Bangkok may be famous for its traffic chaos and air pollution—but don’t let that stop you from going out and about. With the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway, exploring this bustling city is not only easy and affordable, but also cool, clean, and surprisingly scenic.
Here are some of my suggested routes using BTS and MRT to explore the city.
🚝 BTS Skytrain – Zip Through the City Above Ground
The BTS Skytrain is hands-down one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get around Bangkok. With air-conditioned trains gliding above street level, you’ll skip the traffic and soak in great views of the city. The central interchange at Siam Station connects two main lines, Silom and Sukhumvit, giving you easy access to Bangkok’s top shopping, business, and entertainment areas. Many stations are also conveniently connected with MRT Subway. The BTS runs on five main lines:
- Sukhumvit Line (light green): From Kheha in the southeast to Khu Khot in the north, this line covers interchange and key stops like Mo Chit, Phaya Thai, Siam, Asok, Phrom Phong. At Wat Phra Sri Manathat Station, you can change to the Pink Line. At Mo Chit and Asok, you can change to MRT Blue Line. At Phaya Thai, you can change to Airport Rail Link. At Siam, you can change to Silom Line. At Samrong, you can change to Yellow Line.
- Silom Line (dark green): Running from Bang Wa to National Stadium, this line includes Chong Nonsi and Saphan Taksin, where you can catch a free shuttle boat to riverside shopping and entertainment destinations like ICONSIAM and Asiatique as well as boats to riverside attractions like Wat Arun and Song Wat. At Sala Daeng and Bang Wa, you can change to MRT Blue Line. At Krung Thon Buri, you can change to Gold Line which will also take you to ICONSIAM.
- Gold Line: Running between Krung Thon Buri to Khlong San, this line takes you to ICONSIAM, one of Asia’s biggest shopping malls. At Krung Thon Buri Station, you can change to Silom Line to get to the city.
- Yellow Line: Running from Lad Prao to Sam Rong where you can connect to Sukhumvit Line. At Hua Mark Station, you can change to Airport Rail Link to get to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The line runs mostly above Ramkamhaeng and Sri Nakharin Roads.
- Pink Line: Running from Nonthaburi near Pak Kred to Minburi above Chaeng Watthana and Ram Inthra Roads. At Wat Phra Sri Manathat Station, you can change to Sukhumvit Line to get to the city.
Buying tickets is simple—just use the machines or counters at any station. If you’re planning multiple trips, grab a Rabbit Card (physical or via app) for discounted fares and quicker access. There’s also a One-Day Pass for unlimited rides, ideal for sightseeing days (note: may not valid on all lines). Click here to check your routes and map.
Trains run daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, and stations are well-signed in English and Thai. Most are also equipped with elevators and ramps for accessibility, and helpful staff are always nearby.
🚇 MRT Subway – Glide Underground to Culture & Calm
When the BTS doesn’t reach, the MRT Subway usually does. This underground system is just as modern and reliable, with air-conditioned trains that make zipping across Bangkok comfortable—even during the midday heat.
There are two main MRT lines:
- Blue Line: The heart of the MRT network, forming a loop from Tao Poon to Lak Song, and linking to the BTS Sukhumvit Line at Phahon Yothin, Chatuchak Park and Sukhumvit. The line links to BTS Silom Line at Silom and Bang Wa. You can also change at Makkasan Station for Airport Rail Link which will take you to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
- Purple Line: A quieter commuter line stretching from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai, ideal for residential in Nonthaburi and suburban stops. At Tao Poon, you can connect to the Blue Line and at Nonthaburi Civic Center, you can connect to BTS Pink Line.
Tickets can be bought from easy-to-use touchscreen machines or station counters. Consider a stored-value MRT or Mangmoom card if you’re staying a while—it saves both time and baht. Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard) can also be tapped at the gates. Click here for routes and fares.
✨ Must-Visit Spots on the BTS & MRT
Both systems open up access to some of Bangkok’s best attractions:
- Grand Palace & Wat Pho – Hop off at Sanam Chai MRT.
- Wat Arun – Hop off at Sanam Chai MRT and catch a boat across the river.
- Chinatown (Yaowarat, Song Wat & Talad Noi) – Get to Wat Mangkon MRT for temples, street food, and hidden bars.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market – Reach it via Mo Chit BTS or Kamphaeng Phet MRT.
- Benchasiri Park, Emporium, EmQuartier & EmSphere – Right next to Phrom Phong BTS.
- Benchakitti Park – Get off at Queen Sirikit MRT, Sukhumvit MRT or Asok BTS.
- Lumpini Park, Central Park & Silom – Get off at Silom MRT or Sala Daeng BTS.
Whether you’re in town for temples, markets, shopping, food, or a bit of everything, the BTS and MRT make exploring Bangkok stress-free.
🗺️ Tip: Plan your route at bts.co.th or mrta.co.th before heading out! Click here for map showing all stops and interchanges.
