Getting Around
Bangkok offers a variety of transport options to help navigate the city. Here are some of the most common:
- BTS Skytrain: An elevated rapid transit system that is efficient and avoids traffic congestion. It covers many key areas of the city.
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The underground metro system that complements the BTS and connects several districts, including some major tourist sites.
- Buses: A comprehensive bus network operates throughout the city. It’s an economical option but can be crowded and affected by traffic.
- Taxis: Readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ensure the meter is used to avoid overcharging.
- Motorbike Taxis: A fast way to navigate through traffic, particularly for short distances. Drivers can be found at designated stands.
- Tuk-tuks: Iconic three-wheeled vehicles that are more of a tourist attraction but can also be a fun way to get around for short distances.
- River Boats: The Chao Phraya River has a public boat service which is a scenic and efficient way to travel, especially to reach sites along the river.
- Walking: In areas with heavy traffic or tourist attractions, walking can sometimes be the quickest way to get around.
- Bicycle Rentals: Some parks and areas have bike rentals, providing a leisurely way to explore certain parts of the city.
Each option has its advantages and is suitable for different needs depending on time, budget, and destination.
The BTS Skytrain is a great way to get around Bangkok, especially when traffic is bad.
Motorbike Taxis are a quick and exhilarating way of getting through the traffic in Bangkok
The MRT is Bangkok’s underground or metro system, although outside the centre of the city it surfaces above ground.
River Transport is an ideal way to get around Bangkok. There are many options available.
Taxis are a cheap way to get around the city but it maybe better to use the BTS during busy…
Tuk Tuks are a fun way to get around the city but aren’t as cheap as you might think.
River Crossing Ferries
Not to be confused the River Boats that go up and down the river these little ferries just take you across the river and back again.
They are useful if there isn’t a bridge nearbyand sometimes (like at Wat Arun) you need to use them to get across the river. The fee (as at 2026) is usually 5 baht.
MRT and BRT
Bangkok has a metro or underground system called the MRT https://www.transitbangkok.com/mrt.html It uses a different card to that of the BTS although it works in the same way. It is clean and frequent and often adjoins BTS stations (like at Sala Daeng near Lumpini park)
The BRT is a a Rapid Bus Transport in which Buses runs in special lanes.
Some of the new MRT stations are beautiful and almost works of art. MRT transport is very clean compared with London’s Underground or the Subway in New York.
River Transport
If wanting to travel on the river then the Chaopraya Express Boat is a water bus (think Thames Clipper if from the UK). It usually stops quite early around 7pm however.
Transport up and down the Chaophraya River is primarily using the Chaophraya Express boat but there are other that stop at all stations and there is a tourist version as well. Be aware that they stop running around 7pm.
Shuttle boats dock at the Sathorn Pier to take guests to the major riverside hotels and also to ICONSIAM and Asiatique
There are several types of Chao Phraya Express Boats, each with a different color flag and route.
- No Flag: Boats without a flag stop at every pier.
- Blue Flag (Tourist Boat): Stops upon request, ideal for tourists exploring the river. Operates from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited trips. Staff will call out the pier names and stop the boat upon request.
- Orange Flag: Stops at main piers
- Yellow Flag: Large express boat for commuters during rush hours.
- Green Flag: Express boat for commuters during specific hours
