8 Best Ways To Get Around Bangkok
The best way to get around Bangkok is by Skytrain or Metro because they are fast, cheap and easy to navigate for tourists and visitors. Buses and taxis are also also available but they are prone to traffic jam, which is notorious in Bangkok. Skytrain or Metro also covers a wide range of destination, making them convenient to travel from one location to another.
In this article, we have listed the best 8 ways you can use to travel around the BKK and they are as follows:
- Skytrain (BTS) and Metro
- Taxi
- Bus
- Tuk Tuk
- Motorcycle taxi
- Chao Phraya Riverboat
- Private car
- Airport Rail Link (ARL)
1. Skytrain (BTS) and Metro
Skytrain (BTS) and Metro are considered to the best way of transportation. The 2 main city train system in Bangkok are BTS Skytrain and MRT. They are the 2 most convenient ways of traversing the city. The cost of a BTS Skytrain is between THB 15 to THB 42 and it covers the largest number of stations in the city. MRT canvasses a smaller section of the city but has a similar price to the Skytrain. If you want to have a peek at Bangkok from the top, this method of transportation provides the best view you can find, especially viewing the sunset in the city through the train’s window.
Pros:
- Fast and convenient
- Fair price
- Covers a wide range of destination
Cons:
- Can get extra jammed pack during rush hours
2. Taxi
There are 2 types of taxi available in Thailand and Bangkok, i.e. public taxi and App-based. For the public taxi that you can catch from the road or in front of any public places, the 2 most common colors are yellow/green and pink. Although there have been some bad reputations about the public taxi in Bangkok, in our experience, they are relatively safe to use. The drivers are mostly friendly and kind. The public taxi operates using a taximeter and you should avoid any that don’t. The cost starts at THB 35 / km. Each car also has the driver’s information card that you can take a note in case of any emergency.
As for the App-based taxi, the most famous one is Grab. This is a new type of transportation that helps you get around the city more conveniently and safely as these taxis are moderated and controlled by the private company. Just like Uber, you can call and book a Grab taxi via mobile application and the driver will usually arrive at your spot within 2-5 mins. The cost is roughly about 2-2.5 times cheaper than public taxis.
Pros:
- Easy to hire and readily available
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Can be a bit sketchy
3. Bus
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority runs an extensive network of buses throughout the city. There 2 types of bus to choose from, i.e. AC and non-AC. AC business cost a little more compared to the non-AC and covers a smaller range of area. That said, tickets range from THB 6.50 to THB 23 and are purchased on the bus. Unlike buses in the western countries, you don’t have to pre-book the bus here. To catch the bus, just wait for it at the station. Most of the buses run from 5 a.m. to 11 PM.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Covers a wide range of stations
Cons:
- Can be unreliable with schedules
- Might not be comfortable for some people
4. Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk or Sam lor (3-wheeled motorcycle) offers the most classic travelling experience around the city. It is one of the oldest means of transportation and the most preferred choices for tourists. You get to enjoy Bangkok in a fun, natural way, cruising through the city in a three-wheeled vehicle.
As far as the cost is concerned, you can expect to pay somewhere between THB 30 to THB 60 per ride. However, tuk tuk drivers are also notorious for taking little ‘detours’ to commission-paying gem and silk shops. So make sure you insist the driver to focus on getting to your desired destination discuss the prices beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Pros:
- Provides fun and unique of travelling experience
- Affordable
Cons:
- Can be a bit sketchy
- Might not be the best option for health due to pollution on the street
5. Motorcycle Taxi
Motorcycle taxi provides a quick and easy way to travel to another destination in the city that isn’t too far away. Drivers can be hired at motorcycle taxi stands all over the city and they wear orange bibs. The cost of hiring a motorcycle taxi in Bangkok is between THB 50 to THB 100. However, this depends on where you want to go. Just like public taxi, there have been numerous reports of motorbike scams. So make sure you discuss about your destination and prices beforehand.
App-based motorbike taxi is also available via Grab as well, with a relatively cheaper cost. So if you wish to get around Bangkok in a more reliable and cheaper way via a motorcycle, we highly recommend using Grab.
Pros:
- Quick and readily available
- Fastest way to get around if you’re travelling a short distance
Cons:
- Can be a bit sketchy
- Might not be the best option for health due to pollution on the street
6. Chao Phraya Riverboat
Riverboat along the Chao Phraya river offers the scenic view of the city. For the boat ride, you get to experience Bangkok in an iconic and romantic way, especially cruising across the river during the sunset. The boat also stops at the major tourist sites, such as Wat Arun and the cost is very affordable as well, between THB 10 to THB 32 per ride.
Pros:
- Provides scenic view that you can’t get anywhere
- Affordable
Cons:
- Only covers a small distance and suitable for a night tour
7. Private Car
Private taxi or private car rental with drivers are pretty much the same thing here in Bangkok. Using such service offers you a truly private and exclusive traveling experience in and across the city because you can customize your own experience and even let the driver decides on where to take you, if you are on a trip.
Private car for rental is either charged on a fixed rate or hourly basis. To hire a driver, you can look up online or ask your friends or family for recommendations. However, if you’re still looking for one, we provide a Bangkok car rental service with driver in case you might be interested in taking a tour around Bangkok.
Pros:
- Provides a unique and customized experience
- Comfortable
Cons:
- More expensive compared to others
8. Airport Rail Link (ARL)
Airport Rail Link (ARL) is a part of MRT, which is a rail system that is used for transporting passengers in urban areas. If you’re looking to get to the city from the airport, ARL connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Bangkok city center directly and it is available on the level-B of the airport terminal.
Pros:
- Fast and easy
- Cheaper to other methods available at the airport
Cons:
- Can be uncomfortable for those carrying many baggage
Conclusion
And that’s all for the best 8 ways to travel and get around Bangkok. You can decide which method of transportation you would like to use. As you may have seen, different way provides different travelling experience and have their own pros and cons.
What are the top places to visit in Bangkok?
There are many great places to visit in Bangkok but the top 10 places to visit according to most of the tourists are as follows:
- Wat Arun
- The Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Kaew
- Wat Pho
- Lumphini Park
- Khao San Road
- Wat Saket
- Safari World
- SEA LIFE Ocean World
- Bangkok Art and Culture Centre