Information about the Bangkok MRT subway

The Bangkok MRT underground train system (rotfai taidin รถไฟใต้ดิน in Thai) is also commonly referred to as the Bangkok Metro.  It currently has 18 stations and runs approx. 21 km.

The Bangkok MRT is an excellent way to get around Bangkok.  When combined with the Bangkok BTS skytrain travelers can reach nearly anywhere in Bangkok without having to fight traffic in cars or taxis.  The fares are quite reasonable with most journeys costing less than $1.20 USD or 1 Euro.  Fares range from 14 to 41 baht ($0.41 – $1.24 USD / 0.43 – 1 Euro) depending on distance travelled.

Currently the line runs from Hua Lamphong (Bangkok Railway Station in the China Town area) to Bangkok’s suburbs in Bang Sue.  Extensions to the line are planned however expansions of public transportation are commonly bogged down in politics so it is difficult to say when the planned extensions will actually be operational.

There are several stations where the MRT and BTS systems meet which allow travelers to get nearly anywhere in the city.  The MRT and BTS have interchanges at:

* Sala Daeng / Si Lom

* Asok / Sukhumvit

* Mo Chit

The trains run daily from 06:00 until 24:00.  All of the trains are air conditioned which is a huge relief in the hot and humid Bangkok weather.

During peak times (06.00 – 09.00 am. and 04.30  – 07.30 pm weekdays) trains are about 5 minutes apart.  Off-peak hours the trains run about 10 minutes apart.

The ticketing system in the BTS stations is a breeze to use.  Instructions are in both English and Thai.  The system is touch-screen so you simply tap the location you’re going to and it tells you how much the fare is.

Some of the more popular destinations on the Bangkok MRT line are:

* Chatuchak Park – home of the world famous Chatuchak Weekend Market (also known locally as JJ’s).

* Lat Phrao – popular with shoppers

* Ratchadaphisek – a bustling nightlife area with many massage parlors, nightclubs, and hotels

* Sukhumvit – the heart of tourist nightlife.  Also an interchange with the Asok BTS station

* Khlong Toei – famous for its fresh food markets

* Lumpini – one of the largest parks in Bangkok with lakes, running/walking paths, and next door to the Suan Lum night bizarre

* Si Lom – the heart of Bangkok’s financial district, tourist friendly hotels, and the infamous Patpong red light district and night market

* Hua Lamphong – puts you right into the center of China Town

Generally, all stations are clean and safe unlike many underground subway systems around the world.  Overall the system is timely, well run, and easy to navigate even for foreigners who don’t speak Thai.  The entire BTS and MRT system has been made tourist friendly.