The subway system in Bangkok

Bangkok is a city full of energy, but its heavy traffic can make getting around feel overwhelming. That’s why the Bangkok subway has become a favorite choice for travelers who want a fast, affordable, and stress-free way to explore the city. In this guide, you’ll find easy, practical tips for using the Bangkok subway like a local and making the most of your time in Bangkok. 

What Is the Bangkok Subway?

The Bangkok subway is often known as the MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit)

The Bangkok subway, officially called the MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit), is a modern underground train that helps travellers move around the city quickly and comfortably. 

The Bangkok metro system connects many of the city’s main spots, including shopping malls, business areas, historic landmarks, and popular tourist attractions. When combined with the BTS Skytrain, the subway creates a convenient transport network that makes exploring Bangkok easy, fun, and stress-free.

How to buy an MRT (Bangkok subway) ticket 

Buying a Bangkok MRT ticket easily at the ticket machine

Decide what kind of subway ticket you need

If you’re making a single trip, you can buy a single-journey token. But, if you’ll ride several times, you can consider a stored-value card (reloadable) to save time at the gates. 

Using the ticket machine

Every MRT station has automatic ticket vending machines near the entrance. There’s also a staffed ticket counter if you need help or want to buy a stored-value card.

When you find the ticket machine, touch the screen and select your destination station from the map or list, and then the fare will be shown on the screen. You can choose single-journey or stored-value (if the machine offers the card), depending on your desire.

The next step is the payment; many machines accept cash (Thai baht notes and coins), but some stations also allow contactless bank cards (Visa/Mastercard) at the gate. This can vary, so keep cash handy.  After finishing, you can receive a token or your card and a receipt.

Buying and topping up a stored-value card (recommended for multiple trips)

At the ticket counter, you can buy a reloadable card (initial fee may apply). Top it up with cash at the counter or at top-up machines. The card lets you tap in/out quickly and often gives small convenience discounts. If you plan more than two or three rides in a day, it’s usually worth it. 

Tap to enter and keep your token until exit

For tokens: tap the token at the turnstile scanner to enter. Keep the token until you leave - you’ll need to deposit/scan it again at your destination’s exit gate. For stored cards or contactless payment: tap your card or bank card on the reader at the gate to enter and again to exit. The screen often shows your remaining balance. 

Popular MRT Lines on the Bangkok Metro

Bangkok subway has 4 lines: blue, purple, pink, and yellow lines. For travellers who want to discover around Bangkok city, you can choose the blue and purple one, which runs through almost famous tourist attractions of the city 

Blue Line (MRT Blue Line)

Bangkok MRT blue line map

The Blue Line is the most important subway line in Bangkok and the one that most tourists use to go to main destinations like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Hua Lamphong. If you're going to retail malls, street food areas, night markets, or bustling commercial sectors in Bangkok, the Blue Line is the best route to get there by subway.

Purple Line (MRT Purple Line)

Bangkok MRT Purple line map

Traveling on the Purple Line feels like stepping into a calmer, slower side of the city. This route mainly serves suburban areas and connects them smoothly to the heart of Bangkok, offering a different perspective from the busy tourist zones.

Although it’s used less often by tourists, you can easily find it on any updated Bangkok MRT map, and it becomes especially useful if you’re staying outside the city center. Riding this line shows how the subway system in Bangkok keeps expanding, making it easier than ever to explore both the lively downtown and the quieter local neighborhoods.

Yellow Line and Pink Line

Bangkok MRT pink line map

The yellow line and pink line are two newer routes of the Bangkok subway system. These lines were designed to link residential neighborhoods with major business and entertainment areas, making everyday travel across the city faster and more convenient.

Both lines are clearly shown on the latest Bangkok MRT map, which makes planning your trip much easier. For travelers who enjoy wandering through modern shopping malls, stopping by trendy cafés, and exploring less-crowded districts, using these lines truly changes how you experience travel by subway in Bangkok. Instead of rushing between famous landmarks, you get to see a more genuine, everyday side of the city.

Bangkok MRT yellow line map

Best Places to Visit by Subway in Bangkok

One of the biggest advantages of the Bangkok subway is how easy it is to reach the city’s top attractions. With the subway system in Bangkok, travelers can avoid traffic jams and enjoy fast, affordable trips around the beautiful city. Using the Bangkok metro makes travelling simpler, even for first-time visitors and people of all ages.

Chatuchak Weekend Market (MRT Kamphaeng Phet)

Visit Chatuchak by Bangkok MRT 

Chatuchak is one of the largest markets in the world and a must-see when you travel by subway in Bangkok. Just a short walk from the MRT Kamphaeng Phet station, this market is perfect for shopping, street food, and souvenirs. It is one of the most popular stops on the Bangkok MRT map.

You may also like: 7-Day Foodtour in Bangkok – A Culinary Adventure

Wat Pho and the Grand Palace (MRT Sanam Chai)

Visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace via the Bangkok metro

You can easily visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace via the Bangkok metro. Just step off at MRT Sanam Chai, often considered one of the most beautiful stations in the subway system in Bangkok, and you’ll emerge just moments away from some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

For travelers who want to explore Bangkok’s spiritual side, this route on the Bangkok subway is one of the most scenic and convenient ways to experience the city’s famous temples.

Chinatown (MRT Wat Mangkon)

Visit Chinatown by the Bangkok subway

If you want to reach Chinatown, the Bangkok subway would be an ideal choice for many travellers. Stopping at MRT Wat Mangkon station, you will just need a few minutes walk to reach Yaowarat Road, which is famous for its appealing street food, illuminated gold shops, and vibrant night scenes. 

If you're still wondering where to eat when visiting China town, here are our recommendations: Top 10 famous restaurants in China Town, Bangkok

By this easy access, Chinatown remains one of the most popular stops on the Bangkok subway map and a favorite spot for travelers who want to experience the city’s energy in its most authentic form.

Final Thoughts

The Bangkok subway is the smartest way to explore Thailand’s capital. With a user-friendly subway system in Bangkok, affordable fares, and excellent city coverage, travel by subway in Bangkok is safe, fast, and perfect for both first-time visitors and experienced travelers.

If you want to explore Bangkok efficiently, the Bangkok metro should be at the top of your travel plan.

We hope this guide has given you helpful insights about the Bangkok subway. And whenever you’re ready to start planning, Asia King Travel is always here to support you every step of the way.

f you’re looking for more exciting travel ideas in Thailand, feel free to explore our Bangkoke tour list for suitable options: Top Thailand Tour Packages 2026 – The Most Impressive Options