BTS vs MRT
Bangkok has two separate train networks. The BTS Skytrain runs above ground on the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. The MRT runs underground (Blue Line) and partly elevated (Purple Line). They intersect at Asok/Sukhumvit, Sala Daeng/Silom and Mo Chit/Chatuchak.
| System | Line | Color | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS | Sukhumvit | Light Green | 5:15am-12am |
| BTS | Silom | Dark Green | 5:30am-12am |
| BTS | Gold Line | Gold | 6am-12am |
| MRT | Blue Line | Blue | 6am-12am |
| MRT | Purple Line | Purple | 5:30am-12am |
Fares & Tickets
Fares are distance-based. BTS: ฿16 minimum to ฿59 maximum. MRT: ฿17-44. You can buy single-journey tokens at machines (cash or card) or use stored-value cards.
- Single token: ฿16-59 (BTS), buy at machine
- One-Day Pass (BTS): ฿150 unlimited
- Rabbit Card stored value: ฿100 deposit + load
- MRT plastic card: ฿180 deposit + load
Rabbit Card
The Rabbit Card is BTS's tap-to-pay card. Buy at any BTS station counter. Cost: ฿100 issuing fee + ฿100 minimum top-up = ฿200 to start. Top up at machines or counters.
If you are in town less than 3 days, single tokens are fine. Get a Rabbit Card if you are riding 5+ times.
Most Useful Stations
- Siam (BTS interchange) - Siam Paragon, MBK
- Asok / Sukhumvit (BTS+MRT) - Terminal 21
- Saphan Taksin (BTS) - Chao Phraya boats
- Mo Chit / Chatuchak Park - Weekend Market
- Sala Daeng / Silom - nightlife, Patpong
- Phrom Phong - EmQuartier, Benjasiri Park
- Hua Lamphong (MRT) - old train station, Chinatown
- Sanam Chai (MRT) - Wat Pho, Grand Palace
Transferring Lines
BTS-MRT transfers require exiting one system and entering the other (no through-fare). The walk is short and signed in English at all interchange stations.
| BTS Station | MRT Station | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Asok | Sukhumvit | 2 min skywalk |
| Sala Daeng | Silom | 3 min |
| Mo Chit | Chatuchak Park | 5 min |
| Bang Wa | Bang Wa | same building |
Tips for Tourists
- No food or drink on trains - ฿2,000 fine
- Rush hours: 7:30-9am, 5:30-7:30pm
- First car of BTS Sukhumvit Line is sometimes ladies-only
- Most stations have free clean toilets after the gates
- Air-con is always cold - bring a layer
Google Maps and the official BTS/MRT apps both show real-time fares between stations. The apps work offline once downloaded.