This morning, I finally had a chance to sample the new City Line train service, which is currently offering free rides during their final testing phase. Unfortunately, there’s been some misleading, and downright erroneous, reporting about this system in the local English language press, so let’s see if I can clear up some confusion. The papers are reporting that the "Airport Link" is being tested, which is wrong. There are two separate and distinct services that will be using the new rail track: The Airport Link (officially, the SA Express) is an express service linking the airport directly to the new City Terminal in Makasan without stopping. The trains are specific to the SA Express service, and include a secure baggage car for checked luggage. The cost for the SA Express will be a flat 150 Baht for the trip, which should take around 15 minutes or less.

City Line Train
City Line Train at Phayathai Station

The City Line is a commuter service – Bangkok’s fourth train line – serving the rather large suburbs between the airport and the city center. The City Line has one terminus at the airport, but it makes several stops between the airport and continues past the City Terminal for two more stations to end at the Phyathai station, with access to the Skytrain Phyathai station. The cost for a ride on the City Line will vary according to distance, from 20 to 40 Baht.

The City Line trains are similar to the other commuter trains in Bangkok, with hard plastic seats, and not a lot of them. They feel a little wider than the other trains, but that may just be due to the absence of center poles. The City Line does have room (too much room, in my opinion) to put any large suitcases next to the doors, so it can be used by penny-pinching travelers. It takes about 30 minutes to make the trip from one end to the other.

Posted by michael under First Impressions
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