Bangkok Public Transport BTS

To avoid traffic jams in Bangkok we recommend use of the Bangkok Mass Transport System. This is efficient, clean, inexpensive and caters for English speakers. The electronic ticketing system also allows for fast entry and exit and provides a range of ticket purchase options described below. There are three separate types of systems. These are illustrated on the map below which is supplied by The Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited. Printed maps are available at all stations and displayed overhead at all stations. Current ticketing options are updated on its web site [ http://www.bts.co.th/ ].

• The BTS [ BTS Skytrain ] is an elevated rapid transport system consisting of 36 stations on two separate lines. These lines cross each other at Siam Station which is also the major exit depot for the shopping centers close to its location. All of these systems are elevated and constructed with three levels. The street level offers ground level access via escalators and or stairs. The first levels also often provide access from walkways and shopping malls and offer the ticketing, access gates and small shops. The third level [ second floor ] provides island platforms to access cross platform interchange between the two lines. The platforms are marked to indicate where the train doors will be when the trains stop. The lines indicate passengers about to board should stand to the sides to first allow passengers to leave first. Ques form in these positions. Passengers using the escalators should stand to the right side of the escalator. Consumption of food or beverages is not permitted on the Skytrains.
  
• The Sukhumvit BTS line [ named after Sukhumvit Road ] runs from Bearing in the South to Mo Chit running north. It is shown olive green on the maps.
• The Silom BTS line runs east from from National Railway Station and then turns south and then travels west over the Chao Phraya River and to Thonburi over the Taksin Bridge. It is shown dark green on the maps.
• The second public transport system is the MRT which is an underground railway. It is marked blue on the maps. The MRT can be accessed from the Skytrain at any of Sala Daeng Asok and Mo Chit inter changes.
• The third Public Transport System is the elevated Suvarnabhumi Airport Link [ the SARL ].
• The fourth public system is the Chao Phraya Express Boat service. This is connected to Skytrain at Saphan Taksin [ near Thaksin Bridge ] from where tourists can take the journey up the Chao Phraya River by boat service.