Motorcycle Taxis
Thai people often use Motorbike Taxis to get around the city.
Motorcycle taxis in Bangkok, locally known as motosai or win, are a fast and affordable, albeit thrilling,, way to navigate heavy traffic, typically costing 20–100 THB for short trips. Riders wear distinctive colored vests (mostly orange) and can be found at designated stands on street corners, near BTS/MRT stations, and in sois (side streets).
Unlike the BTS or MRT where the prices are fixed motorcycle taxi fares can be misleading which can lead to overcharging.
Motorcycle taxi stands often have price charts showing how much it costs from that stand to each popular destination. These pricing are typically displayed in Thai,so you would need a translation app to understand them. If you don’t see a price just ask the driver although their knowledge of English is likely to be poor.
Key Information for Riders
Locating: Look for organized groups with numbered, colored vests at street corners or station exits.
Safety: Always wear the provided helmet, even if it seems thin, and prepare for fast, agile maneuvering.
Fares: Generally fixed for short distances, but it is highly recommended to agree on the price before boarding if no price board is visible.
Apps: For a safer and price-transparent option, use apps like Grab or Bolt.
Top Tip: Motorcycle Taxis are best avoided for foreigners new to the city. They can be an exhilerating ride but aren’t the safest method of transport.
How to Take a Motorcycle Taxi
- Locating a Stand: Most drivers congregate at “win” stands located at the mouths of sois, near shopping malls, office buildings, and transit hubs.
- Hailing on the Street: You can wave one down using a downward patting motion with your palm, though it is often better to use an established stand for more reliable pricing.
- Confirming the Price: Always agree on the fare before boarding. Stands typically have a fare board, but these are often written only in Thai.
- Riding Technique: Sit astride the seat (though many locals ride side-saddle) and keep your knees tucked in to avoid being hit by passing cars. Hold onto the rear metal railing for stability rather than the driver’s shoulders.
2026 Pricing Guide
Fares are officially regulated for shorter distances, though they may be negotiated for longer trips.
| Distance |
|---|
| Maximum Legal Fare (THB) | |
|---|---|
| First 2 km | 25 THB |
| 2 km – 5 km | 5 THB per additional km |
| 5 km – 15 km | 10 THB per additional km |
| Over 15 km | As negotiated |
Note: For a very short hop (less than 1 km), expect to pay between 10–20 THB.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Using an app is highly recommended for travelers to ensure price transparency and safety tracking.
- Grab: Use the “GrabBike (Win)” option. It offers fixed, distance-based pricing and is the most reliable for finding drivers.
- Bolt: Generally 15-35% cheaper than Grab but may have longer wait times during peak hours.
- inDrive: Allows you to negotiate the fare directly with the driver within the app; often the cheapest if you know the fair market rate.
Safety & Etiquette
- Helmets: Drivers are legally required to provide a spare helmet. Always insist on wearing one to avoid a potential fine (200–500 THB) and for your own safety.
- Speed Control: If the driver is going too fast, say “Chaa-chaa” (Go slowly).
- Boarding: Always get on and off from the left side of the bike to avoid burning your leg on the hot exhaust pipe (the “Bangkok Kiss”).
- Payment: Carry small bills (20, 50, or 100 THB) as drivers often do not have change for larger 500 or 1,000 THB notes.