When traveling around Thai cities, especially Bangkok, there are several efficient ways to get from place to place beyond just the BTS (Skytrain).
If you’re looking to move around the city quickly and conveniently, these four options are worth considering!
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Taxi in Bangkok
When it comes to getting around Bangkok, taxis are one of the most convenient options aside from the BTS and buses. The starting fare is just 35 THB, and a 20-minute ride typically costs a little over 100 THB—affordable and hassle-free!
Important tip: Always ask the driver to use the meter. If not, they might quote an inflated price at the end of the ride—sometimes several times higher.
There are two main types of taxis in Thailand: traditional street taxis and app-based rides via Grab (similar to Uber in Taiwan). For a detailed comparison and how to use Grab, check out our full article:here.
Bangkok Tuk Tuk
These iconic three-wheelers are common across Southeast Asia and can carry around 2 to 4 passengers.
In Bangkok, most drivers can understand basic numbers in English, but it's still best to agree on the fare before you hop in.
Prices usually start at 50 THB. If you're traveling in a small group (2-4ppl), a Tuk Tuk ride can be a fun and efficient choice.
Want to see what it’s like? Check out the Bangkok Tuk Tuk experience video on YouTube.
Motorcycle Taxis in Bangkok
Traffic congestion in Bangkok is infamous, especially during peak hours. When you're facing gridlock and need to travel a short distance quickly, motorcycle taxis are your best option
Typically, they carry one passenger, but if you negotiate with the driver, they may allow two people—though the fare will be around 1.5 to 2 times higher.
If there are plenty of motorbikes available, it's better to ride one per person for more comfort and safety.
Fares usually range between 20 to 40 THB depending on the distance.
Bangkok Motorcycle Taxi on YouTube
BTS (Skytrain)
The BTS Skytrain is Bangkok’s most popular and convenient public transport system. This elevated electric railway connects key districts across the city, making it easy to reach major commercial areas and tourist attractions like the Grand Palace, Siam Square, and Wat Arun. It's fast, safe, and a comfortable way to get around the city.
Two Main BTS Lines in Bangkok
There are two main BTS lines: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line.
The Sukhumvit Line covers northern and eastern Bangkok, passing through major business and residential areas. It connects popular spots like Siam, Nana (famous for nightlife), and Asok interchange station.
The Silom Line runs through central Bangkok and includes major stops like Sala Daeng and Siam, close to shopping centers and cultural landmarks.
BTS trains run frequently—even during rush hours—and are known for their efficiency. Plus, the air-conditioned carriages are a refreshing escape from Bangkok’s tropical heat.
BTS Ticket Prices in Bangkok
Fares depend on the distance traveled and your final destination.
- Short trips on either the Sukhumvit or Silom Line (1–2 stations) cost about 15–25 THB.
- Longer rides that span multiple stations can cost 30–52 THB.
How to Buy BTS Tickets in Bangkok
- Ticket Machines：Available at every BTS station. You can use cash or card. Simply select your destination on the screen, pay the fare, and collect your ticket.
- Ticket Counters：Each station also has a manned ticket window for those who prefer to buy tickets directly from staff.
- Rabbit Card (Bangkok BTS Smart Card)：Thailand’s Rabbit Card works similarly to New York's Metro Card. It comes in three types: Adult (orange-yellow), Student (green), and Senior (pink).
- You can purchase and top up the card at any BTS station ticket counter. A passport is required for name registration. (To skip the queue, you canpre-order a Rabbit Card via KKday, and pick it up quickly at the airport or city location.)
- The card costs 200 THB, which includes a 100 THB issuing fee and 100 THB stored value. It’s valid for 7 years, but unused credit will expire if not used within 2 years, and the card will also be deactivated.
- Short-term travelers can return the card and get a refund of any remaining balance at the Phaya Thai Station Rabbit Card Service Center before leaving Thailand.
- BTS One-Day Pass：If you plan to take multiple BTS rides in a single day, the One-Day Pass offers unlimited rides and is highly recommended.Pre-order through KKday, Save 10%
- Multi-Day Pass：If you're planning to stay in Bangkok for a few days, consider getting a BTS multi-day pass. It allows unlimited rides on the BTS for a set number of consecutive days—super convenient for travelers!
BTS Route Map
See below (source:Official BTS Thailand Website). The extensive coverage makes it easy to get around the city.
Watch a BTS Skytrain video on YouTube
City Bus in Bangkok
If you're staying in Thailand for more than 5 days and want a taste of local life, taking the bus is a budget-friendly option.Thai Smile Bus Deals：
40 THB for unlimited rides all day
50 THB includes both buses and boat rides—a great value!
With 123 routes and 1,250 electric buses (EVs) running through Bangkok, coverage is wide and convenient. Even better, Google Maps now includes Thai Smile Bus routes—making it easy for tourists to navigate.
Thai Smile Bus：it is an eco-friendly public transportation company focused on clean energy. By 2023, it plans to add 1,083 electric buses to its fleet. The company has been actively working to reduce PM2.5 air pollution in urban areas.
Currently, it operates 2,500 buses across 123 routes—including 2,017 electric and 483 natural gas buses—while employing over 3,000 staff to improve local livelihoods.
Their future goal is to expand the fleet to 3,100 EVs, cutting annual carbon emissions by 248,000 tons—equivalent to planting 24.8 million trees.Read the full article in English | Read more in Chinese
You can also explore the city by boat!
時常有網友常問我Thai Smile Bus的相關協助
提問：正在考慮使用Thai Smile Bus當成在曼谷旅行的主要交通工具，但看了Youtube影片網站介紹還是不明白Hop Card加值方式，請問購卡跟充值的大致流程是？如何成功充值Hop Card呢？
Hop Card公共巴士Youtube影片
說明：
電動巴士（Thai Smile Bus）的巴士卡Hop Card購買跟充值對外國遊客較不友善，要有泰國蝦皮帳號及銀行帳號才能訂購及進行儲值，一般是在泰國蝦皮上購買，然後用QR Code儲值，請見Thai Smile Bus的官方FB說明
Hop Card公車卡的泰國蝦皮購買連結在這裡 : 一張60泰銖+泰國運費27銖寄到您飯店
Hop Card公車卡充值步驟在這裡 : QR CODE請用泰國的任一家銀行協助轉帳加值您要的金額在卡片上
Hop Card泰國公車卡 – 收到時外觀
Hop Card 泰國公車卡 – 背面儲值QR Code
掃QR碼後，會開啟您的HOP CARD專屬儲值帳號的加值資訊，填入要儲值的金額，任選一付款方式付完款就儲值好了！（都是需要泰國帳號才能儲值）
Other Thailand Travel & Vacation Tips：
🚆 Bangkok Transportation Tickets and Passes
【Intercity Private Car Service】Bangkok ⇄ Pattaya / Bangkok ⇄ Hua Hin
【Airport Transfers】Private car transfers from BKK/DMK airports to Bangkok city hotels.
【Bangkok Ride-Hailing】Comparing Thai taxis vs. Grab—which is more cost-effective?
【Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Pass】Unlimited rides within a set time, stopping at 10 piers—great for sightseeing while avoiding traffic.
【First-Time Visiting Thailand?】Bangkok BTS Day Pass - Ideal for getting around the city.
【Taking the Train in Bangkok】Experiencing Thailand’s railways—waiting for trains on the tracks!
⛱️ Skip the Planning! Join a Local Day Tour & See More Attractions.
【Complete Thailand Golf Guide】A Full Overview of Thailand’s Golf Courses
【Bangkok Golf】Best Golf Courses in Bangkok: Prices, Rankings & Booking
【Pattaya Golf】Top Golf Courses in Pattaya: Reviews & Prices
【Must-See for 1st-Timers】Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong Market & Amphawa Fireflies Cruise
【Thai Costume Experience】One Day - SENSE OF THAI Costume Rental Experience
【20K+ Rave Reviews】Let’s Relax Spa – Bangkok’s Award-Winning Massage & Spa
🍜 Bangkok Food
【Unique Thai Snacks】Exotic Thai Street Food Experience
【Top Buffet】Copper Beyond Buffet at Gaysorn Amarin – A World-Class Culinary Experience
【Classic Thai Seafood】Great Harbour International Buffet Dining Experience at ICONSIAM
【Beachfront Thai Seafood】Discover Thailand’s Best Coastal Eateries
【Michelin Thai Buffet】Market Café by Khao at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Enjoy $90 Worth of Dishes for $24
【Thai Local Delicacies】Experience Thailand's street food stalls! How to say "not spicy" in Thai?
⚙️Useful Tools for Travelers in Thailand
【Unlimited Internet in Thailand】The most popular eSIM and SIM card options among travelers.
【Luggage Delivery】Luggage Concierge | Same-day delivery from BKK Airport to hotels in Bangkok.
🛏️ Accommodation in Bangkok
【Bangkok Hotels】Recommendations for 20 high-value hotels in Bangkok (including low and high season prices).
😎 About Me
I have been stationed in Thailand for many years (seeAbout me), speak Thai, and serve as your local insider guide. Feel free to join my Facebook Page:LiangYu in Thailand - Eight Years as an Expat in Thailand, Firsthand Insights into Thai Life, where we can share experiences about work, life, travel, and business in Thailand.
☎ Reservation Services for Thai Restaurants, Hotels, and Golf
Most reservations for Thai restaurants, itineraries, and vacation apartments in Thailand require a local Thai bank account for booking. (Popular cafes in Thailand like the Maldives-themed Bubble in the Forest Cafe and many unique accommodations outside major cities, such as those in the Pilok area of Kanchanaburi, often do not have online booking and payment mechanisms.) If you needassistance on booking or order thai goods, please reach out on :Facebook
