Getting Around Bangkok – BTS, MRT, Taxis, Buses and More
Bangkok looks chaotic at first glance, but getting around is usually easier (and cheaper) than most visitors expect. The city has modern rail systems, plentiful taxis and ride-hailing apps, a huge bus network, and a few uniquely Thai transport options you’ll quickly become familiar with.
This guide explains how Bangkok transport works, what to expect, and how to avoid common tourist headaches.
BTS Skytrain
The BTS Skytrain is one of the easiest and most visitor-friendly ways to move around Bangkok. It’s clean, air-conditioned, frequent, and avoids traffic entirely.
What areas does it serve?
The BTS mainly covers:
- Sukhumvit (Asok, Thonglor, Ekkamai, Phrom Phong)
- Siam & shopping districts
- Silom & Sathorn
- Northern extensions toward Chatuchak
If you’re staying in central Bangkok, there’s a good chance you’ll be close to a BTS station.
How to use the BTS
- Buy single-journey tickets from machines or ticket counters
- Use Rabbit Card (stored-value card) for convenience
- Gates accept tickets or tap cards
Ticket prices depend on distance. Exact fares and passes change occasionally, so it’s best to check official BTS sources for current pricing.
Good to know
- Trains run frequently from early morning until around midnight
- Stations and signage are bilingual (Thai & English)
- Peak hours (7–9am, 4:30–6:30pm) can be crowded
Best for: sightseeing, shopping areas, commuting between popular districts
MRT Subway
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) complements the BTS and covers areas the Skytrain doesn’t reach.
What areas does it serve?
- Old Town edges
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Ratchada
- Huai Khwang
- Connections to major transport hubs
The MRT has four lines (Blue, Purple, Yellow & Pink) and is especially useful for visitors heading to markets, local neighbourhoods, or transferring to rail stations.
How to use the MRT
- Buy single-journey tokens at machines
- Stored-value cards available for frequent users
- Clear English signage throughout
Like the BTS, fares are distance-based and change occasionally, so official MRT sources are best for exact prices.
Best for: markets, local areas, connecting routes not covered by BTS
Taxis
Bangkok taxis are plentiful, air-conditioned, and generally inexpensive – when used correctly.
The golden rule
Always insist on the meter.
If a driver refuses to use it, politely get out and find another taxi. There are plenty.
What to expect
- Meter starts low and increases gradually
- Extra charges may apply for tollways (usually paid by passenger)
- Luggage is normally included
Common issues
- Drivers claiming the meter is “broken”
- Flat-rate offers at tourist areas
- Drivers saying your destination is “closed” and suggesting alternatives
Best for: door-to-door travel, late nights, places not near rail lines
Grab, Bolt & Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-hailing apps are widely used in Bangkok and often easier for visitors than street taxis.
Popular apps
What to know
- Price is shown upfront in the app
- Tolls are usually not included and paid separately
- Luggage is generally fine but not guaranteed for smaller cars
- Pickup points can be tricky in busy areas or malls
Ride-hailing is especially useful if you don’t want to explain directions or deal with meter negotiations.
Best for: convenience, clear pricing, airport transfers
Tuk Tuks
Tuk tuks are iconic, fun, and noisy – but not usually the cheapest option.
Important tips
- Agree on the price before getting in
- Be wary of extremely cheap offers (e.g. “anywhere for 20 baht”)
- These cheap rides often include unwanted stops at tailor shops or gem stores
Tuk tuks are best treated as a novelty or short-hop transport, not a main way to get around. They can be far more powerful than you might expect, and the driver may try to impress you with it’s speed. This can be fun & exciting or hair-raising, depending on your disposition!
Best for: short distances, photos, novelty rides
Motorbike Taxis
Motorbike taxis are everywhere and incredibly fast – weaving through traffic where cars can’t.
What to know
- Found at designated stands or hailed on the street
- Prices are negotiable
- Helmets are provided, but quality varies
Reality check
They are efficient, but there is a higher risk of injury compared to other transport options. Not ideal if you’re uncomfortable with traffic or carrying luggage.
Best for: short trips, heavy traffic, experienced travellers
Buses
Bangkok’s bus system is vast and surprisingly useful, especially if you’re staying outside BTS/MRT areas.
Why buses matter
- They serve areas with no rail access
- Very inexpensive
- Useful for places like Khao San Road, local neighbourhoods, and short hops
What to expect
- No English route announcements on most buses
- Some buses are air-conditioned, others are not
- Payment is made onboard to the conductor
Using Google Maps works well for identifying routes, even if the experience feels a bit local at first.
Best for: budget travel, non-rail areas, adventurous visitors
Chao Phraya River Boats
The Chao Phraya River is not just scenic, it’s also one of the most practical ways for getting around certain parts of Bangkok.
Why use the river?
- Avoids road traffic completely
- Inexpensive and frequent
- Great views of temples, old neighbourhoods, and riverside landmarks
- Often the fastest way to travel between Old Town, Chinatown, and the Riverside
Express boats
Public express boats run up and down the river, stopping at major piers along the way.
What to expect:
- Simple boarding at river piers
- Tickets purchased onboard or at the pier
- Different services (local and express-style boats)
Exact routes, stops, and fares can change, so it’s best to check official boat operator information for current details.
Tourist boats
There are also hop-on/hop-off style tourist boats:
- More expensive than public boats
- Slower, but easier to understand
- Useful if you want transport and sightseeing combined
When river boats are a great option
- Visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, or Wat Arun
- Travelling between Old Town, Chinatown, and ICONSIAM
- Staying near the river or Khao San Road
River boats are one of the most enjoyable ways to move around Bangkok: practical, relaxed, and refreshingly traffic-free.
Which Transport Should You Use?
- Central areas: BTS & MRT
- Door-to-door convenience: Taxi or Grab/Bolt
- Short fun rides: Tuk tuk
- Traffic jams: Motorbike taxi
- Khao San Road & local areas: Buses or taxis (or boats)
Most visitors end up using a mix – and that’s completely normal in Bangkok.
Quick Tips to Avoid Problems Getting Around Bangkok
- 🚕 Taxis: Use the meter
- 🛺 Tuk tuks: Agree the price first
- 📱 Grab/Bolt: Expect tolls to be extra
- 🏍 Motorbike taxis: Fast, but higher risk
- 🚆 Peak hours: Expect crowds on BTS/MRT
Once you’ve spent a day or two in Bangkok, the transport system starts to feel surprisingly intuitive — and it’s one of the keys to enjoying the city.