Getting Around
Taxis : Metered taxis are available 24 hours in Bangkok.
The metered fare is standardized, with the flag down rate being
35 Baht for the first 2 km and around 5 Baht for each km thereafter.
Passengers must pay tolls if using the expressways.
Make sure the driver turns on the meter once you get in. Make sure
you have change, as taxi drivers often don't! Drivers change shifts
at about 3:30-4:00 p.m., and may not accept you unless your destination
is convenient.
If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon before starting.
The amount will vary depending on the distance, traffic, weather
(if it is raining the fare will rise) and the negotiating skills
of the hirer. Average fares in Bangkok are between 50-200 Baht.
No tip is expected, but it is a nice gesture.
Tuk-Tuks : The colorful, three-wheeled, open-air "samlor"
taxis are renowned for their capability to maneuver into the tightest
spots, offering passengers an interesting ride. Accommodating two
passengers (three or four at a squeeze), it is best for short trips
during off-peak hours. Settle the fare BEFORE proceeding. Normally
cheaper than metered taxis, the fare should never exceed 200 Baht
per trip.
City Buses : Bangkok has an extensive bus service with routes
serving every part of the city, providing a fun and cheap way to
explore the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned
vehicles. The fare for the former depends on the distance traveled,
starting from 10 Baht per person and the buses are colored blue,
orange or white/green, depending on the route. The latter charges
a flat fee of either 3.50 Baht per person (green and white/red colored
buses) or 5 Baht per person (white/red and white/blue).
Because of the low fares, the open-aired buses tend to be heavily
crowded, especially during the peak hours in the morning (6-9 am)
and evenings (4-7 pm). Be watchful of your belongings and learn
the art of balancing since the ride might be jerky, with sudden
stops and accelerations. You can request the purser to notify you
of your stop. People at the bus stops will gladly inform you of
the correct bus number to take if unsure of how to get to your destination.
Be prepared with exact change or bank notes of 50 Baht (blue) or
lesser denominations. An uniformed purser aboard the bus (listen
for the clinking sound of coins in a long, cylinder container) will
collect the fee and give you a ticket. Keep the ticket handy for
inspections later down the route.
Microbus: The pinkish-violet, air-conditioned minibuses
share some of the popular routes as city buses. The advantage is
the flat rate of 10-25 Baht per person (depends on the routing distance)
and that seats are guaranteed. Once all seats are occupied, the
bus will not pick up more passengers until there is a vacancy.
BTS Skytrains: With stations in major commercial areas and
departures every 5 minutes, it is an ideal means of transportation
to escape the traffic. Service is via 2 routes: the Mo Chit - On
Nut route (runs along Sukhumvit Rd.) and the National Stadium-Taksin
Bridge route (runs along Silom Rd.). Running from 6 am to midnight,
the fare depends on distance traveled, ranging from 10-40 Baht per
person. Routes and fares are posted at every station, where tickets
must be purchased.
Motorcycle Taxis: Unique to Thailand, these taxis emerged
in response to needs for faster transportation during traffic jams
and access to main roads from remote neighborhoods and deep sois
(alleyways). Drivers wear colorful vests and fares are slightly
higher than those of metered taxis. Fare should always be negotiated
BEFORE proceeding. Thai laws stipulate helmets must be worn in the
use of motorcycles on public roads. Be prepared for an adventurous
ride.
River Taxis : Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally
convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya river.
Some ferry passengers across the river (2 Baht), while others run
the route to various landing stages on both banks, going up as far
as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi. Fare ranges from 5-20 Baht
per person, depending on distance. Signs at the landing piers are
posted in both Thai and English.
Hired Car : If you want to experience driving in Bangkok,
there are many car rental firms in Bangkok, including international
rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis. The road system
is good and well posted with signs written in English. An international
driving license is required.
Content by Tourism
Authority of Thailand
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