Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - BKK Airport Link: is irregular operations the norm?
ulyparis
Mar 14, 12, 9:26 am
The last 3 occasions I used the airport link, it was not operating according to the regular schedule. Well, on 2 instances, it was announced: instead of an express from Phyathai every 30 minutes, it was every 40. When you arrive at 8:45 to get de 9:00 one and have to wait until 9:20, it is not too pleasant.
On the other instance, the express left the airport at 16:28, just as we were arriving at the platform to take the 16:30 one!
I would be curious to know if others have experienced such irregular operation. In my case, 3 times out of 3!
A_Lee
Mar 14, 12, 11:18 pm
I've taken the express train several times and never had it run on an irregular schedule. I have though had it leave a minute or two early and miss it, as you experienced. All my experience is between BKK and Makkasan, not to Phaya Thai.
BKKROP
Mar 14, 12, 11:57 pm
I like it, it is better than Singapore and Brisbane, more interesting than KUL, quicker than Hong Kong, cleaner than SYD, similarities to Tokyo and it is so far ahead of places like Denpasar, Melbourne, and Hanoi
BarryJS
Mar 15, 12, 8:33 am
And cheaper than London.
ulyparis
Mar 15, 12, 10:05 am
I like it, it is better than Singapore and Brisbane, more interesting than KUL, quicker than Hong Kong, cleaner than SYD, similarities to Tokyo and it is so far ahead of places like Denpasar, Melbourne, and Hanoi
Yes and certainly cheaper than Tokyo! And ahead of Montreal and Toronto!
I am always prone to encourage public transportation and I am glad to see I was just probably unlucky.
I will note though that it is note uncommon it leaves ahead of schedule.
I too prefer it over rail links at many other airports, for cleanliness, cost, convenience, etc. I've tried the airport bus once, and it was horrible. If traveling with two or more people, the rail link certainly isn't going to save you much money over a taxi, and could possibly even cost more. Still though I'll take the rail link over a taxi, provided it's in operation when I need it. Unfortunately, no trips to BKK planned for now. Next step, build a rail link at HKT so we can bypass the transportation mafia there. :)
railways
Mar 16, 12, 10:54 am
I like it, it is better than Singapore and Brisbane, more interesting than KUL, quicker than Hong Kong, cleaner than SYD, similarities to Tokyo and it is so far ahead of places like Denpasar, Melbourne, and Hanoi
All true, I'm sure, but most trains are near empty, and no doubt the service runs at a heavy loss.
dsquared37
Mar 16, 12, 5:35 pm
All true, I'm sure, but most trains are near empty, and no doubt the service runs at a heavy loss.
In regards the Express you're likely correct. The city line on the other hand....
BKKLEE
Mar 16, 12, 5:46 pm
unfortunately, it will NEVER happen...............
........ build a rail link at HKT so we can bypass the transportation mafia there. :)