Bangkok Skytrain

While Bangkok has grown incredibly over the last few years - luxury hotels, new shopping malls and skyscrapers adding to the ancient skyline of timeless temples and pagodas - getting around couldn't be easier. The Bangkok Transit System (BTS) or Skytrain, an elevated rail system which crosses the city and connects many of the most popular areas, has made life a whole lot easier. .

The BTS is undoubtedly the swiftest way to get around, and can whisk you right where you want to be in no time at all. It's a cheap, smooth, cool, clean, fast and scenic way to enjoy Bangkok. A new train arrives every 3 - 6 minutes or so between 06:30 and midnight. The last train leaves between 23:30 and 23:50. There are two lines: The Silom line runs between National Stadium in the Siam shopping area to Saphan Taksin at the riverside, and to two newly operated stations (Krung Thon Buri and Wongwing Yai) on the Thonburi side (across from the Chaophraya River), while the Sukhumvit line runs all along the famous road from Mo Chit to On Nut. The two lines meet at Siam station, and also inter-connects at two points with the underground (MRT) - at Sala Daeng and Asok stations. Fares start at 15 baht for one stop.

The BTS will get you to many of the city's main attractions. Major shopping malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, all Sukhumvit Road's attractions, and even the riverside are accessible by Skytrain. So, if you're new to Bangkok, it's a great way to find your way around and see a large part of what the city has to offer. Trains can get pretty full during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00 and 16:00 - 19:00), as the BTS has also become the choice mode of transport for people living and working in Bangkok. With extensions already underway, Bangkok's legendary traffic may someday be but a distant memory.

Skytrain Passes

One-day Pass 

Unlimited travel within the duration of a single day for 120 baht. Ideal for tourists.

Smart Pass / Stored Value Cards 

These are available for 100 baht plus 30 baht refundable deposit. They are valid for 5 years and can be filled with a minimum of 100 baht and up to 2,000 baht.

30-Day Pass for Adults

- For 15 trips (use within 30 days), 23 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 345 baht.

- For 25 trips (use within 30 days), 22 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 550 baht.

- For 35 trips (use within 30 days), 21 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 735 baht.

- For 40 trips (use within 30 days), 20 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 900 baht.

30-Day Pass for Student

- For 15 trips (use within 30 days), 18 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 270 baht.

- For 25 trips (use within 30 days), 17 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 425 baht.

- For 35 trips (use within 30 days), 16 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 560 baht.

- For 45 trips (use within 30 days), 15 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 675 baht.

The following stations offer facilities (such as elevators) for disabled people: Mo Chit, Siam, Asok, On Nut and Chong Nonsi. BTS staff friendly and helpful, and will assist you in any way possible. BTS Tourist Information Centers can be found at Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin stations. There is also a free shuttle bus (from 06:00 - 21:00) that runs from Ploenchit Station to Ploenchit and Wireless Roads and ends at Soi Ruam Rudi. A very informative BTS city map can be picked up free from any station.

For more information contact the BTS hotline: +66 (0)2 617 7300