Getting around Bangkok: info, costs and tips

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Praya river, is one of the busiest metropolises in the world, with about 6 million inhabitants. It is a city full of charm, with its perfect mix of tradition and innovation, but at first impact it can leave you disoriented: the seemingly impenetrable tangle of streets, the chaotic traffic, the frenzy of people. It takes very little to find yourself in the middle of huge traffic jams at any hour of the day or night, wasting a lot of time.

However, getting around Bangkok is surprisingly easy, thanks to its very efficient public transport system that allows you to minimise travel time and avoid getting stuck in traffic jams. If you have decided to visit this beautiful city, here is everything you need to know about getting around Bangkok: info, costs and tips!

Useful tips

Skytrain and metro are the fastest and most comfortable ways to get around the city. Modern and with air-conditioned carriages, they offer frequent rides that allow you to reach the major tourist sites quickly and without major problems. Costs are good; fares for individual rides vary according to the actual mileage travelled, but very cheap 1-day or multi-day passes are available.

For short journeys, we suggest trying the fun experience in a tuk-tuk, a picturesque three-wheeled taxi used throughout South-East Asia and becoming almost its symbol. Given its shape, it is worth taking a ride along the river and through Bangkok's characteristic khlongs, the canals. Water taxis, boats and longtail boats give you the chance to see the city from another very impressive viewpoint.

Finally, in such large and complex cities, a good solution is thehop-on hop-off tourist bus, which allows an easy first approach to the city by identifying the main landmarks.

• Recommended solutions and means of transport: skytrain, metro

• Recommended solutions andmeans of transport: car and bus

• Recommended city cards and passes: One-Day Pass (from 140.00 THB/€4.00), 3-Day Pass (from 230.00 THB/€6.60)

How to get from the airport to downtown Bangkok

Bangkok's main airport is Suvarnabhum International (BKK), one of the most important airports in all of Southeast Asia, which has daily flights from all major airlines with connections to Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. The airport is about 30 km from the centre and is very well connected to the city centre. There are several alternatives to choose from that differ in cost, travel time and comfort, but private transfers are also inexpensive (about €10.00). The airport was built in 2006, replacing the old and smaller Don Muang airport.
The historic and glorious Don Mueang (DMK) now operates mainly for domestic routes. It is located 23 kilometres north of the centre, and is only used by Air Asia and some low-cost airlines.

Suvarnabhum International Airport

From Suvarnabhum, theAirport Rail Link is the fastest way. The City Line runs to Phayathai Central Station with 6 intermediate stops and fares vary depending on the length of the journey (30 min, departures every 15 min, active 6:00-00:00). For the Public Taxi service, you have to book by taking a ticket from thetaxi queue machines or from one of the desks at doors 3, 4, 7 and 8 on Level 1 and then line up on the platform(lane) marked on the ticket. For thebus, take the free shuttle bus to the bus station and from there take the direct line to the centre; journey time is affected by traffic.

• Distance to the centre: 30 km / travel time: 30-50 min

• By train: City Line / ticket cost: THB 15.00 (€0.43) to THB 45.00 (€1.30)

• By taxi: average cost THB 400.00-600.00 (€11.50-€17.30) / travel time: 40-50 min

• By bus: average cost THB 24.00 (€0.65) / direct line to the centre

• Private transfer: shared transfer to/from your hotel

Don Muang Airport

If you land at Don Muang, be aware that, among the various means of getting to the city, there are no trains; as for the buses, they run from 7:00/7:30 until midnight, with runs every 12/22 min. If, finally, you want to take a taxi, you have to make a reservation by taking a ticket at the Arrival Hall and wait your turn.

• Distance to the centre: 23 km / travel time: 45-50 min

• By taxi: average cost THB 500.00 (€13.00) / travel time: 50-60 min

• Bybus: average cost THB 30.00 (less than €1.00) / A1 and A2 Airport Bus lines

• Private transfer: one-way shared transfer to the hotel

Getting around on foot

Getting around on foot is not the best option. The city is huge and the various attractions are not concentrated in a real city centre. Other factors to consider are the heat, high humidity, traffic pollution and almost non-existent pedestrian paths. All elements that would discourage even the most hardened walker. To get around the city, the advice is definitely to make the most of the efficient public transport system.

However, some districts, such as Banglamphu, Chinatown and Khao San Road lend themselves well to a pleasant walk. When moving on foot, be very careful when crossing the street; if there is a possibility, use one of the many pedestrian flyovers, otherwise try to cross by joining a large group of other pedestrians. Remember that a green light is no guarantee of survival!

By public transport

Apart from its vastness, Bangkok is famous for its traffic. In order not to waste precious time getting stuck in traffic, our advice is to make use mainly of the skytrain and metro, the fastest and most convenient means of getting around the city. Modern, equipped with air-conditioned carriages and with frequent rides, they allow you to explore the city quickly, reaching all the major sights without too much hassle. Single fares vary according to the mileage travelled, but much cheaper day passes are also available.

BTS Skytrain

The BTS Skytrain, the elevated underground, is the safest, most comfortable, convenient and scenic way to get around Bangkok. It is divided into two lines: the Sukhumvit Line which crosses the city from north to east from Mo Chit to On Nut stops at some tourist hotspots such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, the Victory Monument, Siam, Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong and Thong); the Silom Line cuts through the city from west to south from near the National Stadium to Wongwian Yai station in the Thonburi district. This line passes through important neighbourhoods such as Silom, stopping at major districts like Siam (Central Station), Silom, the Patpong entertainment district, and Saphan Taksin Station, where the Taksin Bridge entrance ramp is located to catch the express ferry into Sathorn Pier.

Fares start at THB 15 (€0.40) for one stop, and increase according to the number of kilometres travelled. It operates from 6 a.m. until midnight with very frequent rides and works in effect like the metro: after getting your ticket, you can go to the platform and wait for your train. Being modern vehicles, they are air-conditioned and have self-closing doors, just like the metro. Tickets and passes can be purchased at ticket machines or at counters.

• Downloadable map: official website

• Hours: 6:30am to midnight

• Ticketprice/single journey: THB 15.00 (€0.40) to THB 52.00 (€1.50)

• Ticket booklet/subscription cost: One-Day Pass (THB 140.00/€4.00); 3-Day Pass (THB 230.00/€6.60)

MRT Subway

The Bangkok Metro has two lines: the Blue Line, an underground line that runs from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong, where the city's train station is located, and the Purple Line, an elevated line that opened in 2016. Like the Skytrain, the metro is efficient, fast, frequent and cheap. It is also particularly popular with locals and commuters alike because of its combination with the 'Park & Ride'. In fact, there is a special fare that includes both the ride and the parking space in the station car parks.

As we said, the prices are cheap: the single ride varies from 16.00 to 41.00 baht (€0.45-1.20) depending on the distance, but as with the skytrain it is possible to buy discounted passes with unlimited rides at counters and vending machines.

• Downloadable map: click here

• Hours: 6:30 a.m. to midnight

• Ticketprice/single journey: THB 16.00 (€0.45) to THB 41.00 (€1.20)

• Ticket/subscription cost: One-Day Pass (THB 140.00/€4.00); 3-Day Pass (THB 230.00/€6.60), Monthly Pass (THB 1,400.00/€39.80).

By Boat along the Chao Phraya River

Since Bangkok is nicknamed The Venice of the East, it should come as no surprise that the rivers and canals provide an extremely efficient and scenic thoroughfare. Using boats, water taxis or longtail boats, means discovering a side of Bangkok that is often little seen.

Any type of boat allows you to get around rather quickly and, above all, enjoy the panorama that the Chao Praya river offers. There are various companies to choose from; the best known is the Chao Praya Express Boat which comprises five lines of boats; the blue line is also called tourist boat because the itinerary, designed especially for tourists, touches the city's main attractions (Chinatown, Royal Palace, Wat Arun, Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Po, Khao San Road).

• Hours: generally 9am to 8pm, varies by company

• Ticket price/single journey: THB 10.00 (€0.30) to THB 20.00 (€0.60) each way

Taxi

Another easy and convenient way to get around Bangkok is by taxi: most are new and spacious, and it is not difficult to find them in the city. You can hail them directly on the street, but they are generally parked outside large hotels and major tourist attractions. Since the city is really big and the traffic is very heavy (driving through the city can take up to 2 hours), it is a good idea to combine the taxi with the metro or sky-train.

Before boarding the taxi, ask for confirmation about the use of the meter. You must demand it! Just ask: "Taxi meter?" If the taxi driver refuses, don't bother and look for another one. The fare starts at THB 35.00 (€1.00) and is valid for the first km. Thereafter, the fare increases by about THB 5.00 (€0.14) per km. Taxi drivers often do not speak English and cannot read maps. Ideally, you should show them the name or address where you want to go written in Thai. Always keep your hotel ticket handy, it will be useful when you return at the end of the day.

• Hours: 24 hours

• Cost of ticket/single ride: THB 35.00 (€1.00) first km + THB 5.00 (€0.14) each km

Tuk-Tuk

"/> The true institution of Thailand, and Southeast Asia in general, are the colourful tuk-tuks, ubiquitous in Bangkok. These are a kind of Ape/motorbike with 3 seats all in the back on one narrow bench. No windows, sides open to the air and exhaust fumes.

It is obviously a more agile and faster vehicle than the taxi, but it is equally true that it is more expensive in the event of an accident. However, it is mostly used for short journeys, also because after 10/15 min, the fun gives way to discomfort! A tuk-tuk ride is a fun experience that is part of local folklore. For a short ride, try it at least once! Of course, there is no price list. Haggle, haggle, haggle!

• Hours: 24 hours

• Cost of ticket/single ride: to be haggled over. Average of THB 80.00/100.00 (€2.30-2.80)

By car

If you don't know the city more than well, forget the idea of renting a car. Driving is really very complicated. Sometimes even with maps it is difficult to find your way around and the traffic is messy and 'anarchic'.

Only after you have comfortably visited the capital with its efficient public transport, rent a car if you intend to go on an on-the-road trip to other parts of Thailand. And remember that driving is on the left and you need an international driving licence.