Getting Around Bangkok by Train: My Experience and Tips
transportation • 2025-11-14
Whenever I visit Bangkok, I always make it a point to use the city’s public transportation. It’s cheap, convenient, and a great way to see the city without the hassle of traffic. Among all the options—boats, buses, and taxis—I find the train system the easiest and fastest, especially if I want to avoid the notorious Bangkok traffic jams.
Let me share my experience with taking the train here, specifically the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, because they’ve become my go-to way of getting around.
The Basics
Bangkok has three main train options: the BTS Skytrain, the MRT underground, and the Overground trains. The Overground trains are mainly used for longer trips out of the city, like heading down to Pattaya or even heading north to Chiang Mai. But for within Bangkok, I stick to BTS and MRT—they’re super reliable.
The trains run pretty frequently, with a new train arriving every 3 to 6 minutes. They operate from around 6:30 in the morning until midnight. The only tricky part is that during rush hours—like 7 to 9 in the morning and 4 to 7 in the evening—they get pretty crowded. But that’s normal everywhere in the world, right?
Getting Tickets and Planning Your Trip
I always use a handy app called the Metro Transit app. It’s simple and shows you all the train lines, stations, and routes. Honestly, what I love about it is how easy it is to plan a trip—just pick your starting station and your destination, and it’ll tell you which line to take and where to change trains if needed. It’s saved me from getting lost more than once!
When I arrive at the station, I have two options for tickets: buy at the counter or use the ticket machines. I usually go for the machines—they’re quick and easy once you get the hang of them.
Using the Ticket Machines
The machines have an English option, which makes things simple. You just select your destination station, and the machine displays the fare. You can pay with cash or coins, and if you’re unsure how to use it at first, there are security guards nearby who are happy to help. Honestly, I’ve asked more than once, and they’ve always been friendly.
Special Passes for Frequent Riders
If you plan to spend a whole day exploring, there’s a One-day Pass for just 150 Baht—unlimited rides for the entire day. It’s a lifesaver if you want to hop around different parts of the city without worrying about buying multiple tickets.
For regular commuters or those who want a bit more convenience, there’s the Rabbit Card. It’s like a prepaid card that lasts for 7 years from the date you get it. You can top it up with anything from 100 to 4,000 Baht. When you arrive at the station, just show your passport at the ticket counter, and they’ll give you one. Then, instead of queuing for tickets each time, you just scan your card at the gate. It makes traveling so much smoother.
My Personal Tip
Once I got my Rabbit Card, my trips became much faster. No more waiting in line or fumbling for coins. Just scan, go in, and scan again when you exit. Just remember to keep your ticket or card safe—losing it means going back to the ticket counter and re-buying, which is a hassle.
Final Thoughts
Taking the train in Bangkok is honestly one of the easiest ways to see the city. It’s cheap, fast, and pretty reliable. Plus, during those early morning or late-night rides, you get a glimpse of the city waking up or winding down, which is pretty special.
So, if you’re planning to visit Bangkok, I definitely recommend giving the train system a try. Just download the app, grab a ticket or a Rabbit Card, and enjoy the ride. Good luck, and happy exploring!