【EN】Airport Rail Link Now Accepts Contactless Credit Cards! Faster & Easier Travel Between Bangkok City and Suvarnabhumi Airport (Started Nov 8, 2025)

10/12/2025

Traveling between Suvarnabhumi Airport and central Bangkok just became much more convenient.
Starting November 8, 2025, Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link (ARL) officially introduced contactless EMV payments, allowing passengers to simply tap their credit or debit card at the gate—no need to buy tokens or prepare cash.

For travelers, business visitors, and first-time tourists, this upgrade makes the airport-to-city transfer smoother than ever. Here is everything you need to know.

1. What Changed? — ARL Introduces EMV Contactless Payments

As of November 8, 2025, all ARL stations now support EMV contactless payments, meaning you can tap:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• UnionPay
• Contactless-enabled debit cards
• NFC-enabled physical cards with the “wave” symbol

Just tap your card at the gate, enter, and tap again when exiting.
Traditional token purchases are still available as a backup.

2. Why This Is Great for Travelers

✓ No more queues at ticket machines
Just tap your card and enter—perfect for busy airport arrivals.

✓ No cash required
No need to exchange money or search for small bills.

✓ Works with many international cards
A huge advantage for tourists and business travelers who don’t have a Thai bank card.

✓ Faster, smoother, stress-free airport transfer
You can reach central Bangkok efficiently, even with heavy luggage or late-night arrivals.

3. How to Use Contactless Payment on the ARL

STEP 1: Go to the ARL station

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, the ARL station is located on B1 (Basement Level 1).

STEP 2: Tap your contactless card at the gate

Touch your card on the reader with the contactless symbol.
A green light means you can enter.

STEP 3: Take the train

Ride to your destination (Phaya Thai, Makkasan, Ratchaprarop, Ramkhamhaeng, etc.).

STEP 4: Tap again when exiting

Your fare will automatically be calculated and charged to your card.

If tapping doesn’t work

• Some cards may not be recognized.
• In that case, simply buy a token at the ticket machine and travel as before.

4. Things to Know Before You Tap

✔ Check if your card supports contactless payment

Look for the “wave” symbol. Cards without it won’t work.

✔ Foreign transaction fees may apply

Depending on your bank or card issuer.

✔ Not yet unified with BTS or MRT

ARL contactless is separate.
When transferring to BTS or MRT, you may need different tickets or payment methods.

✔ If the gate shows a red light

Try another gate or switch to the token system—both options are available.

5. Why ARL Introduced Contactless Payments Now

The Department of Rail Transport and Asia Era One Co., Ltd. (AERA 1) announced the launch as part of Thailand’s push toward:

• Modern, digital public transportation
• Reduced congestion at ticket machines
• Better convenience for global travelers
• Improved airport connectivity

Bangkok is increasingly upgrading its infrastructure to match international standards.

6. Who Benefits the Most?

This upgrade is especially convenient for:

• Foreign tourists arriving for the first time
• Business travelers with tight schedules
• Passengers with large suitcases
• Digital nomads
• Travelers arriving late at night or early in the morning

If you want a quick, reliable, and cashless way to reach the city, ARL is now one of the best choices.

7. Quick Summary — 5 Key Takeaways

1. ARL now accepts contactless EMV payments (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay).
2. Started November 8, 2025 across all ARL stations.
3. Tokens remain available if your card doesn’t work.
4. Ideal for tourists & business travelers who want fast airport access.
5. Not integrated with BTS/MRT, so check payment options when transferring.

Enjoy a Smarter, Faster Airport Transfer

With contactless card payments now available, getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok city is easier than ever.
Just tap your card and start your journey!

（Photo by ARL Facebook）