Exploring Transportation in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is always a hot tourist destination whenever visitors plan to come to Thailand. With the fairly challenging traffic situation here, for a smooth travel experience, you need to be acquainted with basic information about various modes of transportation in Bangkok, Thailand, including schedules, ticket prices, etc., to have the best possible experience.

Modes of transportation in Bangkok, Thailand

What are the transportation options for touring Bangkok? The following convenient and affordable public transportation modes in Bangkok, Thailand, will help you answer that question and prepare for your upcoming trip.

1- Getting around Bangkok by electric train

Traffic in Bangkok, Thailand, is quite similar to Hanoi’s traffic, with key characteristics such as chaos, congestion, traffic jams, etc. Hence, choosing a mode of transport at any given time can be a headache for tourists. The first recommendation for you is the electric train—the most punctual and modern mode of transportation in Bangkok. Bangkok’s electric trains are divided into three types:

A. Airport Rail Link (airport-city line):

This electric train service specifically operates between Suvarnabhumi Airport and the city center.

BTS Skytrain: This train operates parallel to the main routes of Bangkok’s capital.

MRT Underground Train: This underground train service runs from the northern part of Bangkok to the Chatuchak Market. A. Airport Rail Link train

The most rapid and convenient public transportation in Bangkok is the Airport Rail Link, connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center. It’s extremely convenient for travelers to commute to their hotels. The train runs on a very punctual schedule, with intervals ranging from 3 to 6 minutes. Important stops to remember include:

• Suvarnabhumi Station: The initial stop located in the basement of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
• Nakkasan Station: A point of intersection with the MRT underground train at Phetchaburi Station.
• Ratchaprarop Station: A stop near the Baiyoke Sky building, one of the most famous tourist spots in Bangkok.
• Phaya Thai Station: The final stop, connecting to the BTS Skytrain on the Sukhumvit line.

B. BTS Skytrain

The BTS Skytrain in Bangkok currently operates on two main lines: the dark green (Silom) and light green (Sukhumvit) lines:

• Silom Line: Runs from the west to the south of the city, starting from National Stadium (W1) and ending at Bang Wa Station (S12). Some important stations include:

National Stadium Station (W1): A stop near major city attractions such as the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, MBK shopping center, and the National Stadium…

Siam Station (Central Station): The largest interchange station near significant tourist spots like Siam Centre, Madame Tussauds Bangkok, Siam Paragon shopping center…

Sala Daeng Station (S2): A stop intersecting with the underground train and near beautiful tourist destinations like Silom Road, Patpong area, Silom Complex shopping area…

Saphan Taksin Station (S6): A stop for visiting the Chao Phraya River and Sathorn pier.

• Sukhumvit Line: Runs from the north to the east of Bangkok, starting from Mo Chit (N8) and ending at Bearing (E14). Some significant stations include:

Phaya Thai Station (N2): Intersection point with the Airport Rail Link.

Ratchathewi Station (N3): A stop near major shopping areas such as Pratunam, Platinum…

Mo Chit Station (N8): Near Don Muang Airport and an intersection with the underground train.

Nana Station (E3): If you want to visit areas like Sukhumvit Soi, Nana Plaza.

Asoke Station (E4): Where you can switch to the MRT underground train and near Terminal 21, Soi Cowboy area…

Ekkamai Station (E7): If you want to go to Ekkamai Bus Terminal.

Siam Station (Central Station): The largest stop on the system near famous tourist spots like Siam Centre, Madame Tussauds Bangkok…

C. MRT Underground Train

The MRT underground train in Bangkok operates from the north to the south of the city with important stops including:

Hua Lamphong Station: If you want to visit Chinatown, Yaowarat food street. Silom Station: An intersection point with the Silom line of the BTS Skytrain. Sukhumvit Station: An intersection point with the Sukhumvit line of the BTS Skytrain. Phetchaburi Station: An intersection point with the Airport Rail Link (Makkasan Station). Thailand Cultural Centre Station: If you want to visit the Siam Niramit Bangkok theater, 3D Art in Paradise Bangkok museum… Chatuchak Park Station: If you want to visit Chatuchak Park or the Chatuchak weekend market…

You can consider buying Bangkok train tickets online to save costs, avoid waiting in line, and make the payment process more convenient:

2- Travel experience in Bangkok by train and boat

Bangkok, Thailand, is famous for its extensive system of rivers, canals, and khlongs, making water transport a typical mode of transportation in the capital. You can use boats and ferries, ranging from small, inexpensive ones to luxurious and upscale options, to explore the city and visit famous attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)…

Well-known and reputable boat companies in Bangkok you can consider include Chao Phraya Express Boat, Saen Saep Express Boat,… but be sure to agree on the price beforehand to avoid overcharging.

3- Guide to traveling in Bangkok by tuk-tuk

As a distinctive aspect of Bangkok’s traffic and transportation in general, the tuk-tuk is an interesting option when you visit the capital of the Land of Smiles. Riding on these colorful three-wheeled vehicles, observing the streets during the early morning or at sunset, can be quite enjoyable. The price of this common mode of transportation in Bangkok, Thailand, ranges from $6.5 to $8.5 for an 8-10 km distance, but if you are good at bargaining, you might pay around $3.5.

Notes when traveling in Bangkok by tuk-tuk:

Avoid traveling during peak hours, specifically from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Always ask for the fare before getting on the vehicle. Prefer tuk-tuk drivers who speak English as they tend to be friendlier and more accommodating. Always be cautious in safeguarding your belongings before and after getting off the vehicle. Information about taxi companies in Bangkok

Another convenient mode of transportation highly regarded in Bangkok, Thailand, is the taxi. In the capital, there are countless taxi companies with various colors, so you need not worry much about the color of these vehicles. You can consider some famous taxi companies in Bangkok like:

Tommy Taxi Bangkok: hotline +66 85 990 9995

Enjoy Taxi Bangkok: Hotline +66 87 675 1434

Somchai Taxi Thailand Bangkok: Hotline +66 95 776 4311

Peter Bangkok Taxi: Hotline +66 88 664 0111

The general price for taxis in Bangkok, Thailand: The starting fare for taxis is 35 baht for the first 2 km, even if you don’t travel the entire 2 km, the fare remains 35 baht. After the initial 2 km, each additional km will cost 1-2 baht/km.

4- Traveling in Bangkok by motorcycle taxi

If you want to explore Bangkok on a budget, wander through alleys, and discover street food, you can opt for motorcycle taxis. Most motorcycle taxis in Thailand wear yellow vests for easy recognition. However, if you are not familiar with the language or haven’t traveled abroad much, you need to carefully consider this mode of transportation. Thai motorcycle taxi drivers often ride fast, recklessly, do not provide helmets for tourists, drive against traffic, and their prices vary…

The general price per km for motorcycle taxi travel in Thailand ranges from $0.3-$0.4/km.

5- Traveling by bus in Bangkok

Buses have been a long-standing public transportation mode in Bangkok, offering similar interesting features as in Hanoi. However, in reality, very few tourists choose this mode of transportation due to the horrendous traffic in Bangkok, worse than in Hanoi, especially during peak hours. Currently, there are two types of buses in Bangkok: air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned, with specific fares:

Red cream buses: 7 baht/trip Green white buses: Prices range from 9 to 19 baht (depending on the distance you travel). This type of bus is equipped with air conditioning. EURO II buses (orange-yellow buses): Prices range from 12 to 22 baht, depending on the distance you will travel.

Source: Compiled from the Internet