How to get around Bangkok: Public Transport Guide for visitors [2024]

I guarantee you will have a better time in Bangkok when you understand how the city’s extensive network of public transportation works. After more than half a dozen visits and recently spending several months in the city earlier this year, I thought I would share a detailed beginner’s guide to public transport to help you hit the ground running.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Transportation options from Bangkok’s airports
• How to use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems
• River transportation, including express boats and canal services
• Taxis, ride-sharing apps, and tuk-tuks
• Bus services for the adventurous traveller

By the end of this guide, you’ll understanding of Bangkok’s transportation options, allowing you to explore the city efficiently and on a budget.

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I have to be honest, it took me a couple of visits to fully master how to get around Bangkok by public transport. The BTS Skytrain is pretty simple, but it took me a little longer to master the MRT and a third trip to really discover the joys of exploring Bangkok’s waterways. In fact, I didn’t even contemplate taking a bus until my fourth trip to the city.

These days, after extended visits, I am a bit of a BKK transport expert and I can work out how to get almost anywhere in the city pretty quickly.

First things first: transport from Bangkok’s airports

When they land in Bangkok, most visitors jump straight into a taxi. However, I am not sure it’s the best way to start your trip. While the city’s officials have set up a very organised taxi system at the airport, we have still had drivers try to get us to ride off meter or overcharge for our bags on recent visits.

You may also find yourself stuck in traffic jams for an hour. When you have spent eight plus hours sitting on a plane, this can be hard to take. It’s not the best introduction to the city. These days if you have enough energy (and are not travelling with kids!) I recommend you give the airport rail link a try.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport

The airport rail link is an easy way to reach the city centre and avoid traffic jams, especially if you arrive in rush hour.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is connected to the BKK transportation system via the airport rail link service known as the city line. The city line travels just over 28km and has 8 stops.

You will find the station at basement level at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Tickets cost between 15฿ and 45฿ depending on the distance you travel.

You will probably get off the train at one of the two stops nearest Bangkok city centre:

• Makkasan Station connects to Phetchaburi MRT just a 200 metre walk away. From here you are one stop from Asoke. This is great for those staying in Sukhumvit or somewhere along the Sukhumvit line. If you are staying near Hua Lamphong Station, in Talad Noi or Chinatown, get off here and change to the Blue MRT. (35฿‎)
  
• Phaya Thai Station links to the Phaya Thai BTS station and is best for those staying near Siam, Ari or at a riverfront hotel. (45฿‎) It’s a simple change from the BTS to Siam. It’s also easy to get a taxi to your hotel in central Bangkok or near the riverside.

Services depart every 10 to 15 minutes between 5:30am and midnight. The journey takes about 30 minutes to reach Phaya Thai Station.

Kids under 12 years travel free on the Airport link.

If you like the peace of mind in being organised, you can buy an Airport railway line smart pass from Klook before you travel. However, it’s really not necessary. I prefer to see how I feel after the flight and decide on the day.

There are express buses from Suvarnabhumi, but I would only suggest these if they rail link does not stop near your destination. Find out more here.

Don Mueang International Airport

If you are arriving in Bangkok on a budget airline, you will probably land at Don Mueang International Airport. This airport is served by the SRT Dark Red Line and the State Railway of Thailand intercity services that depart from Don Mueang railway station. These connect to central Bangkok at the brand new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

There are plans to connect this line with Suvarnabhumi Airport in the coming years.

There are also a number of buses that will get you from Don Mueang Airport to the city centre. These are express services and are under 40฿‎. If they stop near your accommodation, they can be an alternative to the train. They run at very frequent intervals. Check the latest details on the official site.

• A1 – Don Muang Airport to BTS Mo Chit
• A2 – Don Muang Airport to Victory Monument
• A3 – Don Muang Airport to Lumphini Park
• A4 – Don Muang Airport to Khao San Road

OK, now that you are in the city, you will find it so much easier to get around in Bangkok using public transport. So keep on reading!

How to get around Bangkok on the BTS Skytrain

The Bangkok SkyTrain, aka the BTS, which stands for Bangkok Mass Transit System, is the cheapest and fastest way to get around this vast city. It’s also the most common form of public transport in BKK that visitors use.

Currently, there are two BTS lines with 64 stations connecting most of the places you will want to go.

• Sukhumvit line – light green line
• Silom line – dark green line

My one tip for using the BTS is to avoid rush hours, particularly at the busiest stations, which are Siam, Asok and Mo Chit. If you don’t have to be travelling at 9am or 5-6pm, don’t!

The stations are well signposted with lots of English and plenty of maps. You will usually find a shop or two; however, there are no public restrooms.

If you have any mobility issues it’s worth knowing that services are not very accessible. Most have an elevator from the street to the station although it may be hard to find. Some stations have escalators, but there are always a few steps between the ground and the esclator and they only go in one direction which changes according to the peak hour traffic.

*The Gold Line, which connects the Silom Line with ICONSIAM, is technically an automated people mover and not a SkyTrain service.

The Sukhumvit line

The Sukhumvit line currently has 47 stations, and services operate every 3-6 minutes for most of the day. Each station has a number and a letter that represents its direction, (N) North or (E) East on this line. This comes in handy for helping you remember some of the more unusually named stops.

Interchange stations on the Sukhumvit Line are:

• Siam, where it connects to the Silom line (aka shopping mall central)
• You can transfer to the MRT at three stops: Asok in the east and Ha Yaek Lat Phrao and Mo Chit in the North.

In the coming years, eight new stops are planned for the Sukhumvit line.

Silom Line

The Silom Line runs between National Stadium (W) west and Bang Wa (S) in the south. There are 14 stops, including 6 after it crosses the Chao Phraya River. The National Stadium Station connects directly to MBK Shopping Mall.

Connections on the Silom Line:

• The Sukhumvit line at Siam Station is the busiest of all BTS stations.
• The Gold BTS at Krung Thon Buri for visiting ICONSIAM.
• The MRT at Sala Daeng and Bang Wa.

The Gold Line

This is probably the least useful of the current transport options in Bangkok for visitors. With just three stations on its 1.8km length, its main purpose is to connect people to the ICONSIAM shopping centre from the Green BTS line. However, most travellers visit using the river shuttle from Sathon Pier.

BTS Tickets and Fares

When riding the BTS, you are charged by distance. There are three options for purchasing tickets:

1. Single tickets – Machines are on all stations and most have manned ticket offices. You can work out the cost of your ticket here. Ticket machines offer English and are very easy to use. The staff are also really helpful and most seem to speak or understand English or bad Thai ;-). The biggest drawback to single tickets is that you are often faced with long queues to buy them at peak times.
   
2. Day passes currently cost 150฿‎. A day pass allows you unlimited travel and no queues. If you are only here for a couple of days, this can be the easiest option.
   
3. Rabbit cards – These can be used for the BTS and the BRT and for small purchases in convenience stores. If you are in Bangkok for more than 3 days, I recommend getting to save time buying tickets. They are also really easy to top up and can be kept for 7 years – so perfect if you return regularly. Any credit on the card can be used for up to two years.

The system is a tap on, tap off. A single ticket will be swallowed up as you exit.

The BTS website is a mine of information with fantastic station area maps that are really helpful in working out which exit you need to take to get to your destination.

If you prefer to be really organised, you can purchase a Rabbit card or one day BTS pass on Klook before you leave home.

How to get around Bangkok using the MRT

The Metropolitan Rapid Transit system or Bangkok MRT comprises four rapid transit lines (mainly underground train lines in the city centre). There are more lines under construction, one more rapid transit line and two monorail lines.

Unlike the BTS, which often gets referred to by the name of the line on the MRT, people tend to use the colour name instead. Each MRT line has a number and letter code, e.g. PP for purple line and BL for the blue line, PK for the Pink line and YL for the Yellow Line.

• MRT Blue Line (Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line)
• MRT Purple Line (Chalong Ratchatham Line)
• MRT Pink Line
• MRT Yellow Line

The Blue Line

The Blue Line has 38 stations and travel is an almost loop shape around Bangkok, taking in stops on both sides of the river. Trains operate from between 6am and midnight and usually come every 5-7 minutes.

The most useful stations on this line for visitors are:

• Bang Sue Grand Station, the new central train station
• Chatuchak Park for the famous weekend market
• Phra Ram 9 for Jodd’s Fairs
• Wat Mangkorn for Chinatown
• Sanam Chai for the Grand Palace and the express boat.

There are also many hotels at stops along the way, particularly near Lumphini and Sukhumvit.

You can interchange to the BTS at:

• Si Lom (BTS Sala Deeng)
• Sukhumvit (BTS Asoke)
• Chatuchak Park (BTS Mo Chit)

There are also four stations that are almost attractions in themselves.

• Wat Mangkorn station in Chinatown features Sino-Portuguese-style architecture and design.
• Samyod Station, housed in a colonial-style building, displays lots of historical images.
• Sanam Chai Station feels more like a cross between a palace and a museum than a train station.
• Itsaraphap station is decorated with golden swans.

I have got an article planned about exploring the city via the Blue MRT, as there are so many other stops near interesting places.

The Purple Line

The Purple Line covers 23km and serves 16 stations between Nonthaburi Province and Bangkok. Since there are not very many stops on this line that the average visitor would use, we will skip this one today. However, you can find more details here.

The Yellow Line

The Yellow Line opened in July 2023. It travels a route of 30km between Lat Phrao and Samrong, stopping at 23 stations along the way.

It intersects other lines at

• Hua Mak – the airport rail link
• Lat Phrao – Blue MRT

Stops you might like to consider exploring include:

• Silam for Pororo Aqua Park Bangkok
• Suan Luang Rama IX for the Srinagarindra Train Night Market and Seacon Mall

Several other stations link to malls and parks that those of you staying for a long time or looking for a more local experience.

The Pink Line

The Pink Line, which opened in November 2023, travels between Khae Rai in Nonthaburi and Min Buri. There are 30 stations along the 34km route.

It links with the other lines at the following stations:

• Purple Line terminus at Nonthaburi Civic Centre
• SRT Dark Red Line at Lak Si, 2 stops from Don Mueang Airport
• Green Line at Wongwian Lak Si.

The most likely stop a visitor would use would be Muang Thong Thani, which provides access to the Immigration Bureau and also Impact Arena and the Thunderdome. The terminus at Minburi, is home to a local market Min Buri Market (daytime only), that is good for grabbing food and clothing at local prices.

Like the BTS, fares depend on the distance travelled. When you purchase a single ticket, you will receive a token that you insert into the gates to access the station.

1. Single Journey Token – For one trip
2. Bangkok MRT Stored Value Card

More lines under construction will ultimately give Bangkok a rainbow of MRT lines.

The SRT

Just when you thought we were done with trains, there is more. The SRT is heavy rail or suburban rail. There are two SRT lines: the dark red and the light red.

These will become more well used by travellers connecting between Don Mueang and the new Grand Central Station. The station is officially called Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, but it is also better known by its old name, Bang Sue Grand Station.

• The Dark Red (Thani Ratthaya) will get you from Don Mueang International Airport to Bang Sue Grand Station.
• The Light Red (Nakhon Withi Line) has only 4 stations, so you likely won’t be using this one.

Map of Bangkok’s BTS, MRT and SRT Lines

This map shows all the services and the interchanges.

Licensed Taxis

Taxis are plentiful in Bangkok. Most taxi rides we have taken have been problem-free, and you will find they are much cheaper in Bangkok than, say, Phuket or Koh Samui.

The cars come in a multitude of colours. I particularly love the bright pink ones, but the majority are green and yellow. While taxi drivers in Bangkok are required to use the meter for your trip, sometimes they ask not to and want to agree on a fixed fare. Be firm and say no.

If you are planning to visit Maeklong Railway Market it can be better to take a tour instead of a taxi.

Rideshare Services

Our top tip for road transportation is to download a rideshare app. It takes all the negotiating and language challenges out of taking taxis.

The two biggest apps used in Bangkok are Grab and Bolt. Grab has the most drivers and is usually quicker in our experience but Bolt can be a little cheaper. Personally, we stick with Grab just for convenience.

inDriver is another app available in Thailand that we have used for long distance trips. You set a price you are prepared to pay for the journey and drivers accept based on this. It would be good for a trip to Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi. I usually use Grab to work out what that would cost and use that as a guide of what to offer.

If you are staying somewhere like Khao San Road where public transportation is pretty limited, Grab can be a lifesaver.

Tuk-Tuks

Visitors to Bangkok both love and fear tuk-tuks. Avoiding the Grand Palace scams and negotiating for a ride home from Chinatown are top of the list of the challenges for a first-time traveler to Bangkok, but not all Tuk Tuk drivers are bad.

Riding a tuk-tuk can be a fun way to see the city. A short ride will cost 100-200฿‎ depending on your negotiating skills. Don’t worry too much about what everyone else pays. Settle on a fixed price you are happy with and just enjoy the ride.

Remember tuk-tuks are designed to take 2-3 passengers so don’t try to squeeze too many people into one. It’s not safe.

When a rainstorm hits and everyone wants tuk-tuks at the same time, prices will be higher. Be reasonable in your expectations and if the price quoted does not appeal, just walk away.

You can also do a street food tour by tuk tuk, which is loads of fun! They even have one that starts at midnight!

Bangkok Motorbike Taxis

Motorbike taxi drivers sit patiently on street corners by BTS stations and condos, waiting for their next passenger, especially those that are more than a 5-minute walk away from the BTS or MRT.

I have never used motorcycle taxis and I probably won’t because I am not confident on a bike and usually travel with my partner. But for solo travelers these will save you time and money. Just make sure your travel insurance covers you being on a bike.

How to get around Bangkok – Buses

Most visitors shy away from Bangkok’s bus services, but this busy city has dozens of bus lines that are a very cheap way to see and useful if you are on a tight budget. They are also excellent for people watching!

Types of buses in Bangkok

There are three main types of buses in Bangkok: express buses, air-conditioned buses and fan buses.

The BRT is an express bus service. If you are planning on visiting the brand new Terminal 21 Mall at Rama 3, this service runs from Sathorn to Ratchaphruek. Watch the video for tips on how to get here on the express bus to Rama 3.

Air-conditioned comfort or buses with fans, this is your choice when you ride the bus in Bangkok. Hundreds of routes cross the city and beyond, and the price you pay is much aligned to the speed and level of comfort.

The air-conditioned buses cost between 11-24฿ depending on distance, and non air-conditioned buses are 7-8. After 10pm, there is a 1.5฿ surcharge. Be sure to carry some small change, as conductors can usually only change small notes.

Like Bangkok’s taxi, the buses come in a variety of colours. Air-conditioned buses are usually yellow or orange and would certainly be my recommendation. Fan buses could be red, blue, green or even pink. If the windows are open, it’s a fan bus.

Along with the colours of the actual buses, there are also signs in the windows that will tell you if the service is an express or regular service. Blue is a normal route and yellow signs are used on express buses.

Bus stop signs are a mix of old and new. In much of the downtown area, they show large numbers highlighting the routes serviced by that stop and usually some timetable information.

Unlike the automated machines in the MRT and BTS, on the bus, you buy your ticket directly on the bus from a conductor.

Google Maps is a good place to check for bus information. It lists many bus routes if you use the directions to search between two places.

How to get around Bangkok – River Transportation Guide

Exploring Bangkok via the Chao Phraya River is a wonderful way to beat the traffic jams and see another side of city life. With 1,161 canals that cover 2,272km, it makes sense that there are increasingly more water services available.

There are several services that operate along the river and it’s confusing to work out which one to catch, so a little research before you visit can help. Because once you get your head around it, this is possibly the most relaxing of Bangkok Public Transportation options.

You can choose from:

• Chao Phraya Bangkok Express Boats – four commuter services (one currently suspended)
• Chao Phraya Blue Express Boat is a tourist hop on hop off service.
• Mine Smart Ferry – new energy-efficient boats that operate two services along the Chao Phraya
• Hotel shuttles are private boats used to transport guests to Sathorn Pier.
• Klong ferry services – explore the smaller waterways
• You can easily find long tail boats at the smaller piers.

Being able to identify the different boats used will help you figure out which one best suits your needs. It’s worth noting that sometimes the ferry can be the quickest way between two points but often Google Maps doesn’t show these services.

Chao Phraya Express Boat – Flag boats

These boats service 30 plus stops along the river, you may hear them called express boats, Bangkok river ferries or river taxis.

The central stop for Bangkok’s ferry service is at Sathorn Pier. This wharf is the biggest and one of the newest along the river. It offers easy boarding, especially for anyone unsteady around the water.

Sathon Pier connects with the dark green BTS line from National Stadium.

The routes these ferries travel are determined by the colour of the flag on the back of the boat.

• Orange – All stops from Nonthaburi to Wat Rajsingkorn. Fare 16B- Flat rate
• Yellow – The quickest service, it makes only 7 stops between Nonthaburi and Wat Rajsinkorn
• Green – Another quick service that makes 8 stops between Pakkret and Sathorn
• Red – 10 stops between Sathon to Nonthabur
• Blue – This is the HOHO boat – check out our detailed tips for a day on the Bangkok HOHO ferry

The public riverboat service will be a godsend if you are staying at one of the riverside hotels.

If you have a riverside hotel booked that is not near a public wharf, make sure it has a free shuttle boat. These hotel boats usually only go to Sathorn Pier, the main ferry wharf and BTS stop, or ICONSIAM but they will make your life easier.

The public express boats that ply the river, operate from about 6am till between 6-8pm depending on the service. If you want to be out on the water at night, you will need to book a river cruise or ride the ICONSIAM shuttle service, which makes its last trip at 11pm.

If you are planning a visit to Wat Arun, take a Green Line Mine Smart ferry or the Tourist boat these are the only services that stop at Wat Arun Pier.

Mine Smart Ferry

The battery-operated Smart Ferry started service in Oct 2022. They operate three services from 7:00am-5:30pm, with connections to the MRT and the BTS at four piers.

The word MINE stands for “Mission No Emission”

• City Line – from Sathorn Pier to Phra Pinklao Pier (7 stops only)
• Metro Line – from Sathorn Pier to Rama VII Pier (12 stops)
• Urban Line – 13 stops from Sathorn Pier to Phra Nang Klao Pier

Unlike the other river services, you can pay with your credit or debit card 20฿.

Khlong Express Boats

One of my favourite things to do in Bangkok is riding on these speedy boats along the canals. It’s cheap, and you get to peek into the lives and homes of many of the canal’s residents.

While it has to be the quickest way to traverse city traffic jams, I don’t recommend you ride them in rush hour, especially for the first time. The boats are heavily used by local workers and it can be pretty overwhelming for the uninitiated. Khlong boats operate from 5:30am – 7:30pm (a little later on Friday and Saturday)

There are three Khlong services operating

• Klong Saen Saep – two routes depart from Pratunam Pier, one down to the river and the other up into Sukhumvit
• Khlong Phra Khanong – thirteen stops from Iam Sombat to Phra Khanong.
• Khlong Phasi Charoen – this service stopped during Covid and I am not sure if it’s back up and running. However, you can explore the canal by hiring a long-tail boat for about 1000฿.

There may not be any air conditioning on the Khlong Express boats, but the wind rushing by is certainly refreshing. I think they are a great way to get around in Bangkok.

These boats are the best way to get to the Muay Thai stadium at Rajadamnern Stadium to watch a fight.

Take a tour down the Bangkok canals

The easiest way to see these without the stress of negotiating a guided tour with a local long-tail operator is a prebooked guided tour of the canals.

If you are keen to explore some of the smaller canals, check out this private long-tail boat tour.

So will you explore the city by Public Transport?

After spending months exploring Bangkok, I can honestly say that figuring out the public transport here has been a game-changer. Sure, it can be a bit overwhelming at first – I remember feeling pretty lost on my first BTS ride! But trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how much easier, cheaper and quicker it is to get around.

My top tips? Grab a Rabbit card if you’re here for more than a few days, don’t be afraid to try the river boats for a different view of the city, and always keep some small change handy for those spur-of-the-moment rides.

Remember, every Bangkokian has their own transport hacks, so don’t be shy about asking locals for advice. Before you know it, you’ll be giving directions to other tourists! Happy exploring, and enjoy all the amazing sights, sounds, and tastes Bangkok has to offer.