Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL): Updates, Advice, Discussion
Jun 3, 2015, 1:34 am
#226
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Only Phayathai ARL station has a connection with the BTS system (well physically connected by a walkway between the 2 separate stations.
Jun 4, 2015, 8:12 pm
#227
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Though I believe at Makasaan, there's also a ramp, at least for going up to the walkway to the ARL.
-David
Jun 5, 2015, 12:27 am
#228
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Jun 5, 2015, 3:36 pm
#229
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Jun 18, 2015, 2:53 am
#230
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I suspect that when most say the CAT at Makkasan is a disaster they are referring to the unused, cavernous structure (which I assume you've never seen), the little-used/ now cancelled Express Line, the little-used/now cancelled "airline check-in desks", the oven-like quality of the platform area, the massive amount of traffic on Ratchadapisek, no taxis under the station.
The interchange between the SARL/Makkasan and the MRT/Petchaburi is certainly brilliant for Bangkok where covered, overhead walkways can be wedged into any space, but I wouldn't mislead people by implying it is seamless. The walkway, is quite long and involves a significant slope - I often see smaller women trying to pull their bags up 'the hill' from the MRT to the SARL and wonder if they'll actually make it, multiple escalators, some steps, security checks, another queue to buy another ticket, and even the interchange between the MRT/Sukhumvit and the BTS/Asok can be challenging during rush hour (all escalators running in a single direction).
The interchange between the SARL/Makkasan and the MRT/Petchaburi is certainly brilliant for Bangkok where covered, overhead walkways can be wedged into any space, but I wouldn't mislead people by implying it is seamless. The walkway, is quite long and involves a significant slope - I often see smaller women trying to pull their bags up 'the hill' from the MRT to the SARL and wonder if they'll actually make it, multiple escalators, some steps, security checks, another queue to buy another ticket, and even the interchange between the MRT/Sukhumvit and the BTS/Asok can be challenging during rush hour (all escalators running in a single direction).
around 1000m up the hill (no matter if a "walkway" or a street) wouldn´t be considered "interchange" in any of the civilized countries. These stations should simply be built closer to each other. Another such case is the public transport in Seoul, but it´s all underground there, so that you don´t have to do such excercises in 35 degrees celsius at least:-)
Jun 18, 2015, 4:06 am
#231
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haha, exactly:-)
around 1000m up the hill (no matter if a "walkway" or a street) wouldn´t be considered "interchange" in any of the civilized countries. These stations should simply be built closer to each other. Another such case is the public transport in Seoul, but it´s all underground there, so that you don´t have to do such excercises in 35 degrees celsius at least:-)
around 1000m up the hill (no matter if a "walkway" or a street) wouldn´t be considered "interchange" in any of the civilized countries. These stations should simply be built closer to each other. Another such case is the public transport in Seoul, but it´s all underground there, so that you don´t have to do such excercises in 35 degrees celsius at least:-)
As long as it is not raining - certainly not the case over the past few days here, most savvy commuters just use the street level access to the MRT/exit #3 as it is quicker/easier.
Jun 18, 2015, 8:28 am
#232
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haha, exactly:-)
around 1000m up the hill (no matter if a "walkway" or a street) wouldn´t be considered "interchange" in any of the civilized countries. These stations should simply be built closer to each other. Another such case is the public transport in Seoul, but it´s all underground there, so that you don´t have to do such excercises in 35 degrees celsius at least:-)
around 1000m up the hill (no matter if a "walkway" or a street) wouldn´t be considered "interchange" in any of the civilized countries. These stations should simply be built closer to each other. Another such case is the public transport in Seoul, but it´s all underground there, so that you don´t have to do such excercises in 35 degrees celsius at least:-)
Jun 18, 2015, 1:36 pm
#233
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Jun 18, 2015, 6:17 pm
#234
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Going to the airport I avoid Makassan like the plague becuase of it's sweatlodge-like stagnant climate.
Jun 18, 2015, 6:42 pm
#235
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Jul 2, 2015, 3:20 am
#237
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A sort of newby question. Without arguing over details - just how easy is the Makkasan MRT transfer to Sala Daeng for Crowne Plaza with roll-aboard
My references are:
PhayaThai to BTS (to Chit Lom for IC/HI): easy but sweaty.
Phaya Thai to BTS (to Surasak for HI Silom): never, ever again.
in theory I use public transport where physical discomfort and time don't weigh too heavily. But in the face of (relatively) cheap n easy taxis, I usually chicken out in Bangkok
My references are:
PhayaThai to BTS (to Chit Lom for IC/HI): easy but sweaty.
Phaya Thai to BTS (to Surasak for HI Silom): never, ever again.
in theory I use public transport where physical discomfort and time don't weigh too heavily. But in the face of (relatively) cheap n easy taxis, I usually chicken out in Bangkok
Jul 2, 2015, 8:28 am
#238
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A sort of newby question. Without arguing over details - just how easy is the Makkasan MRT transfer to Sala Daeng for Crowne Plaza with roll-aboard
My references are:
PhayaThai to BTS (to Chit Lom for IC/HI): easy but sweaty.
Phaya Thai to BTS (to Surasak for HI Silom): never, ever again.
in theory I use public transport where physical discomfort and time don't weigh too heavily. But in the face of (relatively) cheap n easy taxis, I usually chicken out in Bangkok
My references are:
PhayaThai to BTS (to Chit Lom for IC/HI): easy but sweaty.
Phaya Thai to BTS (to Surasak for HI Silom): never, ever again.
in theory I use public transport where physical discomfort and time don't weigh too heavily. But in the face of (relatively) cheap n easy taxis, I usually chicken out in Bangkok
And of course your willingness to do one more transfer at Siam station, though that often is just a walk to the other side of the platform, but it may involve a ride up or down the escalator.
It can be hot during the day, and BTS gets pretty crowded during the rush hour, but I've used it with a rollaboard and a small backpack. Others will have to chime in what a taxi would cost, as I generally don't use them, and never if I have what I consider an easy connection, albeit possibly sweaty journey. Most likely a much quicker journey as well, though the connection at Siam should not take more than 10 minutes, and often trains arrive about same time.
Jul 2, 2015, 12:45 pm
#239
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Jul 2, 2015, 2:25 pm
#240
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Yeah I think you would be better off getting onto the MRT at Makkasan/Phetchaburi. As described above with the walkway between its ok. No point changing at Phaya Thai and Siam (I think change of level too?) on the BTS.