Bangkok Transportation

Getting Around in Bangkok

 Tuk Tuk

Tuk-tuks or 'sam lor' (three-wheeled) used to be everyone's favourite way of getting around Bangkok before the BTS, MRT and colourful taxis took over. Originating from an old-fashioned rickshaw during the second World War, a tuk-tuk is essentially a rickshaw with a small engine fitted in.

Tuk-tuks have become one of Bangkok's most recognisable transportation features, and are still popular among tourists and visitors. Riding a tuk-tuk is more of an experience rather than a practical way to get around. So, if it's your first time in The Big Mango, there's no harm in giving it a go. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you wave one down:

- Fares vary, depending on the distance travelled, the time of the day, the traffic, and the mood of the drivers. Normally a very short trip will cost 30 baht.

- Fare negotiating and haggling is a must because the price named by the driver is always an 'inflated rate' (especially if you're a tourist). The trick is to negotiate 5 - 15 baht off the proposed fare, and take it from there.

- Be careful of the 'mafia' tuk-tuks around touristy areas, who often boasts privileged knowledge of 'secret' or 'special' shopping places and things. Some of them may offer sightseeing tours and unsolicited help to take you places. A short and sweet "no, thanks" will save you from their scams. The same rule applies to taxis.

- Avoid taking a tuk-tuk during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00). You don't want to be stuck in traffic for hours, sweating and breathing in the hazardous fumes from engines all around you.

- Tuk-tuks are most ideal for short trips. (Sometimes it would cost the same, or even cheaper, to take a cab to the same destination.

Taxi

Besides the BTS and MRT, the easiest and most convenient way to get around Bangkok is by taxi. Most taxis are new, spacious and, in addition to the traditional green-yellow and red-blue, they also come in funky colours like bright orange, red and even pink. Finding a taxi is not a hassle, especially around hotels, shopping malls and other tourist attractions.
However, you're in for a really long wait when it rains, and during rush hours. The fare starts at 35 baht, and stays there for the first two kilometres. Thereafter, the fare gradually works its way up with 2 baht at a time (roughly per kilometre). A surcharge applies in traffic jams (1.25 baht per metre when moving under 6 km per hour). Typical taxi fares for going a few kilometres are around 50 baht. Communication can be a problem with the majority of Bangkok's taxi drivers as they often speak little English. Improvise, and be imaginative.
Overall, there's never a shortage of taxis in a city that never sleeps. They're cheap and available virtually 24 hours a day. Meter taxis now predominate, but sometimes you may have to politely ask them to switch the meter on to save negotiating later. Since taxis are cheap and the drivers work all hours in traffic that is legendary, a small tip is often appreciated.

 Motorbike Taxi

Indeed, one of the fastest ways to get around town when you're a solitary traveller is to jump on a motorbike taxi. By being able to dodge the almost constant gridlock and dart in and out between cars and buses, motorbikes are a quick way to get around, especially during rush hours. Considering Bangkok's notorious traffic conditions, it is probably also the most dangerous! Despite the immediate hazards - fearless motorbike taxi drivers will do anything to get you to your destination quickly, even if it means driving on sidewalks or in the opposing traffic lane! - many brave passengers opt for the two-wheeled vehicles to take them all over town.
Motorbike taxi drivers are easily recognised. Wearing numbered orange vests, groups of motorbike drivers can be spotted congregating in groups near street corners of office or shopping buildings, busy roads, smaller 'sois' (streets), and near Skytrain and underground stations. Fares will start from 10 baht for short journeys, and varies depending on how far you go. For certain routes, the fare will be fixed, and you'll sometimes see a board displaying prices. But make sure you negotiate prior to the journey, or else you might find yourself paying more than the locals. Always wear a safety helmet - not only for obvious reasons, but because foreigners are easy targets for spot fines (up to 1,000 baht, depending on the mood of the traffic officer).

 Bangkok Skytrain

The BTS is undoubtedly the swiftest way to get around. It's a cheap, smooth, cool, clean, fast and scenic way to enjoy Bangkok. Major shopping malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, all Sukhumvit Road's attractions, and even the riverside are accessible by Skytrain.
Note that Service runs between 06:30 and midnight, and the trains can be packed during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00 and 16:00 - 19:00).

Bangkok Airport Train

The much-awaited Airport Rail Link (06:00-midnight) that connects downtown Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a smart alternative to the airport’s express buses or taxis. The two SA Express routes can get you to the airport (or downtown) in 15-18 minutes, so rest assured that you will make it to the boarding gate right on time. The City Line makes six stops between downtown (Phayathai Station) and the airport, completing each run in 30 minutes, which is also a great option for those with little luggage and who are not in a rush.
The Airport Rail Link connects you to the MRT underground at Makkasan City Interchange Station (MRT Petchaburi Station) and the BTS Skytrain at Phayathai Station. If you travel via Thai Airways International or Bangkok Airways, you can also check in your luggage at Makkasan.
From Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi), the entrance to the Airport Rail Link service is on the First Floor.

Bangkok MRT (Underground)

Fast and efficient, the Mass Rapid Transit network (MRT) serves 18 stations and stretches for 20 km in a horseshoe shape from Hua Lamphong in the South (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north. Trains arrive every 5-7 minutes, and connect to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit and Silom stations.
Stops of particular interest to visitors include Kampaengphet (Chatuchak Weekend Market, Or Tor Kor Market and Rod Fai Market), Sukhumvit (Asok BTS Skytrain), Silom (Saladaeng BTS Skytrain, Pat Pong Night Market and Lumpini Park) and Hua Lamphong (Chinatown and Central Railway Station). The Petchaburi Station is about 300m from the Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan Interchange Station, where you can board the express train to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Bangkok Train Station

Hua Lamphong Railway Station

 Hua Lamphong, or Bangkok Train Station, is the main terminal to northern, eastern, northeastern and southern Thailand. It connects with the MRT underground system and features a distinct half-dome structure, designed by an Italian architect Mario Tamagno in an Italian neo-renaissance style.
Open in 1916, Hua Lamphong boasts an elegant design, similar to several government buildings and public monuments built during the same period, such as the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, The Bank of Thailand Museum and Parliament building – all designed by the same architect.

Buses in Bangkok

Buses in Bangkok provide an incredibly cheap way to travel from one side of the city to another. It's also a great way to see the real Bangkok you don't often see if you're traveling by other means of transportation. Although buses give you a ringside seat to experience and observe the locals and the city, they're not the most favourite means of getting around. Obnoxious drivers, aggressive bus conductors, bad traffic, pollution and sweaty fellow passengers are some of the things you will inevitably encounter. But this is real, hardcore Bangkok.

Types of Buses & Fares

There are many types of buses available in Bangkok. Bus routes are very extensive too, and can be mind-boggling to first-timers. Make sure you first equip yourself with the MBTA map (available at most bus terminals). When in doubt, ask a local, or policemen, or call the '184' BMTA Hotline for assistance. Most buses (except for the all-night ones) run from 05:00 to 23:00 daily. Regular buses cost 7 baht (cream-red), and 8 baht (white-blue). Expressway buses costs 8.5 baht. Air-conditioned buses (cream-blue) cost from 9 to 19 baht (depending on the distance travelled). All-night buses (cream-red) are 8 baht. EURO II buses (yellow-orange) cost anything between 12 to 22 baht, depending on the distance travelled.

How to take a Bus: Useful tips

Since destinations on the majority of the city's buses are written in Thai, the best way for visitors to figure out which bus goes where is by the bus number, the type of bus and its colours. The BMTA bus map also comes in very handy. Don't be fooled by the buses with the same number but different colours; they don't always share the same route. Make sure you stick to the numbers that match the colours only. Things to keep in mind when taking a bus in Bangkok:
- The fare will be collected on the bus by the bus conductor.
- Prepare small change for the fare. A 100-baht note on an air-con bus is acceptable, but not so much on regular or smaller buses (500 and 1,000 baht notes are a big no-no).
- Keep the small receipt because sometimes it will be checked.
- On air-con buses, fares vary according to the distance. Just tell the bus conductor where you wish to get off, and he will tell you how much the journey will cost.
- On regular or smaller buses, the fare (around 7 - 8 baht, normally no more than 10 baht) is usually fixed.
- Be courteous and offer seats to small children, monks, the elderly and pregnant women.
- Once on the bus, keep walking inside. Don't stand at the door, or block the way in the middle of the bus.
- Make sure you hold on to the rail at all times because buses tend to be a bit 'jerky'.
- To alert the driver that you want to get off, press a buzzer in advance (before the bus reaches your stop).
- If you're not sure where to get off, ask the bus conductor to let you know.
- Always keep the name of your hotel and its address (or wherever you're staying) with you, preferably in Thai, in case you get lost.
- The newest, most efficient, and spacious bus is of the EURO II (yellow-orange). The drivers and conductors are nice and polite and, most importantly, the air-con works!

 

River Boats & Ferries in Bangkok

Boats are a great way to get around the famous riverside area with its many historical attractions, and to explore the 'klongs' (canals) for a glimpse of yesteryear Bangkok. Several kinds of boats (express boats, river taxis and tail-boats) run up and down the Chao Phraya River, connecting with the local suburbs on the Thonburi side and along the river, while ferries can be used to cross the river at various points.
There are different types of boats offering different services, and some of the express boats only stop at the main piers. If you simply want to cross the river, there are ferries which cost 2.5 baht, available at several boat landings. River taxis operate up and down the river and cost from around 6 baht, depending on the length of the journey. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company offers a day pass for 75 baht with departures every 30 minutes from Sathorn Pier. It stops at ten major piers and provides access to attractions like Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) the Grand Palace, Wat Po and the Royal Barge Museum. Great value, considering that it includes a guide and drinking water! The Sathorn Pier can easily be reached by traveling with the Skytrain (BTS) to Saphan Taksin station.