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Getting Around Bangkok

Bangkok is a huge city with infamously bad traffic, but getting around is far from difficult if you make use of the BTS Skytrain, MRT, river boats and other transportation options.

Most of Bangkok’s top attractions are within reach of the BTS and MRT, two rail systems that cover most of the city. Temples and other cultural sites aren’t always close to public transport but can usually be reached easily via taxi.

Are you travelling to Bangkok? Read our guide to getting around the city to learn about the best ways to avoid the traffic and get to your destinations as quickly and easily as possible.

BTS Skytrain

BTS Skytrain in Bangkok
BTS Skytrain in Bangkok © travelourplanet

  • The BTS Skytrain is an elevated train that’s Bangkok’s most extensive and widely used rapid transport system. The system consists of two lines — the Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line — that cover most of central Bangkok and select areas outside the central city.
  • Tickets for the BTS start from just 15 baht per trip. Prices increase based on the distance you travel using the system up to a maximum of 42 baht. One day passes are available for 140 baht and offer unlimited use of the BTS throughout the day of issue.
  • The Sukhumvit Line, which runs from the north of Bangkok and down Sukhumvit Road, offers easy access to Bangkok’s most popular shopping malls, dining and entertainment areas and several major tourist attractions.
  • The Silom Line, which runs from the Siam area down Silom Road and across the Chao Phraya River, offers convenient access to river boats and is ideal for guests staying close to the river that want to travel into the city.
  • The two BTS lines connect at Siam Station. The system is also linked to the MRT at Asok, Sala Daeng and Mo Chit, making it easy to transfer between the two transport systems.
  • Most of Bangkok’s boutique hotels are located close to the BTS, although guests of some hotels on the Chao Phraya River will need to take the Express Boat to access the BTS from Saphan Taksin.
Important BTS Stations:
  • Siam (CEN) is where the two BTS lines connect. The area around the station (as well as Chit Lom and National Stadium) is a major shopping area with several of Bangkok’s largest malls.
  • Saphan Taksin (S6) is connected to Sathorn Pier, from which you can catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat to attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Boats to popular hotels like the Mandarin Oriental and Millenium Hilton also depart from Sathorn Pier.
  • Mo Chit (N8) is located a short distance from Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok’s largest outdoor shopping market.
  • Asok (E4) is where the Sukhumvit Line connects with the MRT.
  • Sala Daeng (S2) is where the Silom Line connects with the MRT and offers convenient access to Lumpini Park.
  • Phaya Thai (N2) connects the BTS Skytrain with the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Bangkok MRT

2012-02-05-151
MRT © drtran

  • The MRT is Bangkok’s underground rail system. Open since 2004, it consists of one rail line that covers the north of the city and offers easy access to Hua Lamphong Station, Chatuchak Market and Lumpini Park.
  • The MRT connects with the BTS at Sukhumvit, Si Lom and Chatuchak Park stations. Tickets for the MRT are sold separately from BTS tickets — you’ll need to purchase a new ticket inside the station if you’re transferring from one system to the other.
  • For the most part, the MRT isn’t as useful for travellers staying in Sukhumvit, Silom or near the Chao Phraya River, although it does offer convenient access to Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Taxis

Bangkok Taxi
Bangkok Taxi © dgmckelvey

  • Taxis in Bangkok are cheap and plentiful, although traffic jams can make getting around during the morning and evening rush hour a challenge. If you’re visiting temples on Rattanakosin Island or staying far from the BTS, you’ll need to use taxis to get around the city.
  • Fares start from 35 baht, although many drivers in tourist-heavy areas and taxis parked outside hotels and tourist attractions may be reluctant to use the meter. If your driver won’t switch on the meter, it’s almost always easier to choose another taxi than to argue.
  • English skills can vary hugely between drivers, making it best to write down your destination on a card before you leave. The service and security staff at most hotels will be able to call a taxi for you and ensure it takes you to your destination using the meter.

Tuk Tuks & Motorcycle Taxis

Thailand Tuk Tuk
Thailand Tuk Tuk © jason_weemin

  • Tuk tuks — noisy, dangerous three-wheeled auto rickshaws — are easy to spot on Bangkok’s streets. Most tuk tuk drivers charge aggressive prices and drive dangerously through the city, making these vehicles more of a unique experience than a convenient transport option.
  • If you’re travelling from one point to another and can’t use public transport, it’s almost always cheaper (and significantly safer) to take a taxi. If you’re riding in a tuk tuk for the experience, make sure you negotiate and confirm the fare before you get inside.
  • Motorcycle taxis — small scooters and motorcycles driven by people in coloured vests — are a convenient way to get around Bangkok’s small streets. Groups of motorcycle taxis are easy to find close to BTS and MRT stations and usually cover destinations in the surrounding area.
  • Like tuk tuks, motorcycle taxis aren’t fitted with a meter, meaning that you’ll need to negotiate the fare before you get onboard. Motorcycle taxis are really only a convenient option for solo travellers in need of short distance (less than one kilometre) transportation.

Chao Phraya and Canal Boats

Chao Phraya Express Boat Service, Bangkok, Thailand
Chao Phraya Express Boat Service © dgmckelvey

  • The Chao Phraya River, which runs north to south through Bangkok on the way to the Gulf of Thailand, is a major Bangkok landmark. Many of the city’s hotels are located close to the river, making it a convenient way to access attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
  • Transportation on the Chao Phraya is provided by the Chao Phraya Express Boat, which runs along the river from Sathorn Pier. Private boats also connect many of the city’s top hotels with Sathorn Pier and BTS Saphan Taksin.
  • Boats also operate on many of Bangkok’s canals (khlongs). The Saen Saep Canal, which runs east to west throughout the city and covers most of the Sukhumvit area, is a convenient way to get around while seeing a unique side of the city most tourists never see.
Important Chao Phraya Express Piers:
  • Sathorn (Central) is the main pier. The pier is a short walk from BTS Saphan Taksin and offers convenient access to Bangkok’s rail network. Private boats to destinations such as the Asiatique and several hotels depart from Sathorn Pier.
  • Si Phaya (N3) is located outside River City, a major antiques and cultural products shopping mall.
  • Tha Tien (N8) is located a short walk from Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most popular and impressive temples.
  • Tha Chang (N9) is located close to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Sanam Luang, the National Museum and other popular attractions. Maharaj Pier, located slightly to the north, also provides access to the Grand Palace.
  • Phra Athit (N13) is a short walk from Khao San Road and is home to a great selection of bars, cafés and restaurants.



Boutique Hotels in Bangkok

Our pick of boutique hotels in Bangkok are:
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