Bangkok traffic may seem daunting at first, but if you know how to navigate the notorious Thai capital, it's easier to avoid congestion, especially when you choose public transportation over driving. Here is how to explore and navigate Bangkok like a pro using its modern public transportation system.
BTS Skytrain in Bangkok
BTS Skytrain, also known as the rót fai fáa, is the most convenient and low-cost way to beat the traffic and enjoy your way to your destination. It helps you cross your way to the congested streets as it connects many working areas, popular attractions, shopping areas, hotels, and nightlife areas.
The BTS Skytrain runs from 6 a.m. until midnight and is interconnected with the MRT and ARL. When purchasing a ticket, you have three options: coins, bills, or scanning a QR code. If you need help, though, there is always someone working the ticket counters.
Subway MRT in Bangkok
The MRT, also known as ród-fai-dtâi-din, is Bangkok's underground metro system. It is very helpful, especially for people staying in the Sukhumvit and Silom areas, as it is fast and efficient. Tokens or chips are used and can be bought in automated machines and ticket counters.
ARL (Airport Rail Link) in Bangkok
ARL is the fastest route and most cost-efficient way to connect from the busy streets of Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport and vice versa without taking a metered taxi. It operates daily from 05:30 until midnight and covers the area from Phayathai to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Like BTS and MRT, ARL ticket chips can be purchased through automated machines and ticketing booths.
Taxis in Bangkok
Standard taxis are still the king of transportation in Bangkok. They are easy to hail, they are inexpensive, and they can be found everywhere at all times. For roughly THB 180, you can travel from one side of Bangkok to the other when there's no traffic, but there is one challenge that comes with using taxis – lazy drivers. Some taxi drivers may not want to take you to places if there's a lot of traffic. If they agree, they may not want to turn on the meter. Never get in if a driver refuses to turn on the meter, as they could overcharge you by quite a bit. This is why the next option, Grab, has become so popular.
Grab in Bangkok
Grab is a more reliable and safer form of transportation than taxis. Either a Grab driver will accept your route or not. If they accept, the driver won't turn you away when they show up. You can also check the driver's safety ratings, which should give you some peace of mind when traveling late at night.
BMTA buses in Bangkok
BMTA Bus service connects almost all parts of the city. However, it might be challenging for an expat to be familiar with its routes and environs. Traveling by bus has many cons, especially in Bangkok's heat and traffic jams.
It is really tricky to travel like a pro using Bangkok's BMTA as you need to figure out what time it will pass through the bus stops. Drivers and conductors speak limited English, and routes are written mostly in Thai. Also, buses in Bangkok are never on time, so always be sure to leave early and plan ahead.
Motorcycle taxis in Bangkok
With Bangkok's bumper-to-bumper traffic during office rush hours, the WIN motorcycle is the savior. The orange-vested drivers along the alleys and street corners are available almost everywhere and can take you practically anywhere. However, some opportunist WIN drivers take advantage of the farang innocence when asking fares, but most of them are admirably honest and accommodating. Plus, the fares to each location are posted on the boards at the motorcycle taxi stations. All in all, motorcycle taxis are by far the cheapest and fastest way to get around Bangkok.
Tuk-tuks in Bangkok
Bangkok is infamous for its tuk-tuks. These three-wheelers can be found whizzing through and dipping in and out of traffic in Bangkok's tourist areas. Although they are fun on occasion, they are the most expensive way to travel through the capital. What would cost THB 20 for a motorcycle taxi or THB 50 for a car taxi would cost you at least THB 100 with a tuk-tuk.
By all means, ride a tuk-tuk once in a while, but beware of their costs and their scams. Some tuk-tuks make money by bringing foreigners to shops that they have “handshakes” with. That is, the tuk-tuk driver gets a kickback for you shopping there. So be firm with a tuk-tuk driver before getting him by telling him “no shopping”.
River and canal boats in Bangkok
Various people live far from the city line, which makes river and canal boats helpful in saving time, money, and effort. They operate along the Chao Phraya River, passing through riverside temples and stilt houses of Bangkok. Services vary according to the color code of each boat.
Given the hustle and bustle of this city, it's important to consider which area to stay in. The sprawling city of Bangkok provides an efficient way to travel and reach your destination, but it would be perfect if you could stay near your workplace.
Useful links:
BTS
BMTA
Transit Bangkok
SRTET
Thaizer ' Boat routes in Bangkok
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