Ban Thap Chang ARL Station

4.1(32 reviews)

Ban Thap Chang ARL Station sits in the Prawet area of Bangkok and serves as an important interchange point on the Airport Rail Link, connecting passengers travelling from stations on the Eastern SRT line — including routes from as far as Kabin Buri — directly through to Suvarnabhumi Airport. For those arriving by older State Railway of Thailand trains from the east, this is where they transfer to the Airport Rail Link service to continue their journey into central Bangkok or onward to the airport. The station provides a functional transit experience typical of Bangkok's rail network. Trains on the Airport Rail Link generally run on time and seating is usually available at this station, as it sits closer to the outer end of the line. Passengers should be aware that trains become progressively busier closer to the city centre, and crowding during peak hours is not uncommon. Good to know: Ban Thap Chang is not a central interchange hub like Makkasan or Phaya Thai, so travellers unfamiliar with the Bangkok rail system should confirm their route before boarding. The station is located approximately 100 metres from the adjacent SRT Ban Thap Chang station, making the transfer straightforward on foot. No website or published timetable is listed for this specific station, so checking the Airport Rail Link official channels for current schedules and fares before travel is advisable.

Experience hints

Pair your visit. After Ban Thap Chang ARL Station, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

Taking the local train into town is the most pleasant part of my day. Though the trains are old, they run on time and you can generally find seating. From Thap Chang station located 100 meters beyond the skytrain station it takes 30 minutes to Makkasan which is fairly central. That trip costs three baht. Tickets can be purchased either at the station or on the train.

great

Went to one part of this section in Bangkok to meet a client, coming back, I didn’t have a ride. So, decided to take the airport rail link. This was where my cab took me. And since I’m not a regular commuter of the ARL, I can’t say much about comparing it with the other stations. One thing is certain, it’s clean and it’s well managed. The view from above is good but I was expecting some wind and cool breeze to be present in an elevated platform. However, there was none. It was a bit hot though as it’s totally covered. Trains take a bit long compared to MRT and BTS but it’s fine, one cannot complain as long as the train arrives, right?

Location Info

Prawet

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Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: April – May (peak heat)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December & January

Getting there

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.

Getting around

•BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
•MRT Metro (underground)
•Airport Rail Link (ARL)
•Chao Phraya Express Boat
•Grab (ride-hailing app)
•Metered taxis — always use the meter

Where to stay near Ban Thap Chang ARL Station

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Tips for Visiting Transportation

Take the Sleeper Train at Least Once

The Bangkok-to-Chiang Mai overnight train in a second-class sleeper berth is a bucket-list experience. Book at least a week ahead via 12Go.asia or at Hua Lamphong station. Upper berths are cheaper and have more headroom; lower berths have a window.

Use Grab Everywhere

Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia and works across Thailand for cars, motorbike taxis, and even tuk-tuks in some cities. It eliminates haggling and provides fare estimates upfront. Load a Thai SIM or use eSIM to stay connected.

Rent Scooters Carefully

Always photograph the scooter's existing damage before riding off, and keep your passport — give a photocopy instead (some shops insist on the original; avoid these). Wear a helmet; police fine 500 THB for no helmet and accidents without one void insurance.