The complete Time Out guide for getting around Bangkok

What is it? Hop on the Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL) and zoom into the heart of the city in just 30 minutes! Covering 28.6 kilometers, this speedy connection whisks you from Suvarnabhumi Airport straight to BTS Phayathai station, with a handy stop at Makkasan station to link up with the MRT at Phetchaburi. Ready to ride? Just head down to the terminal’s basement level and you're on your way to exploring Bangkok in no time.

Fare: Cash-only payment for travel tokens. Fares vary from B15 to B45 depending on where you're headed.

Time Out Tip: Operating daily from 6am-midnight, the ARL helps you dodge taxi queues, heavy traffic and highway toll fees. And no worries about your luggage – there's plenty of dedicated space for it on the train.

What is it? Having first opened its doors in 1914, Don Muang Airport remains an iconic gateway to Bangkok, even after Suvarnabhumi Airport took the spotlight a few years ago. Getting there has never been easier! Hop on the BTS Red Line, which takes you straight to the airport and connects to the incredible Bang Sue Grand Station—the largest railway station in Southeast Asia (known locally as Sathani Klang Krung Thep Aphiwat). Head to level two of the airport and discover the convenience for yourself!

Fare: Fares start from just B12.

Time Out Tip: It's a fast, budget-friendly, traffic-beating way to reach the heart of the city. Jump on between 6am and midnight daily.

What is it? Under the operation of the SRT (State Railway of Thailand), this gleaming station offers train connections to every corner of the kingdom. As of 2023, Bangkok’s Bangsue Grand Station stands as the country’s central rail hub. From here, you can hop on long-distance intercity trains heading north, south, or northeast. Where will the tracks take you next?

Fare: Fare range from as low as B25 to over B1,000 for long distance intercity journeys.

Time Out Tip: Tickets can be purchased on the day itself at the station but e-tickets are available too. On the busier routes (to Chiang Mai for example) it's best to book a minimum of five days in advance if possible.

What is it? Thailand’s original Grand Central has been a hub for interprovincial travel for over a century. Part history lesson, part travel launchpad, it offers a unique experience for explorers. Don’t miss the mini museum tucked away near platforms 11 and 12, where the past comes to life. All eastern line provincial trains still depart from this neoclassical marvel.

Fare: As per Bang Sue above.

Time Out Tip: If you're staying in the Yaowarat (Chinatown) area, Hua Lamphong is super handy. It also connects to the MRT underground system.

What is it? Taking an air-conditioned bus is a hyperlocal way to reach destinations beyond the MRT and BTS train systems. You get a generally comfortable ride that gives you a unique perspective as you take in the town through the lens of a local.

Fare: Bus conductors come to your seat to collect your fare, which varies from B15 to B30 depending on the number of stops you wish to travel. If you aren't carrying any cash, you can pay with the tap of a credit card.

Time Out tip: Taking a bus here can be an adventure all of its own. With maze-like routes and detailed schedules (which can be confusing even to locals), it's easy to feel a little lost. But to save you the headache of guesswork, the handy (and free to download) Via Bus app is a stress-free tool to track the routes and timings for your desired destination. The buses are easily identifiable by their displayed route numbers and come in various colours - red, blue, orange and green (note: certain colours serve certain routes).

What is it? Adding to the charm of getting about town are fan-cooled buses: a throwback to a simpler, breezier era of city transport. Often of an older vintage and sporting windows that won’t shut, they cling on alongside their modern counterparts and offer a gritty hands-on way to get about and experience the sounds, smells and sights of the city up close. They come in a brightly varied palette of pink, blue, red and orange.

Fare: Priced between B8 and B10 – an absolute steal for an hour or two of hardy sightseeing!

Time Out tip: Skip scorching hot days if possible or bring along a pocket fan to stay comfortable. As with their air-conditioning equivalents, a conductor will collect your fare.

What is it? Once dubbed the 'Venice of the East', Bangkok still has a few navigable canals criss-crossing town. Canal boats are a popular way to travel among locals and are one of the quickest ways to travel, especially during rush hour. The busiest public long-tailed vessels snake through Khlong Saen Saeb, a murky waterway stretching from Democracy Monument to the eastern outskirts of the city. The staff will call out the stops, so listen carefully.

Fare: Payment is cash-only; starting at just B10 the ticket prices vary depending on how far you want to go. Just hop on and pay the conductor. Check out the Khlong San Saeb map here.

Time Out tip: You need to be quick and agile when getting on and off the boat as it doesn't stop for long. Also, the water in the canal isn't the cleanest, so be prepared for some splashes and choose your seat accordingly! The service runs from Mon-Fri 6am-8pm, Sat 6am-7pm, and Sun 7am-6pm.

What is it? Launched in 2016, this is the city’s first electric boat service. It offers a scenic 4-kilometre route along one of Bangkok's historic canals and originally comprised just four vessels, each with twelve seats. After the redevelopment of the canal, the service resumed operations with eight boats in March 2023. Operated by Krungthep Thanakom PCL in collaboration with King Mongkut's University of Technology at Thonburi, the service focuses on eco-friendly travel to reduce water pollution.

Fare: It’s free!

Time Out tip: The boats run at 20-minute intervals during peak weekday hours from 6am-9am and 4pm-7.30pm, and from 8am-7pm at one-hour intervals on weekends. Details are also available on the Via Bus app mentioned above.

What is it? Cruising along Bangkok’s mighty River of Kings with not a car in sight represents far more than just any old ride - it's a scenic adventure. Linking historical spots such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) with contemporary attractions such as ICONSIAM, this waterway wonder is your VIP ticket through the flowing heart of the city. The service encompasses four routes – orange line, yellow line, green-yellow line, and red line – so it’s easy to glide effortlessly from one must-see attraction to another.

Fare: Fees vary by route as follows:

1. Orange line: Nonthaburi-Rajsingkorn from B16, Mon-Fri, 6am-6.10pm, Sat 7.30am-5pm, Sun 8.30am-5pm
2. Yellow line: Nonthaburi-Sathorn from B21, Mon-Fri, 6am-6.10pm, Sat 8.30am-5pm, Sun 9.30am-5.30pm

Other schedules available on the service’s website.

Time Out tip: Keep some small change ready for easy fare payment. And wear shades for the best Insta-worthy selfies.

What is it? Known locally as ‘motorsai-win’, you will see thousands of motorcycle taxis dashing through the buzzing streets as if taking part in a game of Mario Kart IRL. Wearing their unmistakable orange vests, the fearless drivers can be spotted waiting on the corner of almost every main road and sub soi (lesser roads and alleys). Whether holding on for dear life or casually checking their phones, passengers cut through the congested streets like a hot knife through butter, making a motorsai-win the go-to choice for anyone in a hurry.

Fare: Fares (sometimes advertised, often not) start from as little as B10 for a short trip but good-natured haggling with the driver is not uncommon for longer journeys. If you’re unsure of a quoted fare, your safest bet is to book a ride with a service like Grab or Bolt, both of which offer motorcycle taxis.  

Time Out tip: It’s not always the case that you’ll be offered a helmet. Make sure to insist on one though… it’s safer (naturally) and you won’t run the risk of being pulled over by a traffic cop and fined (the passenger always pays!)

What is it? Resembling a burst of Skittles with their bold hues of bright pink, yellow, orange, green, and light blue, Bangkok's taxis are as colourful and kaleidoscopic as the city itself. Hailed on the street – you can flag them down almost anywhere when you're on the move – or for hire at dedicated ranks throughout town, they offer an air-conditioned haven from the streets’ scorching heat.

Fare: The standard fare begins at B35; Drivers prefer cash (notes only) but most will also accept payment via QR code/banking app transfer.

Time Out tip: A red light inside the windscreen means the cab is available for hire. Some drivers might try to overcharge or refuse to use the meter - especially during rush hour. Don’t let it ruin your adventure! Negotiate if needed, or simply move on to the next cab. Keep a stash of small notes handy. Drivers sometimes claim they don’t have enough change, but with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to hit the road hassle-free.  

What is it? Hopping into a brightly coloured, often pimped-out tuk-tuk (sometimes locally called a sam lor, meaning three-wheeler) can feel like stepping into an action movie - think Fast and Furious adrenaline rush. These iconic open-to-the-elements vehicles turn a ride through city streets into a theme park ride as they jockey for position at lights, dart into any available space (no matter how small), or bounce and swerve as the driver weaves a seemingly impossible path through traffic.  

Fare: The fares aren't usually fixed (bring your haggling skills) but most trips should be in the B50-B150 range. Ask first, offer only what is necessary and pay in cash.

Time Out tip: Tuk-tuks are more commonly spotted around the Silom, Siam Square and Grand Palace areas. Locals use them as a stop-gap for short flits. Avoid them during fume-filled rush hours (unless you’ve bought a gas mask along).

What is it? Songthaew translates as ‘two-bench’ and the vehicles are so called because passengers sit facing each other on two rudimentary benches. These iconic open-sided red-coloured pick-up truck conversions are the perfect way to experience a slice of local life during short trips. Indeed, they are a preferred conveyance for locals wanting to get around the ‘hood and connect to bigger roads and traffic infrastructure.

Fare: This is another cash-only option, but very budget-friendly with rides only ever costing a few baht, so you never feel cheated.

Time Out tip: Here's your chance to flex and try out the local lingo because all signs are in Thai. Ask the person sitting next to you if you’re unsure, and have some small change ready for payment.

What is it? Southeast Asia's super ride-booking app (available in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam) is also your safest bet to get a motorbike taxi or conventional taxi to take you door-to-door with no fuss. Just download the app on any iOS or Android device, sign up and voila, you have a ride at your fingertips. With real-time tracking you'll always know if your driver is just around the corner or if they cancel on you. See precise locations, monitor journey progress and be sure of fares. Transparency and safety ensure peace of mind.

Fare: All fares are fixed and subject to the chosen transport service. In theory, payment can be made in cash but in reality drivers may not carry enough change. Consider connecting your bank card to the app to activate Grab’s automated payment method and reduce potential hassles. 

Time Out tip: To save money, try and avoid rush hour periods. If you're a first-time user you'll enjoy the honeymoon period promos. Women can also book a female driver if preferred.

What is it? Almost identical to the Grab service but super localised (with English translation available). You won't be able to use this app outside of the country.

Fare: Specific fares are here and payable via cash or card.

• Line Man Taxi - By the metre. Basic fare B45, booking fee B50.
• Line Man Bike - Depending on timing and distance.

Time Out tip: Perfect if you need an alternative to Grab or Bolt.

What is it? Bolt offers various ride options, including economy and premium cars, motorbike rides and taxis by the metre. Like Grab app, this handy tool allows users to opt for female drivers. Bolt is available in over 600 cities worldwide and its features are tailored to each country based on user behaviour - hence the thrilling motorbike option here in Thailand.

Fare: Slightly more economical than Grab, prices vary according to time taken and distance travelled. You can pay in cash or tap with a card.

Time Out tip: As with all ride-hailing apps, it's best to be specific with your location details. Double-check your pick-up and drop-off addresses for a smoother and faster experience.

What is it? Environmentalists would approve of this recently introduced electric tuk-tuk service operating vehicles that take a maximum of six people in eco-friendly splendour. Carbon footprint reduction? Check. Whether you're merely tooling round the local sois or taking a family tour of the sites, this really should be your go-to app.

Fare: Fares are only paid via a top-up card and begin at B10.

Time Out tip: At present this is a limited service so it can take a while to secure a ride during busy periods. Be patient though and do your bit for Mother Nature.