Getting around Bangkok has become much easier over recent years with the opening of the BTS Skytrain, and Bangkok Metro (underground railway). And new many new rail links are either under construction or in the advanced stages of planning.

BTS SKYTRAIN

The skytrain is very easy to use with all direction signs and ticket information in both Thai and English. Tickets are dispensed on station concourses from easy to understand ticket machines. Change for the ticket machines can be obtained from a manned booth, as can day and season tickets.

See the link on the right for their English language website and a map of the system.

A new section from Saphan Taksin station across the river to Wong Wien Yai in Thonburi will open soon, while the construction of an extension to the Sukhumvit line is underway.

Fares start at 10 baht and rise to a maximum of 45 baht.

BANGKOK METRO (SUBWAY/UNDERGROUND RAILWAY)

The Bangkok Metro (MRT) runs from Bangkok’s main rail terminal at Hualumpong Station in Rama 4 Road, to the northern suburb of Bang Sue, which is destined to become a major transportation hub linking dozens of rail lines.

While few major tourist sights are on the route, it is a quick and efficient way to get from Rama 4 Road area to Sukhumvit/Asoke, the Thailand Cultural Center, and Chatuchak weekend market.

Like the skytrain, the Bangkok Metro is easy to use. Check the links on the right for their website, where you can find a route map and other useful infortmation.

TAXIS

Metered Taxis are plentiful in Bangkok. You can’t miss the colourful cabs weaving through the traffic, and they are keen to get your business.

Flag a taxi down, jump in, and tell him your destination. As a foreigner, it helps if you can get your hotel receptionist to write it down in Thai, or get a card from your hotel with the hotel address on it to help you get back there later.

Make sure the meter is on with 35 baht (a little over US$1) showing. If it is not on, tap the driver on the shoulder, point at the meter, and say “meter”. If he tells you its not working, get out and grab another taxi. There are plenty of them.

Due to the terrible traffic in Bangkok, the meters work on a combination of both distance travelled, and time spent waiting in jams. This is supposed to give drivers a fair deal but taxi fares have not risen for a very long time, so you’ll be getting a real bargain.

While taxi drivers seem to have an unfortunate reputation, the truth is that 90% of them are hard-working, honest people. One tip; the taxi’s registration number is shown on the inside of the back doors. Make a note of it, just in case of any problem.

A very few dishonest taxi drivers gather outside major tourist attractions, such as the Grand Palace. So, sometimes it’s a good idea to walk a little way off before trying to get a cab; flag one down that is passing by.

PUBLIC BUSES

There are a huge number of public bus routes running across Bangkok and its suburbs, operated by private concessionaires on behalf of the BMTA (Bangkok Mass Transit Authority). However, few of those buses have route information in English, and it quite difficult for short term visitors to figure out where they are going.