Convenient, cheap and air-conditioned? Travel around Bangkok’s hot spots with the BTS Skytrain, BKK’s trusty public transport.
Bangkok never slows down — from floating markets and mega malls to rooftop bars and street food everywhere. But first-timers quickly learn one thing: traffic is brutal.
Skip taxis and tuk-tuks. BTS Bangkok Skytrain is the fastest, easiest way to get around, especially if you’re staying near Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom, or Chatuchak. It’s air-conditioned, tourist-friendly, and super easy to use.
In this Bangkok BTS Map & BTS Bangkok Guide (2026), we cover everything you need to know — routes, prices, operating hours, tickets, BTS cards, and how to use the BTS like a pro, even on your first trip.
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⚡ TL;DR: BTS Bangkok at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| System Name | BTS Skytrain (Bangkok Mass Transit System) |
| Main Lines | Sukhumvit Line & Silom Line |
| Coverage Areas | Central Bangkok, including Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom, Chatuchak & Thonglor |
| Operating Hours | ~6:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Ticket Price | ~16–62 THB per trip (~S$0.66-2.54) |
| Payment Options | Single Journey Ticket, Rabbit Card |
| Best For | Tourists, shopping, nightlife, avoiding traffic |
| Language Support | English signage & maps available |
📌 Table of Contents:
- What is BTS Bangkok?
- Why Use BTS Bangkok?
- Bangkok BTS Map (English)
- BTS Bangkok Routes & Lines
- BTS Bangkok Operating Hours & Schedule
- BTS Bangkok Tickets, Prices & Cards
- How to Travel by BTS in Bangkok
- BTS vs MRT: What’s the Difference?
- FAQs
What is BTS Bangkok?
Image credits: North of Known
BTS Bangkok, officially the Bangkok Mass Transit System, is an elevated skytrain network connecting Bangkok’s most important districts.
It currently operates two main lines:
- Sukhumvit Line
- Silom Line
Together, they cover the majority of Bangkok’s shopping malls, business districts, dining areas, nightlife spots, and tourist attractions — all without touching street traffic.
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Why Use BTS Bangkok?
The BTS Skytrain is one of the best public transport systems in Southeast Asia, especially for visitors.
Key Benefits:
- Fast & punctual (trains arrive every few minutes)
- Fully air-conditioned
- Easy navigation with English signs & announcements
- Connected to MRT & Airport Rail Link at key stations
- Provides access to most tourist destinations, like Chatuchak
- Direct access to malls like Siam Paragon & Terminal 21
- Zero traffic jams (especially during peak hours)
💡 If you’re exploring central Bangkok, the BTS is often faster than taxis or buses.
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Bangkok BTS Map (English)
The Bangkok BTS map is tourist-friendly, with clear station names in English, line colours, and interchange points.
Key BTS Lines on the Map
- Sukhumvit Line (Light Green)
- Silom Line (Dark Green)
Other Connected Lines:
- Gold Line
- Pink Line
- Yellow Line
Where to Find the Bangkok BTS Map:
- Inside every BTS station
- On ticket machines
- On official BTS apps
- On Google Maps (recommended)
💡 Pro tip: Download a Bangkok BTS map app or save an offline screenshot before your trip — it’ll save you stress when you’re navigating stations on the go.
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BTS Bangkok Routes & Lines
Understanding the BTS Bangkok route system is easy once you know the two main lines.
1. Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line)
Image Credits: The SmartLocal Thailand
Route: Khu Khot ↔ Kheha
The Sukhumvit Line is the longest and most tourist-friendly BTS line in Bangkok. It runs straight through the city’s key shopping, dining, nightlife, and local neighbourhoods — which means first-time visitors will almost definitely use this line daily.
Key Sukhumvit Line Stations
1️⃣ Mo Chit
Image Credits: TravelManagers
Gateway to Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world’s largest markets with 15,000+ stalls selling street food, clothes, souvenirs, home décor, and vintage finds.
Surrounded by Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park, it’s perfect for a half-day shopping and food crawl.
Known for: Chatuchak Market, Bang Sue Junction thrift shopping
2️⃣ Ari
Image Credits: ArchDaily
Ari is one of Bangkok’s trendiest neighbourhoods, known for its chill vibe and strong café culture. Expect specialty coffee, brunch spots, bakeries, modern Thai eateries, and classic local stalls serving boat noodles and grilled skewers.
With boutique shops, co-working spaces, and leafy streets, Ari feels local, not touristy.
Known for: Cafés, boutiques, bars — try NANA Coffee Roasters and Baytong Chicken Rice
3️⃣ Siam
Image Credits: Klook
Siam is Bangkok’s main shopping hub and the most important BTS interchange station. It’s surrounded by mega malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Siam Square, Siam Centre, and Siam Discovery.
Food ranges from Michelin-listed restaurants to food courts and dessert cafés. Siam is also home to Erawan Shrine and Wat Pathumwanaram, offering a rare calm moment amid the retail chaos.
Known for: Erawan Shrine, CentralWorld, Siam Square, Siam Paragon (SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World)
4️⃣ Asok
Image Credits: Ascott
Asok is a major transport hub where the BTS Sukhumvit Line connects with MRT Sukhumvit. Right outside is Terminal 21, a world-themed mall with one of Bangkok’s best-value food courts.
The area is packed with nightlife — rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, and entertainment spots along Sukhumvit Road.
Known for: Terminal 21 Mall, luxury hotels (Hilton, Sheraton, Westin), Soi Cowboy nightlife district
5️⃣ Thong Lo
Image Credits: The Infatuation
Thong Lo is a trendy, upscale neighbourhood popular with expats and locals. It’s best known for Japanese restaurants, izakayas, dessert cafés, and speakeasy-style bars.
By day, it’s perfect for café-hopping and lifestyle malls like The Commons. By night, it turns into one of Bangkok’s top dining and nightlife spots.
Known For: Trendy bars and Japanese eateries — try Lost in Thaislation and Yurijin Izakaya
6️⃣ Ekkamai
Image Credits: Bangkok Foodie
Ekkamai is a more laid-back alternative to Thong Lo, with live music venues, craft beer bars, rooftop lounges, and cosy cafés. It’s also home to Gateway Ekkamai, a Japanese-focused lifestyle mall.
The Eastern Bus Terminal makes Ekkamai a key stop for trips to Pattaya, Rayong, and eastern Thailand.
Known for: Café hopping, nightlife, hidden-gem shopping, food exploration
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2. Silom Line (Dark Green Line)
Image Credits: Trip.com
Route: National Stadium ↔ Bang Wa
The Silom Line runs through Bangkok’s financial and business districts, connecting shopping, nightlife, and riverside attractions along the Chao Phraya River.
Key Silom Line Stations
1️⃣ National Stadium
Image Credits: Thailand Magazine
National Stadium is directly connected to MBK Centre, a top spot for affordable fashion, souvenirs, and casual dining, plus nearby street food like pad thai and mango sticky rice.
Close by is the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) for light cultural exploration.
Known for: MBK Centre, Jim Thompson House Museum
2️⃣ Siam
Image Credits: Conde Nast Traveler
On the Silom Line, Siam is the main interchange with the Sukhumvit Line. It’s a shopping and dining hub with luxury malls, fashion zones, cinemas, and serves as a convenient base for exploring Bangkok by BTS.
3️⃣ Sala Daeng
Image Credits: Expedia.co.th
Sala Daeng is in the heart of Silom, bustling with offices by day and bars, clubs, night markets, and eateries by night.
Within walking distance is Lumpini Park for morning walks or a peaceful escape. The station connects directly to MRT Silom for easy transfers.
Known for: Patpong Night Market, Lumpini Park
4️⃣ Chong Nonsi
Image Credits: Locationscout
Chong Nonsi is in Bangkok’s modern business district, known for its skywalk, futuristic architecture, and rooftop bars with panoramic views.
The area also offers upscale restaurants, cafés, and stylish nightlife for office workers and travellers.
Known for: Bangkok CBD, King Power Mahanakhon, rooftop bars
5️⃣ Saphan Taksin
Image Credits: Chao Phraya River Cruises
Saphan Taksin is the main BTS stop for exploring the Chao Phraya River. From here, hop on river boats to ICONSIAM, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and riverside hotels and restaurants.
The area also has seafood spots and casual Thai eateries, perfect for a river-side sightseeing day.
Known for: Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, ICONSIAM, Asiatique
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BTS Bangkok Operating Hours & Schedule
- Daily: 6 AM–12 AM
- Peak hours: Trains every 2–4 minutes (Weekdays 7–9 AM & 4:30–7 PM)
- Off-peak: Every 5–7 minutes
- Late night: Slightly longer intervals
💡 Tip: Avoid peak hours if travelling with luggage for a more comfortable ride.
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BTS Bangkok Tickets, Prices & Cards
Ticket Types
1. Single Journey Ticket
- Buy at machines or counters
- Valid for one trip on the day of purchase
- Price: From 17 THB (~S$0.70)
2. Rabbit Card (Stored-Value Card)
- Price: 200 THB (~S$8.18; includes 100 THB issuance + 100 THB value)
- Tap in/out like an EZ-Link card
- Top-up at stations, valid 7 years (stored value valid 2 years)
- Best for frequent rides
3. One-Day Pass
- Unlimited rides on the Green Line for the day
- Price: 150 THB (~S$6.13)
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BTS Bangkok Price (2026 Estimate)
| Distance | Price |
|---|---|
| Short ride | ~17–25 THB (~S$0.70-1.02) |
| Medium ride | ~30–45 THB (~S$1.23-1.84) |
| Long ride | ~50–65 THB (~S$2.05-2.66) |
Prices are distance-based, not zone-based. For the most accurate fare prices, check BTS Thailand’s Routemap.
Should You Get a Rabbit Card?
Image Credits: Traveloka
✅ Ideal if you:
- Stay in Bangkok 3+ days
- Use BTS frequently
- Want faster entry during peak hours
- Visit Bangkok often
You can return the card later and keep any remaining value.
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How to Travel by BTS in Bangkok
Step 1: Enter the Station
Look for the green BTS logo and follow English signs.
Step 2: Buy Your Ticket
- Single Journey: Ticket machine
- Rabbit Card: Buy or top up at the counter
Step 3: Tap In
Insert your ticket or tap your Rabbit Card to open the gates.
Step 4: Ride the Train
Platforms clearly show directions; English announcements onboard.
Step 5: Exit
Tap out or insert your ticket at the exit gate.
💡 BTS stations are clean, safe, and well-staffed — so don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.
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BTS vs MRT: What’s the Difference?
Both systems are useful, but they serve slightly different purposes.
| Feature | BTS Bangkok | MRT Bangkok |
|---|---|---|
| Track Type | Elevated | Underground |
| Coverage | Central Bangkok | Outer & local areas |
| Tourist Areas | High | Moderate |
| Ease for Tourists | Very easy | Easy |
| Payment | Rabbit Card | MRT Card / EMV (Contactless card: Use YouTrip to tap in/out!) |
| Interchanges | Siam, Asok | Sukhumvit, Silom |
Which is cheaper: BTS or MRT?
- MRT is usually slightly cheaper for longer distances
- BTS is more convenient for tourists and shopping areas
💡 Many travellers use both the BTS and MRT, depending on the destination.
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Explore Bangkok Fuss-Free!
Whether you’re heading to Siam for shopping, Asok for nightlife, Chatuchak for weekend markets, or Silom for rooftop bars, mastering the BTS will save you time, money, and stress. Don’t forget to bring along your YouTrip card for the best THB exchange rates with zero FX fees!
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Happy travels!
FAQs
Q: What is a BTS station in Bangkok?
A BTS station is a stop on the elevated Skytrain system. Stations are named after nearby roads, malls, or districts (e.g. Siam, Asok, Mo Chit).
Q: How many BTS stations are there in Bangkok?
There are 60+ BTS stations, covering central, north, and western Bangkok.
Q: How many BTS lines are there?
Two main lines: Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line.
Q: Is BTS Bangkok tourist-friendly?
Yes. BTS is one of the most tourist-friendly transport systems in Asia, with English maps, announcements, and signage.
Q: Can I use BTS from the airport?
Not directly. Use the Airport Rail Link, then transfer to BTS at:
- Makkasan (via MRT)
- Phaya Thai
Q: What is the best BTS line for tourists?
The Sukhumvit Line covers most tourist attractions, malls, and nightlife.
Q: Is BTS Bangkok worth using?
BTS is the best way to move around Bangkok if you value:
- Time
- Comfort
- Predictable travel
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