Bangkok MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit) is one more addition to the public transport system of the bustling Asian metropolis. Conveniently connected with other mass transit systems, MRT is a convenient way to travel around Bangkok as this metro system helps to escape busy traffic in Thailand’s capital. MRT links central Bangkok with important areas of the city making it very useful for exploring Bangkok.
Bangkok MRT Metro
There are two connected MRT lines (MRT Blue Line and MRT Purple Line) with 54 stations around the city at the moment as Bangkok metro network was significantly expanded. MRT Blue Line connects major business, residential and cultural areas of Bangkok, while MRT Purple Line serves the north-western area of Bangkok.
Recently MRT Yellow Line was opened but despite being managed by the same company and called MRT, it is actually a monorail SkyTrain system. Even if the first station of MRT Yellow Line is connected to the station of MRT Blue Line, this new SkyTrain line is not considered to be a part of the same MRT system and therefore requires to use a separate ticket.
Bangkok metro connects with city’s other mass transit systems such as BTS SkyTrain, Airport Rail Link and SRT Red Line in several places.
If you are planning to use public transportation in Bangkok, there's a high chance that you will find yourself on MRT Blue Line train at some point as this line passes by various important attractions of the city. However, MRT Purple Line will hardly be of any use for an ordinary traveler.
Bangkok MRT Map 2023
Current Bangkok MRT map with all the stations on MRT Blue Line and MRT Purple Line can be seen below. For a larger copy of the map, click on the picture.
The map of the specific MRT line can be found at all Bangkok metro stations.
The route of MRT line with all the stations on it is also displayed at each platform for you to make sure that the train departing from the platform is going to the direction you need.
Bangkok MRT Stations
Currently there are 54 metro stations around Bangkok. Finding one of the stations shouldn’t be difficult if you are staying in the area near one. All entrances to MRT stations are clearly marked and can be easily noticed.
There are automated escalators leading down to the station.
Bangkok MRT Operating Hours
Bangkok MRT Blue Line operates daily from 06:00 to midnight.
On weekdays, the first train on MRT Blue Line departs from the start of the route at 05:30 and from all other stations just before 06:00. On weekends and public holidays trains start running a bit later but the first departure from all MRT stations is still scheduled not later than 06:03.
The last departure from the first station on the route is scheduled just after 23:00 with the last train reaching the final station at around 00:30. If you are looking to transfer to MRT Purple Line, the last train you can take normally should be at least one hour earlier than the last departure at the station.
A detailed MRT train timetable for the specific station can be found at the place.
MRT Blue Line train frequency depends on the day of the week and the time of the day. On weekdays during rush hour MRT trains depart every 3.5-4 minutes, while during off-peak hours the departures are scheduled every 5-7 minutes. On weekends and public holidays trains on this MRT line depart every 8 minutes, with the exception of the 16:00-19:00 timeframe on Saturdays when departures are slightly more frequent.
Bangkok MRT Purple Line operates from 05:30 to midnight on weekdays and from 06:00 to midnight on weekends and public holidays.
MRT Purple Line train frequency during peak hours (06:30-08:30 and 17:00-19:30 on weekdays) is not exceeding 6 minutes, while during normal hours trains should depart not more than every 9 minutes.
Bangkok MRT Fare 2023
Bangkok MRT fare of a Single Journey Ticket, which is valid for a single journey, depends on the distance (the number of stations traveled) and was recently increased.
In 2023 Bangkok MRT Fare rates were increased and currently MRT ticket price is from 17 Baht to 43 Baht per journey on MRT Blue Line.
Tickets on MRT Purple Line cost from 14 Baht to 42 Baht per journey. If your journey requires a change between the Blue and Purple lines, MRT fare can go up to 71 Baht.
The exact Bangkok MRT fare for your journey can be found on the board at the station (see below) or by using the official Online MRT Fare Calculator.
Bangkok MRT Tickets
Where to buy MRT ticket?
There are few ways to buy Bangkok MRT ticket but the most common way is using Ticket Vending Machines. All these machines accept coins and banknotes.
How to buy MRT ticket?
These Ticket Vending Machines are easy to use as you can choose between English and Thai language on the touchscreen. Then you just need to choose your destination. If your destination isn’t listed on the screen, most probably you need to swap lines – you can do it by clicking blue or purple button on the top left of the touchscreen. The exact fare will appear on the screen. Tickets must be bought one by one on these Ticket Vending Machines.
You need 1, 5, 10 Baht coins or 20, 50, 100 Baht banknotes as 2 Baht coins, satangs and larger banknotes are not accepted by the ordinary MRT Ticket Vending Machines. The new ticket machines accept 2 Baht coins and large banknotes but they are still quite rare.
Insert coins and banknotes into dedicated slots.
When the amount inserted will reach the required fare, your ticket (token) and change (given in coins only) will fall down into the windowed chamber below. Take the token and your change (if any).
You can also buy your ticket from MRT Station Ticket Office. Just stand in a queue, proceed to one of the windows, tell your destination and a number of tickets, pay money and you will get a token and change (if any).
Keep in mind that Single Journey Tickets are valid for travel on date of purchase only.
It is also possible to purchase a stored value MRT Card - a smart card which can be stored and topped up value for multiple rides. MRT Card can be bought and topped at any MRT Station Ticket Office.
However, if you are visiting Bangkok only as a tourist for a short stay and will rarely use MRT, getting such a card might be not worth it.
How to use MRT ticket?
When you get your token, proceed to the metallic gates. Green arrow signs indicate entry points - you need to choose one of them.
Touch your token to the indicated place on the metallic part of the gate. The red gate will open then. Quickly walk through as the gate stays open for just a couple of seconds.
Don’t lose the token as at the exit you will have to insert it into the dedicated slot for the exit gate to open.
Taking Bangkok Metro
When you enter the Paid Area of Bangkok metro station, just follow signs leading to the trains.
On the ground level, you will need to choose the platform. The platforms are named with the last station of the line and you just need to choose correct direction. MRT Blue and Purple lines connect at Tao Poon station and you might need to change the train and platform there.
When you will get to the platform, you will notice that MRT platforms have yellow arrows pointing towards and back from the track. You should wait in a line behind the yellow arrows pointing to the track.
The doors of the train will stop directly in front of the arrows pointing back from the track and passengers will disembark the train there.
There’s a map inside the train above the door showing 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 station.
Tips for Bangkok MRT
Before exiting MRT station, check the Locality Map and choose the exit which is the most convenient for you.
If you see long queues near Ticket Vending Machines and Ticket Offices on one side of the station, just walk to another side (you can do it without entering the Paid Area of metro station) as the situation there might be much better.
Bangkok MRT is very convenient when used with other Bangkok’s Mass Transit Systems such as BTS and Airport Rail Link. Connections between systems are the following:
MRT Blue Line connects with BTS Sukhumvit Line at MRT Sukhumvit, MRT Chatuchak Park and MRT Phahon Yothin stations
MRT Blue Line connects with BTS Silom Line at MRT Si Lom and MRT Bang Wa stations
MRT Blue Line connects with Airport Rail Link at MRT Phetchaburi station
MRT Blue Line connects with MRT Yellow Line at MRT Lat Phrao station
MRT Blue Line connects with SRT Red Line at MRT Bang Sue station
MRT Purple Line connects with SRT Red Line at MRT Bang Son station
MRT (Metro) is just one part of the complex public transportation system in Thai capital. Get familiar with other means of transportation used for public transportation in Bangkok.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok? You should choose one of the areas well connected with MRT or 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.