NO JAMS | Using Bangkok's Train System - 8 lines new & extended [4K]

If you visit or live in Bangkok there's so many places to go. But travelling on the roads is a pain because of the continual traffic jams. The good news is that Thailand's capital city has a cheap, fast & efficient train system. And over the past few years it's been improved vastly by new lines opening and existing routes extended.
But for those who are unfamiliar with the BTS, MRT, SRT and ARL lines it can be daunting. Not last all the different initials and coloured lines! I spent 24 hours in Bangkok exploring 8 different lines to give you some ideas about travelling by train in Bangkok and the surrounding areas. This video will tell you about the most useful lines, where they go, how much they cost and how to use them. Get ready to explore Bangkok, without the traffic jams!
#btsskytrain #train #airportlink
00:00 Introduction
00:21 What this video is about
00:45 Airport Rail Link
03:09 MRT Blue Line
04:25 Buying a BTS pass at Airport or CentralWorld
05:07 The Light & Dark Green Lines
06:05 Useful stations on Sukhumvit Line
07:17 MRT Pink Line
08:26 SRT Red Commuter Line
09:00 Don Mueang Airport station
09:39 Krung Thep Aphiwat Station
10:04 Back to MRT Blue Line
10:48 Changing from Light to Dark Green Line
11:58 Exploring Dark Green Line
13:28 BTS Gold Line
14:55 MRT Yellow Line
16:53 Back to Airport Rail Link

[@Vithawat357]

In Bkk,now 10 lines,171 stations,276 km.are in serviced. Next few years we will add 3-4lines those constructing and by 2030 14 lines ,500,++ km will be finished😊😊❤❤😊😊

[@balloonchaser]

That's right! It's really brilliant what they've done, and also the plans they have for the future! Really exciting times to be a rail user in and around Bangkok! Thanks for your comment!

[@สุทธิศักดิ์มธุรพงศากุล]

MRT purple lines and SRT light red lines, too , MRT orange lines , MRT purple lines south extention 😊

[@balloonchaser]

Yes, once the orange line is open that will be 11 different lines?

[@GioMixMusic]

I love the Skytrain system. Also the Rabbit card is great to have even for short city visits, any balance can be used on a future BKK visit.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks! I think the skytrain is one of the best things about Bangkok. Not sure why people in the central areas bother with taxis, really. And the Rabbit card is so flexible. My balance has been there for years and it just automatically tops-up when the balance gets below 500 baht. I use it to pay some bills, too. Lovely! 👍

[@PanitthaIntharaphueksa]

4 me I waiting to see Mangmum(🕸️🕷️)card.MRT&BTS. talking so many years to using one card go every transportation system. train,taxi,bus,boats,tuk tuk.but it's never gonna be happen.till now.😢😢😢😢😢😢🤔🤔🤔🤔🤫🤫🤫👎👎👎

[@jimmyboysmovies1972]

BC what a great vlog so enjoyable. I can remember bkk before the train system and omg it was a game changer in getting around . No more 1 hour journeys to MBK from punnawhiti ( I spelt that wrong I know) and to this was build in about 25 years in one of the busiest cities in the world stunning achievement . It’s clean reliable and the Aircon is worth it just to cool down. It’s growing and more places to visit . I used the mono rail to season square this year so great. The fares are so good too. Nice one BC have a great weekend

[@balloonchaser]

Hey Jimmy, thanks for your comment! I've already replied once, but my reply isn't showing up, so maybe I've banned myself! Anyway, thanks for the support. As you said, the building of the network has transformed the city! What I almost can't believe is how much change there's been post covid. When I last lived in Bangkok there was no pink line, no yellow line, no gold line and several other lines have been extended out of all recognition. And so many places where you can hop between lines. That's without talking about the link to Don Mueang and the new mainline station at Krung Thep Aphiwat. There's been some serious investment, and long may it continue! Have a great weekend, catch you later.

[@comedyhypnosisasia]

Your videos are so good we are posting them on our travel agency social media and suggesting our clients watch your videos before traveling to Thailand.

[@balloonchaser]

That's really kind of you, Rodney. What's the name of your travel agency?

[@bigbopper6311]

wooow information overload, great job. Last time I was in Bangkok, skytrain did not exist.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, BB. It's amazing how quickly the train system has developed! It's only a few years since I was living in Bangkok full time, and even I found some parts unrecognisable! Can't imagine the city before the first BTS line!

[@VintageThaiLadyBoy]

Wow, then it's time to pop over for a look?

[@VintageThaiLadyBoy]

Thank you so so much for this video. I've never watched a more thorough vlog on this subject. I'm waiting for the extensions of the Pink & Purple Lines to complete, the first section of the Orange Line to open, the bidding for the Brown Line (also a monorail) to go ahead, and the extentions of Light & Dark Red Lines to get a cabinet approval. Also, I'm waiting for our first high-speed rail line, from Bangkok to Korat, to finish.

[@balloonchaser]

That's really nice of you to say so! There's so much going on regarding rail travel in Bangkok, it's difficult to give a true flavour! And as you say, there's even more exciting plans in the pipeline. I couldn't believe how much had changed in the last few years. The high-speed trains will be a real game changer when they are completed!

[@VintageThaiLadyBoy]

@@balloonchaser Tell me about it. Korat is where I live. I told my old mum to live at least until the high-speed train is open so we can ride it to Bangkok for fun.

[@balloonchaser]

@VintageThaiLadyBoy That's great! Looks like they're going to sign a new deal for the high speed links this week, according to the press, whether that includes the line all the way to Korat I'm not sure. But I guess they've got most of the planning done years ago, so the actual build could be relatively quick. Here's hoping, anyway!

[@VintageThaiLadyBoy]

@@balloonchaser Could it be for the extension from Korat to Nongkhai? The section from Bangkok to Korat is under construction and it's 33% complete. Whatever it is for, it's excellent news.

[@balloonchaser]

@VintageThaiLadyBoy Seems the one I was thinking about is the contract to link the 3 airports together. That had an original contract in place in 2019, but due to the pandemic, they wanted to revise it. Now they're saying a new agreement is imminent and that part of the project will be finished by 2029. Hopefully, once all this high speed links up, travelling between the airports and North East will be much improved!

[@WanderlustReports]

Great video, BC! My dream would be that the rabbit card gets usable in all transport modes in Bangkok, including boats, busses, trains and BTS and MRT, like the Suica card in Tpkyo or the Oyster card in London.

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks, Alain! It really would be a fantastic thing if they had one travel card. The problem is that the more different ownership models they introduce, the further away that goal seems to be! Hopefully, it becomes reality one day, though!

[@jariverro4696]

Yet another great and informative video. Thx

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for your positive feedback!

[@mothoin]

Another excellent blog. THANKS for sharing. There's an awful lot of filming and editing to create guides like this. I use the airport link always if I want to stay in Bangkok. Just get off at Phaya Thai and switch to the BTS and on to Nana or Asoke. Much better than a taxi.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Patrick. It's nice when people notice that it takes time to make videos (although it is a labour of love)! I try to avoid Bangkok taxis as far as possible, so all these need links are interesting to me. And as you say, the Airport Rail Link is so convenient if you want to be in Sukhumvit!

[@mothoin]

​@balloonchaser Asia is much more advanced when it comes to public transport and utilizing rail as a means of getting around. Japan, obviously, being the benchmark for the other countries in the area. They're years ahead of the West.

[@balloonchaser]

​@mothoin Thanks for your input. Can't argue with the sentiment that Asia is ahead of many western countries when it comes to utilising rail travel. The only thing that lags behind in Thailand is the old rolling stock on most mainline services, and the as yet unfulfilled promise of high speed rail. But in Bangkok, first class!

[@mothoin]

​@balloonchaser yes I agree the rolling stock is indeed old but I find that quaint. Can't argue with the prices of tickets though. They're great value and make the public transport option more attractive.

[@WalkingmanPattaya]

Great vlog BC. Always took BTS or river taxi when I lived in BKK. Many newer lines i have not taken. Yes I've had a Rabbit card for years, works at some food courts as well as the BTS trains. Siam station can get very crowded and a bit confusing on choosing direction 🤔 😅. Mistake I have made a few times 😮

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Ric. Yes, Rabbit cards are great, and not just for the trains. I use mine to pay my mobile bill each month! Siam station can be confusing during rush hour. It's over 2 floors and I always seemed t be going upstairs or downstairs. I've gone the wrong way more than once, as well!

[@gene_retire]

Great video! Thank you for the information

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for your comment! I hope you found it useful

[@sandgroper1980]

G'day BC mate , I loved this video from you. Well researched , informative and as always very thorough. Your time in country has earned you a wealth of knowledge. The rabbit card certainly seems like the go to card although single fares seem very cheap. Great editing also mate , always look forward to videos from your good self. Regards SG 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for your continued support, SG. It means a lot. If I can pass on some information via this channel, then that's all I'm aiming for, really. And thanks for noticing that there's a bit of editing in this video, too. My apple mac nearly gave up at one point!

[@RichardStephens-mp7rc]

Great channel for anyone interested in visiting Thailand, your wealth of knowledge and advice is essential. Great profile BALLOON CHASER. My first visit to Bangkok was in 1993 and all in all I've spent about 6 years in Thailand coming and going. Thailand has changed a lot since then. Your grasp of the thai language is a pleasure to watch when communicate with with thai people. I took the time to learn thai and when i was a bit younger it was a real eye opener to sit in a bar and listen to conversations between thai people. I didn't understand all of what was said but I understood the conversation. Great channel and please keep posting the wealth of knowledge and information.

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks, Richard, for your very kind remarks. I really appreciate it. I used to teach English in Thailand so I know it's not easy to learn another language. I'm the laziest student of Thai language ever! But if you pick up a few words here and there, it definitely improves the overall experience! I still turn on the tv news in Thai and have no idea what they are talking about. But never mind, we just do our best! Regards.

[@peapaulofthailand6539]

Lots of familiar stops especially by the River boats i used to stay near, but that was a long time ago. I don't think I've had the option of a train from Don Mueng the few times I've been all end of 2019 early 2020. Skytrain line was constructed in concrete back then. I do use most of the other lines when in Bangkok. Very informative vlog Mr.Chaser 1982 😉

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Paul. What's amazing to me is just how much has changed! Even when I was living in Bangkok until the pandemic, there was no pink line, yellow line, gold line etc, and even the more established lines have been extended by miles. Looking at some of the trains in Bangkok now it makes the London underground look like a museum. Come to think about it....

[@andersfant4997]

BTS, MRT are practical in Bangkok. Taxi experiences can be memorable even when things go wrong🙂 But sometimes its just a stupid option.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Anders. Assuming the destination is near to a station, I think I'd take the train option every time! I have some memorable taxi rides, but not in a good way! 😀

[@bwlynn73]

Great video.....have you done a video about getting around via the different river ferries ? If not, I think it would be interesting to see.

[@balloonchaser]

First, thanks for the compliment! And second, I haven't done that topic, but after seeing some of the public boats on the river, I think it's a great idea! I'll put it on the (ever growing) list! Cheers!

[@GLseriesandmovies-l6b]

Thank you very much.

[@balloonchaser]

Always a pleasure. Cheers!

[@PatriciaChan-b9v]

Hello, thanks for your video. Just a precision for the first train air link to airport it is at 5:10 am.

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for the correction. It's funny because I asked at the station and the clerk said 5.30am. Then I checked on Traveloka and it said 6am. So now I know it's actually 5.10! Thanks, again!

[@PREPFORIT]

Thank you, B.C

[@balloonchaser]

@PREPFORIT Always a pleasure PFI. Thanks for commenting!

[@sarathdassanaike2807]

I visited Thailand 🇹🇭 travelling by sky train and on highway ro Ayutthaya Buddhist Temples and historic kingdom And many Buddhist Temples Country side I from Sri Lanka Colombo Sarath Dassanaike a Sinhalese and a Buddhist

[@Vithawat357]

Hope you loved it and enjoyed❤❤

[@balloonchaser]

That's brilliant. Thanks for your comment. I also went to Ayutthaya by train and visited some of the historical sites. It's a beautiful place!

[@nitinat8181]

Soon, Thailand will have one of the top 3 electric train systems in the world.

[@balloonchaser]

I think you could be right! I'm looking forward to it!

[@VintageThaiLadyBoy]

I keep hearing that but couldn't find references. Could you point the way? Who's the top 3 currently?

[@keith9970]

Thanks BC.....love the sky train. I tried to buy the Rabbit Card on my last trip but needed my passport. Now that may only be applicable for shifty looking Orstralians but beware. I have always wanted to try the public bus system in Bangkok but lack the courage....maybe you could do a video one day

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Keith. There doesn't appear to be any mention of needing a passport if you buy a Rabbit card through the Klook app, but I only bought the daily passes, so I'm not totally sure. I already had a Rabbit card so I wanted to see the difference. There's no doubt the Rabbit card is much better than the day pass, more flexible, but we definitely need a one pass for all transport card, to really make Bangkok travel convenient.

[@Goldfinger555]

I’m confused. Can you do that again? LOL. Really shows how well connected Bangkok has become. Just wish one card would work at all places. I love the Rabbit card when I’m there but as you said, it has its limits too. Not sure why they can’t pull it all together. Maybe some day.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Rick! It's a miracle I did it one time! I'm the guy who gets lost leaving his own house 😀 The number of new connections is amazing. And there's plans for even more, of course. There's been various attempts to get one card for everything. So far it hasn't quite worked out. Guess fare sharing would be a nightmare if it was an actual pass. But it will come. Contactless Visa card on the MRT was neat!

[@Goldfinger555]

@@balloonchaser Yes, I must try the contactless Visa next time. I'm usually in the Asoke station and the crowds getting tickets can be really big.

[@balloonchaser]

@Goldfinger555 I've got two cards, one worked and one didn't. No idea why! But certainly convenient!

[@Vithawat357]

Will be that way soon😊😊

[@jeffrussell488]

Gonna start calling you Casey Jones 😂... great stuff 😊

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Jeff! Is that Casey Jones the guy who died in a train crash? Oops! Actually, I remember the burger shops named after him, at London train stations. Saved me after many a late night at work. Then they got taken over by Burger King. Can't stand in the way of progress!

[@jeffrussell488]

@@balloonchaser i remember the Casey Jones train driver song from when I was a kid, can't remember if it was a Casey Jones show or in another show.

[@balloonchaser]

​@jeffrussell488 do you mean this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqHWZ39rq7hjqcUsi=rHWh1o1TIz22_NFe

[@jeffrussell488]

@@balloonchaser aye that's the one, I wasn't a kid in 57-58 tho, must've been repeats lol

[@balloonchaser]

@jeffrussell488 Me neither, I guess my parents told me about it 😆 hahaha!

[@zdl1965]

The really frustrating thing is that there is NO single card that covers BTS, MRT, SRL and SRT, like the Oyster (London) and Octopus (HK) cards. It is really inconvenient to juggle so many cards that is ridiculous. BKK should get its act together!

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks for your comment, and I do share your frustration. As more lines get completed, it's more important than ever to have one card or method of payment to ride more than one line. I'm sure it will come, because they've talked about it for years. But the question is, when? 😟

[@michaelleiper]

I do wish the MRT and the airport express took the Rabbit card - because it's as close as Thailand has to Octopus (Hong Kong) / Oyster (London). With it being a stored value card, there's no point in it not just working everywhere... You brought up the river boats, but I thought I should highlight there's also the boat along the canal. i.e. Back before the expressway extended out to near us (which made it faster to take the expressway in to Sukhumvit 50 and take the Skytrain (On Nut) from Lotus there - although it is paid parking...), if we were just going into the centre for something quick we used to go to the Mall at Bangkapi (free parking) and take the boat along the canal - comes out near Pratunam. Although you do need to know your stop - because they don't give you long to get off... The pink line now means that, depending on how many people are going, (because the car is charged the same on the expressway regardless of how many passengers) - it might be easier to go to Fashion Island (seeing a trend with the free parking) and take the pink line up to the interchange with the Skytrain. At least until the orange line opens...

[@balloonchaser]

You make some excellent points. Thanks for your contribution. I owned a condo in sukhumvit 48 for a short while, so not far from 50 of course. I also remember working in Samsen (Boonrawd Brewery) and also The Mall at Bang Kapi at people were asking why I didn't arrive by boat? It's certainly something I'll look into and maybe vlog about because I think it's a really interesting subject. As you say, not only the river but the canals! Thanks, again!

[@michaelleiper]

@@balloonchaser My brother-in-law used to work for Boon Rawd. Mostly as a manager and in marketing. He got to go to things like the Malaysian Grand Prix with them. He used to live in Bangkapi. I took a motorcycle taxi one time from his flat to the Mall at Bangkapi back in 2001. If it says anything about the ride - I have never got on a motorcycle taxi since - and have no intention of ever doing so again. One warning - the water in the canal does smell a bit - so people pull the screens up on the boat to stop the smelly water splashing on their clothes. Which often means, because of the screens, you can't really see out very well.

[@balloonchaser]

@michaelleiper Strange parallels, Michael. I was on the back of a motorbike taxi coming from Bangkapi to sukhumvit between to jobs when the bike had an accident which put me off motorbikes for years. But Bawn Rood is a really good company from what I saw. I taught English to the marketing team and they were a great bunch of people who certainly got to go to some interesting places. I'll give the rivers and canals a go. I'm ready for any odours now after your heads up!

[@michaelleiper]

@@balloonchaser If you were taking a motorbike taxi from Bangkapi to Sukhumvit - I'm not surprised people were asking why you didn't take the canal boat. They would generally be faster than the motorbike - definitely safer and cheaper, and the canal has piers at several of the roads that lead onto Sukhumwit.

[@balloonchaser]

@michaelleiper The biggest problem was thar I had to get between 2 specific offices to teach English. So I paid a particular m/c taxi driver to be outside the first office with the engine running to take me door to door. He actually did a great job until another rider under-took a car and crashed into us. Wouldn't get that on the canals, I'm sure! But at least I'm still here to tell the tale. And I learnt that being on time for work isn't always the most important thing!

[@phillipsdunn6795]

Peter when more bangkok hotel reviews

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks for the reminder, Phillip. Definitely within the next month! Are you interested in a particular area?

[@phillipsdunn6795]

@@balloonchaser area that close bts but not have tuk tuk trying scam you

[@balloonchaser]

@@phillipsdunn6795 Challenge accepted 😀

[@sooantonysolotraveler]

Your video can be more better helpful info., if you can explain and tell us which trains station can do or do not need to exit to pay again to enter to make transfer from one train line to another like RED to Pink lines or at YELLOW or BLUE line etc...

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks. That largely depends on what kind of ticket you have bought. As I said in the video, the most flexible ticket is the Rabbit pass. But this doesn't work on the MRT lines such as the Blue line. The one day BTS doesn't work for those changes you mentioned. The real benefit will be when the various companies manage to introduce one card for all the lines. That would be much simpler. Anyway, many thanks for your comment.

[@sooantonysolotraveler]

@@balloonchaser Yes, thank you, I already had the RABBIT card. Yes, i hope they will follow my country Singapore that can use one card for it but I believe it needs to take some time for it because due to Thailand financial money problems they are facing over there.

[@balloonchaser]

@sooantonysolotraveler They've tried to launch a card for years, without success. Part of the problem is probably the different operating companies involved. Thanks again.

[@gordon.Jacko1055]

I’m so confused 😳

[@balloonchaser]

Oh dear! It's not meant to be confusing! What are you confused about?

[@gordon.Jacko1055]

All the colour codes I suppose you would get used to it if you live there 👌

[@balloonchaser]

​@@gordon.Jacko1055OK, I understand. There's just so many different lines now, and different types of trains, many of which are under different ownership. But the more they develop the system, the more seamless the travel experience will become!

[@jeffrussell488]

@@gordon.Jacko1055 think the colour codes are meant to help ffs

[@terry713-h4c]

Is there a train to Pattaya city from airport

[@gmm5550]

Wait u ask about trains to the leasy dump Pattaya when I is about trains in Bangkok? U know the capital that is 3 times bigger than newyork in size 555 shows that people going to pattaya isn't the smartest and they can't use Google.😅

[@balloonchaser]

Tanks, for the question, Terry. Unfortunately there isn't a train from the Airport to Pattaya - although that will all change in the future when the high speed rail links are built. One leg of this is to join Suvarnabhumi Airport to the one at U-Tapao, and that will pass through Pattaya. At the moment you'd have to change from the Airport Rail link to the SRT Eastern line. It's possible, but given there's only one train a day (and two at weekends) it's not practical really.

[@thecryptostrategist2433]

Great video. Taxis and their scammy refusal to use the meter in Bangkok are one of the worst aspects of the city. I hate road travel in Bangkok. Mastering the BTS etc is essential to get around cheaply and without huge hassle. With that said, Bangkok is still a polluted hellhole and not even vaguely walkable. Hence, I prefer smaller places. Compared to Bangkok, Pattyaa is great. Much easier to get around on foot.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, David. I'm no fan of Bangkok taxis and the antics of the taxi mafia. But more than that, travel by BTS and MRT is usually so much quicker and more pleasant than by road. Even just having decent air conditioning is a big plus. The monorails are becoming an interesting solution in areas where traffic is heavy, and perhaps land is difficult to acquire. It seems even Pattaya is planning to get one, especially as there's a lot of traffic jams these days!

[@natthabong]

Purple line is mising

[@balloonchaser]

Yes, and part of the red line. That's why in the title I wrote 8 lines not 10!

[@garynixon8420]

3rd world country 😂puts 🇬🇧 to shame good stuff 👏

[@balloonchaser]

Sad, but true, Gaz! The main line trains in Thailand are sometimes decades old, some refurbished from the UK. But the new city wide trains are pretty amazing. Aircon, frequent, cheap and clean. Ticks most of the boxes! 👍

[@jeffrussell488]

Have you seen Crossrail/ Elizabeth Line?

[@balloonchaser]

​@@jeffrussell488To be fair on both sides the Elizabeth line does look good. Think it goes through Abbey Wood where I used to live many years ago. Was a really rough place back then, and public transport wasn't great. Love the purple colour scheme!

[@jeffrussell488]

@@balloonchaser even rougher now... I think it's awesome plus my house is 4 minutes walk to a EL station.

[@balloonchaser]

@@jeffrussell488 I used to live in Thames mead, where they filmed clockwork orange, be hard to imagine it's rougher than it was!