How to Get Around Bangkok, Thailand - Guide to Local Transport Options in the Thai Capital

Ranked among Asia's most popular holiday destinations, Bangkok is a hub not only for holidaymakers and backpackers but also for business travellers. As a vast and dynamic city with countless attractions, all tourists should be aware of how to navigate this charming corner of Thailand if they are to make the most of their visit. From hopping on the BTS train network to hailing a cab off the road, here are some of the best ways to get around in bustling Bangkok.

^{BTS Skytrain | Image by ThaimaaOpas via Unsplash}

1. The BTS Skytrain Network

Considered the best way to travel during a trip to Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain service is not only super fast and efficient but also affordable for even those on a budget. With railways suspended above the highways and byways of Bangkok, there's no better way to beat the traffic during rush hour than hopping on these comfortable trains. The BTS lines are divided into the Silom Line and the Sukhumvit Line and cover nearly every major area and district of Bangkok with its 35 stops.  With trains available every 6 minutes, the train network is accessible from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm.

2. The MRT

While it may not be as extensive as the Skytrain network, the MRT or Bangkok Subway System encompasses 18 stations and travels across 20km. Trains are available every 5-7 minutes and are available from 6 am to 11:30 pm. Sharing several interchange stations with the BTS system, the MRT trains offer easy access to key tourist areas such as Silom, Chatuchak Park and Sukhumvit.

3. Boat Travel

What it lacks in efficiency, Bangkok more than makes up for with stunning views of the city. The Chao Phraya River cuts across Bangkok as the Seine does Paris and the Thames does London, so using the waterways is another way to avoid traffic congestion in Bangkok. Lined with some of Thailand's top cultural landmarks including the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, the express boats parked on the piers of the River of Kings offer speedy transfers to nearly all stops along the shores of the Chao Phraya. The Saen Saep Express Boat and Chao Phraya Express Boat operators are the two major operators serving the area with boats available from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm daily

4. Tuk-Tuk

First-time visitors to Bangkok often consider tuk-tuk rides a must due to their fascination with the colourful three-wheelers that occupy the streets of the city. But tourists must be careful when boarding a tuk-tuk in Bangkok as most are not metered and the fare is decided by the driver. It is not uncommon for travellers to get swindled by drivers who charge exorbitant amounts for a short ride, so it is best to steer clear of unmetered three-wheelers.

5. Bus Services

There are both air-conditioned and non-A/C buses operating in Bangkok, and they are easily identified by their colours. The red buses are those that operate mostly at night and are spacious and more comfortable than the non-A/C green buses, which offer the cheapest fares. The air-conditioned buses are usually blue, cream, or white in colour and tend to charge more for the luxuries onboard. Accessible from 6 am to 10 pm, those based at SQ Boutique Hotel or any other boutique hotel in Sukhumvit will find that they are ideal for travelling short distances. 

6. Taxis

Getting around via taxi can be a costly affair in Bangkok unless one uses Grab or a similar app that regulates fares. Ideal for large groups and families, taxis in Bangkok feature both metered and unmetered vehicles so it is best to enlist the services of the metered kind.