Bangkok Airport Link Train
Bangkok Airport Train is the most sought-after transit option from BKK Airport, at least for passengers in a hurry or wishing to save on travel expenses. Indeed, it is cost-efficient while being unaffected by traffic. As a result, it is the fastest way to reach your destination during rush hours, when the high traffic levels and the notorious Bangkok traffic jams make car, taxi, and bus rides time-consuming and tedious. In conclusion, the airport train in Bangkok is the ideal way to depart from Bangkok International to avoid getting stuck in road congestion or spending considerable money on your transit.
Our Tip: Many commuters also use the Bangkok Airport Link to reach their workplaces, leading to packed journeys. Nevertheless, as the airport stop is the first one on the route to Bangkok, you’ll easily find an available seat and make yourself comfortable for your onward train ride.
The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link’s Route
Bangkok Airport Train links BKK Airport to the city center. Thus, it runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport Train Station to Phaya Thai Station, located in Ratchathewi District, which isn’t to be found right in the heart of the city but still lies centrally in Bangkok. Moreover, it makes 8 stops on its way, offering convenient connections to the MRT Lines and the BTS Skytrain. Overall, the airport train in Bangkok traverses a 28.6km/17.8-mile distance. Explicitly, the Suvarnabhumi Airport Train (Airport Link Train – ARL) operates on the following route:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport Station
- Lat Krabang Station
- Ban Thap Chang Station
- Hua Mak Station
- Ramkhamhaeng Station
- Makkasan Station
- Ratchaprarop Station
- Phaya Thai Station
Please note that Bangkok Airport Train’s stops are numbered from A1 to A8, with Suvarnabhumi Airport being the first stop (A1) and Phaya Thai Station being the last one (A8). Moreover, Makkasan Station was constructed to be used as a city air terminal as well, meaning that check-in facilities would be available inside its premises. However, nowadays, it just serves as a railway station.
Bangkok Airport Link Train takes around 26 minutes to reach its terminus, while it offers efficient connections to other train lines. Hence, you can check out the ride’s duration to each of its stops and the available connections from each station:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport Station
- Lat Krabang Station: 5 minutes from BKK Airport
- Ban Thap Chang Station: 10 minutes from BKK Airport
- Hua Mak Station: 14 minutes from BKK Airport. Here, passengers can hop on the Yellow Line.
- Ramkhamhaeng Station: 18 minutes from Bangkok Airport
- Makkasan Station: 22 minutes from BKK Airport. The MRT Phetchaburi Station (Blue Line) lies a 5-minute walk from Makkasan Station via the Skywalk.
- Ratchaprarop Station: 25 minutes from Bangkok International Airport
- Phaya Thai Station: 26 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport. It offers connections to the BTS Skytrain.
Our Tip: The Airport Link Train is also known as the City Line since an Express Line used to link the airport to the city center in just 15 minutes. That being said, the Express Line stopped operating some time ago.
The Bangkok Airport Rail Link’s Timetable
Bangkok Airport Rail Link runs on an everyday basis. Thus, it has available routes from 05:30 am to midnight on weekdays and from 05:30 am to 00:08 am on weekends and during public holidays. Its frequency depends on the time of the day. Hence, during rush hours, the Bangkok Airport Train runs every 9-10 minutes. On the other hand, during off-peak hours, it operates at a 12-15-minute frequency.
Where is the Bangkok Airport Train Station
You’ll easily find the Suvarnabhumi Airport Train Station, situated at the Basement level of the BKK Main terminal building. Arrivals are to be found on the Second Floor. Hence, you should use the lifts or escalators to reach Floor B and the train station. Fortunately, Bangkok Airport offers adequate signage. Thus, you’ll spot signs indicating “Airport Link Train” or “Train to City” all over the terminal.
Tickets and Fares of Bangkok Airport Link Train
You can pay for your Bangkok Airport Train fares through the automatic machines at the airport’s station. It’s important to remember that you’ll be given a colorful token (the color is irrelevant) which should be inserted into the slot of the turnstile to enter the station and then left in another slot at the turnstiles of the alighting station. The token machines accept only cash payments in the local currency (contactless payments and credit cards aren’t accepted payment methods). Please keep in mind that they accept coins and bills up to 500 THB. Therefore, if you plan to pay with larger bills, you’ll need to wait in line at the ticket counters to receive change.
Smart Passes are another option to pay for the Bangkok Airport Link’s fares. You can buy your ARL Smart Pass online or from the ticket counters at the airport station. However, it should be mentioned that the city’s visitors usually don’t settle on this option.
Children younger than 12 years of age and shorter than 90cm/35.4 in travel for free.
The Bangkok Airport Link’s fares are calculated based on the traversed distance. Thus, the ticket price varies depending on the disembarking station. In detail, you can check out the fares for the Bangkok Airport Train to each of the following stations:
- Lat Krabang Station: THB 15/$0,41/0,38
- Ban Thap Chang Station: THB 20/$0,55/€0,51
- Hua Mak Station: THB 25/$0,68/€0,63
- Ramkhamhaeng Station: THB 30/$0,82/€0,76
- Makkasan Station: THB 35/$0,95/€0,89
- Ratchaprarop Station: THB 40/$1,09/€1,02
- Phaya Thai Station: THB 45/$1,23/€1,15
FAQs
Is there a train from Bangkok Airport to city?
Bangkok Airport Link Train runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city of Bangkok, ending its route at Phaya Thai Station, close to downtown. Moreover, the train calls at several stations on its way, offering connections to MRT trains and the BTS Skytrain.
Does Bangkok Airport have a train station?
Bangkok International Airport features a train station in its Main terminal building. Suvarnabhumi Airport Train Station is to be found at the terminal’s Basement level. Thus, passengers landing at BKK Airport have to use the lifts and escalators of the second floor (Arrivals area) to reach the railway station.
How much is the Airport Link in Bangkok?
The fares for the Bangkok Airport Train vary depending on the chosen destination. Thus, fares and prices are calculated based on the traversed distance. Overall, the cost of the ride with Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link ranges from THB 15/$0,41/0,38 to THB 45/$1,23/€1,15.
How long is the Airport Rail Link to Bangkok?
The Bangkok Airport Link covers a 28.6km/17.8-mile distance, traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station. Its traveling time to its terminus (Phaya Thai Station) is about 26 minutes.