Best Ways To Travel In Bangkok
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a city of contrasts with its bustling nightlife, fantastic nature and centuries-long history. You can feast on delicious Thai cuisine, go on a shopping spree and spend an incredible night out at one of the local clubs and bars. However, the city of Bangkok is enormous which poses the question of transportation. Luckily, there are a few means of transportation you can choose from depending on your personal preference, budget and traveling distance. In this article, we will explore all the different kinds of Bangkok transport to help you find the right one for you. So, how to get around Bangkok?
BTS Skytrain is ultra-fast and modern way of transportation across the Thai capital. Even though the system only covers a portion of the city, it does run through the most popular parts of Bangkok. The system comprises two lines, Sukhumvit (light green) and Silom (dark green). The former starts from Khu Khot in the north and ends at Kheha, whereas the latter goes from the National Stadium all the way to the suburban Bang Wa in the south of the town. The lines do intersect at the central Siam station.
A single ticket to take the entire BTS Skytrain Bangkok system is $1.7 while a one-day full-access ticket is $4 per person. You can also acquire a Rabbit card that can be refilled at the station in case you want to avoid purchasing single tickets every time. Tickets can be bought at the machines at the station using coins and bills. However, if you are struggling to make a purchase using the machine, you can purchase it at the ticket booth.
If you are using BTS Bangkok to reach local markets, travel to the Mo Chit station for the large Chatuchak weekend market or go to Sala Daeng for the Patpong night market. Nightlife is also within the reach: head to the Nana station to access the red light district or Thong Lo to visit nightclubs and pubs. However, keep in mind that BTS stops operating around 12:30 am and opens again at 5:30 am.
With 45 stations, MRT Bangkok offers an easy way of getting around Bangkok to everyone in town. The entrances and exits are clearly marked, including Thai and English signs at the stations and inside the train. The MRT system entails two lines: the Blue Line and the Purple Line. The Purple line operates in the Northwest of the city, starting at Khlong Bang Phai and ending at Tao Poon, whereas the Blue line extends it and continues to the Southwest through the entire city center with the endstation at Lak Song.
The ticketing system can be a bit complicated and offers different fares depending on the length of the journey. While traveling one station will cost you only $0.46, going up or down one line is $1.2 per person and using both lines adds up to $2. You can also purchase daily passes if you are going to take multiple trips across the city.
The MRT trains operate from 6 am to midnight and run through the entire city, including Chinatown, Old City and modern parts of Bangkok. There are three intersection stations between MRT and BTS: Lat Phrao and Mo Chit in the north as well as Sala Daeng in the south.
Probably the best way to get around Bangkok, tuktuks are the face of Thailand and every tourist should take a ride at least once to experience the town on this three-wheeled vehicle. Tuktuks were designed to replace the cycle rickshaws which were quite hazardous on the wide and busy streets of Bangkok. Despite the common belief, tuktuks in Bangkok are not only used by tourists but also by locals.
The fare depends on the length of the journey, traffic, area and your negotiating skills. However, a short ride should not cost more than $1.2 to $1.5. Especially at nighttime when both train systems are shut down, a quick tuktuk ride through the streets of lit-up Bangkok will be breezy and scenic.
Before starting the journey, negotiate the price of the ride but expect to haggle. The driver is likely to overcharge you, especially if you look like a tourist and don’t speak the Thai language. While in the vehicle, hold on tight to your belongings to make sure bag snatchers do not rip your bag out of your hands. Additionally, consider taking a tuktuk tour in Bangkok to roam the city and try local street food.
An exciting way to reach places in Bangkok is by taking a boat. There are two river taxi Bangkok systems, including the Chao Phraya river ferry and the canal ferry. You can access the schedule and map online to learn where and when you can travel across the town. Another option is taking tourist boats but they tend to be more expensive and aren’t commonly used as a means of public transportation. The boats operate from 5 am to 7 pm and fly a black flag during their last ride indicating the end of the service for the day.
The types of boats are distinguished by different flags: blue, orange, yellow, green and no flag at all. Depending on the boat, expect to pay between 35 cents to $1.44 per person. The tickets can be purchased right at the port using ticket machines.
When boarding a boat in Bangkok, make sure you are traveling in the right direction as the same pier accommodates boat rides both ways. Avoid standing near the exit at all times as you might get pushed around or even pickpocketed.
Songthaews (pronunciation similar to song-tail) are small-sized pickup trucks commonly used in Thailand as unofficial means of transportation. Popular among locals and tourists, songthaews are cheap, fast and convenient. In some areas, they come with signs indicating their routes while in others they are distinguished by colors. Either way, make sure to ask the driver whether you are going in the right direction to avoid confusion.
Songthaew fares are extremely cheap and range from 30 to 80 cents per person. Larger groups can rent a songthaew as a non-shared taxi for an average rate of $4-5 per ride.
Unfortunately, songthaews in Bangkok are not the safest type of transportation as they lack seat belts or any other safety gear, including airbags. Make sure you are sitting tight and holding on to a handle. Sometimes they are so crowded that people stand outside or even hang outside of the vehicle, however, it is not recommended to try that.
Although buses are the least popular and convenient form of transportation, quite a few of them operate all night long. If you have partied out till the middle of the night and do not have money left for a taxi or tuktuk, a bus could be a reasonable option. Some bus stops in tourist areas have information in the English language but outside of them, you may have a hard time understanding the system. Make sure to ask the conductor whether you are going in the right direction.
The bus fares range from 30 to 90 cents for air-conditioned and 25 cents for non-airconditioned buses, offering you a practically free tour of the city. Don’t worry, vehicles without air-con usually keep their windows and even doors open so you are unlikely to be hot.
Whenever you are getting on and off the public bus in Bangkok, be sure to make it painfully obvious as local drivers are notorious for their neglect. Besides that, keep your belongings close to your body as pickpocketers are known to operate on buses, especially the non-aircon ones.
You will see taxis everywhere across Bangkok offering rides to tourists and locals. Keep in mind that taxi drivers are supposed to use the meter to calculate the fare total. If they refuse, leave the vehicle as you may end up with a much larger bill.
The starting price on the meter is usually $1 and the sum increases much slower compared to Western countries. Have the amount prepared and avoid paying large bills as the driver is unlikely to have change. Although tipping is not a requirement, it is customary to leave a 5 to 10% tip for your driver.
Hailing a cab in the middle of the city can be quite dangerous, especially for women. To ensure somewhat safety, take a photo of the license plate and the driver’s ID card before you get into the vehicle. If you left your belongings in the car, call 1644 which is a service for lost items.
Motorbikes are ubiquitous in Bangkok and the entire Southeast Asian region. Motorbike taxis are an ingenious substitute for a classic cab as they are much cheaper, more maneuverable and allow for a fresh and breezy ride. You will find a motorbike taxi available everywhere in town, especially in tourist areas.
The exact price is contingent on the distance and should be negotiated before you hop on the bike. Since there is no meter on the bike, be sure to agree upon a concrete amount. For a short two-three kilometers ride, expect to pay around $1 to $1.2.
Always ask for a helmet as in case the police stop you and you are not wearing one, you are the one who will be fined. Also, take safety precautions and grab on the back seat of the bike to stay on top whenever the driver speeds up.
Hopefully, our little guide helped you to decide how to travel in Bangkok. A colorful and thriving city full of fun adventures and delicious treats, the Thai capital will astonish every visitor. Choose Bangkok public transport that fits your wallet and plans and stay safe. If you would like to explore this wonderful city and learn more about it, join tours in Bangkok.
BTS Skytrain in Bangkok
BTS Skytrain is ultra-fast and modern way of transportation across the Thai capital. Even though the system only covers a portion of the city, it does run through the most popular parts of Bangkok. The system comprises two lines, Sukhumvit (light green) and Silom (dark green). The former starts from Khu Khot in the north and ends at Kheha, whereas the latter goes from the National Stadium all the way to the suburban Bang Wa in the south of the town. The lines do intersect at the central Siam station.
Pricing
A single ticket to take the entire BTS Skytrain Bangkok system is $1.7 while a one-day full-access ticket is $4 per person. You can also acquire a Rabbit card that can be refilled at the station in case you want to avoid purchasing single tickets every time. Tickets can be bought at the machines at the station using coins and bills. However, if you are struggling to make a purchase using the machine, you can purchase it at the ticket booth.
Tips
If you are using BTS Bangkok to reach local markets, travel to the Mo Chit station for the large Chatuchak weekend market or go to Sala Daeng for the Patpong night market. Nightlife is also within the reach: head to the Nana station to access the red light district or Thong Lo to visit nightclubs and pubs. However, keep in mind that BTS stops operating around 12:30 am and opens again at 5:30 am.
Bangkok MRT Metro
With 45 stations, MRT Bangkok offers an easy way of getting around Bangkok to everyone in town. The entrances and exits are clearly marked, including Thai and English signs at the stations and inside the train. The MRT system entails two lines: the Blue Line and the Purple Line. The Purple line operates in the Northwest of the city, starting at Khlong Bang Phai and ending at Tao Poon, whereas the Blue line extends it and continues to the Southwest through the entire city center with the endstation at Lak Song.
Pricing
The ticketing system can be a bit complicated and offers different fares depending on the length of the journey. While traveling one station will cost you only $0.46, going up or down one line is $1.2 per person and using both lines adds up to $2. You can also purchase daily passes if you are going to take multiple trips across the city.
Tips
The MRT trains operate from 6 am to midnight and run through the entire city, including Chinatown, Old City and modern parts of Bangkok. There are three intersection stations between MRT and BTS: Lat Phrao and Mo Chit in the north as well as Sala Daeng in the south.
Tuk Tuk in Bangkok
Probably the best way to get around Bangkok, tuktuks are the face of Thailand and every tourist should take a ride at least once to experience the town on this three-wheeled vehicle. Tuktuks were designed to replace the cycle rickshaws which were quite hazardous on the wide and busy streets of Bangkok. Despite the common belief, tuktuks in Bangkok are not only used by tourists but also by locals.
Pricing
The fare depends on the length of the journey, traffic, area and your negotiating skills. However, a short ride should not cost more than $1.2 to $1.5. Especially at nighttime when both train systems are shut down, a quick tuktuk ride through the streets of lit-up Bangkok will be breezy and scenic.
Tips
Before starting the journey, negotiate the price of the ride but expect to haggle. The driver is likely to overcharge you, especially if you look like a tourist and don’t speak the Thai language. While in the vehicle, hold on tight to your belongings to make sure bag snatchers do not rip your bag out of your hands. Additionally, consider taking a tuktuk tour in Bangkok to roam the city and try local street food.
Boat in Bangkok
An exciting way to reach places in Bangkok is by taking a boat. There are two river taxi Bangkok systems, including the Chao Phraya river ferry and the canal ferry. You can access the schedule and map online to learn where and when you can travel across the town. Another option is taking tourist boats but they tend to be more expensive and aren’t commonly used as a means of public transportation. The boats operate from 5 am to 7 pm and fly a black flag during their last ride indicating the end of the service for the day.
Pricing
The types of boats are distinguished by different flags: blue, orange, yellow, green and no flag at all. Depending on the boat, expect to pay between 35 cents to $1.44 per person. The tickets can be purchased right at the port using ticket machines.
Tips
When boarding a boat in Bangkok, make sure you are traveling in the right direction as the same pier accommodates boat rides both ways. Avoid standing near the exit at all times as you might get pushed around or even pickpocketed.
Bangkok Songthaew
Songthaews (pronunciation similar to song-tail) are small-sized pickup trucks commonly used in Thailand as unofficial means of transportation. Popular among locals and tourists, songthaews are cheap, fast and convenient. In some areas, they come with signs indicating their routes while in others they are distinguished by colors. Either way, make sure to ask the driver whether you are going in the right direction to avoid confusion.
Pricing
Songthaew fares are extremely cheap and range from 30 to 80 cents per person. Larger groups can rent a songthaew as a non-shared taxi for an average rate of $4-5 per ride.
Tips
Unfortunately, songthaews in Bangkok are not the safest type of transportation as they lack seat belts or any other safety gear, including airbags. Make sure you are sitting tight and holding on to a handle. Sometimes they are so crowded that people stand outside or even hang outside of the vehicle, however, it is not recommended to try that.
Public Bus Bangkok
Although buses are the least popular and convenient form of transportation, quite a few of them operate all night long. If you have partied out till the middle of the night and do not have money left for a taxi or tuktuk, a bus could be a reasonable option. Some bus stops in tourist areas have information in the English language but outside of them, you may have a hard time understanding the system. Make sure to ask the conductor whether you are going in the right direction.
Pricing
The bus fares range from 30 to 90 cents for air-conditioned and 25 cents for non-airconditioned buses, offering you a practically free tour of the city. Don’t worry, vehicles without air-con usually keep their windows and even doors open so you are unlikely to be hot.
Tips
Whenever you are getting on and off the public bus in Bangkok, be sure to make it painfully obvious as local drivers are notorious for their neglect. Besides that, keep your belongings close to your body as pickpocketers are known to operate on buses, especially the non-aircon ones.
Bangkok Taxi
You will see taxis everywhere across Bangkok offering rides to tourists and locals. Keep in mind that taxi drivers are supposed to use the meter to calculate the fare total. If they refuse, leave the vehicle as you may end up with a much larger bill.
Pricing
The starting price on the meter is usually $1 and the sum increases much slower compared to Western countries. Have the amount prepared and avoid paying large bills as the driver is unlikely to have change. Although tipping is not a requirement, it is customary to leave a 5 to 10% tip for your driver.
Tips
Hailing a cab in the middle of the city can be quite dangerous, especially for women. To ensure somewhat safety, take a photo of the license plate and the driver’s ID card before you get into the vehicle. If you left your belongings in the car, call 1644 which is a service for lost items.
Motorbike Taxi in Bangkok
Motorbikes are ubiquitous in Bangkok and the entire Southeast Asian region. Motorbike taxis are an ingenious substitute for a classic cab as they are much cheaper, more maneuverable and allow for a fresh and breezy ride. You will find a motorbike taxi available everywhere in town, especially in tourist areas.
Pricing
The exact price is contingent on the distance and should be negotiated before you hop on the bike. Since there is no meter on the bike, be sure to agree upon a concrete amount. For a short two-three kilometers ride, expect to pay around $1 to $1.2.
Tips
Always ask for a helmet as in case the police stop you and you are not wearing one, you are the one who will be fined. Also, take safety precautions and grab on the back seat of the bike to stay on top whenever the driver speeds up.
Hopefully, our little guide helped you to decide how to travel in Bangkok. A colorful and thriving city full of fun adventures and delicious treats, the Thai capital will astonish every visitor. Choose Bangkok public transport that fits your wallet and plans and stay safe. If you would like to explore this wonderful city and learn more about it, join tours in Bangkok.
