Everything You Need To Know About Transport In Bangkok

With a population of over 11 million people, greater Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis that can be explored by train, taxi, tuktuk, and even boat. But what’s the best way to get around this vibrant city safely and efficiently? And how do you use each form of transportation?

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through all your transportation options in this city from the moment you arrive.

From the Airport: Taxis

When visitors arrive here in Bangkok, the most common choice is to jump straight in the taxi, and this makes perfect sense after a long flight. But if you opt for a taxi, make sure you use the regulated taxi stand on the ground level.

It’s very easy to get a taxi here in the regulated taxi area. You just walk over to the ticket stations, and once you get a ticket, it has a number on it. I got ticket number seven here, and you’ll just take a look at the numbered stations that are highlighted and walk down to the number on your ticket. You’re going to keep the ticket for the duration of the ride. That is your receipt it has all your driver’s information on it, so you can protect yourself from any scams and report any bad behaviors by drivers.

Walk down to the number on your ticket, tell the driver your destination, and once you enter the taxi, he should turn on the meter. Taxi meters in Bangkok start at 35 baht and increase by two baht every .3 km. A 5 km trip will normally cost around 60 baht, while 10 km should be less than 100. A metered rate trip from the airport into Central Bangkok should cost between 300 and 500 baht.

But there are a couple of additional fees that you should be aware of. There is an extra 50 baht surcharge when you take a taxi from the airport, and normally the driver will also ask if you want to take the tollway. If you say yes, you have to pay an additional tollway fee which ranges between 40 and 100 baht depending on the distance, and you’ll need to give the money to the driver when you arrive at the toll booth.

Sounds easy, right? And it usually is. But taxis in Bangkok are infamous for running various scams and hustles or refusing to use the meter, and you need to take a few precautions to avoid any problems even with regulated airport taxis.

So let’s cover four simple taxi rules that will help you avoid problems during your time in this city.

First, make sure that the driver turns on the meter before you start your journey, as some drivers will refuse to use it and attempt to charge a higher fixed price. While this is fairly rare at the airport, it can happen, and if it does, get out of the car and get a new ticket.

Second, you should track your journey using Google Maps. This will ensure that the driver brings you to the correct destination and takes the fastest route.

Third, make sure to carry small bills, as taxi drivers are notorious for short-changing tourists.

Finally, don’t follow any advice or recommendations from taxi drivers, as these are normally overpriced shops and restaurants that pay a commission to drivers for bringing unsuspecting customers.

Once you’re in the city, if you plan to use taxis, you should avoid taking any taxis that sit idle near popular tourist areas. These drivers normally won’t use the meter and are much more likely to operate scams. Instead, wave one down that’s driving past on the street. You can identify a free taxi if the red light with Thai letters on the windshield is illuminated. If the driver pulls over, you’ll need to tell him your destination, and if he agrees to take you, make sure he turns on the meter and follow all the rules we just discussed.

These are simple rules that you should follow whenever you interact with taxi drivers in Thailand, and this includes the airports.

From the Airport: Ride-Hailing Apps

If dealing with all the taxi problems sounds a bit tiring, you’ve got two alternative transportation options from the airport: you can use a ride-hailing app like Grab or Bolt, or you can use public transportation with the Airport Rail Link mass transit system.

Grab and Bolt are the Ubers of Southeast Asia, and they are very easy to use. Simply download the apps, enter your destination, and you can choose from a wide range of different vehicles with a fixed price. The rates are usually a little bit higher than a meter taxi, but it’s well worth it to avoid the potential scams, especially for newcomers to the city. You can pay for the ride using cash or an international credit card just keep in mind that you may need to pay an additional fee in order to use a credit card. If you opt to take a tollway, you’ll also need to pay that additional fee directly to the driver.

If you choose to use a ride-hailing app, you can come and wait at the Grab pickup point. It’s just next to the main regulated taxi area, and you can see just how busy it is. You have a lot of people waiting here at the Grab pickup point, and this just tells you that people trust the apps a lot more than they trust the regulated taxis.

Once you’re in the city, normally I just check the cost of a ride on both apps and book the cheaper option. Or if I’m in a particularly busy area and I don’t mind paying a taxi driver a fixed fare, I normally check the price on Grab or Bolt and offer the same rate or slightly higher to a taxi driver. Many drivers are very reasonable and just want to earn a little bit extra and will accept that price.

From the Airport: Airport Rail Link

But if you packed light or you’re flying solo, you might prefer to use the Airport Rail Link. This is part of Bangkok’s mass transit system. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s inexpensive, and it’ll take you straight into the city in about 20 to 30 minutes avoiding all the traffic jams here in Bangkok.

You can connect to the two main Light Rail networks in Bangkok with a transfer to the MRT Blue Line at Makkasan or the BTS Green Line at Phaya Thai, making it a great way to reach popular areas like Sukhumvit. The full journey to BTS Phaya Thai takes about 30 minutes, and trains run every 10 to 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.

This is the station for the Airport Rail Link the City Line. You’ll have signs guiding you all the way here from arrivals. To get a ticket, you can line up at the vending machine area or you can go to the ticket booth. Just make sure that you have some Thai baht, with tickets costing between 15 and 45 baht depending on how far you go.

You’ll get a blue token. This is an RFID token. You just have to tap it on the turnstile in order to enter the station. Make sure to keep it with you you’ll need it to exit. If you only have larger bills because you just exchanged money, you can stop off at the booth and get your ticket there as well.

Now when the train arrives, they actually do a security sweep prior to boarding, so you’re going to have to wait about a minute until the security guards walk through the trains. They’ll blow a whistle, and then you’ll be allowed to board the train.

Once you’re on the train, all stops will be announced in Thai and English, and I recommend using Google Maps throughout your journey as it will give you reliable directions.

Keep your blue token you’re going to need it to exit. Just put it in the slot in the turnstile. Nice and simple.

Traveling Between Airports

But Bangkok has two airports, and the second smaller airport is called Don Mueang. If you need to travel to the other main airport, Don Mueang, you have a shuttle bus that you can take here at the arrivals level. You’ll need to go to the desk here, bring your passport, bring your ticket, and you can hop on the shuttle bus. It’s free and it leaves every 15 to 30 minutes.

If you’re flying into Don Mueang, you can take a taxi or car from a ride-hailing app, or you can take the SRT Dark Red Line train, which is only a couple of stops away from the MRT Blue Line which runs into Central Bangkok.

The BTS Skytrain

Bangkok has two main commuter Light Rail networks: the BTS Skytrain and the MRT. Each network in Bangkok is independently operated, so you’ll need to buy separate tickets for each one. One-way fares range between 16 and 62 baht. When it comes to navigating stations, you’ll find English signs, maps, and staff to help you out.

Let’s get started with the BTS Skytrain. That’s centered here at Siam Station. This is Bangkok’s original two-line Skytrain, which opened all the way back in 1999. Siam Station is where the two lines of the BTS system connect. Because both lines are operated by the same company, you won’t need to buy a separate ticket when you transfer between them.

The Sukhumvit Line is the larger network with 47 stations, and you’ll find plenty of hotels, shopping, parks, restaurants, and nightlife along this line. The Silom Line is shorter with only 14 stops; it runs through Bangkok’s Central Business District, Sathorn. You have key interchange points to the MRT Blue Line at Asok, Morchit, Saladaeng, and Bangwa, and to the Chao Phraya River Ferry Network at Saphan Taksin.

Trains on both BTS lines run every 3 to 6 minutes with ticket offices open from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. Single fares on the BTS range from 14 to 62 baht, and you can buy tickets at vending machines or ticket booths.

Getting a ticket here at the BTS is very easy, but you’re going to want to bring some change with you because most of the vending machines are a little bit older and will only accept coins. Once you’ve paid, you’ll get a BTS card. We simply walk over and tap it on the turnstile. Keep your card with you you’ll need it to exit the station. If you lose your card, you’ll have to pay the full fare of 65 baht in order to exit.

When you need to leave the BTS station, have your card with you and you’re going to insert it into the turnstile in order to exit.

If you’re planning a busy day, consider getting a 150 baht one-day pass for unlimited rides. Or if you’re staying longer, a Rabbit Card offers a set number of trips at a fixed price regardless of the distance. To get a pass, you’ll need to go to a ticket booth and you’ll need to bring your passport with you.

The MRT Subway

Let’s explore Bangkok’s MRT. This is the underground subway system here in the city. It’s newer and it’s more extensive also very easy to use. It has four lines: Blue, Purple, Yellow, and Pink.

The Blue Line runs from Thapra to Lak Song, looping through Central Bangkok and connecting to major tourist destinations like Chatuchak Park for the weekend market, Wat Mangkon for Chinatown, and Sanam Chai for the Grand Palace.

The Purple Line is predominantly a suburban connection from Nonthaburi Province to Bangkok. The Yellow Line is also suburban and links Lat Phrao to Samrong. The Pink Line travels between Khae Rai and Min Buri, with key stops near the Thai Immigration Bureau in case you need to do a visa extension.

But unlike the BTS, each line requires a separate ticket, so you’ll need to buy a new ticket if you transfer from any of the four lines.

MRT trains run every 5 to 10 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, and tickets are 17 to 45 baht. As with the BTS, all the signs are in English very easy to navigate and you often have little shops and stores, restaurants. Got a Starbucks right over here next to me, although you cannot drink or eat on the subway trains.

Let’s go grab a ticket. I’ll show you the whole process here at the MRT. All of the vending machines will allow you to pay with bills. You’ll receive a small black circular token, and you have to tap it on the turnstile. Make sure to keep it with you you’ll need it to exit. If you lose it, you’ll have to pay a full fare of 45 baht in order to exit the station.

As you can see, I tapped it on the lower turnstile. The upper turnstile is only for credit cards. These trains get very busy during rush hour I’d avoid it if I were you.

We have our token here, and we’re going to insert it into the turnstile, and that’s it. Nice and simple.

With the MRT system here, you can also buy an MRT Cash Card at a ticket booth for quicker access if you’re staying for a little bit longer. I recommend you go to the booth and you get a cash card. You’ll need to bring your passport, and you’ll pay a 100 baht deposit to get the card. You can top it up, so you don’t have to buy a ticket every time you enter. It’s very easy to use always tap it on that lower card reader.

Here in the MRT, they often have whole little mini malls called Metro Mall. You can stop in for clothes, for food basically anything you might need.

BTS and MRT Tips and Etiquette

Before you hop on a train, there are a few rules and tips that you should be aware of when it comes to both the BTS and MRT.

First, eating, drinking, or smoking is forbidden on any of the trains or public transportation.

Second, offer your seat to monks, elderly people, pregnant women, or young children.

Third, avoid rush hour when possible. The busiest times on public transport are around 9:00 a.m. and 5 to 6:00 p.m., and it can get very crowded.

Fourth, keep small change handy. Some BTS vending machine stations only accept coins, and if you don’t have any, you’ll need to wait in a lengthy queue to get a ticket at the booth.

Fifth, remember there’s no unified ticketing system between the BTS, MRT, and Airport Rail Link, or between the four lines of the MRT. You’ll need to purchase a new ticket when transferring between systems.

Sixth, for longer stays, get a rechargeable smart card for the BTS or MRT to skip the ticket queues.

For accessibility, most stations have escalators and elevators, except for Saphan Taksin which only has stairs. And even the stations that have escalators often have a few steps before the escalator.

The Ferry Network

Now that we’ve covered the mass transit system here in Bangkok, if you want one of the most unique and scenic modes of transportation here in the city, you should check out the ferry network. We’re here on the Chao Phraya River. Personally, this is my favorite way to travel here in this city.

For a first timer, navigating Bangkok’s ferry network can seem intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that it’s not only an efficient way to travel but also an unforgettable experience.

The ferries are a major part of Bangkok’s transportation system. They stretch along the entire river with over 30 stops and easy access to major transportation hubs. Passengers can transfer to the BTS at Sathorn Pier or the MRT Blue Line at Rajini. The ferry piers offer convenient access to top tourist destinations like Khao San Road, Chinatown, the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and modern attractions like Icon Siam alongside plenty of smaller attractions at nearly every stop along the way.

Navigating the ferry system is easy once you understand the flag system, distinguished by the colored flags flown at the back of the boats.

Orange boats run all day, offering a flat fare of 16 baht. Express commuter ferries have four different flags: yellow, green, red, or golden, and run during rush hours, stopping only at main piers, with fares ranging from 14 to 33 baht depending on the flag and the distance traveled.

Blue flag tourist ferries are ideal for sightseeing. These large boats feature an observation deck. A one-way ticket costs 60 baht, or you can opt for an all-day hop-on, hop-off pass for 200 baht. If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, I recommend you book at least one trip on a blue flag tourist boat in order to take in all the beautiful sites.

Finally, you can take a Mine Smart Ferry, which offers a more modern and eco-friendly option. These battery-powered ferries run from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and cost 20 baht for a one-way trip with indoor, air-conditioned comfort.

If you just need to cross the river, you can take a crossing ferry, which is a small boat that only costs 4 baht.

I go to Rajini Pier. Blue flag that’s tourist boat, observation deck, 40 baht over to Rajini Pier. When you’re at the pier, just ask the staff everybody normally speaks English and can help you out. Now you can take the orange boat for cheaper, 16 baht, but you don’t get the views. The blue boat will give you the best views.

The Khlong (Canal) Ferries

Beyond the main river, Bangkok’s network of canals known as khlongs provide another fascinating way to explore the city. Bangkok’s canal system is extensive, and the khlong ferries are a true local experience.

The Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat is the most well-known service. This ferry runs parallel to Sukhumvit, and if you’re staying along Sukhumvit Road, you can skip the traffic this may be your fastest mode of transportation into Central Bangkok. The ferry costs between 10 and 32 baht depending on the distance traveled. You can normally buy your ticket on the ferry itself the conductor will approach you. Simply tell them your stop, make sure that you have some small change or bills because they can’t provide you with very much change, and keep that ticket as proof of payment.

As you’re departing the ferry, watch your step it’s a little bit bumpy, so if you have any mobility issues, be careful. But the staff will always help you get on and off, and it’s all very inexpensive. My journey from Asok to here at Pratunam was 14 baht.

The Bus Network

Many visitors to the city are hesitant to try the bus network, but with dozens of lines crisscrossing the city, this can be a cheap, comfortable, and convenient method of transportation. If you’re on a budget or you want a more local experience, a little bit of a bus adventure might be for you.

Most buses run from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and there are night buses as well. The red buses are the most common and cost around 7 to 8 baht. These are not air-conditioned, so be ready for some warm rides. But if you need some cool air, you’ll also spot blue buses. These are air-conditioned and charge between 10 and 24 baht depending on how far you travel.

In order to select the correct bus, each has a number displayed on the front, and that number determines its route. If you see a blue sign on the front of the bus, it’s following the regular route, but an orange sign means it’s taking the expressway, skipping stops to save time.

To catch a bus, simply wait at a bus stop with the correct number. When you see your bus approaching, wave to signal that you want to board. Once aboard, a conductor will come to you. Just tell them your destination or show it on Google Maps, and be sure to have small bills or coins as they can only provide small amounts of change. You can press a button to request a stop. Since tourists rarely use the buses, conductors are typically very helpful and will likely tell you when your stop is approaching in advance.

For navigating the bus system, Google Maps is invaluable. It will show you the best routes and the approximate arrival times. The ViaBus app is another great option for real-time tracking and schedules.

But for most tourists and expats, buses are more of a novelty, and you’ll likely end up using Bangkok’s many taxis and ride-hailing apps instead.

Tuktuks and Motorbike Taxis

We already covered taxis in Bangkok, and it’s important to note that there isn’t any difference between the different colored taxis. But when it comes to hitching a ride, you can also hail a tuktuk or a motorbike taxi. These vehicles offer a unique experience of the city, but it’s important to remember that neither of them has a meter, and you’ll need to negotiate the fare for both vehicles.

If you don’t establish a price before you start the journey, the driver will demand an exorbitant fare at the end of the ride.

Tuktuks are generally much more expensive than taxis, with fares that are typically 2 to 5 times higher than a metered taxi rate. You also need to be very cautious as tuktuk drivers are notorious for operating scams. As with taxis, never take any advice or follow recommendations from a tuktuk driver, and always pay with approximately the correct change.

But if you’ve always wanted to try a tuktuk but want to skip the haggling, you can use the Muvmi app, which lets you book a ride in advance for a stress-free experience.

If you want the fastest mode of transportation to navigate Bangkok’s gridlock traffic, motorbikes are a very inexpensive option, but this is definitely a much riskier form of transportation. Bangkok has a high rate of traffic accidents and deaths, and most of these involve motorbikes.

Official motorbike drivers wear orange vests and hang around at motorbike stands near the exits of MRT or BTS stations, malls, condos, and busy public areas. These drivers are much less likely to operate scams, but they are notorious for overcharging naive tourists, especially if you flag them down on the street.

If you want to take a motorbike, I strongly recommend ordering one using the ride-hailing apps. It’s generally cheaper, you won’t need to negotiate, and you won’t need to provide directions to the driver.

If you plan to order a motorbike on an app, always avoid setting the pickup location near a motorbike taxi stand, as there have been incidents of violence and intimidation, and many motorbike drivers won’t stop near a stand.