TRAIN SYSTEM
Bangkok Mass Transit System is operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC)
The Airport Rail Link is operated by Eastern High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Company Limited
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Bangkok train system includes different kind of transport devices.
The first and most popular transport device is the BTS Skytrain which is an elevated train system and one of the most convenient ways to travel around the city. This transport system links the central part of Bangkok with other important areas. It is operated by the Bangkok Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC) with an issues capital of 21,036 million Baht and a total registered capital of 10,058 million Baht. In addition to that the BTS Skytrain transports an average of 720.155 passengers per day.
The second transport device is the Airport Rail Link which is a train that is connecting the main airport Suvarnabhumi with Bangkok city. It is one of the cheapest and easiest ways for travelers to transit to downtown Bangkok.
Is is operated by the Eastern High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Company Limited. It is 28,6 kilometers long and opened on 23 August 2010.
CONNECTION AND FREQUENCY
Using the regular train system is not a great option when it comes to visiting Bangkok, but it is an easier and cheaper way to travel to different regions of Thailand or even nearby countries. Using the train to get to the northern or southern part of the country is a cheap, comfortable and safe option for many travelers. Today's trains are not the most ideal ones for a developed country being a little bit slow although, they’re equipped with various functionalities such as air conditioning and electrical outlets. For longer trips, they provide the passengers with beds and also clean bed sheets. The trains are divided in three separate classes starting with the First Class being the most expensive and comfortable one.
PRICES
Popular train routes, such as night trains for Full Moon Party or trains to Laos, quickly sell out, so tickets must be purchased in advance at the ticket booth at Hua Lamphong Station, at least 24 hours before departure. Hua Lamphong Station, the central hub of Bangkok, can be reached via the subway system. The most convenient option is to get a train ticket from the Ticket Office for Foreigners(06:00-20:00). When buying a train ticket, the passport it's mandatory, as they will be linked to your name.
The most popular train routes are:
Train to Chiang Mai. This train will also take you to Ayutthaya. (941 Baht for adults, 753 Baht for children 3-12 years old; the prices can be higher)
Train to Nong Khai. After arriving, you will take another train for 20 minutes to Vientiane, Laos. (Adults : 708 Baht ; Children: 639 Baht)
Train to Hua Hin. ( 712 Baht for adults and 570 for children)
Train to Surat Thani. This is the train to the Southern parts of Thailand and takes many of its travellers to the islands and the Full Moon Party.(908 for adults and 727 Baht for children)
From 2021, Hua Lamphong Railway Station it will no longer be available for use.
BTS SKYTRAIN
This project with overhead tracks was pictured to be above the ground having as a goal to be the solution to alleviate traffic jams on the streets of Bangkok and it covers 25 stations, 2 lines, 22.9 kilometers and approximately 650.000 passengers daily. They deliver frequent service during the whole day starting from 6 am up until the midnight with frequency increase throughout rush hours. The cost depends on the distance traveled and it starts from 0,42 euros. The Sukhumvit line runs from Mo Chit Station in the north of Bangkok to Bangna Station near Samut Prakarn Province. The Silom Line starts at the National Stadium in the middle of the city and then leads to Wong Viai in Thonburi area. There are various types of tickets for passengers to buy depending on their travel including one-way tickets, one-day passes, and smart passes for adults and students.
In order to access the BTS line, you need to buy a Rabbit Skytrain card at the ticket office or a card at the ticket machine. If you plan to use the BTS multiple times a day, it is best to obtain a BTS one-day pass of 140 baht or deposit money in the Rabbit card at the self-service counter. With these cards, you can easily access the platform without having to wait in line at the ticket booth.
