Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL): Updates, Advice, Discussion
#241
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Moreover, you get off ARL earlier and probably have a shorter journey with MRT than BTS @:-)
#242
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At Siam each level has trains proceeding in the same direction. IOW, Asok-National Stadium you would remain on the same level. Phaya Thai to Sala Daeng also on the same level.
#243
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#245
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#246
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While finding the taxi outside Makkasan has always been "interesting", the train from BKK in combination with a SHORT taxi ride beats trying to make multiple transfers with Bangkok public transit.
Pity there isn't a formal taxi stop.
Happy wandering
Fred
Pity there isn't a formal taxi stop.
Happy wandering
Fred
#248
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Took the train to the airport on 04 July and was amazed just how easy it was.
Boarded the BTS at E2 and travelled to N2 where I transferred to the airport train. For THB45 the airport train was well worth it and I'll definitely do it again.
Going from the basement to the departure area is a slight inconvenience but nothing insurmountable.
I travel alone with HLO so it works for me and no taxi stress makes it even better.As a regular visitor to BKK I do know how to use the BTS so this helps getting to the transfer station.
Boarded the BTS at E2 and travelled to N2 where I transferred to the airport train. For THB45 the airport train was well worth it and I'll definitely do it again.
Going from the basement to the departure area is a slight inconvenience but nothing insurmountable.
I travel alone with HLO so it works for me and no taxi stress makes it even better.As a regular visitor to BKK I do know how to use the BTS so this helps getting to the transfer station.
#249
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Not sure if this is related to containment issues related to underground facilities, or perceived threat or budget? My best guess would be that there is a lack of space in BTS stations to safely implement security queues; these stations/system were designed/constructed before the recent need to implement security theatre. And the MRT was designed/constructed after, and has a also lot more space.
Go to Asoke/BTS station some weekday at 6:00 PM to get a feel for congestion and flow (admittedly exacerbated by the need to remain stationary during the twice daily playing of the National anthem) . People would be backed up down stairs to the street level.
Staff keep queues off the stairs (street to mezzanine and mezz to platform) during busy periods to minimize falls/injury.
In some BTS stations there may be a random security check (staff with wand) after the entry gates, although I've never seen anyone being checked.
I've also seen State Security personnel (Special Branch; uniformed, sometimes with K9 assist) patrolling the BTS, but never in the MRT. Assume this is when some threat level is increased?
#250
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MRT security is a joke. At the top of the stairs at Asok/Sukhumvit, where the metal detector is, I have no problem going through with my wheel-aboard carryon, no questions or inspection; yet women regularly have to open their purses. Reminds me of the period of time after 9-11. I would drive to the airport and have to open the trunk on entering the airport garage. So I pop the trunk open and the guy sees three large cardboard boxes taped shut. "You're all set, sir, go ahead." He didn't even ask what was in the boxes, let alone ask that they be opened for inspection. Just three large cardboard boxes taped shut. No problem. I always wondered what they were looking for with these inspections.
#251
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MRT security is a joke. At the top of the stairs at Asok/Sukhumvit, where the metal detector is, I have no problem going through with my wheel-aboard carryon, no questions or inspection; yet women regularly have to open their purses. Reminds me of the period of time after 9-11. I would drive to the airport and have to open the trunk on entering the airport garage. So I pop the trunk open and the guy sees three large cardboard boxes taped shut. "You're all set, sir, go ahead." He didn't even ask what was in the boxes, let alone ask that they be opened for inspection. Just three large cardboard boxes taped shut. No problem. I always wondered what they were looking for with these inspections.
I have a bigger problem with the annoying whistle blowing dolts on BTS and SARL platforms.
#252
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It is not "interesting" but challenging to hail a taxi to Silom, Sathon or Sukhumvit at Petchaburi MRT (after the long walk from Makkasan St via the pedestrian bridge). I have given up and simply go straight for the MRT. If taxis were plentiful for sure I would have taken a taxi straight to the hotel.
#253
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It is not "interesting" but challenging to hail a taxi to Silom, Sathon or Sukhumvit at Petchaburi MRT (after the long walk from Makkasan St via the pedestrian bridge). I have given up and simply go straight for the MRT. If taxis were plentiful for sure I would have taken a taxi straight to the hotel.
After leaving Makkasan station on the walkway towards Petchaburi MRT, take the stairway down on the left. Then walk back to the corner underneath the ARL so a taxi can pull in easily.
I've never had to wait more than about 3 minutes, and never had meter problems either.
#254
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At least that's been my experience.
#255
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