Bangkok features its own underground subway system, known as Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) or "rotfai taidin". The MRT runs underneath Rama IV and Ratchadapisek roads, which are two of the main roads in central Bangkok. There is currently only one line available, the Blue Line. There are 18 stops on the Blue line, beginning at Hua Lamphong and ending with Bang Sue (20km in total). During peak times (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00) trains run every 5 minutes. The MRT is open 06:00 - 24:00 everyday.

Stations can be easily indentified by the MRT signage, that is in both English and Thai. The MRT is easy to navigate, efficient, air conditioned, frequent and clean making a great choice for travelling around Bangkok. Western tourists will find the MRT similar to subways and undergrounds worldwide, e.g. London Underground, New York City Subway, Paris Metro and the Montreal Metro.

Down the escalators, passengers can purchase tokens from a ticket clerk or use one of the self serve automated machines. The cost of the MRT is calculated based on the number of stops being travelled. The passenger can select the stop they wish to travel too on the self serve ticket counter, insert bills or change to pay, and then will be given a black token. This token is then placed over sensors to get around the barriers, and at the end of the journey is collected at a token slot on the exit barriers.

Adult Fares (as of April 2015)

Child and Senior Fares (as of April 2015)

If you plan to use the MRT frequently a stored value card can be purchased with a declining balance so that fares do not need to be purchased each ride.

The MRT has a carrying capacity of 40,000 passenger in each direction per hour. This means that it is a highly efficient method of transportation environmentally. The trains are electric, which also means that no fossil fuels are used in the transportation of passengers.

The MRT is a very safe way to travel around Bangkok. There is no need to travel on Thai roads, and since it is all underground there are low chances of collision. There has only been one major accident on record since the opening of the MRT in 2004.

The cheapest and most direct way to access the MRT system from Bang Saen requires two steps: B1 bus and BTS:

• take the B1 Air Conditioned Bus from Nong Mon Market to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai)
• transfer to the nearby Ekamai BTS station, and take the BTS Green Line north towards Khu Kot.
• Exit at the Asok BTS / Sukhumvit MRT station (a junction station that allows you to transfer from the BTS to the MTR)
• Follow the signs from the BTS platform to the Sukhumvit MRT entrance. You will have to walk between the stations via escalators, covered walkways, and an underground passage. A different fare must be paid on the MRT system, via tokens. Token machines and staffed kiosks are available at the entrance.

Sukhumvit MRT Station (includes Skywalk / Asok BTS Station / Sukhumvit MRT station / Citibank building / Terminal 21 Shopping Centre)

• 388 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Other key stations:

Kampheng Phet MRT Station (Chatuchak Weekend Market direct access)
Note: this station is CLOSER and MORE CONVENIENT than the Chatuchak Park MRT station!)

• 110 Kamphaeng Phet 1 Alley, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Hue Lamphong MRT Station

• Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330

Bang Sue MRT Station

• Soi Rotfi 1, Khet Bang Sue, Bangkok, 10800

Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited

• 189 RAMA IX Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
• Tel : 66 (0) 2354-2000
• Fax : 66 (0) 2354-2020
• Customer Relations Center : 66 (0) 2624-5200