Bangkok Sky Train Information
The Bangkok Mass Transit System or BTS or Sky Train is a rapid transit system serving Bangkok, Thailand. The system is an elevated system and began operations on 5 December 1999 and currently has 2 lines serving 34 stations. The system is owned by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited. The total length of the system is 36.45 km (22.65 miles). The Bangkok Sky Train, together with the Bangkok Metro, is a popular means of public transport in Bangkok. The Bangkok Mass Transit System has a daily ridership of 600,000 passengers-text-stroke-width: 0pxrs.
Bangkok Sky Train Map
Map of Bangkok Sky Train System showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Bangkok Sky Train System map in PDF format.
Bangkok Sky Train Hours
The BTS Sky Train starts at 6:00 am and runs until midnight.
Bangkok Sky Train Fares, Tickets and Cards
Passengers can purchase Magnetic Tickets or SmartPass to pay their fares. The fare system is based on distance. There are two types of magnetic tickets, single journey tickets and day passes. The minimum adult fare for a single journey ticket is 15 Baht and the maximum fare is 42 Baht. These tickets are valid on the day of purchase and can be purchased from Ticket Issuing Machine (TIM), Integrated Ticketing Machine (ITM) and Ticket Vending Machine (TVM).Passengers can purchase a One Day Pass which allows unlimited travel for one day. It can be purchased from BTS ticket counters. The cost of the card is 140 baht.
The SmartPass uses contactless smart card technology and has an electronic chip that stores data. A 30-day SmartPass can be purchased for 15, 25, 40 and 50 trips. The passes are valid for 30 days from the first use and allow unlimited travel for the number of trips specified. A 15 trip 30-day pass costs 345 Baht, while 25, 40 and 50 trip 30-day passes cost 525, 760 and 900 Baht respectively. The passes should be used within 45 days of the date of issue or after the last refill. This pass is also available for students. The student card can be used by full-time students not older than 23 years.
In 2012, the BTS system introduced a new type of card called the Rabbit Card. In addition to BTS, this card can also be used to pay fares on the BRT. It is a prepaid card with an initial issuing fee of 50 baht.
Children less than 90 cm tall can ride the Sky Train for free.
Bangkok Sky Train Parking
Park and Ride facilities are available to passengers at BTS stations on a daily or monthly basis. More than 500 parking spaces are available for BTS passengers. The car park is open daily from 5.00am to 2.00am. Free parking for BTS passengers is available at Wave Place and is open from Saturday to Sunday from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. You must get your parking ticket stamped at the BTS Phloen chit station ticket office.
Bangkok Sky Train Schedule
The Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) operates two main lines: the Sukhumvit Line (light green) and the Silom Line (blue), along with the newly added Gold Line monorail. The BTS Skytrain operates from 5am to midnight, seven days a week. Trains run every 3-5 minutes during peak hours and every 5-6 minutes during off-peak hours (BTS Co.) (Tourist Bangkok).
Bangkok Sky Train Rules and Tips
Pets are not allowed on Sky Train, with the exception of guide dogs accompanying disabled passengers. BTS provides park and ride facilities at stations. Passengers with a valid ticket can stay in the system for a maximum of 120 minutes, after which an overstay penalty will be charged according to the maximum fare. Park and ride facilities are available at the stations.
Bangkok Sky Train Lines
The BTS system has two lines, the first being the Sukhumvit line running from north to east and the Silom line being the second line. At the time of opening, BTS served 23 stations on its two lines and both lines interchanged at Siam Station.
- Sukhumvit Line – The line was opened in 1999 with a length of 22.25km. The line serves 22 stations and the Sky Train operates between Mo Chit and Bearing. 3-car trains run at an average speed of 35km/h. The line connects with the Silom line and runs northwards. The line is planned to be further extended with 9 more stations. The construction of the extended line will start by 2014 and is scheduled to get opened in 2018.
- Silom Line – Silom Line was inaugurated in 1999 with a length of 8.7 km. The line serves 11 stations and the Sky Train operates between the National Stadium and Talat Phlu. From the National Stadium the Sky Train travels east and then turns south where it crosses the Chao Phraya River. The line has been extended for another 5.3km with 4 more stations. There are 6 car shuttles to transport passengers along the Silom line.
Bangkok Sky Train Places to Visit
The Grand Palace: The Grand Palace, the great architectural symbol of the Thai royal family, is 150 years old. It has been the official residence not only of the King but also of all his administrative subjects. It’s world famous for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which sits in a corner of the Grand Palace complex. Open from 8:30am to 3:30pm, you can get there by taking the Silom Line and getting off at Saphan Taksin Station. Get off at exit 2 and take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Ta Chang Pier. From there it is a short walk.
Vimanmek Mansion: Recognised as the largest teak mansion in the world, it was built by King Rama V in 1990. His residence for 5 years, the Vimanmek Mansion displays a collection of the royal carriages used during his reign and is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 09:30-16:00, except on public holidays. To get there, take the Sukhumvit Line and get off at Victory Monument Station. Get off at exit number 3. Walk towards Rajavithee Road and from there you can either take a taxi or a bus.
City Pillar Shrine: Built as the founding symbol of Bangkok, the City Pillar Shrine is considered the spiritual guardian of the city. It is open every day between 05:30-19:30. To get there follow the same route as to the Grand Palace, it is located on Maha Chai Road, which is nearby.
Snake Farm: The Snake Farm houses a variety of poisonous snakes. The venom from these snakes is extracted to make anti-venom to help people unlucky enough to be bitten by such venomous snakes. It is open from Monday to Friday between 08:30-16:00. On Saturday, Sunday and public holidays it is open from 09:30-13:00. To get there, take the Silom Line and get off at Sala Daeng Station. Get off at exit #3 and it’s a short walk from there.
Wat Sraket Ratchaworamahawihan: Also known as the Golden Mountain, this is one of the most iconic and historic places in Bangkok. People can enjoy a great view of the city from its 78 metre high pagoda, but the majority of visitors go to worship Lord Buddha. It is open every day between 8:00-18:00. To get there you can take the Silom Line and get off at Saphan Taksin Station. Get off at exit 2. Then take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Ta Tien Pier and from there take a taxi to Mahachai intersection.