🚇 Metro, Skytrain & Airport Rail Overview

✔ Blue Line – MRT (Subway)

The MRT works very much like subways in other countries. You can buy tickets using cash (banknotes accepted).
💰 Fare: 15–39 THB depending on distance.

✔ Purple / Red Line – Airport Rail Link (ARL)

This is the airport train connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport with the city. There are two types of trains:

Regular train: 45 THB, stops at 8 stations

Express train: 90 THB, non-stop to the city

If you're short on time, choose the express train. When buying tickets at the counter, make sure to clearly tell the staff which option you want.
You can take the train from Level B2 at Suvarnabhumi Airport and ride it to Phaya Thai Station, then transfer to the BTS.

✔ Chao Phraya River Express Boat
Sorry—we stayed for six days and didn't get a chance to take the river boat, so we can't share firsthand experience.

✔ Green Line – BTS (Skytrain)
The BTS system is a bit more complicated.
💰 Fare: 15–40 THB depending on distance.

Ticket vending machines accept coins only

There is no destination selection—you choose the fare based on the fare chart next to the machine

If you're unsure, ask staff at the ticket counter

You can also buy tickets with banknotes at the counter by telling staff your destination in English

📌 Day Passes (available at ticket counters, ask for "one day pass"):

MRT Passes:

1-day pass: 120 THB

3-day pass: 230 THB

30-day pass: 900 THB

Stored-value card gives 2–6 THB discount per ride

Card deposit: 30 THB

BTS Passes:

1-day pass: 120 THB

BTS SmartCard (30-day validity):

20 rides: 440 THB

30 rides: 600 THB

Stored-value cards offer 2–4 THB discount per ride

Card deposit: 30 THB

(I didn't personally buy these passes, so I can't give more detailed advice.)

📍 Major Stations & How to Get There

❤️ Chatuchak Weekend Market

① BTS Mo Chit Station is closer than MRT Chatuchak Park Station. Exit at Gate 1 and walk about 100 meters to the right.
② MRT Chatuchak Park Station is also an option but requires a longer walk.

❤️ Grand Palace

Take the MRT to Phaya Thai Station, then a taxi (about 30 minutes), or

Take a boat to N9 Tha Chang Pier, then walk about 7 minutes.

❤️ Bangkok → Pattaya Bus

Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai Terminal)

Air-conditioned buses run from 6:00–20:30, every 30 minutes

Last bus: 22:00

Return buses from Pattaya depart from Regent Marina Hotel (Beach Road)

6:00–20:00 every 30 minutes

Last bus: 21:00

💰 Fare:

One-way: 90–128 THB

Round trip: 180–240 THB

❤️ Siam Square

Get off at BTS Siam Station.

Exit 1 → Siam Discovery & Siam Center

Exit 3 → Siam Paragon

Siam Paragon's G Floor has a Food Hall and Gourmet Market, and the basement houses one of Asia's largest urban aquariums.
Nearby Siam Square is popular with students and full of boutique shops and restaurants.
We spent a full day here and still didn't see everything.

❤️ Khao San Road

Take the BTS to Ratchathewi Station, then a taxi (about 25 minutes).

❤️ Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Take the BTS to Bang Wa Station, then a taxi (about 30+ minutes).

❤️ Ratchada Train Night Market

Take the MRT to Thailand Cultural Centre Station, Exit 3.
The market is located behind Esplanade Mall.

❤️ Erawan Shrine (Four-Faced Buddha)

Go to Siam area.
If taking the BTS, get off at Chit Lom Station, walk about 100 meters toward CentralWorld.
The shrine is at the intersection diagonally opposite CentralWorld.

❤️ Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Wat Arun is close to the Grand Palace—about a 15-minute walk.
Go to N8 Pier, then take a ferry across the river to reach the temple.