The route and the stations

The line serves eight stations over 28 kilometres: Suvarnabhumi, Lat Krabang, Ban Thap Chang, Hua Mak, Ramkhamhaeng, Makkasan, Ratchaprarop and Phaya Thai. For a tourist, two stations matter: Makkasan, for the MRT, and Phaya Thai, for the BTS. At the airport, the station is on level B1 of the main terminal: from the arrivals hall (level 2), follow the "Airport Rail Link" signs.

The Airport Rail Link platform at Suvarnabhumi

Fares and tickets

The fare depends on distance: 15 to 45 THB. You get a token from the machines or the counter. At Phaya Thai a walkway leads to the BTS Sukhumvit Line station: two stops to Siam, the shopping heart of the city. At Makkasan a walkway reaches the MRT's Phetchaburi station (Blue Line), for Sukhumvit, Silom or Chinatown. You buy a new ticket each time you change network. To understand the two networks, see BTS or MRT in Bangkok.

What changes in 2027

The line is operated by Asia Era One until 31 January 2027 under an interim arrangement; SRT Electrified Train (SRTET), a subsidiary of Thai railways, is due to take over operations on 1 February 2027. Service continues as normal during the transition. From 1 January 2027 the government plans a common ticket for all Bangkok rail lines, from 17 to 45 THB per trip, with no new payment when changing network. These plans may change: check before you travel.

Luggage, crowds and pitfalls

  • Rush hours: the train also serves residents of eastern Bangkok and can be packed; with big suitcases the ride is unpleasant.
  • No train at night: after midnight, only taxi, Grab or a private transfer remain.
  • The last mile: no station serves the Old Town; for Khao San Road, the S1 bus or a taxi is more direct.
  • Early departure: the first train leaves Phaya Thai around 5:30 am; for a very early flight, book a taxi.

Train, taxi or private transfer?

Option Price Who for
Airport Rail Link 15 to 45 THB solo or couple, hotel near the BTS or MRT
Metered taxi meter + 50 THB + tolls late arrival, 3 or 4 people
Private hotel transfer, tolls included from about $32 (to be checked: per person or per vehicle) families, luggage, door to door

This transfer takes about 1 h, with tolls, water and insurance included; it is rated 4.8 out of 5 (October 2026). For the full comparison, see Suvarnabhumi to central Bangkok and airport transfer in Bangkok: which offer to choose.

Another option is a private transfer pre-booked with Welcome Pickups: the price is fixed before you travel, an English-speaking driver meets you in arrivals with a sign, and they track your flight, so a delay does not lose you the pickup. Prices read on their site on 30 October 2026: from €30 for a sedan (up to 5 passengers) and €38 for a minivan (up to 6) to the city centre; the same page lists a taxi to the centre at ~500 THB. If you travel alone with light luggage, there is a cheaper way: the Airport Rail Link (15 to 45 THB). The private transfer is worth it mainly for a night arrival, a family, heavy luggage or a first visit; read the cancellation terms before paying.

Before you take the train

A data plan spares you the kiosk queue: see SIM card and eSIM in Bangkok. For your first day, follow what to do in Bangkok in one day and, to get around afterwards, transport in Bangkok.

FAQ

How much is the Airport Rail Link? 15 to 45 THB depending on distance; 45 THB to Phaya Thai (October 2026, to be checked).

Is there a non-stop express train? No: on the line described here, all trains stop at every station, and the full trip takes 26 to 30 minutes.

Where do I get off for Siam? At Phaya Thai, then the BTS: two stops to Siam.

Can I take the train after midnight? No: service stops at midnight. Take a taxi, Grab or a private transfer.