Richard Barrow in Thailand

The following is a live blog of my trip on the Bangkok Airport Rail Link on the morning of Friday 18th June 2010. Click here for the map of the route. All dates and times are Thai time.

A Trip on the Bangkok Airport Rail Link

(06/18/2010)

  

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6:19

Richard Barrow:  Today I am going on a trip along the Bangkok Airport Rail Link. At the moment they are doing free trial runs for the public. I will be blogging here live and also sending out tweets of the highlights at http://www.twitter.com/RichardBarrow. I have to be at Suvarnabhumi Airport by 9.30 a.m. to join a press conference for a Fruit Festival. Friday June 18, 2010 6:19 Richard Barrow

6:24	Friday June 18, 2010 6:24

6:30	RichardBarrow:  Novice monks on their morning alms round. http://yfrog.com/cbk38ij Friday June 18, 2010 6:30 RichardBarrow

6:36	RichardBarrow:  I'm driving into Bangkok now to test the Airport Rail Link. I'll be live blogging the trip at www.RichardBarrow.com Friday June 18, 2010 6:36 RichardBarrow

6:39

Richard Barrow:  The following information about the Rail Link is from Wiki: The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (Thai: รถไฟฟ้าเชื่อมท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ, แอร์พอร์ตลิงก์ Airport Link) or SARL, is a rapid transit line under construction in Bangkok, Thailand. The line will provide as an airport rail link from Suvarnabhumi Airport, via Makkasan city air terminal, to Phaya Thai station in central Bangkok. Most of the line is on a viaduct over the main eastern railway. It is owned and will be operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The 28.6-km route will be the fourth rapid transit line in Bangkok, after 2 BTS and 1 MRT line. Services consists of the Express Line, a 15-minute non-stop service between the Makkasan city air terminal and the airport, and the City Line, a commuter rail service with 8 intermediate stations. Friday June 18, 2010 6:39 Richard Barrow

6:43	nuria_bonet:  @RichardBarrow Thanks for this. It's going to come in handy for my trip to BKK next month. Friday June 18, 2010 6:43 nuria_bonet

6:44	jennibrick:  @RichardBarrow when does the link open for everyone - or can it be used full time now? Missed your posts with that information! Friday June 18, 2010 6:44 jennibrick

6:47	RichardBarrow:  @jennibrick The airport rail link is open now for the public for free. However, full services are not expected until August. Friday June 18, 2010 6:47 RichardBarrow

6:48	olivierdewolf:  @RichardBarrow Hi, monday we arrive at Suvarnabbhumi Airport. I did read about Airport Rail Link: is it in use already? To Hotel Siam City? Friday June 18, 2010 6:48 olivierdewolf

6:52	RichardBarrow:  @olivierdewolf You should be able to use the rail link from the airport when you arrive next week I'll confirm this soon. Friday June 18, 2010 6:52 RichardBarrow

7:28	RichardBarrow:  I've arrived at BTS Phayathai to catch the new rail link to the airport. At the moment no skybridge which will come later. Friday June 18, 2010 7:28 RichardBarrow

7:29

Richard Barrow:  Information from Bangkok Post: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is to build two "sky-walks" to connect the long-awaited Airport Rail Link to city-centre BTS and MRT stations. A 10m-long walkway is now under construction in the Phayathai area from the BTS stop there to the Airport Rail Link. It will cost 7.7 million baht and is expected to be ready in time for the August 12 start of the train service to Suvarnabhumi. A second elevated pedestrian link will be built in Makkasan to connect the so-called City Air Terminal to the MRT's Phetchaburi station. The SRT has set aside a budget of 70 million baht for a four-metre-wide, 200m-long skywalk with a roof at this location. It will announce the terms of reference for the project at the end of this month and then launch an e-auction to find a contractor. The work is expected to take about five months. Friday June 18, 2010 7:29 Richard Barrow

7:32	RichardBarrow:  Airport Rail Link in Bangkok. http://yfrog.com/61o1cj Friday June 18, 2010 7:32 RichardBarrow

7:36	RichardBarrow:  Timetable for airport rail link. http://yfrog.com/jk7dytj Friday June 18, 2010 7:36 RichardBarrow

7:38	RichardBarrow:  I'm blogging live my trip on the Airport Rail Link at www.RichardBarrow.com Friday June 18, 2010 7:38 RichardBarrow

7:41	RichardBarrow:  Google Map showing stations on the Bangkok Airport Rail Link http://bit.ly/ddvM9g Friday June 18, 2010 7:41 RichardBarrow

7:43	RichardBarrow:  Lots of people getting off the airport train at Phayathai. http://yfrog.com/1qzwyj Friday June 18, 2010 7:43 RichardBarrow

7:44	RichardBarrow:  At the moment the Airport Rail Link is free and stops at 2 stations along the way. Friday June 18, 2010 7:44 RichardBarrow

7:46	RichardBarrow:  Picture of Airport Rail Link. http://yfrog.com/0k2zgj Friday June 18, 2010 7:46 RichardBarrow

7:47	RichardBarrow:  I'm posting more information on this Airport train trip at www.RichardBarrow.com Friday June 18, 2010 7:47 RichardBarrow

7:48

Richard Barrow:  Information from http://airportraillink.railway.co.th SA Express: This line provides transportation service between Bangkok City Air Terminal (BCAT) from Makkasan to Suvarnabhumi Airport within 15 minutes, which stops only at Makkasan Station (original terminal) and Suvarnabhumi Station (end terminal). There are total of 4 trains providing services in SA Express. Each train has 3 passenger cars, which have 170 passenger seats, and 1 baggage car that makes up altogether 4 cars. It provides service from 06.00 to 01.00 Friday June 18, 2010 7:48 Richard Barrow

7:48

Richard Barrow:  Information from http://airportraillink.railway.co.th SA City Line: This line provides service between Phyathai Station to the end terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport within 30 minutes, which stops at 6 stations along the way such as Rajprarop Station, Makkasan Station, Ramkhamhaeng Station, Hua Mark Station, Thab Chang Station, and Lad Krabang Station. It covers a distance of 28 kilometers. SA City Line has 5 trains, each train has 3 passenger cars with the capacity of 745 passengers per train for the 24-hour service. Friday June 18, 2010 7:48 Richard Barrow

7:49	whoismari:  @RichardBarrow How much is the the trip and how can one purchase tickets to the Airport Rail Link? Great blog! Friday June 18, 2010 7:49 whoismari

7:51	RichardBarrow:  @whoismari At the moment the airport rail link is free as there isn't full services yet. Friday June 18, 2010 7:51 RichardBarrow

7:52	RichardBarrow:  There are TV monitors on the platform showing times of next train to the airport with a countdown clock. http://yfrog.com/jaoc0vj Friday June 18, 2010 7:52 RichardBarrow

7:54	RichardBarrow:  Picture of the inside of the new Bangkok Airport Rail Link train. http://yfrog.com/ed7qezj Friday June 18, 2010 7:54 RichardBarrow

7:55	RichardBarrow:  The airport link train is air-conditioned but why am I sweating? Because I am sitting in the sun. Windows not tinted! Friday June 18, 2010 7:55 RichardBarrow

8:12	RichardBarrow:  I just found out that the times of the airport rail link are still limited! 7am-10am & 4pm-7pm only! Friday June 18, 2010 8:12 RichardBarrow

8:13	RichardBarrow:  I have already arrived at the airport after only 19 minutes & 2 brief stops. Friday June 18, 2010 8:13 RichardBarrow

8:22	RichardBarrow:  As the press conference at the airport doesn't start until 9:30 am I'm on the train again. Friday June 18, 2010 8:22 RichardBarrow

8:23	RichardBarrow:  There is some baggage space on the airport rail link trains but not a lot. http://yfrog.com/0vxmakj Friday June 18, 2010 8:23 RichardBarrow

8:25	RichardBarrow:  I am sure the interior of the Airport Rail Link trains will change once there is advertising everywhere. http://yfrog.com/f19ozj Friday June 18, 2010 8:25 RichardBarrow

8:28	RichardBarrow:  Later there will be 2 train services to the airport. The local one stops at all stations. Friday June 18, 2010 8:28 RichardBarrow

8:29	RichardBarrow:  The Express train to airport takes 15 minutes but you have to catch it at Makkasan. Has MRT but no BTS! Cost is 150 baht. Friday June 18, 2010 8:29 RichardBarrow

8:31	siamthai1:  @RichardBarrow thanks reporting about Rail Link Train Friday June 18, 2010 8:31 siamthai1

8:31	archeiaskye:  @RichardBarrow ahahaha that's my Muang Thai for you lol - always almost perfect, only falling short thereof by a disappointing hair :P Friday June 18, 2010 8:31 archeiaskye

8:31	whoismari:  @RichardBarrow even with full stops, the trip might top 35 minutes. Wow. Hopefully the trains will run till at least midnight. Friday June 18, 2010 8:31 whoismari

8:31	Trisdee:  RT @pradt: @RichardBarrow too many poles? And the color is just ugly... Sigh. // Can't have everything, I fear... Friday June 18, 2010 8:31 Trisdee

8:43	RichardBarrow:  I am now on my third trip on the Airport Rail Link! Trips from Bangkok to airport are too quick! Friday June 18, 2010 8:43 RichardBarrow

8:43	RichardBarrow:  The airport trains are leaving exactly on time even if there are passengers running to catch it. Friday June 18, 2010 8:43 RichardBarrow

8:44	RichardBarrow:  I'm going to be stuck at the airport after the press conference & will have to come back the old fashion way - by taxi! Friday June 18, 2010 8:44 RichardBarrow

8:47	RichardBarrow:  Later there will be a connecting bridge between BTS and MRT stations & Airport Link to make it easier for passengers. Friday June 18, 2010 8:47 RichardBarrow

8:49	wayla69:  "@RichardBarrow: The airport trains are leaving exactly on time even if there are passengers running to catch it." / better standard of TH Friday June 18, 2010 8:49 wayla69

8:49	KrisKoles:  @RichardBarrow - the MRT station's not connected to the Makkasan Airport train station. It's an awkward 5 minute slog, esp.with bags.. Friday June 18, 2010 8:49 KrisKoles

8:50	siamthai1:  @RichardBarrow thanks reporting about Rail Link Train Friday June 18, 2010 8:50 siamthai1

8:50	sahidpram:  By BTS? How fast!! RT @RichardBarrow: I have already arrived at the airport after only 19 minutes & 2 brief stops. Friday June 18, 2010 8:50 sahidpram

8:51	whoismari:  @RichardBarrow Did they say anything about lifting luggage and elevators? Friday June 18, 2010 8:51 whoismari

8:51	KrisKoles:  @RichardBarrow The way it will work is that you check your bags at Makkasan as if it were an Air Terminal, rather than take them on train... Friday June 18, 2010 8:51 KrisKoles

8:51	KevinRevolinski:  @richardbarrow @freakingcat 150 and much hassle to get to it. may as well take a taxi for 220ish. 15-20 min from On Nut area Friday June 18, 2010 8:51 KevinRevolinski

8:54	RichardBarrow:  @whoismari once it is fully open, you can check-in your bags at Makkasan. Apparently no need to carry bags after that. Friday June 18, 2010 8:54 RichardBarrow

9:00	RichardBarrow:  For some reason the Airport Rail Link has stopped between stations. Driver said "We apologize for the conveniance". Friday June 18, 2010 9:00 RichardBarrow

9:01	RichardBarrow:  RT @mirthseeker: Are there lifts available yet, and will I be able to use it next month when I arrive in my wheelchair? Friday June 18, 2010 9:01 RichardBarrow

9:03	RichardBarrow:  @mirthseeker Sorry keep forgetting to check for you. If there are lifts there will probably be a few obstacles to navigate to get to it. Friday June 18, 2010 9:03 RichardBarrow

9:04	RichardBarrow:  We are arriving at airport station again. No signal in station so cannot live blog there. Friday June 18, 2010 9:04 RichardBarrow

9:17	RichardBarrow:  The platform at Airport Rail Link actually has lifts we are allowed to use. http://yfrog.com/0yjz9zj Friday June 18, 2010 9:17 RichardBarrow

9:18	RichardBarrow:  The exit gates at airport train station have 2 extra wide gates for wheelchairs! http://yfrog.com/j73hgbj Friday June 18, 2010 9:18 RichardBarrow

9:28	RichardBarrow:  They already have signs for the city link at the airport. http://yfrog.com/5fz0naj Friday June 18, 2010 9:28 RichardBarrow

9:30	RichardBarrow:  But information about new airport train & limited service is only in Thai. http://yfrog.com/5aaufdj Friday June 18, 2010 9:30 RichardBarrow

9:31	RichardBarrow:  I'm now at the press conference for Smiling Fruits festival at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Friday June 18, 2010 9:31 RichardBarrow

9:33	RichardBarrow:  @Pattayarich it is only trial run now. Everything will be easier once it is fully open. Friday June 18, 2010 9:33 RichardBarrow

9:36	freakingcat:  @Dany_k @KevinRevolinski @RichardBarrow. Even from Expressway Rama 4, it is usually under 200 plus tollway, but no more than 20 to 25 min Friday June 18, 2010 9:36 freakingcat

9:36	nealkrause:  Wish this had been ready last month RT @RichardBarrow: They already have signs for the city link at the airport. http://yfrog.com/5fz0naj Friday June 18, 2010 9:36 nealkrause

9:36	Pattayarich:  @RichardBarrow So now how to do get from Phayathai BTS to the Rail Link? When does the bridge come? Friday June 18, 2010 9:36 Pattayarich

9:36	blandda:  @RichardBarrow You suggesting farangs might use this service, too ?555 Friday June 18, 2010 9:36 blandda

9:44	RichardBarrow:  Smiling Fruit Festival at Suvarnabhumi in June & July. Free fruit tasting for passengers. http://yfrog.com/mrak2cj Friday June 18, 2010 9:44 RichardBarrow

9:45	RichardBarrow:  MC at Smiling Fruit Festival: "We are now ready to bring back the happiness to Thailand". Friday June 18, 2010 9:45 RichardBarrow

9:46	RichardBarrow:  Demonstration of fruit carving at airport. http://yfrog.com/593nlij Friday June 18, 2010 9:46 RichardBarrow

9:51	allaned:  @RichardBarrow Great tweets on the new Link. Thanks! Any family discounts? 150 Baht each for a family of 4 is more than a taxi. Friday June 18, 2010 9:51 allaned

9:52	RichardBarrow:  Free fruit tasting at Suvarnabhumi airport now on 4th floor by Entrance 5. Friday June 18, 2010 9:52 RichardBarrow

9:53	RichardBarrow:  @Pattayarich they haven't started building the skybridge for the airport rail link yet. Friday June 18, 2010 9:53 RichardBarrow

10:04

RichardBarrow:  Opening ceremony for Smiling Fruits @ Suvarnabhumi. http://yfrog.com/msvc6j Friday June 18, 2010 10:04 RichardBarrow

10:23

RichardBarrow:  Smiling Fruit Fest at Suvarnabhumi 16-30 June 2010 on 4th floor departure D & 2nd floor Belt 19-20. Friday June 18, 2010 10:23 RichardBarrow

10:31

RichardBarrow:  I've missed the last train from the airport as it stops at 10am. Will try & get illegal taxi on 4th floor departure. Friday June 18, 2010 10:31 RichardBarrow

10:32

sweatyinbkk:  @RichardBarrow All and all the airport link looks very cheap!Compare for example to the Shanghai link.(Leaving out how fast they built that) Friday June 18, 2010 10:32 sweatyinbkk

10:34

RichardBarrow:  Got a taxi as he was dropping off a passenger on departure level, guard didn't mind. Saved 50 baht taxi surcharge. Friday June 18, 2010 10:34 RichardBarrow

10:36

RichardBarrow:  I am now in a taxi going back to my car at On Nut. Will this be quicker than the Airport Rail Link? Friday June 18, 2010 10:36 RichardBarrow

10:37

MarkDGeorge:  @RichardBarrow If you have any trouble with the cabbie you can mobilize a mob with twitter to take care of him Friday June 18, 2010 10:37 MarkDGeorge

10:37

LisaMajesty:  @RichardBarrow Don't get the illegal ones - get a taxi dropping someone off. Happy driver and less hassle than the illegals or the queue Friday June 18, 2010 10:37 LisaMajesty

10:38

ExpatDanBKK:  RT @RichardBarrow: ... get illegal taxi on 4th floor departure. //Oh why? We as society should reward those who follow the rules IMHO... Friday June 18, 2010 10:38 ExpatDanBKK

10:40

RichardBarrow:  @ExpatDanBKK The taxis in the so-called legal queue often try and cheat me. Meter is fixed or they refuse to turn on. Friday June 18, 2010 10:40 RichardBarrow

10:42

RichardBarrow:  Taxi driver says he is not worried about new airport train. For 2 or more people taxi is cheaper & will take you to hotel. Friday June 18, 2010 10:42 RichardBarrow

10:43

RichardBarrow:  The airport train will only take you to Makkasan where you then have to find a taxi or go on subway. No BTS there. Friday June 18, 2010 10:43 RichardBarrow

10:48

RichardBarrow:  Taxi has reached Srinakarin Rd after 20 mins & 115 baht on meter. Soi On Nut has traffic jam so next section will be slow. Friday June 18, 2010 10:48 RichardBarrow

10:51

RichardBarrow:  RT @Dany_k: I normally get a 15 min cab [from the airport to On Nut] for about 150, no traffic and tolls :) Friday June 18, 2010 10:51 RichardBarrow

10:53

RichardBarrow:  @MrMCos There is no connection yet between Makkasan & MRT. Please see live blog at www.richardbarrow.com for details. Friday June 18, 2010 10:53 RichardBarrow

11:04

RichardBarrow:  My trip to the airport from On Nut via BTS & the new rail link took 45 minutes. I was lucky with both trains. Friday June 18, 2010 11:04 RichardBarrow

11:07

RichardBarrow:  The trip back from airport to On Nut by taxi took 38 minutes & cost 152 baht. Was stuck in traffic too. Friday June 18, 2010 11:07 RichardBarrow

11:21

RichardBarrow:  I think for 2 or more people with bags it will be cheaper & easier to take taxi from airport to most hotels & not train. Friday June 18, 2010 11:21 RichardBarrow

11:24