Amazing race to Suvarnabhumi
14/06/2010

The Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi has finally arrived after almost four years of waiting. But while it may be the talk of the town, there are still teething troubles and complaints about service and problems at the Makkasan terminal.

For those who have yet to travel on the new train, the Bangkok Post sent two reporters on a race to the airport - one by high-speed train, the other by taxi, which many say is faster and cheaper. Both started from the same point at Siam Paragon last Tuesday morning.

Our Airport Link commuter took 46 minutes and spent just 67 baht - 37 baht for a taxi plus 30 baht for a motorbike taxi - as the train is currently free, but it will cost 150 baht once fully operational. Her competitor paid 270 baht, including 70 baht in expressway tolls, for her 25-minute cab ride.

Whatever the result of our amazing race, the taxi/train debate will continue for some time.

bangkokpost.com