Bangkok Airport Rail Link 2026: Using Your Travel Wallet Card

Hey fellow travelers! Even though it's been a couple of months since my last Bangkok adventure, I'm still buzzing about it. While I'd love to share all the amazing restaurants and cafes I discovered, I've got something even more crucial for those of you planning a trip to Bangkok right now.

It's all about the Travel Wallet card! Until recently, if you landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport and wanted to take the Airport Rail Link (ARL) into the city, you'd typically pay cash and get a token. But guess what? Just like the MRT, the Airport Rail Link now accepts Travel Wallet card payments, making your journey seamless!

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you have two main options to reach downtown Bangkok: a taxi or the Airport Rail Link. While taxis are convenient, budget-conscious travelers often opt for the ARL. Plus, if you transfer at Makkasan Station, you can quickly reach popular areas like Asok.

Especially during evening rush hour, Bangkok's city traffic can stretch a taxi ride to anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. The Airport Rail Link, however, can get you there in under an hour, saving you precious travel time!

Let me walk you through my return journey from Makkasan Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you're coming from Sukhumvit, you can take the MRT to Phetchaburi Station, where there's a connecting walkway to the Airport Rail Link's Makkasan Station.

However, I wouldn't recommend this route if you have heavy luggage, especially a large suitcase. The transfer walkway is quite long, and with many passengers using the ARL, it can be physically demanding. On my last day, I utilized the 'Bellugg' service to send my luggage to the airport in the morning, so I walked unburdened.

My Bellugg Luggage Transfer Service Review is here!

Bangkok Hotel to Airport Luggage Transfer: Bellugg Service Reviewblog.naver.com

From Makkasan Station, you'll continue walking towards the Airport Rail Link platform. I found it interesting that along the way, people were handing out pamphlets and selling flowers.

For the BTS Skytrain, you can use a Rabbit Card or the GLN mobile app. But for the MRT, a single Travel Wallet card is all you need. During my month-long stay in Bangkok, my Airbnb was near an MRT station, so I ended up using the MRT more than the BTS. You can quickly check your balance and top up using your phone, and the touch response speed at the turnstiles is comparable to what you'd find in the US.

Whenever I used the MRT, there was always a long line of people buying tickets. It always made me wonder why they didn't just get a card to save time, perhaps they don't use it often enough? I'm not entirely sure.

Anyway, when you see the 'Airport Rail Link' sign, you'll notice Visa and Mastercard logos. This indicates that EMV contactless cards are accepted. However, standard credit cards issued in some countries might not work for direct payment.

See where it says 'EMV'? That's where you tap your Travel Wallet card. Since this system is relatively new, you might even find staff members there to assist you.

Just a quick tap and you're through! The beauty of a contactless card like the Travel Wallet is that you can easily use it in places that don't accept cash, like Starbucks or many food courts in malls. As long as you keep it topped up, the amount is deducted just like a debit card. With current exchange rates, there isn't a huge difference between exchanging USD at a money changer or withdrawing local currency directly from your card. The card makes it so convenient.

During the evening, Makkasan Station can get very crowded with locals using the Airport Rail Link. However, as the train makes its stops towards Suvarnabhumi Airport, people disembark in droves, and by the last few stations, there's usually plenty of space.

Here's a shot of the nearly empty train just before arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport! This is why I mentioned earlier that using the Airport Rail Link with large suitcases or heavy bags isn't ideal. If you have a lot of luggage, consider taking a taxi or, even better, use a service like Bellugg to send your bags to the airport in the morning, then enjoy a light and easy ride on the ARL in the afternoon.

I hope this sheds some light on why a Travel Wallet card is a must-have for your Bangkok trip. Even if you choose a taxi over the Airport Rail Link, these cards offer the convenience of a credit card for everyday purchases. So, make sure to get one before your next adventure! Happy travels!