Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL): Updates, Advice, Discussion
Oct 2, 2019, 7:08 am
#391
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Both trains should be fine. Even with the 6:02AM train you will still be able to reach the TG check-in counters in time/before the checkin deadline. Lines for exit immigration should be OK, but it can be a hit or miss at BKK, but even long lines are unlikely to prevent you from getting to the gate in time when you have checked in at the TG counters before the check-in deadline.
Oct 2, 2019, 7:28 am
#392
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,264
When does the first Airport Rail Link train departs from downtown to BKK? Most general websites say 6:00am, but the Srtet website says the first train departs Makkasan at 5:34am.
Airport Rail Link
The Srtet website is reliable, correct?
Also, if my TG flight for Taipei departs at 8:15am (economy; no TG or Star Alliance status) on a Wed, can I make it if I board:
(1) 5:34am train, or
(2) 6:02am train (just in case the trains really don't begin service till 6am)?
I am assuming that I won't time for lounge. Perhaps a little, depending on the situation. Is immigration for exiting the country horrendous?
From your experience, which gates will such a flight depart at?
Thanks for your guidance.
Airport Rail Link
The Srtet website is reliable, correct?
Also, if my TG flight for Taipei departs at 8:15am (economy; no TG or Star Alliance status) on a Wed, can I make it if I board:
(1) 5:34am train, or
(2) 6:02am train (just in case the trains really don't begin service till 6am)?
I am assuming that I won't time for lounge. Perhaps a little, depending on the situation. Is immigration for exiting the country horrendous?
From your experience, which gates will such a flight depart at?
Thanks for your guidance.
So with an 8:15 departure, I would be in a taxi from downtown Bangkok around 5:45 AM. The difference between subway plus train and taxi is less than 200 Baht.
I wouldn't be worrying about exact timing of first ARL.
If no status and Y class class, I assume you have access to PP lounge? There are many of them in BKK, in jut about every concourse.
Oct 2, 2019, 6:56 pm
#393
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 781
In my case, usually travelling F or J, and with *G status,and with APEC for immigration, I still like to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.
So with an 8:15 departure, I would be in a taxi from downtown Bangkok around 5:45 AM. The difference between subway plus train and taxi is less than 200 Baht.
I wouldn't be worrying about exact timing of first ARL.
If no status and Y class class, I assume you have access to PP lounge? There are many of them in BKK, in jut about every concourse.
So with an 8:15 departure, I would be in a taxi from downtown Bangkok around 5:45 AM. The difference between subway plus train and taxi is less than 200 Baht.
I wouldn't be worrying about exact timing of first ARL.
If no status and Y class class, I assume you have access to PP lounge? There are many of them in BKK, in jut about every concourse.
Oct 2, 2019, 8:54 pm
#394
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Thanks. I am afraid of using taxis because I am a solo female. If I were traveling with somebody else, then using taxis makes the most sense. So, in my case, cost isn't the reason at all, but safety. From time to time, I read in the news about female tourists getting raped in Thailand. So, in this entire trip, I will just use public transit. I will eat and shop at places close to transit stations and will not venture into smaller streets.
Oct 2, 2019, 10:31 pm
#395
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
Thanks. I am afraid of using taxis because I am a solo female. If I were traveling with somebody else, then using taxis makes the most sense. So, in my case, cost isn't the reason at all, but safety. From time to time, I read in the news about female tourists getting raped in Thailand. So, in this entire trip, I will just use public transit. I will eat and shop at places close to transit stations and will not venture into smaller streets.
Oct 3, 2019, 4:07 am
#397
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Use GrabCar (choose the CAR option). Totally safe. Should be easy to get a car early in the AM, I do this often.
I'm a HUGE fan of GrabCar.
SARL Schedule shows first train at 05:34 (05:33 on SA and SU). 22 min for Makkasan to SBIA/BKK. No clue how accurate those are?
Oct 3, 2019, 5:49 am
#398
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,264
females leaving work alone - that was considered the safest and most responsible way for the women to go home.
I suppose as a single male, it is easy for me to discount your fears; so I will try not to do so.
Are you travelling on business? Can a customer/client pick you up?
Do you have any friends in BKK who could accompany you?
Last resort - AOT limo.
Public transit is great as long as you do not have any checked luggage, and do not have to worry about timing
of first or last trains.
Oct 3, 2019, 11:57 am
#400
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
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Posts: 14,429
You can take ARL and then (hopefully) catch the shuttle to your hotel from BKK.