Airport Rail Link Train
Photo by Wiki05 (CC0)

Airport Rail Link

Lines, how to buy tickets & fares

The Airport Rail Link (ARL) is a quick and easy way to travel between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport and the downtown area.

With a travel time of between 17 and 30 minutes, the train is a good alternative to taxis and buses to get into the city.

Three lines

There are three services:

SA City Line
The SA City Line runs from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport to Phaya Thai Station, where you can get on the BTS Sky Train. The train stops at every station on the route.

Phaya Thai Express Line
Same route as the SA City Line. The train does not make any stops in between.

Makkasan Express Line
The Makkasan Express Line runs from Suvarnabhumi airport to Makkasan station, where you can get on the MRT subway. There are no stops on between.

Time table

The Airport Rail Link operates from 6 am until midnight. There is a train every 10 minutes during peak hours (6 to 9 am and 4 to 8 pm) and every 15 minutes during the rest of the day and on weekends.

Route map

The ARL route runs between Suvarnabhumi airport East of Bangkok to Phaya Thai station.

Airport Rail Link (dark brown)
Click on the map to see the full version
Photo by User Zeddlex (CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED)

ARL station at the airport

The Airport Rail Link station is located at the basement floor of Suvarnabhumi airport. It’s a short walk from international and domestic arrivals.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets at the vending machines or at the ticket booth.

To use the vending machine, first choose English language. Then select the destination and the number of people. The price is shown on the screen. The machine accepts both coins and banknotes. The vending machine will dispense a token, which is your one way ticket.

Ticket prices

The fare depends on the distance and varies from 35 to 45 Baht for a one way trip.

Getting on the train

Walk to the turnstile and scan the token on top of the machine, which will open the barrier. Do not throw away the token, you will need it again. When you have arrived at your destination station, get off the train and walk to the turnstiles. Insert the token into the turnstile to open the barrier.

Connection to MRT and BTS

The Airport Rail Link connects to both BTS Sky Train and MRT subway. The ARL ticket can not be used to get on the trains of the BTS or MRT.

Connect to MRT subway
The Airport Rail Link connects to MRT subway Phetchaburi station at Makkasan (A6). One way fare from Suvarnabhumi is 35 Baht.

Connect to BTS Sky Train
The Airport Rail Link connects to BTS Sky Train at Phaya Thai (A8), the last station on the ARL route. One way fare from Suvarnabhumi is 45 Baht.