Once you get to Bangkok, you will probably want to know how to get around town and the best method to get to the islands. We’ll start by stating that Bangkok’s public transportation is more than adequate and, most importantly, punctual.
The city’s transportation options are Airplane, BTS, MRT, Taxi, Tuk Tuk, Train, and Bus. Bangkok’s notoriously bad traffic is well-known worldwide, and it’s incredibly simple to get caught in one at any time of day or night, squandering a lot of valuable time. However, Bangkok is surprisingly simple to navigate no matter your chosen method.
Train
One of Thailand’s most used means of transportation is rail services throughout the country at very affordable rates. Most long-distance trains depart from Hua Lamphong station, which, as mentioned, is also the last stop on the MRT. Trains heading north and northeast also stop at Don Muang airport station (Bangkok’s second airport).
Airport Link
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok’s primary airport, is connected to the city center by the Airport Link subway line. One benefit of this line is that it is far less expensive than a taxi while also avoiding the stress of everyday traffic.
The Airport Link has two lines, the City Line and the Express Line. The City Line costs 45 THB (approximately 1.20 Euros). Meanwhile, the Express Line is directly connected from Phaya Thai (in the city) to the “airport” for only 90 THB (about 2.30 Euros). The prices are so low you can afford to go anywhere!
It takes about 30 minutes to get to your desired destination. The Airport Link connects to the MRT (or subway) at Makkasan station and the BTS (or Sky Train). As previously mentioned, the Airport Link links Bangkok’s airport with downtown.
BTS
The BTS or Sky Train is actually a railway line rather than a subway. What you need to know about this transportation is that there are two lines: the Silom Line and the Sukhumvit Line. You can choose the one that suits you best depending on where you want to go.
From large shopping malls to Chatuchak Weekend Market, Sukhumvit Road, and even the river, the BTS is an affordable, quick, and beautiful way to get through Bangkok.
MRT
Only one line in Bangkok’s metro system or MRT connects Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong, where the city’s train station is situated. Because the line is underground, it is distinct from the BTS.
There are BTS connecting points at Silom, Sukhumvit, and Chatuchak (with the Mo Chit BTS station) (with Sala Daeng BTS station). Contrary to the BTS, which only accepts coins of 1, 5, and 10 THB, the ticket machines issue black tokens instead of tickets and accept banknotes.
Taxi
The simplest and most practical method of transportation in Bangkok, aside from the BTS and MRT, is by taxi. In addition to the conventional green-yellow and red-blue colors, there are also orange, red, and even pink cabs, which are really attractive. For the first two kilometers, the fee remains at 35 baht. The cost per kilometer then goes up by 2 baht.
Tuk-Tuk
The well-known tuk-tuks, which can be seen all throughout Bangkok, are small, three-wheeled vehicles with loud engines (often LPG) and a lot of flashing, beeping, and lighting. As one of Bangkok’s most iconic modes of transportation, tuk-tuk rides are now more of a cultural experience than a useful method to get around.
Tuk-tuk drivers in a metropolis like Bangkok frequently overcharge unfortunate tourists, so they constantly try to lower their prices; of course, you can’t even hope to negotiate with 10 THB.
Bus
Buses come in two primary categories. Government-run buses are the slowest and without air conditioning but are also the cheapest. These orange buses make all stops and can pick up passengers wherever on the route.
Air-conditioned buses are run by public and private organizations, and they are quicker and more pleasant. Sadly, there are fewer bus lines with air conditioning than there are buses without it. If you find buses with air conditioning, you’ll see they often come in two classes: regular class and first class with restrooms.
