How to Use the Airport Rail Link in Bangkok

Whenever I arrive in Thailand, I always use the Airport Rail Link when going to my wife’s place. It’s super quick, easy to use, and very affordable. In this article, I share how to get there and how to use the Airport Rail Link in Bangkok.

My wife lives in the Ratchada area, about a 10-minute walk from the MRT Station Thailand Culture Center.

Whenever I arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, I will go to the smoking area outside and I will take the Airport Rail Link to Makkasan Station, which has a direct connection to the Phetchaburi MRT station. This will take me just 20 minutes, and the journey from Phetchaburi MRT station to the Thailand Culture Center stop will take another 5 minutes. So from the moment I leave the airport to be near my wife’s room, that only takes me about 30 minutes.

The Airport Rail Link system has lots of different stations and can save you a lot of time getting to your destination within Bangkok. But you do need to know which stations to go to, and in this article, I will give you a complete overview, including some examples of the most popular places and how to get there, including the costs involved.

What is the Bangkok Airport Rail Link?

The Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL) is a quick and budget-friendly train that takes you from Suvarnabhumi Airport straight into the heart of Bangkok. It opened in 2010 and was built to give travelers an easier option than battling the city’s infamous traffic right after a long flight.

The line runs about 28 kilometers from the airport to Phaya Thai station, where you can connect directly to the BTS Skytrain. Along the way, there are stops that link with Bangkok’s MRT subway as well, so you can easily reach different parts of the city.

I always get off at Makkasan Station, which connects to the MRT Subway Station. Also, if you plan on going to the Sukhumvit area, Makkasan Station will be your stop as well. From the connecting MRT station, Phetchaburi, it’s only 1 stop to Sukhumvit, which will bring you straight to Terminal 21.

Depending on what time you arrive in Bangkok, a regular taxi can easily take more than 1 hour to get you to your destination. That’s why I prefer the Airport Rail Link instead.

If you’re heading beyond Bangkok, check out my guide on how to travel from Bangkok Airport to different cities. It covers routes to Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and more

Where To Find The Airport Rail Link At The Airport:

Once you land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), finding the Airport Rail Link is pretty straightforward. The station is located on the basement level (B1) of the terminal building.

After clearing immigration and picking up your luggage, just follow the signs that say “Airport Rail Link”. They’re marked clearly in both Thai and English. You’ll take an escalator or elevator down a few levels until you reach the ticketing hall.

If you’re hungry before catching the train into the city, check out Magic Food Point, which is a Thai food court.

I still remember my first time arriving in Bangkok—I wasn’t sure where to go, and I was exhausted from the flight. Luckily, the signs are easy to follow, and within about 10 minutes of leaving customs, I was already at the ticket machines. Compared to some other Asian airports, it’s a smooth experience with minimal walking.

Quick Tip: If you’re carrying a lot of luggage, there are elevators available, so you don’t need to wrestle your suitcase down the escalators. And there are luggage carts available as well.

If you need mobile data before heading into the city, grab a SIM at the airport.

Route and Station Guide:

The Airport Rail Link runs on a single line between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phaya Thai station, covering about 28 kilometers in total. The full trip takes roughly 25–30 minutes, depending on where you get off.

Here’s a quick overview of the stations from the airport into the city:

• Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Airport terminal station
• Lat Krabang – Local area, mainly for commuters
• Ban Thap Chang – Residential stop
• Hua Mak – Connects with some buses and local transport
• Ramkhamhaeng – Busy area with nearby malls and apartments
• Makkasan – Connects to MRT Phetchaburi station (great for reaching Sukhumvit area)
• Ratchaprarop – Close to Pratunam Market and popular budget hotels
• Phaya Thai – Final stop, with direct connection to the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line

Tip: If you’re not sure which stop to use, check where your hotel is located. Most travelers either head to Makkasan (for MRT connections) or Phaya Thai (for the BTS Skytrain).

You can always use Google Maps on your phone to get directions. The Airport Rail Link will be suggested on that as well.

Operating Hours and Train Frequency:

The Airport Rail Link runs daily from 6:00 AM until midnight, which covers most flight schedules in and out of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

• First train from Suvarnabhumi: around 6:00 AM
• Last train from Suvarnabhumi: just before midnight
• Frequency: every 10–15 minutes during peak hours, and every 15–20 minutes in off-peak times

I oftentimes fly back to the Netherlands around 2-3 AM with Emirates and I make sure to arrive at the airport around 11.30PM and my wife then has the last train back home.

Quick Tip: If your flight arrives after midnight, the ARL won’t be running. In that case, you’ll need to take a taxi or book a private transfer in advance.

Important: If you’re going to connect with an MRT or BTS train, keep in mind that those also operate until 12AM. So if you take the last train, you might miss your connection.

If your flight’s later in the day, consider spending time in one of the Bangkok Airport lounges before catching the Airport Rail Link.

Ticket Prices and Payment Options:

The Airport Rail Link is one of the cheapest ways to get into Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi. Fares depend on how far you travel, with prices ranging from 15 to 45 THB (less than $1.50 USD).

• Suvarnabhumi → Phaya Thai (full journey): 45 THB
• Shorter trips between intermediate stations: 15–40 THB

You can buy tickets in a few different ways:

• Single-journey tokens – Available from ticket vending machines at every station. You tap the token at the gate to enter and drop it into the slot when you exit.
• Stored-value cards – If you plan to use the ARL multiple times, you can load credit onto a card for convenience.
• Contactless payment – Recently, Visa, Mastercard, and some Thai banking apps can be used directly at the gates.

When I first used the ARL, it was a bit overwhelming. But I just grabbed a single-journey token from the vending machine. It was simple: just select your station on the screen, insert cash, and the machine spits out a token. Machines have English options, which can be selected at the top-right corner of the screen, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t read Thai.

Tip: Keep small bills or coins handy. While the machines accept larger notes, they sometimes run out of change.

You’ll need Thai baht for your ticket, so make sure you get cash the smart way.”

How to Buy Tickets:

Buying a token for the Airport Rail Link is straightforward, even if it’s your first time in Bangkok. Here’s how it works:

1. Find the ticket machines – They’re right outside the station gates at every ARL stop.
2. Choose your station – On the touchscreen, tap the station you want to go to.
3. Insert cash – The machines accept coins and small bills. (100 THB notes are usually fine, but try to carry smaller ones just in case.)
4. Collect your token – For single trips, you’ll get a small black token.
5. Tap in at the gate – Hold the token against the sensor to enter.
6. Drop the token at your destination – When you arrive, insert it into the slot at the exit gate.

💳 Alternative options: If you’re staying in Bangkok longer, you can buy a stored-value card or simply tap a contactless credit card right at the gates. Both save time if you plan to use the ARL more than once.

Tip: This is where your Wise card will make life a lot easier. You’ll get the best conversion rates and functions as a Visa debit card. Check out the Wise Card here. I always use it to transfer money to Thai Baht.

If you’re in a rush, use the staffed ticket counters instead of the machines. They’ll quickly issue you a token for your journey.

Connections to BTS, MRT, and Other Transport:

One of the biggest advantages of the Airport Rail Link is how easily it connects you to the rest of Bangkok’s transport system. Depending on where you’re headed, you can switch to the BTS Skytrain, the MRT subway, or even buses and taxis.

• Makkasan Station → MRT Phetchaburi
  From here, it’s just a short covered walkway to the MRT Blue Line. This is ideal if you’re staying around Sukhumvit, Asoke, or Silom.
  If you plan on going to Nana, which is in Sukhumvit Soi 4, this is the station you want to connect to.
• Phaya Thai Station → BTS Sukhumvit Line
  At the final stop, you can connect directly to the BTS Skytrain. This is the best option if your hotel is near Siam, Victory Monument, or anywhere along the Sukhumvit line.
• Ratchaprarop Station → Pratunam area
  No train connection here, but you can easily walk to Pratunam Market and several budget hotels nearby.

Tip: If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, Phaya Thai is the easiest connection since it has a direct link to the BTS with elevators. Makkasan involves a bit more walking.

Why Choose the Airport Rail Link Over Taxis or Buses

Bangkok offers plenty of ways to get into the city. From taxis, buses, and private transfers. But the Airport Rail Link stands out for a few key reasons:

• Faster during peak hours – Bangkok traffic can be brutal. On my first trip to Thailand in 2010, I sat in a minivan for nearly two hours just trying to reach Sukhumvit. By train, this same trip takes less than 30 minutes.
• Budget-friendly – At 45 THB for the full journey, the ARL is a fraction of the price of a taxi (which usually costs 300–500 THB plus tolls).
• Reliable schedule – Trains run every 10–15 minutes and aren’t affected by traffic jams or weather.
• Direct connections – You can hop straight onto the BTS or MRT, avoiding the headache of switching to road transport.

Tip: If you’re traveling as a family with lots of luggage, a taxi might be more convenient door-to-door. But for solo travelers or couples, the ARL is hard to beat.

There are areas to put your luggage in the Airport Link. For the last 2 years, I have only traveled with my backpack with my MacBook and other electronics when visiting my wife.

Accessibility and Luggage Information:

The Airport Rail Link is designed with travelers in mind, so it’s generally convenient if you’re carrying bags or need accessibility support.

• Luggage space: Each train has dedicated luggage racks near the doors where you can store suitcases. Smaller bags can easily go on the overhead shelves or at your seat.
• Elevators and escalators: All ARL stations are equipped with elevators, so you don’t need to drag heavy bags up and down stairs.
• Wheelchair access: Platforms and trains are wheelchair accessible, with designated spaces onboard.
• Air-conditioning: Every carriage is air-conditioned, which is a relief when you’re carrying heavy bags in Bangkok’s heat.

As I just mentioned, I only travel with my backpack nowadays, so I no longer need space to store my bags.

Tip: If you’re traveling with oversized luggage or several large bags, the ARL can be tricky during peak hours. In that case, a taxi might be the more comfortable choice.

Tips for First-Time Travelers:

If it’s your first time using the Airport Rail Link, a few simple tips can make the journey smoother:

• Have small bills or coins ready: Ticket machines sometimes struggle with large notes. I usually keep a 20 or 50 THB note handy.
• Avoid peak rush hours: Between 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM, the trains can get crowded with commuters. If you have luggage, try to travel outside these times.
• Hold onto your token: For single journeys, you’ll need it to exit at your destination.
• Watch your luggage: While theft is rare, it’s always smart to keep an eye on your bags, especially in busy stations. And security is very tight. So never leave your bag somewhere unattended.
• Follow the locals: If you’re not sure which gate to use or where to walk for connections, just watch the flow of people. It’s usually the easiest way to get to your exit.

The first time I took the ARL, I made the rookie mistake of putting my token in my pocket and almost forgot it when I tried to exit. Since then, I have always kept it in my wallet until I’m out of the station.

Bonus Tip: If you’re connecting to the BTS or MRT, buy a Rabbit Card (for BTS) or an MRT stored-value card early in your trip. It saves time and hassle when you’re switching between systems. Especially if you plan to use these trains more often while you’re in Bangkok.

Once you’ve made it into the city, here’s my 3-day Bangkok itinerary to help you plan your first few days.

As you can see, the Airport Rail Link system is a very easy-to-use system to get into the city from the airport, and I highly recommend it. And if you arrive after midnight, you can also just order a Grab Taxi. You can read more about that in my article on using Grab Taxi in Thailand.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions on how to go about this, feel free to send me an email through the contact page, and I’ll be more than happy to provide you with any feedback.