Bangkok Metro (MRT)

Bangkok Metro System Information

Operated and owned by the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Ltd, the Bangkok Metro, officially known as the Metropolitan Rapid Transit, is a rapid transit system that began operations in July 2004. Serving the Bangkok Metropolitan Region in Thailand, it currently has 1 operational line, spanning approximately 20 km, with 18 stations. Commonly referred to by locals as the subway, the MRT has an annual ridership of 92.4 million (2014). With 2 more lines under construction following the completion of the Purple Line in December 2014, and 4 more lines planned, the MRT will be one of the largest metro systems in the world when completed.

The Bangkok Metro in Thailand, also known as Skytrain or MRT, plays a vital role in Bangkok’s public transport network. It serves around 564,000 passengers a day and doesn’t operate 24 hours a day, with operating hours from 5.15am to 10.40pm.

The metro is air-conditioned for passenger comfort. The Green Line of the metro is driverless and has been in operation since 1999. While passengers cannot walk between platforms, they can enjoy safety features such as screen doors on both the green and blue lines.

The metro runs at an average speed of 35km/h and can reach a maximum speed of 80km/h. Skytrain fares range from 15 to 42 baht, equivalent to about EUR 0.64 in 2009.

The system is operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited. They can be contacted on +66 2617 7300 for any enquiries.

Bangkok Metro Map

Map of Bangkok Metro System showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Bangkok Metro System map in PDF format.

Bangkok Metro Interactive Map

The city of Bangkok has an extensive transport network, of which the Bangkok Metro is an integral part. Spanning 45 kilometres (28 miles), it serves the city and some adjacent regions. The Metro officially commenced operations on 3 July 2004 with the opening of the Blue Line. It works in tandem with the Skytrain, an above-ground train system spanning 37.9 kilometres (23.5 miles). The Suvarnabhumi Airport City Line provides a direct link from the city centre to the airport.

The system mainly uses Siemens A-Cars and C-Cars equipped with auxiliary power units for air conditioning and lighting. Each train consists of four cars and is 88.6 metres long.

The operation of this public transport system is managed by Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), a private company formed in 2015 by the merger of Bangkok Expressway Public Company Limited (BECL) and Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited (BMCL). This company has a 25-year concession agreement.

In 2014, the annual number of passengers exceeded 92.4 million, equivalent to around 410,000 daily passengers.

• Alias: MRT
• Track Length: MRT – 45 kilometers (28 miles), BTS – 37.9 kilometers (23.5 miles), ARL – 28.4 kilometers (17.6 miles)
• Rail Gauge: 1,435 mm (4.71 ft)
• Total Lines: MRT – 2, BTS – 2, ARL – 2
• Station Count: MRT – 35, BTS – 35, ARL – 8
• Top Speed: 80 km/h (49.7 mi/hr)
• Website: www.bangkokmetro.co.th
• Operator: Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM)
• Daily Ridership: 410,000
• Established: July 3, 2004

Brief History

Construction of the first line of the Bangkok Metro began in late 1996 when the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand awarded BEM the concession to develop the city’s new transport system. However, a major economic crisis in Thailand in 1997 caused significant delays in the construction of the metro.

In addition, the nature of the city’s soil posed major problems for the civil engineering work required to build the metro. After six years of intensive work, the Blue Line of the Bangkok Metro was opened on 3 July 2004.

During the initial four-month trial period, the necessary final adjustments were made to the structure. Regular services started in June 2004. The subway was complemented by the Purple Line in 2016, serving the northeast of the city, followed by an extension of the Blue Line to the south of the city in 2017, covering a distance of 1.2 kilometres (0.75 miles).

Lines and Stations

The Bangkok Metro currently consists of two lines and 35 stations, serving the metropolitan area and some surrounding areas.

The first line was inaugurated on 3 July 2004 and the second on 6 August 2016. The two lines are connected by an extension from Bang Sue to Tao Poon, which was completed in 2017. Both lines were built by BEM, the rail transport subsidiary.

The Skytrain (BTS) adds two more lines with a total of 36 stations.

The Airport Rail Link, which complements these systems, connects the city to Bangkok Airport with two train lines. The City Line has multiple stops, while the Express Line provides a direct route to the airport.

Blue Line

Also known as MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkhon, this line traverses the north-south corridor of the city. It has 19 stations, including the terminal stations of Hua Lamphong and Tao Poon. This line has a daily ridership of around 360,000 and is identified by its blue colour scheme.

Purple Line

The MRT Chalong Ratchadham, also known as the most modern line in the system, covers the city centre and a north-eastern part of the city. With 16 stations covering a total of 23 kilometres (14.3 miles), it serves around 50,000 passengers daily. Its identifying colour is purple.

Skytrain: Green Line

Also known as the Sukhumvit Line, this elevated train or Skytrain covers both the north-south and east-west corridors with its L-shaped route. It has a total of 23 stations over a length of 23.7 kilometres (14.7 miles) and is recognisable by its green colour scheme.

Skytrain: Dark green line

The Silom Line, also part of the BTS, starts at Bang Wa Station and ends at National Stadium Station. Its route covers the east-west corridor of the city, forming a U-shape across the city. With 13 stations spread over its 14.2 kilometre route, it is distinguished by its dark green colour.

Airport Line: City Line

Connected to the Airport Line, the City Line provides a service from the city centre to the airport, with a total of 8 stations. It can be recognised by its blue colour.

Airport Line: Express Line

Similar to the City Line, the Express Line connects downtown Bangkok with the airport, except that it only stops at Phraya Thai at the beginning of the line. The journey takes about 18 minutes and can be recognised by its unique red wine colour.

Interconnectivity with Other Systems

The Skytrain, a key component of Bangkok’s public transport system, complements the subway. Operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTS), construction began in the early 1990s and the Skytrain was officially inaugurated in December 1999. Since then, the system has undergone structural expansion and ridership has increased from 200,000 to 650,000 passengers per day.

With two lines and 36 stations, the Skytrain efficiently serves the city’s residents. The Sukhumvit Line, also known as the Green Line, and the dark green Silom Line cover a total distance of 37.9 kilometres (23.5 miles). Phaya Thai Station connects the Skytrain to the subway system.

Bangkok BTS map

In addition to the rail systems, the BMA also provides bus services to cover routes not served by the metro. More than 3,000 mostly air-conditioned vehicles ply 100 routes, many of which connect to Skytrain and MRT stations.

For tourists, tuk tuks, motorised three-wheeled tricycles, are a popular means of transport and can be seen around the city’s various train stations. The city’s ferries, which ply the Chao Phraya River, provide another means of transport for visitors to reach destinations only accessible by water.

Airport Connections

Located in Racha Tewha, Suvarnabhumi Airport is 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) east of the city. Also known as Bangkok International Airport, it’s one of the most modern air terminals in Southeast Asia. Opened in September 2006, it is the third largest airport in the world and the fifth busiest in Asia.

Several modes of transport link the centre of Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi Airport, the most important of which is the Suvarnabhumi Airport Train. This elevated train service includes the City Line, coloured blue, which makes eight stops in a 35-minute journey.

The Express Line, which is part of the aerial train system, makes only one stop at Phraya Thai Station. The Express Line offers a shorter journey than the City Line but has a higher ticket price. To board either the City Line or the Express Line, passengers must disembark at Phraya Thai Station on the Skytrain or at Phetchaburi Station on the Blue Line. Both lines are accessible via a pedestrian walkway between Phaya Thai and Makkasan stations.

In addition, Airport Express, a private company, operates four bus lines from Silom, Khao San Road and Sukhumvit stations, as well as from Hua Lamphong via the Skytrain.

Operating Hours and Frequency

The Bangkok Metro operates continuously from 6:00 am to midnight. Trains arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 7 minutes during off-peak hours, with minor variations depending on the line and day of the week.

The Skytrain operates on a similar schedule, while the Airport Line follows the opening and closing times of the system, but has less frequent trains.

Blue Line

Service begins with the first train leaving Hua Lamphong Station at 6:02am and ends at midnight with the last train arriving at Tao Poon Station. Trains usually arrive every 10 minutes on weekdays, but the frequency increases to every 5 minutes during peak hours (6:00am to 9:00am and 4:30pm to 7:00pm). On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays trains run every 10 minutes all day.

Purple Line

The first train departs from Khlong Bang Pahi Station at 5:30am and the last train arrives at Tao Poon Station at midnight. Trains run from 6:00am to midnight on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Purple Line runs every 10 minutes, regardless of the time of day or day of the week.

Skytrain: Green Line

The Green Line, which departs from Mo Chit Station, begins service at 5:15 a.m., with the last train arriving at Bearing Station at 12:51 a.m. On weekends and holidays, it runs from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. Trains arrive every 3 minutes during peak periods (7:00am – 9:30am and 4:30pm – 8:00pm) and every 5 minutes during off-peak periods.

Skytrain: Dark green line

Service begins at 5:30 a.m. from National Stadium Station, with the last train arriving at the terminus at 12:48 a.m. On weekends and public holidays, service begins at 5:53 a.m. and ends at midnight. Trains arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours (7:00 to 9:30 and 16:00 to 20:00) and every 6 minutes during off-peak hours.

Airport Line

The City Line and Express Line both start at 5.30am and finish at midnight. The same timetable applies to weekends and public holidays. City Line trains run every 10 minutes during peak periods and every 13 minutes during off-peak periods, weekends and holidays.

Fares, Tickets, and Cards

The fare structure for the Bangkok Metro and Skytrain is varied, with prices set by the BMA depending on the chosen plan and distance travelled. Payment can be made with tickets in the form of tokens or prepaid cards. Single journey tokens are ideal for infrequent travellers, while prepaid cards are more suitable for regular commuters.

Single tickets start at 16 baht ($US 0.48) and increase by 2 units for each station travelled to a maximum of 42 baht ($US 1.29).

Discounts on ticket prices are available for certain categories. The BMA offers reduced fares based on the age and category of the driver. The following table shows the various discounts that may apply to a basic fare.

BTS Bangkok fares

It’s important to note that to qualify for the discounted student card, riders must be under 23 years of age and provide proof of their academic level. The two lines of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Train have different fares. The City Line costs 45 baht ($1.35), while the Express Line costs 90 baht ($2.7).

Future Expansions

The Bangkok Metro is currently undergoing a major expansion. With four new lines under construction and planned extensions to the existing Blue and Purple Lines, the BMA has significant proposals for the coming decade.

By 2021, the Blue Line is expected to have completed extensions from Hua Lamphong to Lak Song station and from Bang Sue to Tha Phra, adding 27 kilometres of track and 17 new stations. In addition, an extension from Lak Song to Phutthamonthon Sai 4 will add 8 kilometres (5 miles) and 5 stations.

The Purple Line will be extended by 23.6 kilometres (14.7 miles) from Tao Poon station to Rat Burana district in 2024, adding 17 new stations.

The Orange Line, a new line opening in 2023, will run diagonally along the east-west corridor for 21.2 kilometres (13.18 miles) with 17 stations, connecting the Thailand Cultural Centre to Suwinthawong.

The Pink Line, opening in 2022, will run 32 kilometres (19.9 miles) from Nonthaburi Civic Centre Station to Min Buri District with 30 stations, while the Yellow Line, also opening in 2022, will run 30.5 kilometres (18.95 miles) from Ratchada to Samrong with 23 stations.

The Brown Line, although included in future expansion plans, is the only line without a fixed opening date. It is planned to run 22 kilometres (13.7 miles) from Nonthaburi Civic Centre to Lam Sali, with a total of 20 stations.

Travel Tips

• As Bangkok is one of the largest cities in South East Asia, it is important to be aware of your belongings, especially in the crowded transport systems. It’s a good idea to keep your belongings in front of you to prevent theft and to facilitate movement.
• It’s a good idea to check the ticket calculator on the official BMA website, as ticket prices vary depending on the station and type of user.
• Most metro lines are supplemented by the Skytrain, so it is advisable to have a map of the system to hand when getting off the metro.
• Although station signs are in English, it is also useful to learn some basic Thai.

System Regulations

• Smoking is forbidden in the metro.
• The BMA prohibits eating and drinking on trains and in stations.
• Sitting on the floor is forbidden, even in empty carriages.
• Only service animals assisting people with disabilities are allowed on the system.
• Passengers with oversized luggage may be refused boarding.
• Balloons are not allowed on the metro.
• It is forbidden to carry flammable objects or food with a strong odour.

Notable Facts

• The Bangkok Metro is one of the few Asian transport systems equipped with air conditioning.
• The system is unique in that some trains are operated without conductors.
• The city’s Chautuchak station is located within the city’s municipal market.
• Bangkok’s railway system is one of the few to have a direct link to the airport.

Sightseeing via Bangkok Metro

Bangkok is one of Asia’s most diverse cities, offering a blend of Eastern traditions and Western influences. The city’s streets are bustling with informal commerce, while the large modern buildings of world-renowned corporations provide a fascinating contrast. The Bangkok Metro is an excellent way to explore some of these places:

• Chatuchak Market: One of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak Market sells everything from traditional Thai food to Eastern religious items. To get to this market, take the Blue Line to Chatuchak Station, which is inside the market itself.
• Chinatown: Yaowarat, Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, is one of the largest traditional Chinatowns in the world and offers an immersion in Chinese culture and commerce. To visit, take the Blue Line to Hua Lamphong Station and walk a short distance.
• National Library of Thailand: One of the country’s first libraries, it is a beautiful classical oriental structure surrounded by lush vegetation. It operates under the country’s Department of Fine Arts and holds all the copyrights of the country’s writers. To get to the National Library, take the Purple Line to Phra Nakhon Station and walk a few blocks.