Originally Posted by
Davvidd
Originally Posted by
moretimeoffguy
Based on help I've gotten from FlyerTalk members (probably David and Bin Sabai) and my own experience coming to Thailand, I put together an article on how to get from Suvarnabhumi airport to hotel areas like Asok. It has sections for taking public transport in both ways people mention: the ARL Airport Rail Link, changing at Phaya Thai (the easiest, I think) and the ARL to the MRT. I mention taking a Grab taxi and where to find the newish Grab pickup area, but also warn about rush hour traffic (another piece of advice given to me here on FT). Could someone please check to see if I've said anything blatantly incorrect or have any additional tips I should add? How about a brief section on connecting to get to the Silom area?
Some things I like about it:
* Links to actual google route maps (for convenience)
* How to get to the Grab area (I got lost the first time I tried to use Grab here and waited in the wrong area)
I think it's weak in advising people about payment methods. I say to bring cash. I don't think I mention that you can tap a credit card (Visa?) at the MRT; but I'm more concerned about people being prepared payment-wise to hop on the ARL and then the BTS. Anyone know what the credit card payment situation is for the ARL currently? You can use it but only for a set minimum charge? What about the BTS? Should people purchase a Rabbit card? I still think people should have cash on them, so I don't know if I should bother with those details:
https://pattayaguidebook.com/how-to-...m-bkk-airport/
Not a visitor so really don’t remember about the payment system. I know that you can use credit card payments though.
As for the BTS, it’s easy if you travel on it regularly to have a rabbit card. You certainly avoid the queue at the ticket counter.
I also don’t think it’s easier to take the ARL and then the BTS or MRT if you have luggage. The ARL is normally full and lots of luggage do inconvenience other people too. I have never taken the ARL from the airport or the train from DMK if I have luggage. I mean it’s around 350 to 450 baht with the tolls on grab or a taxi normally.
The traffic jam comes between Ploenchit and Asok Montri past Terminal 21.
The biggest reason the traffic gets stuck around there is at Nana the 3 lane becomes 2 lanes because of the permanently parked tour vehicles on the inside lane. The same on soi 11 , Soi 22 too. It looks like their private parking space.
Thanks David. I edited the article and now have 3 total warnings about luggage. I only travel with a an overhead bag and a day pack so public transport is never an issue for me; not even in Tokyo (as some warn against). I love taking the ARL and seem to be able to make it from BKK to Asok in around 45 minutes total.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Oct 7, 2025 at 9:06 am
Reason: Fixed broken quote tag