Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL): Updates, Advice, Discussion
Apr 27, 2015, 8:37 am
#181
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3 persons, including a baby and with luggage taking ARL, BTS + walking in the heat in BKK would be insane. Do keep in mind that taxi rates are very cheap in general.
Taking a taxi from the airport taxi stand to a downtown hotel, you are unlikely to meet any drivers trying to scam you. You will pay the meter + 50 Bath airport surcharge (or was the surcharge too ingreased lately?)
However, taking a taxi elsewhere is more difficult. Just use this rule of thumb: Never ask any taxi drivers parked/waiting for customers - they will almost always ask for an inflated flat fee. If you hail/flag down a driving taxi, you are likely to find a driver willing to go by meter. At your hotel ask the bellman to get a taxi for you; he will ensure that you go by meter.
Taking a taxi from the airport taxi stand to a downtown hotel, you are unlikely to meet any drivers trying to scam you. You will pay the meter + 50 Bath airport surcharge (or was the surcharge too ingreased lately?)
However, taking a taxi elsewhere is more difficult. Just use this rule of thumb: Never ask any taxi drivers parked/waiting for customers - they will almost always ask for an inflated flat fee. If you hail/flag down a driving taxi, you are likely to find a driver willing to go by meter. At your hotel ask the bellman to get a taxi for you; he will ensure that you go by meter.
Apr 27, 2015, 8:48 am
#182
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Good advice about stationary cabs, however your info is a couple years old IMO. Bellman/front desk have gotten me rip-off taxis many times in the last few years. They call that predator parked out front. I've emailed a lot of hotel GMs about this. It's never happened to me at a 5* joint yet, but it has at many 4 stars. I think in some hotels they take a cut from the driver. Cabbies will also frequently refuse to flip the meter even from the the official taxi queues at BKK.
Last edited by whackyjacky; Apr 27, 2015 at 8:54 am
Apr 27, 2015, 9:08 am
#183
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Thanks both for your inputs!
As first timers to BKK, was actually expecting that traffic/time constraints (terrible traffic in Bangkok) would favor ARL/metro to/from BKK as only experienced in Asia to Manila's traffic and its horrible NAIA T3 chaos...
But good points about A/C in taxi and good to know about rare escalators/elevators situations at the stations, also understood that taxi fares in BKK are reasonable.
As first timers to BKK, was actually expecting that traffic/time constraints (terrible traffic in Bangkok) would favor ARL/metro to/from BKK as only experienced in Asia to Manila's traffic and its horrible NAIA T3 chaos...
But good points about A/C in taxi and good to know about rare escalators/elevators situations at the stations, also understood that taxi fares in BKK are reasonable.
Good advice about stationary cabs, however your info is a couple years old IMO. Bellman/front desk have gotten me rip-off taxis many times in the last few years. They call that predator parked out front. I've emailed a lot of hotel GMs about this. It's never happened to me at a 5* joint yet, but it has at many 4 stars. I think in some hotels they take a cut from the driver. Cabbies will also frequently refuse to flip the meter even from the the official taxi queues at BKK.
Apr 27, 2015, 9:32 am
#184
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Thanks both for your inputs!
As first timers to BKK, was actually expecting that traffic/time constraints (terrible traffic in Bangkok) would favor ARL/metro to/from BKK as only experienced in Asia to Manila's traffic and its horrible NAIA T3 chaos...
But good points about A/C in taxi and good to know about rare escalators/elevators situations at the stations, also understood that taxi fares in BKK are reasonable.
As first timers to BKK, was actually expecting that traffic/time constraints (terrible traffic in Bangkok) would favor ARL/metro to/from BKK as only experienced in Asia to Manila's traffic and its horrible NAIA T3 chaos...
But good points about A/C in taxi and good to know about rare escalators/elevators situations at the stations, also understood that taxi fares in BKK are reasonable.
)That said, since this discussion has turned away from ARL, BTS, etc., I recommend taking a look at the wiki in the http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thail...iscussion.html thread, and post any additional questions there.
Good luck, safe travels, and enjoy your time in Bangkok!
Apr 27, 2015, 6:47 pm
#185
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Having said what I said above, gotta go with the majority of posters, and I'm perhaps biggest fan of ARL.
BUT it gets crowded and is NO place for a baby @:-)
Adult or infant kind
Apr 27, 2015, 8:34 pm
#186
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On different itineraries flying into BKK (arrival morning flight )...
Several issues: SARL will be packed up full after Hua Mark if not at Lat Krabang, and once you get to Phaya Thai you will not be able to board the BTS as it will be full.
I recently boarded the BTS at Mor Chit in-bound (terminus) at 9:00 AM and could barely get on there! Needless to say we left hundreds of waiting passengers at each station until Siam.
Also be aware the off-peak interval times on the MRT (subway) are now doubled so for those taking the SARL to Makassan and transferring to the MRT, it can be challenging to board as the trains are now quite full.
Several issues: SARL will be packed up full after Hua Mark if not at Lat Krabang, and once you get to Phaya Thai you will not be able to board the BTS as it will be full.
I recently boarded the BTS at Mor Chit in-bound (terminus) at 9:00 AM and could barely get on there! Needless to say we left hundreds of waiting passengers at each station until Siam.
Also be aware the off-peak interval times on the MRT (subway) are now doubled so for those taking the SARL to Makassan and transferring to the MRT, it can be challenging to board as the trains are now quite full.
Apr 27, 2015, 8:46 pm
#187
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Phaya Thai, which has two sections separated by ARL in the middle, has an anomylous set up. The south side of the station has no escalator up to the Siam bound trains; if heading to Sukhumwit you need to enter the north portion of the station.
Apr 29, 2015, 8:00 am
#188
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I'm pretty sure all stations have an up escalator to each platform. If the way up next to your entrance is stairs then the far entrance has the escalator to your platform.
Phaya Thai, which has two sections separated by ARL in the middle, has an anomylous set up. The south side of the station has no escalator up to the Siam bound trains; if heading to Sukhumwit you need to enter the north portion of the station.
Phaya Thai, which has two sections separated by ARL in the middle, has an anomylous set up. The south side of the station has no escalator up to the Siam bound trains; if heading to Sukhumwit you need to enter the north portion of the station.
Apr 29, 2015, 11:04 am
#189
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I took the ARL a few days ago to Suvarnabhumi. I remember taking this walk before the overhead walkway was done. The connection from MRT at Petchburi is great now.
Apr 29, 2015, 1:04 pm
#190
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Apr 30, 2015, 1:41 am
#191
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Off peak times for the MRT are still every 8 mins after 10pm and every 6 mins prior to that.
A doubling , as you suggest, would mean every 16 mins and every 12 mins respectively which would also mean that it would no longer be metro and the BMCL would be in breach of the minumum service clause in their concessionaire contract with the MRTA.
Apr 30, 2015, 1:43 am
#192
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
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I'm pretty sure all stations have an up escalator to each platform. If the way up next to your entrance is stairs then the far entrance has the escalator to your platform.
Phaya Thai, which has two sections separated by ARL in the middle, has an anomylous set up. The south side of the station has no escalator up to the Siam bound trains; if heading to Sukhumwit you need to enter the north portion of the station.
Phaya Thai, which has two sections separated by ARL in the middle, has an anomylous set up. The south side of the station has no escalator up to the Siam bound trains; if heading to Sukhumwit you need to enter the north portion of the station.
eg Ratchadamri station area map, http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/ima.../S1_update.gif
Apr 30, 2015, 1:45 am
#193
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Apr 30, 2015, 1:48 am
#194
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As previously mentioned, the SRTET should be implementing their new ARL timetable from tomorrow 1 May with a peak headway of every 10 mins (down from 12mins).
Don't expect to see the new timetable on the website for another month or two....
Don't expect to see the new timetable on the website for another month or two....
Apr 30, 2015, 3:23 am
#195
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It is easier just to click on the station area map on the BTS site if anyone is unclear......http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-area.aspx
eg Ratchadamri station area map, http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/ima.../S1_update.gif
eg Ratchadamri station area map, http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/ima.../S1_update.gif