Bangkok MRT metro subway can be EASY to use! Here’s how 🚊 Backpacking Thailand Southeast Asia travel blog

Hi there!

So you know that there’s this thing called the MRT in Bangkok, and you know that it can get you around Bangkok. (And if you don’t, you know now!)

Is it actually a good way to get around Bangkok by public transportation?!

In short, yes, it can be!

And, it doesn’t have to be so hard to use, either!

 

 

So…

How to use the Bangkok metro aka the MRT subway train to get around Bangkok

This is how it was for me in April 2019. Your experience may vary!

 

 

Use Google Maps to find your route

Google Maps can be a reliable way to figure out how to get around Bangkok by public transportation.

And taking the MRT might be the best suggested route!

Sometimes your route might tell you to take the BTS skytrain in order to then take an MRT. The BTS is different from the MRT.

While this might sound complicated, just use Google Maps as your guide and you’ll be fine! 

 

Google Maps suggested route of how to get to 12go Asia office to pick up train tickets.

 

 

So, the first thing you need to do…

Walk to the nearest MRT station!

You can follow Google Maps for this.

 

 

 

Once inside the MRT station…

Go to the ticket machine

 

There’s an English button, and then you basically just follow the prompts.

You’ll need to know the name of your destination station. (Consult Google Maps for this.)

This touch screen may not be the best, but if you have problems, eventually you’ll get it. 😉 

Then once you’ve selected your station, you will pay the amount given in cash.

 

 

How much does an MRT subway ticket cost?

This particular 2 minute ride cost less than US$1.

 

 

Grab the token!

So once you have paid the cash, a “token” will come out.

This is basically your MRT “ticket.”

 

 

 

Head to the ticket gate

 

 

Swipe the token at the ticket gate

At the ticket gate, you will basically “swipe” your token to get through the ticket gate.

Which basically means placing your token on the given area.

And then you’ll keep the token until you’ve reached your final station. (Don’t lose it!)

 

 

 

Follow the signs to the platform

Then once you’re through the ticket gate, follow the sign to get to the platform for the subway train. Once again, you can consult Google Maps to know the direction of the train.

Or, there is probably a sign somewhere around with all the MRT stops listed on it, so you can know which direction to go. 

If you get on the subway and realize you are going in the wrong direction, remain calm! You can get off at the next stop and then switch trains to go in the correct direction! No big deal, many people have done this. 😉

 

 

 

And when the subway train arrives…

Get on the train!

 

 

And then, once you’ve arrived at the your station…

Get off the train!

And then you’ll follow the signs to the exit.

 

 

 

Swipe out

This time, there will be a slot for you to put your token into…

 

 

And continue to follow the signs to exit the MRT station!

 

 

And then you are DONE!

 

You’ve made it!!

After you’ve taken the MRT once or twice, you’ll feel like a pro!

 

Also see what it’s like on an overnight sleeper train in Thailand.

 

HAPPY RIDING THE MRT IN BANGKOK!