How To Get Around Bangkok

HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK

THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

Bangkok 'Mana Nakon' is also known as the City That Never Sleeps and it's true, the Thai capital in some areas is almost as busy or even more so during the night than during the day.Bangkok is a capital city among those that has the most amount of transport systems in the world. There are trains that fly above the city as well as trains that go underground. There are vehicles that move their wheels on the roads and boats that run on the river.First time visitors may find it confusing when choosing a suitable mode of transport to get around in Bangkok so in this article we'll familiarize you with the city’s various transport means, so you can travel the capital of Thailand with ease.

1. BANGKOK SKYTRAIN (BTS)

The Skytrain, widely known as BTS by locals, is an elevated train system consisting of two lines: BTS Sukhumvit Line and BTS Silom Line.

The BTS Sukhumvit Line connects north districts to south east districts. It stops at 22 stations, including these popular ones: Mo Chit, Victory Monument, Phaya Thai, Siam, Asok, and Ekkamai. BTS Sukhumvit Line meets the underground MRT system at Mo Chit and Asok stations.

The BTS Silom Line runs from central Bangkok to the west. This line covers 13 stations, and National Stadium, Siam, Sala Daeng, and Talat Phlu are counted as the most busiest stops along its route. BTS Slilom Line connects to underground MRT system at Sala Daeng/Silom station.

This high-tech system is an efficient and relaxing way to get around in the city. It is the best option to take during Bangkok peak hours.

Service hours: 06:00 to 00:00 daily

Service schedule: A new train arrives every 5 to 8 minutes.

BTS fares: Fares range between 15 baht ($0.43) to 42 baht ($1.21) per trip, depending on the length of the travel distance.

2. BANGKOK MRT

BANGKOK MRT, also known as underground train, currently consists of only one line – MRT Blue Line.

The MRT Blue Line runs through 18 stations. Chatuchak Park, Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Hua Lamphong are the most used stations by travelers as they provide access to many tourist attractions. From MRT, you can transfer to BTS at these interchange stations: Chatuchak Park/Mo Chit, Sukhumvit/Asok, and Silom/Sala Daeng.

Service hours: 06:00 to 00:00 dail

Service schedule: Intervals are less than 5 minutes during peak hours (06:00 to 09:00 and 16:30pm to 19:30pm), and less than 10 minutes during off-peak hours.

MRT fares; Fares range between 15 baht ($0.43) and 40 baht ($1.16) per trip

3. BANGKOK METER-TAXIS

METER-TAXI is a comfortable yet inexpensive way to travel around Bangkok, except at rush hours (16:30 to 19:30 everyday). It becomes a common choice after midnight, when BTS, MRT and river ferries have ended their working day. You can easily catch a taxi anywhere in the city. One useful tip to protect your pocket while traveling by taxi in Bangkok is asking taxi drivers to use the meters.

Service hours: 24 hours

Taxi fares: The fare starts at 35 baht ($1) for the first kilometre. A charge of 5.5 baht ($0.15) applies to each subsequent kilometre. Be prepared to pay 2 baht ($0.06) for each waiting minute in traffic jams. A normal 10-kilometre trip costs you around 80 baht ($2.3).

Notes; Tipping is not required but it’s recommended to round the fare up to the nearest 5 or 10 baht.

4. TUK-TUKS

TUK TUKS, The 3-wheeled vehicle tuk-tuks were a popular means of transportation used by Bangkok people before the time of taxi and BTS. They are still a way of transport now, but the service is mostly favored by tourists who want some fun while getting around.

Tuk-Tuk fares: There is no fixed rate for riding a tuk-tuk. The fare varies, based on the time of the day, the travel distance, and your haggling skill. Normally, a short 5-kilometre tuk-tuk ride will cost from 30 baht ($0.86) to 60 baht ($1.73). After an evening in an entertainment zone such as Nana Plaza fares can be higher after midnight.

Service hours; 24 hours

Notes;

A Tuk-Tuk can carry 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children.

There are no seatbelts on tuk tuk.

A Tuk-Tuk ride is exciting but it is not a very safe mode of transport.

Beware of Tuk-Tuk drivers offering to take you to Gem stores, tailor shops or offering massage escort services

5. BANGKOK BRT (BUS)

BANGKOK BRT is a bus rapid transist system that has its own 16 kilometre bus lane. There are 12 stops along the route, including two interchange stations that meet BTS Silom Line at Sathorn/Chong Nonsi, and Ratchpruek/Talat Phlu.

Service hours; 06:00 to 00:00 daily

Service schedule; Buses leave their stops every 5 minutes during peak hours (06:30 to 09:30 and 16:00pm to 20:00pm), and every 10 minutes during off-peak hours.

BRT fares: Fares range from 12 baht ($0.34) to 20 baht ($0.57) per trip.

6. BANGKOK MOTORBIKE TAXIS

MOTORBIKE TAXXI is a common mode of transport in Southeast Asian cities. In Bangkok, many locals choose to get around with this cheap yet convenient option. For solo travelers, especially those are adventurous, motorbike taxi is a fun and quick way to reach anywhere you want to reach.

You can find motorbike taxi drivers who wear numbered orange vests at most of the street corners near working offices or shopping buildings.

Motorbike taxi hours: 24 hours

Motorbike taxi fares: Fare varies based on the travel distance, the time of the day, and yes, your bargaining skill. A short 5-7 kilometre ride will cost from 20 baht ($0.57) to 30 baht ($0.86).

Notes;

A motorbike taxi can carry one passenger only.

It is always recommended to wear a safety helmet, which will be provided by the driver.

7. BANGKOK FERRY BOAT SERVICE

BANGKOK FERRY BOAT service provides river crossing service for those who just want to move from one side of the river to the other.

These ferry boats travel on 6 routes: Tha Chang – Tha Wat Rakhang, Tha Chang – Wang Lang, Tha Phra Chan – Wang Lang, Tha Phra Chan- Thonburi Railway, Tha Phra Chan – Phra Pin Klao Bridge, and Phra Pin Klao Bridge (Phra Nakorn) – Phra Pin Klao Bridge (Thonburi).

Service hours; This service is offered everyday from 06:00 to 20:00

Bangkok Ferry fares; It costs only 3 baht ($0.10) per trip.

MENZZOO FINAL THOUGHTS

Although finding your way around the Thai capital may seem daunting at first, getting around in 'The City That Never Sleeps' to all your favorite places couldn't be easier once you know how. The efficient public transport system includes a sky train, underground, buses, and plenty of taxis and tuk tuks.

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