Getting around in Bangkok
“How am I supposed to get around Bangkok?” this might be one of the first questions that pop up in your mind when you arrive in this beautiful city. Bangkok is a city where numerous transport options available. Therefore, to help you figure out how to get around Bangkok easily, here is a list of the city’s transportation options.
Airport City Link
This is the train connects Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) with downtown Bangkok. From Suvarnabhumi, the entrance to the Airport City Link located on the first floor. The train operates from 6.00 A.M. until midnight. The fares start out at 15 Baht, maximum 45 Baht. The tickets can be bought directly from automatic machines at the stations. The Airport Link also connects with the MRT at the Makkasan station and with the BTS at the Phaya Thai station. One of the good things of Airport City Link is that the price is much cheaper than using a taxi!
BTS Skytrain
Skytrain known as The BTS by locals. It is the easiest and quickest way to get around Bangkok in air-conditioned comfort. Moreover, it is very convenient for both short and long distances. The BTS connects you to most places of interest in Bangkok such as shopping malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, or attractions around Sukhumvit Road. The service runs between 06.00 to midnight daily. However, The BTS can be very busy during peak hours (07.00-09.00 and 17.00-19.00) and best to avoid if possible. Note that it is forbidden to eat or drink inside the train and the BTS does not take 2 baht coin for the ticket machine.
MRT Underground Train
Another quickest modes of transport in Bangkok is MRT. The name of MRT officially called in Thai as the “rot fai tai din” which means underground train. The line operates from 06.00 to midnight daily. Same as the BTS, the MRT can suffer from overcrowding at peak hours especially at Sukhumvit station. The BTS and the MRT are operated by different companies so you need to buy a separate ticket for each one. Anyhow, there are interchange stations at Silom, Mochit, and Asok where you can have the possibility to change into the BTS.
Tuk-Tuk
Riding in a Tuk-Tuk is one of the not to be missed experience in Bangkok! Tuk-Tuk or “sam lor” (the famous 3-wheeled vehicles) have become one of Bangkok’s most recognisable transportation and very popular among tourists and visitors. It is very unique and fun experience. Your trip would not be complete if you did not try this ride. Since Tuk-Tuk does not have a meter, the price may vary depending on the distance, time, or even the mood of the driver! It’s very important to negotiate the price before you getting on. However, if you need a practical way and comfortably to get around Bangkok, you can get a taxi instead for the same or less price!
Taxi
Taxi is the most comfortable way to get around Bangkok. Bangkok Taxis are readily available throughout all major locations even at night time. Moreover, Taxi system in Bangkok is very reasonable for payment with the meter system. Fares will charge by the meter which start at 35 Baht and it runs on a combination of both distance and time. Before you go, do not forget to make sure that the taxi driver agrees to use the meter as some of them often refuse to turn on their meters!
Motorcycle Taxi
If you are looking for cheap and immediate transport that can easily beat the traffic, Motorcycle Taxi is the best option. Motorcycle Taxi can be found on most of street corners. The drivers must wear an orange vest. Fares normally start from 15 Baht and some Motorcycle Taxi stations will have a fare board to show the prices with destinations. For the stations that do not have a fare board, you can just walk up to the driver and tell him/her where you want to go. The driver will tell you how much the ride cost. Motorcycle Taxi can carry only one passenger and please do not forget to wear helmet which will be provided by the driver.
Express Boat
If you want to see a different side of Bangkok from waterways, then Express Boat is a ride not to be missed! Express Boat is an interesting way to get around Bangkok and the routes are very easy to use. Bangkok has boats run along the city’s major canals such as Chao Phraya River. If you are visiting Bangkok Old town then Express Boat is a perfect way to getting there. Most Express Boats run from 5 A.M. and finish around 7 P.M. The boats usually leave every 10 to 15 minutes. The ticket price is about 10 to 150 baht depending on the distance and boat types.
