Thailand Transportation - Getting around
Bangkok
Getting Around Provincial Towns
Getting
Around Bangkok
Airport
Info & Transportation
Driving
Distance
Suvarnabhumi
Airport ( International and Domestic Travel )
Getting Around Bangkok
Taxis : Metered taxis are available 24 hours in Bangkok. The metered
fare is standardized, with the flag down rate being 35 Baht for
the first 2 km and around 5 Baht for each km thereafter. Passengers
must pay tolls if using the expressways.
Make sure the driver turns on the meter once you get in. Make sure
you have change, as taxi drivers often don't! Drivers change shifts
at about 3:30-4:00 p.m., and may not accept you unless your destination
is convenient.
If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon before starting.
The amount will vary depending on the distance, traffic, weather
(if it is raining the fare will rise) and the negotiating skills
of the hirer. Average fares in Bangkok are between 50-200 Baht.
No tip is expected, but it is a nice gesture.
 Tuk-Tuks
: The colorful, three-wheeled, open-air "samlor" taxis are renowned
for their capability to maneuver into the tightest spots, offering
passengers an interesting ride. Accommodating two passengers (three
or four at a squeeze), it is best for short trips during off-peak
hours. Settle the fare BEFORE proceeding. Normally cheaper than
metered taxis, the fare should never exceed 200 Baht per trip.
City Buses : Bangkok has an extensive bus service with routes serving
every part of the city, providing a fun and cheap way to explore
the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned
vehicles. The fare for the former depends on the distance traveled,
starting from 10 Baht per person and the buses are colored blue,
orange or white/green, depending on the route. The latter charges
a flat fee of either 3.50 Baht per person (green and white/red colored
buses) or 5 Baht per person (white/red and white/blue).
Because of the low fares, the open-aired buses tend to be heavily
crowded, especially during the peak hours in the morning (6-9 am)
and evenings (4-7 pm). Be watchful of your belongings and learn
the art of balancing since the ride might be jerky, with sudden
stops and accelerations. You can request the purser to notify you
of your stop. People at the bus stops will gladly inform you of
the correct bus number to take if unsure of how to get to your destination.
Be prepared with exact change or bank notes of 50 Baht (blue) or
lesser denominations. An uniformed purser aboard the bus (listen
for the clinking sound of coins in a long, cylinder container) will
collect the fee and give you a ticket. Keep the ticket handy for
inspections later down the route.
Microbus:
The pinkish-violet, air-conditioned minibuses share some of the
popular routes as city buses. The advantage is the flat rate of
10-25 Baht per person (depends on the routing distance) and that
seats are guaranteed. Once all seats are occupied, the bus will
not pick up more passengers until there is a vacancy.
BTS
Skytrains: With stations in major commercial areas and departures
every 5 minutes, it is an ideal means of transportation to escape
the traffic. Service is via 2 routes: the Mo Chit - On Nut route
(runs along Sukhumvit Rd.) and the National Stadium-Taksin Bridge
route (runs along Silom Rd.). Running from 6 am to midnight, the
fare depends on distance traveled, ranging from 10-40 Baht per person.
Routes and fares are posted at every station, where tickets must
be purchased.
Bangkok Subway : Bangkok’s newest mass transit system, the
subway, is to open on 3 July 2004. The first 99,999 commuters on
the opening date will also receive souvenirs. From the opening date,
until August 12, 2004, the royal birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit,
commuters will be allowed to use the subway at a specially low rate
of 10 baht for all routes.
All the revenue from the fare during that period will be donated
to Royal charities and foundations under the patronage of Their
Majesties the King and Queen. From 13 August 2004 - 3 July 2005,
the fare will rise to the 15% discounted rate of 12 - 31 baht, depending
on the distance travelled, and rise to the normal rate of 14 - 36
baht thereafter.The subway will run from the city’s main railway
station, Hua Lamphong, under two major thoroughfares, Rama 4 Road
and Ratchadaphisek Road. It will make a major contribution to attracting
more visitors to Thailand and boosting the average length of stay
in Bangkok by linking several hotels, shopping centres and business
districts, as well as the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
For more information http://www.tatnews.org/tat_release/detail.asp?id=2197
Motorcycle Taxis: Unique to Thailand, these taxis emerged in
response to needs for faster transportation during traffic jams
and access to main roads from remote neighborhoods and deep sois
(alleyways). Drivers wear colorful vests and fares are slightly
higher than those of metered taxis. Fare should always be negotiated
BEFORE proceeding. Thai laws stipulate helmets must be worn in the
use of motorcycles on public roads. Be prepared for an adventurous
ride.
River Taxis
: Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are
the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya river. Some ferry passengers
across the river (2 Baht), while others run the route to various
landing stages on both banks, going up as far as the northern suburb
of Nonthaburi. Fare ranges from 5-20 Baht per person, depending
on distance. Signs at the landing piers are posted in both Thai
and English.
Hired Car
: If you want to experience driving in Bangkok, there are many car
rental firms in Bangkok, including international rental companies
such as Hertz, Budget and Avis. The road system is good and well
posted with signs written in English. An international driving license
is required
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