Getting Around Bangkok
Taxis :
Metered taxis are available 24 hours in Bangkok.
The metered fare is standardized, with the flag down rate
being 35 Baht for the first 2 km and around 5 Baht for each
km thereafter. Passengers must pay tolls if using the expressways.
Make sure the driver turns on the meter once you get in.
Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often don't! Drivers
change shifts at about 3:30-4:00 p.m., and may not accept
you unless your destination is convenient.
If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon before
starting. The amount will vary depending on the distance,
traffic, weather (if it is raining the fare will rise) and
the negotiating skills of the hirer. Average fares in Bangkok
are between 50-200 Baht. No tip is expected, but it is a nice
gesture.
Tuk-Tuks :
The colorful, three-wheeled, open-air "samlor" taxis
are renowned for their capability to maneuver into the tightest
spots, offering passengers an interesting ride. Accommodating
two passengers (three or four at a squeeze), it is best for
short trips during off-peak hours. Settle the fare BEFORE
proceeding. Normally cheaper than metered taxis, the fare
should never exceed 200 Baht per trip.
City Buses :
Bangkok has an extensive bus service with routes serving every
part of the city, providing a fun and cheap way to explore
the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned
vehicles. The fare for the former depends on the distance
traveled, starting from 10 Baht per person and the buses are
colored blue, orange or white/green, depending on the route.
The latter charges a flat fee of either 3.50 Baht per person
(green and white/red colored buses) or 5 Baht per person (white/red
and white/blue).
Because of the low fares, the open-aired buses tend to be
heavily crowded, especially during the peak hours in the morning
(6-9 am) and evenings (4-7 pm). Be watchful of your belongings
and learn the art of balancing since the ride might be jerky,
with sudden stops and accelerations. You can request the purser
to notify you of your stop. People at the bus stops will gladly
inform you of the correct bus number to take if unsure of
how to get to your destination.
Be prepared with exact change or bank notes of 50 Baht (blue)
or lesser denominations. An uniformed purser aboard the bus
(listen for the clinking sound of coins in a long, cylinder
container) will collect the fee and give you a ticket. Keep
the ticket handy for inspections later down the route.
Microbus:
The pinkish-violet, air-conditioned minibuses share some of
the popular routes as city buses. Theadvantage is the flat
rate of 10-25 Baht per person (depends on the routing distance)
and that seats are guaranteed. Once all seats are occupied,
the bus will not pick up more passengers until there is a
vacancy.
BTS Skytrains:
With stations in major commercial areas and departures every
5 minutes, it is an ideal means of transportation to escape
the traffic. Service is via 2 routes: the Mo Chit - On Nut
route (runs along Sukhumvit Rd.) and the National Stadium-Taksin
Bridge route (runs along Silom Rd.). Running from 6 am to
midnight, the fare depends on distance traveled, ranging from
10-40 Baht per person. Routes and fares are posted at every
station, where tickets must be purchased. For more information,
please visit www.bts.co.th
Bangkok Subway :
Bangkok's newest mass transit system, the subway, is opened
on 3 July 2004. The first 99,999 commuters on the opening
date will also receive souvenirs. From the opening date, until
August 12, 2004, the royal birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit,
commuters will be allowed to use the subway at a specially
low rate of 10 baht for all routes.
The subway will run from the city's main railway station,
Hua Lamphong, under two major thoroughfares, Rama 4 Road and
Ratchadaphisek Road. It will make a major contribution to
attracting more visitors to Thailand and boosting the average
length of stay in Bangkok by linking several hotels, shopping
centres and business districts, as well as the Queen Sirikit
National Convention Centre. For more information, please visit
www.bangkokmetro.co.th
Motorcycle and Taxis:
Unique to Thailand, these taxis emerged in response to needs
for faster transportation during traffic jams and access to
main roads from remote neighborhoods and deep sois (alleyways).
Drivers wear colorful vests and fares are slightly higher
than those of metered taxis. Fare should always be negotiated
BEFORE proceeding. Thai laws stipulate helmets must be worn
in the use of motorcycles on public roads. Be prepared for
an adventurous ride.
River Taxis :
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient,
are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya river. Some ferry
passengers across the river (2 Baht), while others run the
route to various landing stages on both banks, going up as
far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi. Fare ranges from
5-20 Baht per person, depending on distance. Signs at the
landing piers are posted in both Thai and English.
Hired Car :
If you want to experience driving in Bangkok, there are many
car rental firms in Bangkok, including international rental
companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis. The road system
is good and well posted with signs written in English. An
international driving license is required.
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