BTS Skytrain Sky Smartpass saves you time and hassle on the Skytrain.
Today we are talking about the BTS Skytrain and Sky Smartpasses.
Taxis in Bangkok are very cheap compared to taxis in western countries. They are so cheap and convenient that it is easy to fall into a habit of taking one everywhere you want to go. Taxis are air-conditioned, and take you right to where you want to go.
A small problem with this is that it can be easy to get carried away. The small price can quickly add up and before you know it you have spent 20 or 30 dollars on a number of taxi rides in one day. This used to happen to me a lot in Thailand- I’d get so excited about how cheap things are that I’d end up spending a lot more than I usually would before I realized it.
Also Bangkok traffic can be notoriously jammed, especially in peak hours, where it can take ages just to creep a few blocks and it feels that it would be faster to walk- but who wants to walk in that heat?
This is where the BTS Skytrain and MRT subways come in. They can be a lot faster and cheaper and the expanding service makes just about anywhere in Bangkok accessible.
The Skytrain consists of two lines, The Sukhumvit line, which runs from Mo Chit to On Nut, with a vast segment of the line running above Sukhumvit Road, and the Silom line, running from National Stadium to Wongwain Yai, recently extended over the river from Saphan Taksin. The lines intersect at Siam station, where you can transfer.
Most hotels in Bangkok are near either the BTS Skytrain or the MRT subway lines. Check out this full list of hotels near Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain stations.
The Skytrain also interchanges with the subway system, at Mo Chit and Asok on the Sukhumvit line and at Sala Daeng on the Silom line.
Ticket machine and fare map on Bangkok Skytrain
Fares are determined by zones and there are 6 zones, with prices ranging from 15 Baht for travel within 1 zone, with fares increasing by 5 Baht per zone, up to a maximum of 40 baht. The picture above was taken at Chit Lom Station, and you can see how the stations on either side are 1 zone, and increase the further you travel. Above that you will see the fare information with the number of zones and the fare indicated beneath.
To purchase a ticket, you first select the zone corresponding to the fare information map and then insert your money in the machine. The ticket machines only accept 5 and 10 baht coins so be sure to have some handy. If you don’t have coins, you can get change from a station attendant behind a glass wall at the counter but there is almost always a long line to get there, especially in the morning and afternoon/evening peak times.
What’s really annoying is that after lining up to get to the window, you would think it would be easy for the attendant to just hand you your ticket, but they don’t do that, they will only give you a bunch of 10 baht coins for change. Then you have to line up again at the ticket machine to get a ticket.
Smart Travelers Power Tip
If you are going to be spending a number of days in Bangkok and anticipate taking the Skytrain, you can save some time and hassle by using a BTS Sky Smartpass. This is a re-chargable card that you can just wave over the sensor on your way in and out of the Skytrain.
BTS Sky Smartpass- saves a lot of time and hassle on the Skytrain
Smartpasses are obtained at the same window mentioned above where the attendant hands out change in 10 baht coins. There is a 30 baht non-refundable issuing fee per card and a 30 baht “traveling deposit” which is held in reserve on the card in case the remaining value of the pass is under the required fare. You can put up to 2000 baht on the Smartpass and the credit is valid for up to two years from the date of last travel, so if you don’t use it all, you can bring it back next trip and use it then.
I normally put 200 baht on the card and that lasts me a while, and the speed and convenience of not having to root around for change, line up for change if I don’t have any and then line up again for a ticket is certainly worth it. There are no forms to fill out and even if you don’t speak Thai all you have to do is say “Smartpass” to the person behind the window and give them the cash you want to put on the card.
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