LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Metro
The two main metro lines in Bangkok are the MRT and the BTS Skytrain. The information below is from Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company, Northern Bangkok Monorail Company (Pink Line), Northern Bangkok Monorail Company (Yellow Line), and Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company (BTS Skytrain) for more information please click the links.
The MRT operates underground and the BTS operates above ground. Please note that these lines are owned and operated separately, so they require separate tickets. You can buy tickets at each of the station before you get on the train.
While the MRT and BTS can both be great ways to travel around Bangkok, they can be quite packed, so it may be better to take cars, taxis, or Grab (local rideshare service) when traveling with luggage.
MRT
The MRT is made up of the Chaloem Ratchmongkhon Line (Blue line), Chalong Ratchadham Line (Purple line) Yellow line, and Pink line.
MRT Hours
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Blue line: 06:00 - 00:00, 7 days a week,
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average time between trains is 7 minutes
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Purple line: 05:30 - 00:00 Monday – Friday, 06:00 - 00:00, Saturday – Sunday and Public Holidays,
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average time between trains is 9 minutes
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Pink line: 06:00 - 00:00, 7 days a week
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Yellow Line: 06:00 - 00:00, 7 days a week
The closest MRT station to QSNCC- Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
MRT allows you to purchase tickets via tap pay (Apple pay etc.) as you go through the turnstile.
BTS Skytrain
BTS is made up of the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line.
BTS Hours: 06:00 - 00:00, 7 days a week
BTS offers One Day Passes. A One-Day Pass allows unlimited rides and travel distance within the operating hours on the issuing or registered date. The One-Day Pass is non-refundable and can be purchased at any Ticket Office.
The BTS offers prepaid cards that can be purchased online called Skytrain Rabbit cards. Skytrain rabbit cards can be pre-ordered and picked up at the airport. Skytrain Rabbit cards can only be used for one person per trip.
The BTS does not offer tap payment (Apple Pay etc.).
Map of MRT and BTS
Airport Rail Link
There is also a line that goes from the Suvarnabhumi Airport. It connects to MRT and BTS stations.
Rideshare
The main rideshare company in Bangkok is Grab. Uber and Lyft are not available in Bangkok. You can download the Grab app to set up an account to book rides and order take out and groceries to be delivered. You can choose several types of vehicles including small cars/taxis, SUVs, vans, bikes, scooters etc.. If it makes riders more comfortable, there is also an option for female passengers to be matched exclusively with female drivers (GrabCars for Ladies). You can also pre-book cars in the app. For more information, please see the Grab website.