Train - BTS (Skytrain)
The BTS rail system is the overhead mass transit railway that snakes through Bangkok aboves its major streets. The system is efficient, clean and by far the quickest way to get around the congested roads of Bangkok. Carriages are modern and fully air-conditioned.
The system is comprised of two lines: the Sukhumvit Line running from Mor Chit N8 (north) through to Bearing E14 (south east), and the Silom Line running from National Stadium W1 through to Wongwian Yai S8 (west). The two lines intersect at SIAM CEN
Tickets
The BTS offers a multitude of ticketing options, ranging from single-use trip tickets (magnetic cards that can be bought from the vending machines or at the cash counters) to prepaid SmartPass cards, which are only available at the BTS Ticket counters and not from the vending machines.
Schedules
The trains run every day from 6am through to 12am with a frequency of between five and eight minutes, depending on peak hours and off-peak hours. Service timetable is available here.
Entering and exiting
All stations have electronic gates from the ticketing level to enter the train level.
Single Use: If you have single use ticket, it must be passed into the ticket machine and will eject once the gates are open. Don't forget to collect your ticket after passing through the gate. When you arrive at your destination, you must do the same thing, except this time the gate will keep the ticket.
Multiple Use: With a multiple use (SmartPass) ticket, you need to tap the ticket on the top of the barrier when you enter the gate and when you leave the destination. The machine should also show you how much stored value you have on your card.
The following stations have elevators: Mo Chit, Siam, Asok, On Nut, Bang Chak, Punnawithi, Udom Suk, Bang Na, Bearing, Chong Nonsi, Krung Thon Buri and Wongwian Yai.
Getting on and off
On the platform you will see arrows, these should correspond to the doors on the carriages. As a courtesy to those getting off the train, please keep clear of the open doors once the train has stopped.
Please note that in peak hours the carriages can get very busy.
Station security
The BTS Skytrain is generally a safe place to travel and you will see contracted uniformed security staff within all stations, plus one on each platform day and night.
As a general common-sense rule, make sure your valuables are secure and do not give pick-pockets and casual thieves the opportunity to steal something.
Food and drink
Food and drink is prohibited from being consumed on the trains, though you will find vendors at the ticket level selling beverages and snacks.
No smoking
Smoking it not permited anywhere on the BTS Skytrain system, including platforms, ticket concourses and public areas.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
Be advised, there are NO public toilets or baby changing facilities on the BTS skytrain system.
BTS Tourist Information Centres are available at the following stations: Siam CEN, Phaya Thai N2, Saphan Taksin S6
