Abrie

I will arriving Bangkok on 19 February with 9 of my friends in our fourties and fifties. It will be my six visit. I have used taxis and the Airport shuttle bus to get from airport to VIP Guesthouse next to Chitlom station in the past . But that was before the Airport Skytrain link was opened. I would love some feedback on using the Skytrain from the Airport ? Is it worth it ? Costs ? Any other insights ? Abrie

Hanuman

If you have luggage I would choose taxis or a mini bus. IMO the train service from the airport lack the support of an easy access of interconnecting subways or skytrain from the main Bangkok station.

simpsonc510

It also is (was) running limited hours, according to the Bangkok Post. Most international flights arrive during the late night hours, but the train closes for the night at midnight or something like that... hanuman can you add any information to this schedule? This was an article that I brought home with me, just a few weeks ago.

Guenmai

I was also wondering about the airport service, not that I'm on my way to Bangkok right now. But, when I fly to Bangkok, my flight from L.A., arrives around 6:40AM and I depart out at around 5PM. Happy Travels!

lcuy

I used the Skytrain from the airport last November. Easy, fast, cheap, relaxing, and nice views. I travel with just one 21 (22?) inch wheeled bag and a huge purse though, so luggage was not a problem . Everyone on the train had luggage though, as expected on an airport line.

simpsonc510

When I arrive from the USA, I always have at least two big suitcases plus carryon so a taxi is much better. But, if Maeng and I take a trip to Hong Kong for a few days, maybe we should try the airport link. We will only have one small bag each, as everything else will remain at my apt at Adelphi. I've seen this airport train zipping along the track. It really moves.

Guenmai, nice to see you here. Any Bangkok plans???

Kathie

lcuy, it's good to hear you had such a positive experience. I remember right after the train link opened, there was a report here of how complicated it was to transfer to the subway or skytrain. It sounds like they've fixed it!

Guenmai

Carol: No Bangkok plans at the moment. Right now I have a ticket to Paris. Happy Travels!

rhkkmk

i'm told for 2 or more people it is cheaper and easier to take a taxi or van...

MichaelBKK

First, there are TWO services from the airport: The Express service and the City Line. The Express service runs direct from the airport to the Makassan station on Asoke Road. The Petchburi subway station is a long walk from this station. A link to avoid crossing railroad tracks and a busy road is promised, although I haven't seen any sign of it. The cost for the Express service is 150 Baht per person, so if there's more than one of you, a taxi direct from the airport may be cheaper than the combined cost of the train tickets.

The City Line is a commuter service that makes several stops between the airport and Makassan, and continues past Makassan for two more stops, ending at the Skytrain Phyathai station. A bridge connects the two stations, making transfers easy. The fare to get all the way from the airport to Phyathai on the City Line is 40 Baht. The City Line trains are much less comfortable than the Express trains, with less space for luggage, and they're always crowded in my experience, but they're a really good deal. I use the link at least once a month, if not to fly, to catch the bus to Jomtien.

Operating for the airport link (both services) is 6:00 am to midnight. They don't seem to be running as many trains as they could, but it's not 'limited service'. You'll get a train within 15 minutes.

There's also a check-in service for the Express line, if you're flying Thai or Bangkok Airways. Note, though, that you must check-in at the City Terminal at least three hours before your flight. However, you can check-in up to 12 hours before your flight at the City Terminal, so if you have an evening flight, you can check out of your hotel, check your bags in at the City Terminal, then use the train to get around town until you feel like heading to the airport. Of course, you won't see your bags again until you arrive at your next destination, so this isn't an option for those that worry about losing their luggage.

lcuy

I think we took the city line, as I remember it was a lot cheaper for the relatively small savings in travel time.

Curt1591

A while back, there was a notice posted saying they were extending the operations until 02:30. Don't know if this has been implemented.

After midnight, one will still require a taxi, once downtown.

Kathie

Thanks for the additional clarification, Michael.

Abrie

Thanks everybody. MichaelBKK, you have convinced me to give it a try. They say a change is as good as a holiday...HOLIDAY TIME !

MichaelBKK

@Curt1591 - the extension of operating hours to 02:30 was for New Years eve, when all Bangkok trains run late to keep drunks off the road.