While we prefer traveling on Bangkok’s BTS, there are some places that are better served by the MRT (underground) trains. Just like the BTS, the MRT is very clean, efficient, has great aircon and is cheap. It connects to the BTS at Silom (for Sala Daeng), Sukhumvit (for Asok) and Chatuchak Park (for Mo Chit). There are 18 stations that run from Hua Lampong (near Chinatown) in the south to Bang Sue in the north. Like the BTS, it operates from 06:00-24:00 every day.
You can spot MRT stations by looking for the MRT signs, as shown in the above image.
Purchasing Tickets
The MRT has single journey tickets, stored value cards and period passes available. This is a separate system to the BTS and the tickets aren’t interchangeable.
Single Journey Tickets
Single journey tickets can be purchased from both the ticket office and the ticket machines. The ticket machines accept both coins and notes.
If buying your ticket from a ticket machine, you’ll be given a choice of using the machine in Thai or English. Choose English and you’ll see the following screen showing all the stations on the system.
The ticket machines are touch screen, so just tap on your destination station and the ticket price will be shown.
Put your money into the machine and you’ll get a small black, plastic token for your journey. The ticket machines also give change.
Once you have your token, head to the ticket gates and hold the token against the machine. The gate will open and you take the token with you.
Once through the ticket machine, head down the stairs to the platform, making sure you’re heading for the correct platform.
The MRT stations, including the platform areas, are very spacious, and have obviously been built with the future in mind.
The carriages are very modern, and are a pleasure to use.
Once you get off at your destination you just put your token into the slot of the ticket machine at the exit.
Stored Value Cards
These cards are similar to the BTS stored value cards. You will need to buy a card and add money to it. The cost of the journey will then be deducted from the card every time you use it. The card costs 230 baht (150 baht ticket value, 50 baht deposit and 30 baht issuing fee). Top-ups can be made from 100 to 1,000 baht.
Period Pass
This card can be used to take multiple journeys in a certain amount of time. You have the following options: 1-day (120 baht), 3-day (230 baht), or 30-day (1,400 baht).
Useful Tips For Using The MRT
If you want to go to Lumpini Park, get off at Silom, not Lumpini.
If you want to go to the Thailand Cultural Center, you’ll need know that it’s quite a long distance from Thailand Cultural Center station, so you may need to get a taxi. You can also check out our in depth Bangkok travel guide that can help you in your travel.
Hotels In Bangkok
If you’re planning to come to Bangkok, be sure to check out the great range of hotels at Agoda.
