Transportation system
Transportation in Bangkok is quite convenient. People can choose the way that they prefer as bus, train, sky train, subway, taxi, motorbike taxi, boat, and so on.
Bangkok’s infrastructure
Bangkok’s infrastructure is a mix of modern and old, with some areas boasting state-of-the-art facilities and others struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing metropolis.
Bus in Bangkok is managed by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). There are regular buses (with fans), air-conditioned buses, private joint buses, shuttle buses in soi, air-conditioned vans, and microbuses CNG. Each type of bus has more details as follows.
A Motorbike Taxi is almost the same as a taxi but the cost is cheaper. It starts from 20 baht. It also depends on your destination and distance. In this case, you can ask for the price before you grab it. It is more convenient than taxis, especially in bad traffic situations.
Taxi is a good choice when you need to travel by car but you do not have your car. The paying rate for taxi depends on your destination and distance. It starts from 40 baht at the first kilometer and then it has meter to show distance and cost. Further charges may apply when you grab it at airport (around 50 baht per trip) or the destination is in the area where traffic is too bad.
Train. If you need to travel to other provinces, you can take a train. State Railway of Thailand provides and manages this service for people. There are many types of services. Currently, you can catch the train at 2 stations.
Sky Train (BTS), Subway (MRT), and Airport Rail Link
Transportation on the roads
Navigate Bangkok’s bustling streets with a variety of options, from buses and taxis to modern ride-hailing services, ensuring convenience and connectivity across the city.
Bus
Bus in Bangkok is managed by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). There are regular buses (with fans), air-conditioned buses, private joint buses, shuttle buses in soi, air-conditioned vans, and microbuses CNG. Each type of bus has more details as follows:
Taxi
It is a good choice when you need to travel by cars but you do not have your car. The paying rate for taxi depends on your destination and distance. It starts from 40 baht at the first kilometer and then it has a meter to show distance and cost. Further charges may apply when you grab it at the airport (around 50 baht per trip) or the destination is in the area where traffic is too bad.
Motorbike Taxi
It is almost the same as a taxi but the cost is cheaper. It starts from 20 baht. It also depends on your destination and distance. In this case, you can ask for the price before you grab it. It is more convenient than taxi especially in bad traffic situations.
Tuk tuk
Tuk Tuk is where cuteness meets convenience! This three-wheeled motorcycle taxi offers a delightful twist on short-distance public transport in the bustling heart of Bangkok.
Starting at 16 - 59 baht
Sky Train (BTS)
The BTS Skytrain, officially known as the Bangkok Mass Transit System, is an elevated rail system that traverses Bangkok. It’s a fast and efficient means of transportation to get around the city and reach popular tourist destinations. There are currently three lines of the BTS Skytrain: the Sukhumvit Line, the Silom Line and the recently opened Green Line. The Sukhumvit Line runs north and south, with Kheha and Khu Khot serving as terminus stations at both ends. The Silom Line, the shorter of the three lines, runs through the city center from Bang Wa to National Stadium Station. The newest line, the Green Line, crosses the Silom Line at Sala Daeng Station and runs in an easterly direction.
Blue Line: ฿ 16 - 42 and Purple Line: ฿ 14 - 20
Subway System (MRT)
The underground and elevated rapid transit network in Bangkok is officially called the Metropolitan Rapid Transit. Currently, it has the Blue Line, the Purple Line, and the recently opened Yellow Line monorail, with the Pink Line monorail in the public test phase. The Blue Line encircles the center of Bangkok, while the Purple Line connects the areas west of the Chao Phraya River. These lines are linked to the BTS Skytrain at several points, allowing for easy transfers. Fares vary based on the distance traveled and the operating hours are usually from around 6:00 am to midnight. If you’re looking for a rapid transit system in the center of Bangkok, the MRT (Blue Line, Purple Line) is the best choice.
Starting at 16 - 42 baht
Commuter Rail System (SRT)
It is operated by the State Railway of Thailand and consists of two lines: the Dark Red Line and the Light Red Line. These lines are designed for longer commuter routes and cover the suburbs outside the center of Bangkok. They connect to the MRT at Bang Sue Grand Station. Fares are generally lower than the MRT as longer distances are covered. The operating times may differ slightly from those of the MRT. If you need to travel to the suburbs of Bangkok, the SRT (Dark Red Line, Light Red Line) is the better choice.
Starting at 15 - 45 baht
Airport Rail Link (ARL)
The Airport Rail Link in Bangkok is a convenient and affordable way to travel between Suvarnabhumi Airport and the center of Bangkok. The line is 28.6 kilometers long and runs above the existing Eastern Railway. It operates daily from 6:00 am to midnight, with trains running every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours and weekends. The journey from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station takes approximately 30 minutes.
Suvarnabhumi Airport – Lad Krabang – Ban Thap Chang – Hua Mark – Ramkhamhaeng – Makkasan (City Air Terminal – interchange with MRT Blue Line (Phetchaburi Station)) – Ratchaprarop – Phayathai (interchange with BTS Sukhumvit Line (Phayathai Station))
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phayathai Station (BTS – skytrain interchange) fare is 45 baht.
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Makkasan Station (MRT – subway interchange) fare is 35 baht.
