Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL) is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to the city center. If you’re arriving during peak hours, taking the ARL can save you from being stuck in Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
On my recent solo trip, I initially booked a Grab ride, which was estimated at 400 THB. However, after 20 minutes of barely moving in traffic to reach me, I decided to cancel and take the ARL instead. The ride was much faster, reaching the city in just 30 minutes.
How the Airport Rail Link Works
The ARL runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station, connecting with the city’s BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems.
- Total Number of Stations: 8
- Journey Time: ~30 minutes from the airport to the last station (Phaya Thai)
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
Fare Table & Journey Time
- Total Stations: 8 (From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai)
- Fare Range: 20 – 45 THB
- Journey Duration: 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the station
- Key Connections:
- Makkasan Station → Transfer to MRT Phetchaburi
- Ratchaprarop Station → Closest to Pratunam hotels
- Phaya Thai Station → Transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line
For travelers heading to Sukhumvit, Siam, or Silom, transfers via BTS/MRT are required.
How to Find the Airport Rail Link (ARL) at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The Airport Rail Link (ARL) station is located in the Basement Level (B1) of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
Step-by-Step Directions:
- After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, proceed to the Arrival Hall (Level 2).
- Take the elevator or escalator down to Basement Level (B1).
- Look for signs that say “Airport Rail Link” or “Train to City”.
- At the ticket machines, purchase a token (cash only, small denominations required).
- Enter the station through the turnstiles and board the next train heading towards Phaya Thai.
Trains run every 10–15 minutes, and the entire journey to Phaya Thai (last station) takes around 30 minutes.
Which Station to Drop Off Based on Your Hotel Location?
If you’re staying in popular tourist areas, here’s where you should exit the ARL:
- Pratunam / Baiyoke Hotels → Ratchaprarop Station (5-10 min walk)
- Sukhumvit / Asoke / Nana → Makkasan Station (transfer to MRT Phetchaburi → 1 stop to Sukhumvit Station)
- Siam / Chitlom / Silom → Phaya Thai Station (transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line)
- Khao San Road → Makkasan Station (take MRT to Hua Lamphong, then a short taxi ride)
If your hotel is not near a train station, you can take a taxi from Ratchaprarop, Makkasan, or Phaya Thai after getting off the ARL.
How to Buy Tickets?
- Tickets are purchased at vending machines or ticket counters at each station.
- Must-have cash in small denominations (20, 50, 100 THB) as machines do not accept large bills or cards.
- If you’re planning multiple trips, consider buying a prepaid Rabbit Card (usable for BTS but NOT ARL). Preorder here and collect your Rabbit Card conveniently.
Pros & Cons of Taking the Airport Rail Link
Pros:
✔ Affordable – Fares start from just 20 THB, and the maximum is 45 THB.
✔ Fast – Avoids Bangkok’s heavy traffic, reaching central Bangkok in 30 minutes.
✔ Frequent Service – Trains run every 10-15 minutes.
✔ Convenient Transfers – Connects with BTS & MRT for easy access to hotels.
Cons:
✖ Not ideal for big luggage – Trains can be crowded, with limited luggage space.
✖ Limited seating – Many passengers must stand, especially during peak hours.
✖ Cash-only for tickets – No card payment at machines, requiring small cash notes.
✖ No direct connection to Sukhumvit BTS – Requires a transfer at Makkasan.
Final Thoughts – What I Would Choose with Kids & Luggage
For solo travelers or those with light luggage, the Airport Rail Link is a great option—fast, cheap, and convenient. However, with kids and multiple suitcases, the hassle of navigating train stations, stairs, and crowds isn’t worth the savings.
When traveling with my kids, I always pre-book a private airport transfer via Klook. While it is more expensive (about 600-800 THB), it saves the hassle of carrying luggage through train stations. After a long flight, it’s much more convenient to have a car waiting at the airport!
Would you take the ARL or book a car? Let me know your experience!
