Bangkok BTS SkyTrain is a Mass Transit System which is one of the most convenient ways to travel around Bangkok as it helps to escape chaotic and often jammed traffic in Thailand’s capital. BTS SkyTrain system links central Bangkok with other important areas of the city making this kind of transport very useful for exploring Bangkok.
Bangkok BTS SkyTrain
There are two lines (Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line) with 60 stations on Bangkok BTS network but it should be expanding further with more stations to be added to the existing lines. The same company is also managing the Gold Line train system with 3 other stations but despite being connected to one of the main BTS SkyTrain lines at one station, this new line is not considered to be a part of the same system and therefore requires to use a separate ticket.
In several places BTS system also connects with other Bangkok’s Mass Transit Systems - MRT (Metro), Airport Rail Link and the newly launched MRT Yellow Line SkyTrain.
Bangkok BTS Map 2023
Bangkok BTS SkyTrain route map 2023 with all the stations on the network and routes of other city's mass transit systems.
Current interactive Bangkok BTS map 2023 can be found here: Bangkok BTS SkyTrain Map.
Bangkok BTS stations
Currently there are 60 BTS SkyTrain stations around Bangkok (Bangkok BTS Map). Finding one of the stations isn’t difficult as they all are above the roads and can be easily noticed from a distance. Usually there are no less than 4 entrances to the BTS SkyTrain station and they all are clearly marked.
There are stairs and automated escalators leading up to the station. If you are tired and not keen on climbing the stairs, just look around, there should be another entrance with the escalator nearby.
Bangkok BTS stations can also be handy for crossing Bangkok's roads as you can get to another side of the road or even directly to a shopping mall without buying a ticket.
Bangkok BTS Operating Hours
Bangkok BTS operates daily from 06:00 to midnight.
Bangkok BTS frequency on weekdays is detailed below.
Bangkok BTS frequency on weekends and holidays is detailed below.
Bangkok BTS Fare 2023
The price of Single Journey Ticket, which is valid for a single journey on Bangkok BTS, depends on the length of journey as Bangkok BTS fare can be from 17 THB to 62 THB per journey.
The exact fare for your journey can be calculated on the interactive Bangkok BTS Map.
Bangkok BTS tickets
Where to buy BTS ticket?
There are few ways to buy Bangkok BTS ticket but the most common way is using Ticket Issuing Machines. You will need cash to make a payment as credit/debit cards are not accepted.
While some of these machines are capable to take payments by notes, most of them (like the one below) still accept coins only.
For getting a ticket from these coin-only machines you need 1, 2, 5 or 10 Baht coins (satangs are not accepted). If you don’t have enough coins, you can change your notes at BTS Station Ticket Office.
There are also machines accepting notes but they can be harder to find. These ticketing machines accept not only 1, 2, 5 or 10 Baht coins (satangs are not accepted) but also 20, 50, 100 Baht banknotes (larger banknotes are not accepted).
Making a payment by QR code is also an option for travelers who have Thai bank account and Mobile Banking application.
How to buy BTS ticket?
On the touchscreen of the Ticket Issuing Machine, choose your destination and a number of cards. Total fare of your trip will show up.
Insert coins and/or notes (if the machine accepts them) into dedicated slots. When the amount inserted will reach the required fare, your ticket (thin plastic card) will appear at the ticket-dispensing slot. Take the ticket and your change if any.
Keep in mind that Single Journey Tickets are valid for travel on date of purchase only!
Travel SMART! Get BTS One Day Pass if you are planning to use BTS often
It is also possible to purchase a Rabbit card that can be topped up and used for traveling with Bangkok BTS. Rabbit card can be bought at any BTS Station Ticket Office. Rabbit card can also be booked online and conveniently picked up at the airport. Rabbit card can be booked here: BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card.
How to use BTS ticket?
When you get your Bangkok BTS ticket, proceed to the metallic gates. Green arrow signs indicate entry points - you need to choose one of them.
Touch your ticket at the marked spot on top of the metallic part of the gates and wait for the gate to open then. Take your ticket and quickly walk through as the gates stay open for just a couple of seconds.
Keep your ticket with you as at the exit you will have to insert it into the slot at the front of the metallic gate.
If you are using BTS One-Day Pass or BTS Rabbit Card, you need to tap the card at the dedicated place on top of the gate.
Then the gate will open for you to exit.
Taking Bangkok BTS SkyTrain
When you enter the Paid Area of Bangkok BTS station, you need to choose the platform. The platforms are named with the last station of the line and you just need to choose correct direction. Check the map at the station to make sure. Bangkok BTS Sukhumvit and Silom lines connect at Siam station and you might need to change the train and platform there.
When you will get to the platform, you will notice that SkyTrain platforms have yellow arrows in black background pointing towards the track and black arrows in yellow background pointing from the track. You should wait in a line behind the yellow arrows in black background. The doors of the train will stop directly in front of the black arrows in yellow background and passengers will disembark the train there.
There’s a map inside the train showing your location and other stations on the line. The name of the next station is clearly announced in advance so you have time to prepare for disembarking the train.
If you will choose wrong direction or miss your station, don’t worry and just swap platforms at the next station. You don’t need to buy a new ticket if you just change platforms and don’t leave the Paid Zone.
Tips for Bangkok BTS
Bangkok BTS SkyTrain is very convenient when used with other Bangkok’s Mass Transit Systems such as MRT and Airport Rail Link. Connections between systems are the following:
BTS Sukhumvit Line connects with MRT Blue Line at BTS Asoke, BTS Mo Chit and BTS Ha Yaek Lat Phrao stations
BTS Silom Line connects with MRT Blue Line at BTS Sala Daeng and BTS Bang Wa stations
BTS Sukhumvit Line connects with Airport Rail Link at BTS Phaya Thai station
BTS Sukhumvit Line connects with MRT Yellow Line at BTS Samrong station
BTS Silom Line connects with Gold Line at BTS Krung Thon Buri station
To save time that you normally would waste at ticket vending machines, consider getting BTS SkyTrain Rabbit Card that can be topped up instead of buying single journey tickets each time. It can also be used on MRT Yellow Line and Gold Line.
To save money on the days when you are planning to travel by BTS a lot, get BTS SkyTrain One-Day Pass that will allow you to use BTS SkyTrain all day long for a fixed price. For saving even more, get your discounted ticket online here: BTS One Day Pass
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok? You should choose one of the areas well connected with BTS as it can really save your time. Our recommendations for choosing the right area to stay in Bangkok can be found here: Where to Stay in Bangkok.
Any Questions?
Check our Frequently Asked Questions about public transportation in Bangkok and ask your own question if it's not answered there yet.