Overview: Bangkok Transportation Options
Bangkok has a comprehensive public transportation system that's affordable, modern, and relatively easy to navigate. From the elevated BTS Skytrain to underground MRT, boats, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps - there's a transport option for every situation and budget.
BTS Skytrain (Bangkok Mass Transit System)
The BTS is Bangkok's elevated train system and one of the most popular ways to get around the city. It's fast, air-conditioned, reliable, and covers major areas along Sukhumvit and Silom roads.
BTS Lines & Coverage
- Sukhumvit Line (Light Green): Runs from Mo Chit to Kheha, covering popular expat areas like Thong Lo, Phrom Phong, Asok, and On Nut
- Silom Line (Dark Green): Runs from National Stadium to Bang Wa, covering Siam, Sala Daeng, and Saphan Taksin
- Transfer Station: Both lines connect at Siam station
BTS Fares (2025)
- Single Journey: ฿16-62 THB depending on distance
- Minimum fare: ฿16 THB (1-2 stations)
- One-Day Pass: ฿150 THB (unlimited travel)
- Rabbit Card: Stored-value card, load ฿100-4,000 THB in ฿100 increments
Operating Hours
- Daily: 6:30 AM - Midnight
- Trains arrive every 3-6 minutes during peak hours
- Slightly longer intervals during off-peak times
How to Use BTS
- Buy a single-journey ticket from ticket machines (accept coins and bills)
- Or get a Rabbit Card at the BTS counter for easier travel
- Tap card/insert ticket at entry gates
- Check direction signs and platform numbers
- Tap out at your destination
MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit)
Bangkok's underground metro system complements the BTS, covering different areas of the city including Chatuchak, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Hua Lamphong train station.
MRT Lines
- Blue Line: Circular line covering Bang Sue, Chatuchak, Queen Sirikit Centre, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Hua Lamphong
- Purple Line: Connects northern suburbs to city center
- Interchange with BTS: Asok (BTS) connects with Sukhumvit (MRT); Sala Daeng (BTS) with Silom (MRT)
MRT Fares (2025)
- Single Journey: ฿16-59 THB depending on distance
- Day Pass: ฿150 THB (unlimited travel)
- Stored Value Card: Available at MRT stations
- Contactless Payment: Can use credit/debit cards at barriers
Operating Hours
- Daily: 6:00 AM - Midnight
- Regular service intervals throughout the day
Taxis in Bangkok
Bangkok taxis are plentiful, metered, and relatively affordable. They're great for door-to-door service, especially when traveling with luggage or to areas not served by BTS/MRT.
Taxi Fares (2025)
- Starting Fare: ฿40 THB (raised from ฿35 in 2023)
- Typical 5km ride: ฿90-130 THB
- Most city center trips: ฿100-150 THB
- Expressway tolls: Extra (passenger pays), usually ฿25-75 THB
- Airport surcharge: ฿50 THB from Suvarnabhumi Airport
Tips for Using Taxis
- Always insist on the meter - "Use meter, please" or "Met-tuh"
- Have your destination address in Thai or on Google Maps
- Carry small bills - drivers often don't have change for ฿1,000 notes
- During peak hours (7-10 AM, 4-8 PM), taxis may refuse short trips
- Download taxi apps like Grab or Bolt for guaranteed pickups
Grab - Popular Ride-Hailing App
Grab is Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. It's extremely popular in Bangkok and offers reliable service with upfront pricing.
Grab Pricing (2025)
- GrabCar (standard): ฿100-150 THB for 5km
- GrabBike (motorcycle): ฿50-80 THB for 5km (faster in traffic)
- GrabCar Premium: 20-30% more expensive than standard
- Surge pricing: During peak hours or bad weather, prices can increase 1.2-2x
Pros of Grab
- Cashless payment (credit card or GrabPay)
- Know the price upfront before booking
- Driver and car details provided
- GPS tracking for safety
- No language barrier - app shows destination
- Larger driver network than competitors
Download Grab
- Website: www.grab.com
- iOS: Available on App Store
- Android: Available on Google Play
Bolt - Budget-Friendly Alternative
Bolt is Grab's main competitor in Bangkok and often offers cheaper rides. Many expats and students use it daily for short trips around the city.
Bolt Pricing (2025)
- Bolt (standard car): ฿80-120 THB for 5km
- Typically 15-35% cheaper than Grab
- Bolt Bike (motorcycle): Even cheaper for quick trips
Pros and Cons of Bolt
Pros:
- Significantly cheaper than Grab for most trips
- Same features - cashless, GPS tracking, upfront pricing
- Good for budget-conscious travelers
Cons:
- Fewer drivers, especially late at night
- Slightly longer wait times in some areas
- Less coverage in suburban areas
Download Bolt
Motorcycle Taxis
Motorcycle taxis are perfect for short distances, beating Bangkok traffic. Drivers wear numbered orange vests and wait at designated stands throughout the city.
Costs
- Short distance (within neighborhood): ฿20-40 THB
- Longer trips: ฿50-100 THB
- Helmet: Usually provided (required by law)
Tips
- Agree on price before getting on
- Always wear the helmet provided
- Hold on tight - rides can be fast!
- Use Grab Bike or Bolt Bike for cashless and safer option
Buses in Bangkok
Bangkok has an extensive bus network covering areas not served by BTS/MRT. Buses are the cheapest option but can be confusing for newcomers and stuck in traffic.
Bus Fares
- Non-air-conditioned buses: ฿8-10 THB
- Air-conditioned buses: ฿13-25 THB depending on distance
- Express buses: ฿20-40 THB
How to Use
- Wave to stop the bus (they don't stop at every stop)
- Pay conductor on board or driver when exiting
- Press button or tell conductor when you want to get off
- Use Google Maps to find bus routes
Boats in Bangkok
The Chao Phraya Express Boat is a scenic and efficient way to travel along Bangkok's main river, avoiding traffic entirely.
Boat Services
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: Main river service with multiple flag colors indicating stops
- Orange Flag (most common): ฿15-20 THB, stops at major piers
- Tourist Boat: ฿60 THB one-day pass, stops at all major tourist sites
- Cross-river ferries: ฿4-5 THB to cross the river
Popular Piers
- Sathorn Pier: Connects to BTS Saphan Taksin
- Tha Maharaj: Near Grand Palace
- Asiatique: Night market and dining
- Tha Tien: Wat Pho and Wat Arun
Operating Hours
- Weekdays: 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM
- Weekends: Slightly reduced service
Airport Transportation
From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
- Airport Rail Link: ฿45 THB to city center (Phaya Thai or Makkasan stations), connects to BTS
- Taxi: ฿250-400 THB to city center (includes ฿50 airport surcharge + tolls)
- Grab: ฿300-500 THB depending on destination and traffic
- Airport Bus: ฿60-150 THB depending on route
From Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
- Bus: A1 bus to BTS Mo Chit (฿30 THB)
- Taxi: ฿200-350 THB to city center
- Grab: ฿250-450 THB depending on destination
Cost Comparison: Which Transport is Cheapest?
For a 5km Trip in Central Bangkok
| Transport Type | Typical Cost | Time |
|---|
| BTS/MRT | ฿16-42 | 10-15 min |
| Bus (AC) | ฿13-25 | 20-40 min |
| Bolt | ฿80-120 | 15-25 min |
| Grab | ฿100-150 | 15-25 min |
| Taxi (metered) | ฿90-130 | 15-25 min |
| Motorcycle Taxi | ฿50-80 | 10-15 min |
Monthly Transportation Budget
- Heavy BTS/MRT user: ฿1,400-2,000 THB/month
- Mix of BTS + occasional Grab/Bolt: ฿2,500-3,500 THB/month
- Mostly Grab/Bolt: ฿4,000-6,000 THB/month
- Car owner (fuel + parking): ฿5,000-10,000+ THB/month
Transportation Apps You Need
- Grab: Ride-hailing (cars, bikes, food delivery) - www.grab.com
- Bolt: Cheaper ride-hailing alternative - bolt.eu
- Google Maps: Essential for all navigation and public transport directions
- ViaBus: Bangkok bus route planner
- Transit Bangkok: BTS/MRT route planner
Tips for New Arrivals
- Get a Rabbit Card (BTS) in your first week - it saves time and hassle
- Download Grab AND Bolt - compare prices before every trip
- Learn to say your destination in Thai or have address on Google Maps
- Avoid taxis during 4-8 PM rush hour if possible - use BTS/MRT instead
- Keep small bills (฿20, ฿50, ฿100) for taxis and buses
- Don't be afraid of motorcycle taxis for short trips - locals use them daily
- Consider living near BTS/MRT - it makes life much easier
Need Help Getting Settled in Bangkok?
Navigating transportation is just one part of relocating to Bangkok. Our relocation services include:
- Property search near BTS/MRT stations
- Orientation tour of Bangkok using public transport
- Setting up transportation apps and payment methods
- Purchasing Rabbit Cards and setting up stored-value cards
- Comprehensive guide to your specific neighborhood
Book a free consultation to discuss your Bangkok relocation.