ThailandLover — Transit Guide
Welcome
MRT Blue & Purple
Welcome — Bangkok’s underground loop and the Nonthaburi elevated line.
Ride under the traffic into the old city, Chatuchak, and Sukhumvit, then swap at Tao Poon for the Purple Line. This page covers BEM’s Blue and Purple network only.
Train types
MRT train types
BEM operates two lines on this map — the Blue loop through central Bangkok and the Purple Line into Nonthaburi.
สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล · 48 km · 38 stations
Hua Lamphong–Bang Sue is Thailand’s first underground metro. Extensions mix tunnel and elevated track, with a western spur from Tha Phra to Lak Song.
สายฉลองรัชธรรม · 23 km · 16 stations
All elevated from Khlong Bang Phai to Tao Poon. Change to Blue at Tao Poon — it is a short walk, not the same ticket as a Blue-only token.
Network
MRT route map
Tap a line to show or hide it. Use + / − to zoom, drag to pan, and Reset view to go back to the full map.
Highlights
Popular stations & nearby attractions
Hop off for temples, markets, and the BTS interchanges most visitors actually use.
BL31
Sanam Chai (BL31)
The Blue Line stop for Wat Phra Kaew, the Grand Palace, and Museum Siam.
BTS does not reach the Grand Palace. Ride Blue toward Sanam Chai, then walk or take a short tuk-tuk. Wat Mangkon and Sam Yot are the Chinatown neighbours one and two stops east.
- Walk: about 10 minutes to the Grand Palace walls
- Crowded late morning — go early
BL22
Sukhumvit (BL22)
Terminal 21, Sukhumvit hotels, and a covered walk to BTS Asok.
This is the easiest Blue–BTS swap on the east side. Follow signs to BTS Asok (E4). It is a new ticket — Rabbit does not cover MRT Blue.
- Interchange: BTS Asok (separate fare)
- Mall: Terminal 21 attached to the station area
BL26
Si Lom (BL26)
Silom Road, Lumpini Park, and a walk to BTS Sala Daeng.
Use Si Lom when you want the business district or a Green Line hop toward Siam or Saphan Taksin. Sala Daeng is upstairs — another ticket.
BL13
Chatuchak Park (BL13)
The weekend market — one of Bangkok’s must-do Saturday and Sunday stops.
Alight at Chatuchak Park or Kamphaeng Phet (BL12) depending on which market gate you want. BTS Mo Chit is a short walk. The market is huge — go Saturday or Sunday morning.
BL28
Hua Lamphong (BL28)
Chinatown food streets and the historic railway station façade.
Ride one stop west to Wat Mangkon if you want to step out in the middle of Yaowarat. Long-distance trains now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue), not here.
BL10
Tao Poon (BL10)
The only Blue–Purple swap. Follow signs upstairs to the Purple Line.
A Blue token does not include Purple. Tap out and buy again, or use a stored-value MRT card / EMV so the through-fare can be cheaper. Last trains that still catch Purple leave Blue stations earlier — check the board.
Need the elevated green lines for Siam and the river? Change to BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit (Asok) or Si Lom (Sala Daeng).
Tickets
Tickets, hours & fares
How to pay, when trains run, and how Blue and Purple charge.
Ticket options
- Single-journey token from the machine
- MRT stored-value card
- EMV contactless bank card where the gates accept it
- Rabbit Card does not work on Blue or Purple
Operating hours & peaks
Blue Line is about 06:00–24:00 every day. Purple Line starts 05:30 on weekdays and 06:00 on weekends and holidays. Trains are packed 07:00–09:00 and 16:30–19:30 — ride mid-morning with luggage.
Transfers
Blue and Purple meet at Tao Poon. A second fare applies unless you use stored-value / EMV through-fare. BTS, ARL, and SRT always need their own ticket.
Bangkok awaits
Plan your city, explore new neighbourhoods, and make the most of your time on the rails. Continue with the other Bangkok networks — or head home and start again.