Bangkok's High Speed Airport Rail Link Coming Soon
A high speed rail link between Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and Makkasan Station in the city is now being trial runs. With a distance of 28km the journey will take 15 minutes with the train reaching speeds of 160 km an hour. It's been announced that the new service will commence in April of next year.
With facilities similar to Hong Kong, check in facilities is available at the city station. Trains will run at 15 minute intervals initially. Prices at anticipated to by THB 160 baht for a single journey. For passengers at the airport there will be a tunnel connecting the train station so passengers can walk between the two facilities.
Upon arrival at Makkasan Station there remains the issue of then taking a taxi to your hotel, home or business which will add time to the entire journey. A second non express train will operate for commuters which takes 30 minutes and 6 stops at a number of locations including Phayathai.
While the Bangkok BTS took a number of years for passenger numbers to grow, it certainly has changed the way business is now done and locations along the routes have been a catalyst for growth. Makkasan station will need to see substantial linkage to the both the BTS and underground network in order to minimize connecting times otherwise in short order if the city link train is expected to see high volumes of passenger use.
As of now those wanting to use the BTS will need to take the longer commuter train and go to Phayathai Station, or else for the MRT (underground) Petchaburi.