Bangkok has three separate rail systems that visitors often confuse: the Airport Rail Link (ARL) that connects Suvarnabhumi to the city, the elevated BTS Skytrain, and the underground MRT. They interchange at a handful of stations but sell separate tickets, so knowing which is which saves time and money once you land.
The three systems at a glance
| System | What it is | Key stations | Fares (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Rail Link (ARL) | Airport-to-city line | Suvarnabhumi – Makkasan – Phaya Thai | 15–45 |
| BTS Skytrain | Elevated city network | Siam, Asok, Saphan Taksin, Mo Chit | ~17–62 |
| MRT | Underground network | Sukhumvit, Si Lom, Chatuchak, Hua Lamphong | ~17–45 |
Airport Rail Link (ARL)
The Airport Rail Link is the single line that matters when you arrive: it runs from beneath the Suvarnabhumi terminal to Phaya Thai in about 30 minutes for 15–45 THB, with interchanges to the BTS at Phaya Thai and the MRT near Makkasan. It is not the same thing as the MRT — a common mix-up — and it only serves the airport corridor, not the whole city.
BTS Skytrain
The BTS is the elevated network that most tourists use day to day. Its two main routes, the Sukhumvit line and the Silom line, cross at Siam and cover the shopping, hotel and nightlife districts; a short Gold Line branch reaches the ICONSIAM riverside. You pay with single-journey tokens from the machines or a stored-value Rabbit card, and trains run from around 6 a.m. to midnight.
MRT
The MRT is Bangkok's underground. The main Blue line loops through the old city and Chinatown (Wat Mangkon), the business district (Si Lom, Lumphini) and up to Chatuchak, interchanging with the BTS at several points. It uses its own tokens or stored-value card — separate from the BTS Rabbit card — so if you switch systems you tap out of one and buy again for the other.
How they fit together
Think of it as three networks that meet rather than one system: the ARL brings you in from the airport; the BTS and MRT then take you almost anywhere in the centre, crossing at stations such as Asok/Sukhumvit, Sala Daeng/Si Lom and Mo Chit/Chatuchak. There is no single ticket across all three, so for a few days of travelling a stored-value card on the system you use most is the easiest way to pay.
Tips for using Bangkok's trains
Carry small notes and coins for ticket machines, travel outside the 8–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. rush if you have luggage, and remember that eating and drinking are not allowed on board. The trains are cheap, air-conditioned and beat the traffic — but they stop around midnight, so plan a taxi, Grab or a transfer for late nights.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the BTS and the MRT?
The BTS Skytrain is elevated and the MRT is underground. They are run by different operators with separate tickets, but they interchange at several stations, so you can switch between them by tapping out and buying a new fare.
Is the Airport Rail Link the same as the MRT?
No. The Airport Rail Link is a separate line connecting Suvarnabhumi to the city at Phaya Thai and Makkasan, where it interchanges with the BTS and the MRT. It only serves the airport corridor.
Can I use one ticket for all of Bangkok's trains?
Not a single universal ticket. The BTS Rabbit card and the MRT card are separate, so a stored-value card for the system you use most is usually the simplest option.
What time do Bangkok's trains stop running?
The BTS, MRT and Airport Rail Link all run from around 6 a.m. until roughly midnight, so after that you need a taxi, a ride-hailing app or a private transfer.