Bangkok Skytrain (known as the BTS) and the Bangkok Subway (known as the MRT) are the two most convenient ways to travel around Bangkok.
The BTS and MRT are independent transport networks. That means you need to buy separate tickets if you change between the two systems. At the moment you can’t use the same ticket on both networks. There is a third network, the Airport Rail Link (ARL) which is also independent and requires its own ticket.
Tourists are most likely to use the BTS Skytrain the most as it covers the central areas of Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn, and Siam Square.
The two systems are independent, which means you need different tickets for each one. For the skytrain, you can buy a “rabbit card” in which you can fill credit, it will save you the queues for each single trip. You can also buy a day pass. The MRT (metro) system has also cards.
Tip: You can use the rabbit card to pay in some supermarkets and cinemas. (look for the special machine).
About the prices : More expensive than the bus, but cheap compared to a Metro in Europe. A typical ride of 3 stations with the skytrain is about 30 baht.
Bangkok Skytrain Lines And Bangkok MRT Lines
There are currently 2 Skytrain lines:
- the light green Sukhumvit line that runs from Wat Phra Si Mahathat to Kheha. (The stations of Khu Khot to Laksi Monument beyond Wat Phra Si Mahathat are expected to open by the end of 2020).
- the dark green Silom line that runs from Bang Wa to National Stadium
There are currently 2 MRT (underground) lines:
- the MRT Blue Line runs underground from Bang Sue to Lak Sang. This is the MRT line of most interest to tourists as it covers some central locations.
- the MRT Purple Line which runs from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai which is mainly to serve the greater Bangkok suburbs.
The Airport Rail Link (Red Line) runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai BTS station.
Credit : https://www.bts.co.th/eng/library/system-structuer.html
The Skytrain (BTS) & Metro (MRT) of Bangkok – Map and Tourist Attractions near Stations
