Bangkok Travel & Commuting

HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND BANGKOK 1. BTS (Bangkok Transit System) The BTS or sky train is a critical transport system in Bangkok, covering much of the city centre and its many commercial, residential and tourist areas. There are two lines: the Sukhumvit line which runs from Mo Chit (near the famous Chatuchak weekend market) along Sukhumvit Road, and the Silom line running from National Stadium (and the MBK shopping mall) to the riverside at Taksin Bridge. The system is currently being extended. Tickets can be bought on a per trip basis or using one of several types of multi-trip passes, some of which offer discounts for regular travelers. 2. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) The MRT is Bangkok’s first subway or underground system and currently has one line, although various others are being planned. The existing Blue line runs from the main Hualamphong railway station, via the business and shopping area of Silom, Lumpini Park, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the business district of Asoke, and along the length of Ratchadapisek Road, with its many offices and shopping complexes and entertainment venues, north to Lad Prao, and currently ends near the Chatuchak weekend market. Tickets can be bought on a per trip basis or using a stored value multi-trip pass. The sky train and subway systems intersect at Silom, Siam, Asoke and near the weekend market, enabling Bangkok’s residents to access a large part of the downtown area. 3. ARL (Airport Rail Link) A new airport rail link is currently under construction and is expected to start operations in 2009. This line will start from the Phayathai BTS station in Bangkok and will end at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The ARL transport system is divided into two lines, a city line and an express line. The city line will start at Phayathai and stop at each of the succeeding six stations. The express line, on the other hand, will start at the CAT (City Air Terminal) in the Makkasan area and will run directly to the airport without stopping. The CAT will be connected to the MRT at the Petchaburi subway station. 4. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Bangkok’s first BRT line is now under construction. The buses will run from a new sky train interchange at the Chong Nonsi BTS station, along Narathiwas-Ratchanakarin Road and the length of Rama III Road before crossing the river at the Rama III Bridge, to end at the Ratchadapisek-Ratchapreuk Intersection in Thonburi. The buses will mainly travel along exclusive lanes; however, the buses will share lanes with other vehicles on some parts of the route, but will have priority at traffic lights. 5. Expressways For drivers, a comprehensive network of expressways crosses Bangkok, which may be accessed via on/off ramps with cash or tag toll booths at various points in the city. 6. Buses Bangkok has a comprehensive bus network, consisting of publicly run and private buses, both air-conditioned and non-air-con. The quality of buses is highly variable and the orange air-conditioned Euro buses are the best in terms of comfort and safety. Bus fares are low and are paid for each trip to the conductor on the vehicle. Non-Thais may have some difficulty using the bus system due to language difficulties, but buses operating on popular tourist routes now frequently have their destinations (and tourist locations along the way) written in English. 7. Taxis Bangkok’s taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. They have meters and may be flagged down on the street or booked by phone through the call centre (for an extra pre-set charge). When taking a taxi from the official taxi rank at either of Bangkok’s two airports, passengers pay a surcharge. Expressway charges are usually paid on top of the meter charge. For non-Thais, some taxis display a “We love farang” sign which normally means that the driver speaks some English. 8. Tuk Tuks Tuk tuks are also available in many places but fares must be negotiated on a trip-by-trip basis with the driver.