A Guide To Travelling by BTS in Bangkok
Beat the Traffic and Zoom Above the City!
Bangkok is one lively metropolis, but it can get hectic when it comes to traffic. But that’s where the BTS Skytrain comes to the rescue. Whether you are on your way to a temple, mall or street food haven, this mode of transport makes zipping around the Thai capital not just easy, but enjoyable too.
What Exactly is the BTS?
The BTS, short for Bangkok Mass Transit System, is the city’s elevated train network, also fondly known as the Skytrain. Gridlocked roads are taken out of the equation, letting you reach shopping hubs, top attractions and nightlife hotspots, all in sublime air-conditioned comfort to boot! Pro tip: Stay at properties like Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel, which connects directly to a BTS Skytrain station for added convenience.
The Two BTS Lines
There are two main BTS lines, Silom and Sukhumvit, named after the iconic roads they mostly follow. The Silom Line takes you from Downtown Bangkok to Bang Wa via the lively Silom and Sathorn districts. The Sukhumvit Line goes from Mo Chit in the north to Samrong in the east, ideal for those looking to enjoy the many fun things to do in Sukhumvit, be it shopping, sightseeing or partying the night away!
Getting Tickets
You will need a ticket before hopping on. Stations have machines, some of which take only coins (don’t worry, counters can give you change), though there are newer ones which accept notes too. Want to skip the ticket queues? Get a Rabbit Card, a stored-value pass available at BTS stations or even booked online through Klook, which can be picked up at counters at the Suvarnabhumi Airport and CentralWorld.
Keep in Mind
Trains run from 6:00 am to midnight, perfect for early adventures and post-dinner plans. Peak hours can get packed, so plan ahead and try to avoid those times. Remember, no eating or drinking inside (yes, even that iced Thai tea must wait!) and do your bit to keep the stations and trains clean. Last but not least, there’s a yellow line on the platforms for good reason, so ensure you stay behind it!
