Getting around Bangkok

By Uber

Uber has become a popular way of getting around the city of Bangkok and is a cheaper option to a taxi. The Uber app is easy to use and operates 100% from your smart phone with charges to your credit card on file so it is a cashless experience and also helps avoid the translation barrier and bartering over fares. Uber BKK, UberX and UberBlack are all services available in Bangkok.

By BTS Skytrain

The BTS Skytrain is undoubtedly the swiftest and easiest way to get around town; an elevated rapid train system that is a cheap, clean, fast and scenic way to see the city. There are two lines, the Silom Line that runs west to south and the Sukhumbit line with runs from north to east, the two lines meet at Siam Station and interconnect at two points with the underground MRT. Trains are available every 3 – 6 minutes between 6:30am and midnight with the last train leaving between 11:30pm and 11:50pm. The fares start around 15 baht (around .45 c) for one stop and passes are available. Trains can get pretty full during rush hour (7am – 9am and 4pm – 7pm).

By Bangkok MRT

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the underground metro system offered in the city, a fast and efficient way to get around servicing 18 stations and covering over 12 miles of track. Connecting you to the main shopping and entertainment areas of the city it is a cheap option to get to the attractions. The service runs between 6:30am and midnight and can be crowded during rush hour; the trains run every 5 – 7 minutes and connect to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit and Silom stations. Tokens are used for ticketing and a single fare costs approximately 16 baht (around .45c) up to 40 baht (around $1.15) children under 14 and less than 3ft ride for free.

BTS Rabbit Card

A BTS Rabbit card is available and can be used to access all stations, a one day pass is a good idea for anyone planning to do a lot of hopping on and off for a full day. Fares start at 15 baht per one stop and one day pass within the duration of a single day with unlimited travel for 120 baht. For more information contact the BTS hotline (tel. +66 (0)2 617 7300).

By Airport Link

The Airport Rail Link – The train service operates daily between 6am – midnight and connects downtown Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi International Airport. It makes six stops between downtown (Phayathai Station) and the airport completing each journey in 30 minutes. Trains leave every 15 minutes and the cost from the airport to Phayathai costs around 45 baht. The link connects you to the MRT underground Makkasan City Interchange Station and the BTS Skytrain (where you will need to purchase new tickets) at Phayathai Station. You can find the entrance to the Airport Rail Link on the first floor at the airport. Single trip tokens are used to travel on the rail link, automatic token dispensers can be found at every station, select your destination, the number of passengers and your fare will be automatically calculated based on your information. The machines accept both coins and bills.

By River Bus

River buses are an extensive water transport system serving passengers crossing or traveling along the Chao Phraya River. It is a spectacular way to get around the many waterways in Bangkok. Providing a great view of the majestic sites and attractions that line the river on the banks of the Chao Phraya. Another charming way to see the city nicknamed `Venice of the East`.

By Motorbike Taxi

A motorcycle taxi is a common form of public transportation in Bangkok. They provide fast transport for one person taking short trips. The bikers are easily recognizable as the gather in groups wearing numbered orange vests.

Bangkok FAQ

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

Bangkok is served by two airports; Suvarnabhumi International Airport which is the main airport where most international flights are serviced and Don Muang Airport which is considered the old airport servicing mostly domestic flights and some international flights with Air Asia, both are located about 20 miles from the city center.

If you have not booked a private transfer through us there are a number of forms of transportation available from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the Don Muang Airport to your hotel. There are plenty of options to get into the city from Suvarnabhumi Airport, most opt for the Airport Rail Link as it is the fastest way to get in to downtown or taxis. There are buses which can be complicated to navigate and rental cars are available but driving in Bangkok with the traffic is not advisable. The Don Muang airport offers trains, shuttle bus and taxis into the city.

What types of transportation can I find at the airport?

Suvarnabhumi International airport offers the following forms of transportation:

The Airport Rail Link The train service operates daily between 6am – midnight and connects downtown Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi International Airport. It makes six stops between downtown (Phayathai Station) and the airport completing each journey in 30 minutes. Trains leave every 15 minutes and the cost from the airport to Phayathai is around 45 baht ($1.30). The link connects you to the MRT underground Makkasan City Interchange Station and the BTS Skytrain (where you will need to purchase new tickets) at Phayathai Station. You can find the entrance to the Airport Rail Link on the first floor at the airport. Single trip tokens are used to travel on the rail link, automatic token dispensers can be found at every station, select your destination, the number of passengers and your fare will be automatically calculated based on your information. The machines accept both coins and bills

Here is the route for the Airport Rail Link SA City Line – Starts at Phayathai Station (downtown Bangkok) – Rathchaprarop – Makkasan – Ramkhamhaeng – Hua Mark – Ban Thap Chang – Lat Krabang – Suvarnabhumi Airport ends. The Airport Rail Link SA City Line begins at Phayathai Station in downtown Bangkok. – SA City Line – 45 Baht ($1.30).

Taxi – A taxi is the most popular way to get into the city and the most convenient in terms of door to door service. Taxi`s offer a 24 hour service, all vehicles must be less than 5 years old to service the airport and drivers must be certified. The Public Taxi desk can be found on the first floor (one floor down from arrivals), ignore all other vehicles offering taxi services outside of this area. Taxi`s run on meters, be sure to check that the meter is turned on when you get into your taxi, typical costs are between 250 – 400 baht this should include the metered fare, surcharges and tolls depending on the distance traveled and traffic conditions. The average fares are around 300 – 500 baht to most inner city destinations and the average travel time is 30 – 45 minutes. Keep in mind when hailing a taxi, it is common to keep your hand horizontal with your fingers facing down. Holding your hand with your fingers facing up is considered rude.

Bus – Take the free shuttle bus from the second floor, gate 5 to the Public Transportation Center on site, from there The BMTA public bus lines are 550:Suvarnabhumi to Bang Kapi, 553:Suvarnabhumi to Samut Prakan, 554:Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang Airport, 555:Suvarnabhumito Rangsit, 558:Suvarnabhumi to Central Rama 2. Local bus fares cost approximately 12 – 6 baht (.35c).

The Shuttle bus that runs between Suvarnabhumi Airport and DonMuang Airport is free and runs every hour between 5am – 11pm. You will need to show your flight ticket to get on board.

Don Muang Airport offers the following forms of transportation:

Taxi – Stands are located on the pavement outside of the arrivals area and the easiest way to get into the city and the only option offered after 11pm. The average cost for a ride to the city is roughly 250 baht ($7) depending on traffic.

Train – The Don Muang train station is located across a covered overpass connected to the airport, a ticket to Hualamphong Train Station in Central Bangkok costs about 20 baht (.60c) the trip is at least an hour long, this is the cheapest way to travel from the airport but schedules are erratic, passenger cars can be run down and are pretty empty late at night.

Shuttle bus – The service between Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports is free. At peak hours the train runs every 30 minutes and the journey takes around an hour, depending on traffic. To find the bus stop turn left outside the terminal building where the taxis are and walk toward the end of the building.

Bus – Follow the signs toward the bus stop, it will be located on the right hand side of the airport (north of the airport) situated along the highway. Visitors have reported difficulty using the bus systems due to the lack of English speaking drivers, it is a good idea to have your destination written down in Thai script and show it to the driver.

How do I get from the train station to my hotel?

The main train station is Hua Lamphong or Bangkok Train station located on Rama 4 Road in the center of the city with easy access to areas such as Silom, Chao Phraya River, Chinatown and Sukhumvit. The station connects to the MRT (subway) system and the Chao Phraya River Taxi is a short walk through Chinatown to Tha Ratchawong Pier. Taxi stands are located at the left of the platforms and bus stops can be found next to and across from the station.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

The city of Bangkok is surprisingly easy to navigate your way around with many forms of modern public transportation. The easiest and most convenient ways to get around the city are taxis, the Skytrain, buses, Uber and tuk tuks.

Taxis in Bangkok are brightly colored and can be found around hotels, shopping malls and other tourist attraction, a glowing red vacant light shows when they are available for a ride. Fares start at 35 baht ($1), the meter should show this amount when you get on board. A taxi is the best means of transport after midnight as the Skytrain and Subway do not operate at this time.

The BTS Skytrain is an efficient rail system offering a convenient way to navigate around the city connecting the main shopping, entertainment and business areas of the city. Train stations are well marked throughout the city, the trains run frequently with little or no wait times. However the train does not go everywhere so you may still need to grab a taxi or a tuk tuk to connect to your final destination. There are two lines that run BTS – Silom line runs west to south and Sukhumvit line runs north to east from Mo Chit to Bearing, the lines meet at Siam Station. Fares start around 15 baht (.15c) for one stop or a single day pass for multiple stops for a single day costs approximately 120 baht ($3.50).

The MRT network (Mass Rapid Transit) is fast and efficient subway service with over 18 stations covering over 12 miles of track and runs from Hua Lamphong in the south (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north and also connects to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit and Silom stations. The trains run every 5 – 7 minutes.

There are many buses available in the city and the routes can be very extensive and confusing to first time riders. Be sure to get a copy of the MBTA map (available from most bus stations) as it will come in handy and be sure to pay attention to the bus number, the type of bus and the color. Buses run from 5am – 11pm daily and cost anywhere from 7 – 20 baht (.60c) depending on the type of bus and the distance traveled.

The Chao Phraya Express boats is a great way to experience Bangkok the boats run along the river in both directions and leave every 20 minutes during non peak hours and about every 5 minutes during peak hours. The Orange flag boat is the only boat that runs from morning till evening and is a great way to get to Grand Palace at Ta Change Pier.

Tuk Tuks are a fun way to see the city but are not recommended to use as a form of daily transportation as they are not a practical way to get around. But it is worth at least one trip experience to ride of one of Bangkok`s most recognizable transportation features. Normally a short trip will cost approximately 30 baht (.85c) and haggling is a must as drivers tend to inflate the rates if you are a tourist!Uber – A preferred mode of transport in Bangkok, super easy and cheap as you don’t have to agree on a price or try to communicate where you are going. The estimated cost for a 7 mile journey is around 90 baht ($7).

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Is Bangkok a walking city?

The city itself is not a great walking city due to the extreme temperatures and humidity, busy traffic, crammed and poorly constructed sidewalks and pollution! You can walk to certain destinations and walking around the popular streets and markets is doable but it is recommended to use public transportation to get to the bigger destinations located around the city.

Is Bangkok a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?

The city is one of the most visited destinations in the world with a very high level of safety but travelers should be aware of certain scams that take place in the city with tourists as the main target. Use precautions and common sense pickpockets are found in high traffic areas and tend to strike if you are not paying attention, be sure to secure your valuables and remain aware of your surroundings when you are out sightseeing.

A common scam is the `pen` scam where an individual will start a conversation with you, asking for information and will ask you for a pen, a second thief will then attempt to snatch your bag when you reach in for a pen, take caution with strangers that approach you and start up conversations. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket, be sure to have a purse with a zipper and keep it secured under your arm or over your shoulder with a strap in case anyone tries to snatch it.

Beware of another scam that takes place in the city and especially outside of the Golden Palace, a perpetrator will try to sell different jewels to male tourists advising them it is part of the Thai custom to buy the woman in his life different jewels these are fake gems and jewels.

Another common scam is when someone approaches you and says that `this attraction is closed today` for some fake reason, they will then proceed to offer to show you other attractions and take you there for a certain price.

When using taxis in the city remember that no matter what color or time it is the taxi should always have the meter on, if a driver offers you a fixed rate it is not a scam but will be a much higher price than the metered price.

A common scam in the Pat Pong area at night is geared towards taking advantage of male tourists in the gogo bar area. A man approaches you with `The Menu` which offers a list of services offered and tells you to follow him, this is a scam and you will normally be lead upstairs to a no name establishment and charged an arm and a leg for a drink & no entertainment.

What are some popular areas for shopping?

Bangkok is by far a shopper`s paradise with so many different shopping malls, markets and streets offering a wide variety of goods and souvenirs throughout the day and night there is a shopping experience for everyone in the famous shopping city. Central World, MBK and Terminal 21 are just a few of the big shopping malls. If you are looking for markets the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the ultimate place to be! The sprawling size and variety of goods here will amaze you! Nighttime markets are popular in the city they say never sleeps, Khao San Road and the Patpong Markets come alive at dusk! Also popular and a something to experience are the floating markets where you can witness little boats filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, local food cooked on floating kitchens! Damnoen Saduak and Chan Market are a few of the popular ones. Bangkok also has a flower market (Pak Klong Talad) which is the biggest market of its kind in the city, where you can find many varieties of beautiful fresh flowers for amazing prices.

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The Thai Baht is the currency used in Bangkok and you will need to exchange your dollars to Baht. Try to avoid major banks and popular tourist areas as you tend to get the worst exchange rates. Super Rich is the most famous money exchange company in Bangkok with several branches across the city; you must have your passport with you to exchange money in Bangkok. Tipping is not a common practice in Thailand and is not customary. There is no requirement to tip but small gratuities for great service are appreciated, and most restaurants and hotels will include a 10% service charge on your bill.

For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Thailand by clicking here Thailand

Is there a certain dress code when visiting temples?

Visitors should dress conservatively particularly women, it is advised to wear long skirts or pants, be sure to cover your shoulders and knees. When entering temples always remove your shoes and do not sit with your feet toward a Buddha, sit either with your legs crossed or with your feet tucked under you. Feet are considered the lowest, dirtiest part of the body. Woman should never touch a monk.

What is the food like?

A traditional Thai meal consists of soup and a curry dish, salad, a fried dish and desserts. It is normally served all at once not in courses like we do in America. Thai people commonly eat spicy foods for breakfast and most prefer a quick and easy lunch like grilled pork with sticky rice which is their equivalent to a sandwich. They eat three main meals a day and have a habit of `gin len` snacking between meals. Bangkok offers a plethora of dining options from the illustrious street food vendors, markets with food options and fresh produce to supreme international cuisine at posh restaurants or junk food to remind you of home! The city is fanatical about its food.

What is the nightlife like?

Bangkok used to be known for its notorious naughty night life featuring go-go bars, clubbing and lady boy shows! The city has evolved over the years and offers a chic cosmopolitan glow! It emphasizes on more swanky establishments such as rooftop bars, slinky jazz lounges, hip cocktail bars and romantic river cruises.

I don`t speak Thai will there be many people who speak English?

The spoken language in Thailand is Thai. Most Thais in Bangkok can speak and understand English especially those working in the service industry.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

The two major hospitals are Bumrungrad Hospital and Bangkok Nursing Hospital. Numbers for emergency services are: Ambulance, 1669. Police, 191, Tourist Police 1155

Top Attractions

Grand Palace

It was the residence of the Thai King for 150 years and is the city`s most famous landmark set in the center of Bangkok.

Temple of the Dawn

Its beautiful architectural design is made up of colorful glass decorated spires with its soaring golden tower standing at 230 ft high. 

National Museum Bangkok

It features the largest collection of Thai history and art, set between the National Theater and Thammasat.

Unique Experiences

Afternoon Tea at Sofitel So Bangkok: Of the savoury part, the selection includes miniature delicacies such as a pretzel with hand-carved Parma ham filling; bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese and fresh dill; egg mimosa roll; cheese and mixed nut puff; vegetarian wrap etc.

Amazing Bangkok Tour with Royal Grand Palace And Wat Phra Kaew: Explore the Grand Palace which was the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held every year.

Ayutthaya Temples and River Cruise from Bangkok: Visit the Ayutthaya temples on a cultural day trip from Bangkok. The tour to the ancient capital of Siam includes a trip by riverboat with close-up views of the temples and historic sites that line the Chao Phraya River.

Amphawa Floating Market Tour with Maeklong Railway Market (SHA Plus): Amphawa is one of the most popular floating market near Bangkok, with visitors almost exclusively Thai. It has become such a magnet for Thai weekenders.

Bangkok at Night by Electric Scooter: Ride through the fascinating streets of Bangkok on an electric scooter to see the unseen temples, local food markets, and spectacular buildings. Try street food on a unique guided tour.

What to expect while traveling