phraya River Crossing.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok? You should choose one of the areas well connected with public transportation as traveling around the city can be time consuming. Our recommendations for choosing the right area to stay in Bangkok can be found here: Where to Stay in Bangkok - Guide to Bangkok Best Areas.
Any Questions?
Check our Frequently Asked Questions about public transportation in Bangkok and ask your own question if it's not answered there yet.
