Bangkok is one of the busiest cities in Southeast Asia, with population arround 14 millions in its metropolis area. Transportation plays a vital part in the daily lives of all of Bangkok’s residents and commuting workers, and traffic congestion is a major concern. As roads become occupied with standard automobiles, a variety of transportation methods are used daily including buses, taxis, railways and boats.
Out of all of these methods, the rail systems provide the quickest way to get from one point to another each day. Taking a bus or taxi during the busiest hours of the day may leave you stuck on the congested roadways. Although serviced, taxis carry the same status as any other vehicle on the road, thus they offer no promise of quick travel.
Using the city’s efficient rail system offers a number of benefits.
- Cost effective. It costs much less to take the train than it does to purchase a personal taxi ride each day.
- The fastest transport in Bangkok.The elevated and underground train systems move passengers much faster than other transportation methods. The Skytrain and MRT can be up to four to five times faster than commuting by taxi.
- Close to all main areas. A new sections of BTS and MRT are developing every year. Currently the railroad system gives you fast and cheap access to all the main areas in Bangkok
Bangkok Mass Transit System – BTS
BTS, or the Bangkok Mass Transit System, is an elevated rail system featuring over thirty stations on two rail lines. The Sukhumvit Line runs north and east while the Silom Line passes Silom Road and runs through the Central Business District. The system transports a total of over 600,000 passengers each day. The two lines cover a combined distance of 55 kilometers.
The BTS features three levels, with the ticket booths and kiosks on the first floor. Ticket fares are priced based on the distance of the route traveled, but passes for tourists, students and unlimited rides are available as well. The two lines of the train, the Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line, interchange at Siam Station.
The BTS Skytrain passes through a total of 35 stations, with 22 on the Sukhumvit Line and 13 on the Silom Line. On the first line, Mo Chit Station runs through Chatuchak District with access to Chatuchak Weekend Market and Mo Chit bus station. Bearing Station, in Bang Na, features the last point within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration area. In Pathum Wan District, the Silom Line runs through National Stadium Station, close to the National Stadium, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, the Jim Thompson House of Thai silk and Siam Square.
Probablt the most popular BTS station is Asoke in Skhumvit road. This area is known for its Western appeal, with some of the best restaurants in the city, bars and hotels from major Western brands. It also has a significant Japanese community with a number of sushi restaurants. On the Sukhumvit Line, On Nut station’s Exit 3 leads to the impressive Ideo Condominium complex. Exit 1 hosts an open-air market featuring freshly grilled foods, Vietnamese cuisine and coffee. Mo Chit Station is particularly useful for those accessing Don Muang Airport or the immigration office.
BTS Bangkok – a guide to travel around Bangkok using the BTS Skytrain
BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) is the most convenient way of transportation in downtown Bangkok. Make sure you rent a place near BTS in order to get the most of your stay in Bangkok
Metropolitan Rapid Transit – MRT (Bangkok Subway)
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit, better known as MRT, is another part of Bangkok’s rail transportation system. The MRT is the underground rail component, covering 27 kilometers of track. It features 18 stations and transports over 200,000 passengers each day. When expansions to the rail’s main line are complete, it will form a loop around the Bangkok metro area.
MRT trains arrive every 5 to 7 minutes, and offer access to the Skytrain. To determine the necessary route, passengers may use maps displayed around the transit station. The maps display what direction the line travels and where other stations are along the route. To purchase a ticket, the passenger has the option of visiting the ticket office or using a ticket vending machine.
Hua Lamphong Station is located near Chinatown and the Central Railway Station, it features four exits. Silom Station connects to the Skytrain and is located near Pat Phong Night Market, Dusit Thani Hotel and Lumpini Park. With three exits, Sukhumvit Station also connects to the Skytrain. Phra Ram 9 Station is located near the offices and shopping venues of Fortune Town. Chatuchak Park Station is located near Chatuchak Park under Phahonyothin Road. It connects to the Skytrain at Mo Chit BTS Station.
From the first Chatuchak exit, passengers may visit Chatuchak Market for weekend shopping from over 8,000 stalls. For a feel of the nightlife scene, Pat Phong Night Market takes place off of Exit 2 from Silom Station. Lumpini Park is popular for those who enjoy the outdoors. It can be reached from either Lumpini or Silom stations.
Affordable Accommodation Near BTS/MRT
With all the mentioned above you already know how imporant is to stay close near BTS or MRT in order to spend a great time in Bangkok.
When commuting through the city, taking cabs and buses can be a hassle. Road vehicles only get stuck among traffic that causes delays and frustration. To get around the city efficiently, it is best to live near one of the reliable rail systems that can get passengers across town in minutes.
House by the Pond has serviced apartments in Sukhumvit near BTS/MRT, in the heart of Bangkok. In addition to proximity to the railways, it offers affordable accommodation suitable for long term or short term stay, with ample amenities, including housekeeping, wireless Internet access, satellite television, concierge and security. It also offers large views of the city, a fitness center and a lush garden with a tranquil pond. For long term guests, affordable apartments are available from studio to two-bedroom sizes.
The residence is located near a variety of entertainment venues, shopping centers, restaurants and nightlife. House by the Pond was one of the first serviced apartments in the Bangkok area created with expats in mind. Living close to the BTS and MRT systems is just a bonus considering all the complex has to offer.
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