Public Transportation
Bangkok's public transport has gotten better with the BTS and newer MRT and many casual visitors will be able to get around Bangkok well enough using these. However these rail systems are not yet extensive enough to avoid using taxis or tuk tuks. That said all transport options in Bangkok are inexpensive and relatively easy to use.

Airport Limousine
From the airport we recommend the Thai Limousine Service for business travelers and those who are just arriving from Europe. The easiest, most efficient and comfortable way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to your hotel. The fare is more expensive than a metered taxi but the comfort level is well worth it after a long flight.

Airport Taxis
Metered Taxis are readily available at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and also ply the city streets. The majority of Bangkok taxis are clean, air conditioned, readily available as well as the cheapest "efficient" form of transport.

At the airport you need to queue at the taxi counter OUTSIDE the airport building (as you leave it will be to your right. You tell the taxi counter which hotel you want to be taken and they will assign you a taxi (you have no choice which taxi you will be assigned). The airport has a 50 baht taxi fee, which you need to pay at the taxi counter. This is separate from the taxi fare or toll road charges.

Taxi drivers will take the toll roads UNLESS you request them NOT to do so and YOU pay the tolls (you can give money in advance to the driver but more commonly the tolls will be added on to the fare at the end of the trip. There are two toll roads from Suvarnabhumi Airport into Bangkok. The total toll for both is 70 baht.

Flag fall at this writing is 35 baht for the first 2 kilometers and 4.5 baht per kilometre thereafter up to 12 kilometres and 5 baht above 12 kilometres. Tips are in order from the airport for handling luggage etc. Total fare including the airport taxi fee, tolls and fare can range from 300 Baht (no traffic) upwards (depending on time of day and traffic).

A word of caution: by all means avoid "private taxis" which are easily identified by their black license plates.

Airport Mini vans
Air conditioned mini vans leave Suvarnabhumi every 30 minutes. But because they take up to 10 passengers to widely scattered hotels in the notorious Bangkok traffic, you could find yourself spending hours getting to your hotel - especially during rush hour. A favorite of backpackers, but for business travelers the few Baht saved will cost you in terms of time.

Bangkok Taxis
Metered taxis in Bangkok use late model sedans, which are clean, comfortable and very, very cheap. Flagfall for the first 2 kilometers is 35 baht (about 1 USD) and 4.5 baht per kilometer from 2-12 kilometers and 5 baht per kilometer after 12 kilometers. Phone hire is an additional 20 baht and if the taxi moves less than 6 km/hour (traffic jam) the passenger is required to pay 1.25 baht per minute.

A couple of words of caution, first, make sure the meter is on when you start your journey. If the taxi driver claims it's broken you will need to negotiate the fare before setting off (key word is before) or better still simply get out and get another taxi (not always easy in the rain). Second, many taxi drivers in Bangkok do not understand English well. That said, it is always a good idea to have the hotel front desk staff or restaurant staff to call the cab and write your destination in Thai AND tell the driver your destination in Thai. All this however, will not guarantee you get where you want to go on the first pass. FYI, longer trips (higher fares) are not necessarily more profitable so don't think you being taken for a city tour and getting upset will not help. If you get taken to the wrong address, just ask the staff there to help and give the driver new directions. Having a map handy with the destination circled helps.

Also, have small change ready as most taxi drivers do not (or so claim) and will round up to the next highest 10 baht amount. That said and understanding that tipping is not required, some drivers will round up to the next highest 5 baht amount and wait for you to ask for the remainder (up to you if you do, but what's 2 or 3 baht anyway?)

Bangkok BTS
Bangkok's BTS (sky train) is a great way to move about the city and literally puts you "above it all". Bangkok's BTS provides a very comfortable air conditioned ride together with a unique view of city life. The BTS has two routes connecting the major hotel and shopping areas; Mo Chit - On Nut running along Sukhumvit Road and National Stadium-Taksin Bridge route that runs along Silom Road. BTS operates both routes 6.00am - midnight daily.

Be advised though that not all BTS stations have escalators and accessing the trains can be difficult as you need to walk up 3 flights of stairs (and back down). Even those that do, the escalators are not always conveniently located.

Nonetheless, the BTS fares are reasonable (10-40 baht per person per one way trip depending on the distance) especially for single passengers. However that said, for two or more people traveling together taking a taxi for a short trip (3 kilometers or less, a fair distance in the city) is often more economical, comfortable and quicker than the BTS (that will give you an idea of how inexpensive taxis are in Bangkok!). A one day pass with unlimited access is available for 100 baht.

Bangkok MRT
Bangkok MRT (subway) is the newest addition to Bangkok's efforts to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. The Bangkok MRT opened in late 2004. Although the length of rail number of stops is still quite limited, the subway is the cheapest form of public transportation available as the government tries to woo passengers. And the trains and services are first rate all the way.

To ride the subway, you will need to buy a round black token from one of the well marked, easy to read vending machines (complete with maps and corresponding fares). With your token in hand, waive it over the turnstile to gain access to the station When alighting, just deposit the token in the --- slot on the top of the turnstile. Couldn't be easier (in fact, it is far easier to use than Singapore's card system with its required deposit).

Tuk Tuks
Tuk Tuks. A form of transport unique to Thailand, primarily used for short trips, these noisy, colorful 3 wheeled motorcycles with flashing lights and loud music add quite a bit to the normal cacophony of Bangkok streets and are great for zipping around the back streets.

Prices are negotiated in advance, however this can be complicated by the fact that most tuk tuk drivers speak minimal English and frequently demand more money on arrival at you destination. Be advised that many tuk tuk drivers especially the ones hanging around major hotels do speak better English and are on commission to take customers to tailors, gem shops and even massage parlors (but often will tell you this and ask you to kindly 'just step inside' so that they can get gas money from the shop - it is up to you to agree but be aware of that reputable retailers need not resort to such tactics and often this is associated with a popular gem scam (click for details) that snares hundreds of visitors each year.


River Boat Taxi
You can enjoy the Chao Phraya river from the pier on the Soi leading to the Oriental Hotel. These "long tail" boats provide a speedy, albeit noisy way to get to several points on the river all the while offering a nice view of the city. River tours can be arranged.

Public Buses
Last but not least are public buses. Whilst the buses go to every nook and cranny of the city; knowing which bus to take can be a bit daunting for the casual visitor. However if you are game and have the time public buses can be an interesting and inexpensive way to tour Bangkok but be advised they are crowded and you may not get a seat.

There are two types of service; air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned. Air-conditioned buses are blue, orange or white/green, depending on the route. The fare for air-conditioned buses starts at 10 baht and increases with the distance traveled. Non-air-conditioned are white/red or white/blue and charge a flat amount (not more than 5 baht). A purser will be aboard the buses to collect fares and give tickets. No change is made so be sure to have exact change ready.