Transportation in Bangkok
Travel around by the ultra-modern Skytrain or Metro. For a more leisurely and fun journey try a tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw) or river taxi. Divided in two by the Chao Phraya River, most attractions are in the east, with several clustered around Rattanakosin. Here you can experience Banglamphu, the backpacker district, with teeming Khao San Road at its heart. Energetic Chinatown and Phahurat (Little India) are side by side. Further east, Silom and Sukhumvit are a magnet for shoppers and clubbers.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Skytrain
Bangkok's elevated monorail, the Skytrain, transformed travel around the city. It is fast, efficient and clean, with a train every few minutes. The fares are reasonable too. Two lines cross the city from Mo Chit in the north to On Nut in the southeast and National Stadium in the centre to Saphan Taksin in the southwest.
Metro
The underground network opened in 2004 and covers parts of the city not served by the Skytrain. Just one line links Hualamphong mainline rail station to Bang Sue in the north.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful. Make sure there is a meter sign on the roof and the meter is turned on at the start of the journey. In unmetered taxis, agree the price before departure. Passengers have to pay any road tolls.
Bus
Bangkok's bus service is not for the first-time visitor because of its complexity. Different-coloured buses indicate different standards of service – regular, air-conditioned, fuel-efficient and guaranteed seat. Each type of bus has a different rate. There is also a night bus service on limited routes.
Foot
Not a city for long walks because of the heat and humidity. Explore small areas on foot but make sure you drink plenty of water.
Riverboat
River taxis operate more like buses and are a fun way to travel. There are services along the river and from bank to bank. A popular service is from Sathorn Pier, which stops close to 10 major attractions.
Rent your car
In Bangkok, they drive on the left and traffic is made up of a curious combination of leisurely bicycles and tuk-tuks, and fast motorbikes zipping through small spaces between buses and cars. Some one-way streets change direction at certain times of the day, and traffic jams are a regular occurrence.
Transportation Tips
Don't even consider hiring a car to get around. Major roads are several lanes wide and aggressive drivers will not give you an inch. For stress-free travel, purchase a pass for 20, 30 or 40 journeys on the Skytrain or one- and three-day passes on the Metro. When using taxis, make sure you have your destination address written down in Thai as most drivers speak only a few words of English.
Bangkok Transit System (Skytrain) website Bangkok Metro websiteBangkok Mass Transit Authority (buses) website
Special Transportation
Tuk-Tuk
A ride in a tuk-tuk is a must on any visitor's list. These three-wheeled taxis are ideal for short journeys but traffic pollution makes a long trip uncomfortable.
Motorcycle taxis
Motorcycle taxis can weave between thick traffic. They wait for passengers at road intersections and wear a tabard for identification. The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory; they are provided by the driver.
