Getting Around Bangkok Like A Pro: Essential Transport Tips
Bangkok - one of my favourite cities in the world - offers many ways to get around. As a sprawling and chaotic city, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out the best ways to get from one place to another when you’re visiting. But don’t worry - I’m here to help!
Bustling nightlife and city streets at night in Soi Nana, Bangkok. As you can see, the busy-ness of Bangkok isn’t only from traffic, put from street vendors and pedestrians on the sidewalks as well.
In this article, I’ll break down your options and provide advice on what mode of transport you should use - from walking and iconic tuk-tuks to public transit, rideshares and taxis, boats and bikes, and car or motorbike rentals! Whatever you choose, be prepared for the challenge of navigating Bangkok’s busy streets, particularly during peak hours and on holidays. I’ll also give you some safety tips you can consider to make sure you fully enjoy your time in Bangkok!
Keep reading for detailed guidance and links for efficiently getting around Bangkok's bustling streets and making the most of your travel experience in this dynamic city.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
1. Road Safety in Bangkok
Not to burst anyone’s bubble, but it is important to note that, according to the WHO, “Thailand has one of the 10 highest road traffic fatality rates in the world. It also has the highest rate of motorcycle-related deaths in the world, with almost 22,000 such deaths reported each year.”
Please don’t panic about this - I love Bangkok and I feel safe here overall - but do be very mindful of driving in Thailand, wear your seatbelt, and perhaps look at options like public trains over buses.
While the city is bustling, somehow taking a tuk-tuk is a fun, relaxing experience in busy Bangkok
2. Exploring Bangkok on Foot
Despite its size, many parts of Bangkok are surprisingly walkable. In some places, the sidewalks can be uneven and crowded - all part of its charm, but can present a challenge for people with mobility issues. For those keen on exploring Bangkok on foot, pick a neighbourhood, put on some comfy walking shoes, and enjoy the opportunity to experience the city's vibrant street life up close.
Note that Bangkok’s layout by default means you will very likely be wandering in narrow streets and alleyways when walking throughout the city. That might feel unsafe, especially for solo female travelers, but I have to say I have generally felt very safe in Bangkok, even walking alone at night.
Travelynne Tips:
Some of my favourite Bangkok neighbourhoods to explore on foot include:
Chinatown’s busy main streets and narrows side streets and markets
A long walk from Lumphini Park straight through Benchakiti Park via the Bangkok Linear Park
The alleyways and side streets of Old Town / Khaosan
The side streets in Khaosan are actually quite laidback compared to the wild Khaosan Road, and are nice to walk around and stop for a drink or bite to eat.
Safety Note
Keep in mind that they drive on the left side of the road in Thailand, and traffic in Bangkok is chaotic. So make sure you are looking both ways before crossing and pay attention to traffic because they aren’t always paying attention to you. Street lights often aren’t reliable and you’ll likely need to cross the road without it telling you to do so, and while traffic is still moving. A good practice is to watch what the locals do and learn from them - but always be cautious.
When walking alone, like anywhere, it’s helpful to avoid distractions and be mindful of your surroundings.
3. Tuk-Tuks: Bangkok’s Iconic Transport
No visit to Bangkok is complete without a tuk-tuk ride. These iconic open-air three-wheelers are perfect for short journeys ranging from about 5- 20 minutes. Especially fun at night, Bangkok’s tuk-tuks tend to have colourful lighting inside and give you a great vantage point to take in the city around you.
My parents and I had a lot of fun taking in the city from tuk-tuks in Bangkok, especially at night
Negotiating Your Tuk-Tuk Fare
Tuk-tuk drivers are normally Thai speakers only, so tell them where you’re going and show them on Google Maps. If you’re heading to a landmark (ex. Grand Palace, Terminal 21, etc.), they will probably know the English name.
Remember to negotiate the fare before hopping in, or you’ll be in for an unpleasant suprise or argument when you arrive at your destination. Tuk-tuk drivers will charge a slight premium for the novelty, which personally I think is worthwhile for the fun of it once in a while. To negotiate my fare, I usually check what a Grab ride would cost and offer a bit less to the tuk-tuk driver, for which they’ll negotiate upwards and we’ll meet somewhere in the middle - often slightly more than what Grab is quoting.
POV perspective zooming through Bangkok in a tuk-tuk at night
Electric Tuk-Tuks and Moovit
Note that the introduction of electric tuk-tuks in Bangkok, while an exciting development for sustainability, still has some way to go. During my visits, I found services like Moovit to have long and unpredictable wait times, making them a less reliable option for getting around the city efficiently. I do not recommend the electric tuk-tuk companies at this time, but look forward to improvements on this emerging trend.
Safety Note
Since tuk-tuks are open vehicles, just make sure to keep your belongings in the middle to avoid having items snatched. While this isn’t a regular occurrence, it’s best to play it safe. Also, I always suggest checking your route on Google Maps to make sure your driver is taking you to the right place (and is not taking a detour to charge you more!).
4. Public Transportation: BTS and MRT in Bangkok
In Bangkok, the Skytrain (BTS) and Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) are your best friends for beating the city's notorious traffic and getting around efficiently and safely. I was particularly impressed by how affordable, efficient and clean the Skytrain is.
The BTS Skytrain, soaring above the streets, offers scenic views of Bangkok, while the MRT, with its underground network, is a swift way to zip across many key areas. These public transport systems connect major shopping, dining, and cultural spots, making them ideal for visitors and residents alike. Like anywhere, public transportation can be crowded at peak times, so be mindful of your surroundings and personal belongings.
Planning and Paying
You can use Google Maps to plan your routes. Get your tickets/tokens from machines in the stations or by going to a ticket counter. Some of the agents might not speak English, of course, but you can just show them which stop you want to go to on your phone (Google Maps), and they will be helpful - as most Thai people are!
Safety Note
Like anywhere, public transportation can be crowded at peak times, so be mindful of your surroundings and personal belongings.
5. Public Transportation: Busses in Bangkok
Public busses in Bangkok can be a bit unreliable due to traffic, but off peak hours could be an inexpensive way to get around areas that aren’t so near to BTS and MRT stations.
I only have one experience with public busses in Bangkok and it was on a holiday, so likely isn’t representative of normal times. On that occasion, I found it quite chaotic, overcrowded and unreliable. The bus was much later than scheduled and there was barely room to squeeze on. It should normally be more efficient, but is always subject to Bangkok’s busy traffic.
Planning and Paying
For payment, normally there will be a bus driver as well as another staff member to take your payment. Payment will vary based on your destination, so it’s a bit difficult to know the price, but it is very inexpensive.
For example, I paid 20 Baht (~ $.060 USD / $0.80 CAD) and my journey was 20-30 minutes long. You can use Google Maps to plan your routes and pay in cash on the bus.
You’ll see a fare on Google Maps, but it wasn’t accurate according to the fee handler (no idea if that’s true and no way to verify), but either way, I couldn’t argue with 20 Baht.
Note that, while you’re waiting for the bus, you’re likely to be approached by tuk-tuk and/or taxi drivers making you offers. You can use the opportunity to haggle, but I usually found they were trying to get a lot more than what Grab was asking for at the same distance.
Safety Note
In terms of safety, note that the bus won’t normally stop right on the curb, meaning when you are getting on and off the bus, there will still be oncoming motorbikes, so look carefully before you step off the bus! And of course, since it may be crowded, you should take good care of your personal belongings.
6. Rideshares in Bangkok: Cars and Motorbikes
The Grab app, like rideshare apps worldwide, has revolutionized how travelers move around Bangkok. Offering a range of services from regular to premium cars or SUVs, shared rides, and even motorcycles, Grab can sometimes provide a convenient and predictable option outside of rush hour, and an easy way to get from the airport to your hotel. Grab also has a food delivery service.
Note that “GrabBike (win)” on the Grab app in Bangkok will give you the option to get on the back of a motorcycle. While this can help you beat traffic and is an affordable option, keep in mind that the rate of motorcycle accidents in Bangkok is quite high, so I don’t really recommend this. Many drivers (not all) will have a helmet you can use, but you may have to ask them for it.
While Grab is the most popular rideshare app in Bangkok and most of Southeast Asia, there are alternatives, such as Bolt and InDrive.
Safety Note
I have a whole article about rideshare safety tips for women - most of which also apply to men. I always suggest checking your route on Google Maps to make sure your driver is taking you to the right place. If you do opt to use GrabBike, definitely use the helmet provided, it’s the minimum precaution you can take.
One of my favourite neighbourhoods in Bangkok, Chinatown is in no way exempt from the chaos - it embodies it!
7. Taxis in Bangkok
Taxis, while plentiful, are best used with a fare estimate in mind, often provided by the Grab app for comparison. However, they will usually cost more than rideshare options.
I recommend avoiding taxis and just calling Grab to avoid having to haggle with drivers, and to simplify your payment automatically through the app. If you are stuck and need to take a taxi, make sure the meter is on or that you negotiate a flat rate before leaving.
8. Renting a Motorbike / Moped / Scooter
Due to the rate of road accidents in Bangkok, I don’t really recommend this option, but I know that many people feel passionately about doing it anyway, so I will include it. The appeal of motorbikes/mopeds in Bangkok is definitely the flexibility to dodge traffic, explore smaller streets, and experience the city's vibrant street life up close and like a local.
It’s easy to find rental shops throughout the city at competitive daily rates. Your hotel or hostel might even offer rentals, or be able to help you find a reputable one. Ensure you choose a good rental agency (check recent Google reviews) that provides well-maintained vehicles and includes helmets for safety. Purchase insurance with the rental and take photos and a video of the entire motorbike before departure to document its initial condition.
Safety Note
If you are not an experienced driver, you should not drive a motorbike in Bangkok. Otherwise, stay vigilant always, wear your helmet, and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws. Be sure to check the bike for wear (especially tires and brakes) and to test it before renting. If you’re not an experienced driver, there are many other - safer - options for you.
Mojo Matt disagrees with my assessment and feels that anyone can learn to drive in Bangkok. While I don’t think this is the best option for a visitor, if you’re staying longer-term, he has some good tips here.
A typical evening scene in Bangkok: lots of motorbikes, street vendors and a bustling 7eleven.
9. Renting a Car in Bangkok
Renting a car is not a common choice for tourists in Bangkok due to the city's traffic, navigation and safety challenges. Plus, finding parking can be a big challenge. For that, hotels or shopping centres are usually your best bet, but may often be full and leaving you frustrated. That said, for experienced city drivers, renting a car in Bangkok could offer flexibility and convenience, especially if you want to venture outside the city.
Before considering this option, make sure you have an international driver's permit along with your valid driver's license from your home country. Always carry these documents, along with your rental agreement and insurance, while driving.
While I haven’t personally driven in Thailand, keep in mind that driving in Bangkok requires patience and alertness. The city is known for its heavy traffic and somewhat complex road layouts, plus mostly signage in Thai, of course, which can cause confusion for foreigners. GPS navigation will help solve this challenge.
As for choosing your rental, follow the same advice provided in #8 above. For a guide to driving in Bangkok as a foreigner, check out this advice from Jonesy in Thailand.
Safety Note
As mentioned earlier, Thailand has a high rate of road accidents, so drive cautiously, wear your seatbelt, be highly alert, plan your route ahead, and always adhere to local traffic laws. Plus, make sure to get comprehensive insurance when renting the car.
10. Bike and Scooter Shares in Bangkok
In the City
Unfortunately, Bangkok is not a bicycle- or electric scooter-friendly city, so I cannot recommend this option for normal commutes. You will see bike-share and scooter-share options around the city, but I didn’t see many people using them, and I wouldn’t trust myself with one in the city streets. If you do want to rent an electric scooter or bike for a specific occasion, there is a company called Zendrian that delivers them.
In Green Spaces
That said, if you are visiting one of Bangkok’s green spaces, like Bang Krachao, a large park known as Bangkok’s “Green Lung” or the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden, renting a bike or scooter - or taking a tour - could be a great option!
Safety Note
Please always wear a helmet when riding bikes and scooters. Be cautious about opting for these options in the city. There are a number of bike and e-scooter tours available that can make for a fun and safe way to see specific (calmer) parts of the city:
11. Boats in Bangkok
Bangkok is not only a city of bustling streets but also of vibrant waterways, with the Chao Phraya River and multiple canals - known in Thai as khlongs. While getting around by boat won’t be practical for most things, there are some places where it can be helpful and fun to get around by boat, for example:
Using a hop-on hop-off boat to get from Wat Arun, the Golden Palace, the ICONSIAM mall and other sights along the Chao Phraya River
Hop-on hop-off boats offer a fun way to get from one landmark to the other on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, like this one leaving the famous Wat Arun Buddhist temple
Simply enjoying the city on a Chao Phraya River dinner cruise - a worthwhile and inexpensive tourist experience, as it offers a unique perspective of the city
Visiting the Asiatique Riverfront bazaar, mall and ferris wheel using the free boat shuttle
Taking a tour of a floating market, which were formerly the traditional markets in the area and today are an interesting experience for visitors to step back in time
We loved experiencing the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near Bangkok! There are also smaller floating markets in Bangkok that you can check out.
Safety Note
The boats can be busy during peak hours, so watch your belongings and watch your step when boarding and disembarking.
Final Words of Advice on Transportation in Bangkok
Overall, my advice to those visiting Bangkok is to use the BTS and MRT to get around when possible, because it’s impressively efficient and inexpensive. Of course, you should always walk when it’s doable, because there is no better way to stumble upon hidden gems than to just get out there and take some wrong turns.
That said, you will definitely need to use a rideshare, like a Grab car, sometimes and this can be convenient for some journeys outside of peak traffic hours. Finally, don’t leave Bangkok without taking a couple of tuk-tuk rides. Even if they are mainly for tourists these days, they are a fun and novel experience to be enjoyed while in Thailand!
While navigating Bangkok's roads requires caution due to its notoriously chaotic traffic, the experience is part of the city's unique charm. Embrace the hustle and bustle!
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