So you have just landed in Bangkok, ready for an adventure filled with food, shopping, and exploring.
The airport is buzzing with travellers, and if this is your first time, you might be wondering, “Okay, what now?”
Bangkok transport can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you are used to Singapore’s straightforward MRT system. Here, you have options ranging from sleek Skytrains to chaotic tuk-tuks and everything in between when it comes to transport in Bangkok.
The good news is that getting around is not as hard as it seems, as long as you know a few tricks.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Suvarnabhumi Airport to City
Source: Wikipedia
If you flew Singapore Airlines or Scoot, you have arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok’s main international hub. The airport is modern, spacious, and relatively well-organized, but it is huge.
The Bangkok Airport Rail Link is hands down the fastest and most reliable way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok.
Just follow the signs to the train station in the basement, buy a ticket to Phaya Thai Station, and you are in the city in 30 minutes for just a couple of dollars.
If your hotel is near a BTS Skytrain station, taking the Bangkok Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai and transferring to BTS is the best option.
I have done this many times, and trust me, if you arrive during rush hour, you will be so glad you took the train. The Bangkok jam is no joke.
Ignore anyone inside the airport offering you a “special” taxi service. Just head to the official taxi queue on Level 1, tell them your destination, and insist that the driver uses the meter. Expect to pay around 350 to 500 baht, depending on traffic.
Don Mueang Airport to City
Source: Wikipedia
If you took AirAsia or another budget airline, you have landed at Don Mueang Airport. The airport is much smaller and slightly more old-school. You have two main options to get to the city.
The cheapest option is the A1 or A2 bus to a BTS or MRT station, which costs around two dollars. It is not bad if you are travelling light.
If you prefer convenience, Grab or a taxi is your best bet. The ride to central Bangkok will take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Once you have made it to your hotel, freshened up, and had your first Thai milk tea, it is time to figure out how to navigate Bangkok transport like a local.
BTS Skytrain or MRT
Source: Wikipedia
The best way to get around using transport in Bangkok really depends on where you are staying.
This is by far the best way to get around Bangkok as it is fast, clean, air-conditioned, and it saves you from the nightmare that is Bangkok traffic.
I always try to stay somewhere within walking distance of a BTS station because it just makes everything easier.
BTS Skytrain
Source: Wikipedia
If you are using the BTS Skytrain, you will find yourself near some of the most popular Bangkok attractions.
BTS Siam Station: This is the heart of Bangkok’s shopping scene. The moment you step out of BTS Skytrain Siam Station, you are surrounded by malls — Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery. Walk a little further, and you will hit MBK, the haven for bargain hunters.
BTS Phrom Phong Station: If you love cafes, brunch, and a bit of luxury shopping, this is the stop for you. EmQuartier and Emporium are great for high-end brands, but the real gem is the hidden Japanese izakayas and cafes scattered around the area.
If you plan to use the BTS Skytrain frequently, getting a Rabbit Card will save you a lot of time and hassle.
MRT
Source: Wikipedia
If you are heading to Chinatown for street food or to Chatuchak Market for a shopping spree, then MRT Bangkok is the better option.
If you are a foodie, the MRT will take you straight to some of the best spots for what to eat in Bangkok. Hop off at MRT Wat Mangkon for Yaowarat Road’s legendary street food or head to Sukhumvit for top-notch Thai restaurants.
For shoppers, MRT Kamphaeng Phet Station is also one of the best way to get to Chatuchak Market.
While there is a BTS stop (Mo Chit), the MRT actually brings you closer to the heart of the market, where all the good shopping is.
Quick Tip: Rabbit Card vs MRT Card
| Feature | Rabbit Card (BTS) | MRT Card |
| Works on | BTS Skytrain | MRT Subway |
| Can be used at shops? | Yes (some stores accept it) | No |
| Where to buy | BTS Ticket Office | MRT Ticket Office |
| Initial Cost | 200 baht (S$7.50) | 180 baht (S$6.70) |
| Top-up Minimum | 100 baht | 100 baht |
Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are one of those “must-try” Bangkok experiences, but I will be honest, I rarely use them unless I am in the mood for a bit of fun.
They are not the cheapest option, and you always have to negotiate the fare. If a driver quotes you 200 baht, just laugh and counter with 100 baht. You will usually settle somewhere in the middle.
The only times I really take a tuk-tuk are from the Grand Palace to Wat Pho because walking in the heat can be brutal and a short tuk-tuk ride is worth it, or from Khao San Road to Chinatown when I want to avoid the long walk.
Taxis and Grab
Source: thaiembassy.com
Grab and taxis are perfect if you are carrying lots of shopping bags or are just feeling lazy. But Bangkok traffic can be painful. One time, it took me an hour to move just three BTS stops worth of distance. I could have walked faster.
When does it make sense to take a taxi or Grab?
Late at night, when the BTS Skytrain stops running, taking a Grab or taxi is the best way to get around. This is especially useful if you are heading to a Bangkok night market like Jodd Fairs or Talad Rot Fai, where the food and shopping go on until late.
Always insist on the meter when using Bangkok taxi services. If they refuse, just get out and find another one.
Boats
Bangkok’s river boats are cheap, scenic, and a break from the madness of city traffic.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat is my favorite way to visit Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Tha Maharaj Pier without getting stuck in a taxi. I love catching it in the late afternoon when the temples glow in the golden light, and the river breeze makes everything feel more relaxed.
For something more local, the Khlong Saen Saep boat is Bangkok’s hidden transport hack.
It zips through the canals, skipping traffic and getting you to places like Pratunam Market or the Jim Thompson House in no time. It is not fancy, and you might get splashed, but it feels like you have unlocked a secret Bangkok shortcut.
If you are up for a little adventure, just hop on and go.
Things To Do In Bangkok
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Motorbike Taxis
Source: Wikipedia
Motorbike taxis are my Bangkok cheat code when I need to get somewhere fast. If you have ever been stuck in a taxi, watching the meter tick up while barely moving, you will understand why.
These guys in orange vests are lifesavers.
Just tell them where you are going, agree on a price, and before you can even think twice, you are weaving through traffic, dodging cars, and squeezing into impossibly tight gaps.
It is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you are not used to bikes, but once you get over the initial nerves, it is the fastest way to move. Just hold on tight, trust the rider, and enjoy the ride.
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Mastering Bangkok Transport
Whether it is your first travel to Bangkok or a return visit, figuring out transport is key to making the most of your trip. Bangkok transport might seem chaotic at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is actually fun.
The trick is choosing the right transport for the right moment.
Use BTS or MRT for most of your trips. Take taxis or Grab when you have shopping bags. Hop on a tuk-tuk for a fun ride but not for long distances. Motorbike taxis are for when you need to beat traffic. Boats are a scenic, stress-free way to see the city.
Now that you have transport figured out, where are you heading first?