Bangkok is one of the biggest cities in the world, a sprawling metropolis with a popular of 8,000,000 people.
If you are going to be visiting Bangkok for the first time, navigating the city can be a challenge, especially with the language barrier. But there are lots of transportation options available to foreigners.
Whether you are interested in seeing some of the main tourist attractions, or just want to be able to visit restaurants or top rated places nearby to Bangkok, our guide will help you.
Here’s some top tips for how to get around Bangkok:
How to Get From Bangkok Airport to the City Centre
The most affordable way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to accommodation in Bangkokis via bus. There are several stops outside the airport, this route is popular with budget backpackers staying in places like the Khao San Road. Journeys can be hot, long and packed with people, which isn’t ideal if you are coming after a really long flight.
Our top recommendation is to catch the airport City Line (Airport Link) which travels from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to lots of destinations in Bangkok. Tickets cost 45 bahts which is very cheap. One of the benefits of the metro is the fast speed and also you won’t get stuck in traffic!
If you are arriving after a long flight and it is your first time in Thailand then you can’t go wrong with a taxi. Although more expensive than the metro and bus, you’ll get dropped off at your accommodation and won’t have to worry about transporting your luggage.
Buses
Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Bangkok, although it can be quite confusing for foreigners especially if you don’t know Thai. Local people and staff working at bus stations can be helpful, but it can still be a challenge knowing if you are on the right bus or going to the right place. Sometimes buses are also very crowded especially during peak travel times.
Tuk Tuk
Riding a Tuk Tuk is one of the best things to do in Bangkok and also one of the most fun ways to explore the city. You can hire for a single trip or you can pay some drivers to drive you around for a full day of sightseeing.
Prices are competitive but generally more expensive than going via taxi. Always negotiate and agree a price in advance too, this will avoid you getting ripped off. Some drivers offer day sightseeing trips for a fixed price and will take you to the main tourist attractions whilst waiting outside.
Taxi
Ordering a taxi can be one of the most comfortable ways to get around Bangkok, prices are cheap especially if on a meter. Depending on when what times you travel, traffic can be terrible so journeys can be long.
Moto-Taxis
If you like motorbikes, then Moto-Taxis are an option for you. Although for tourists, they can be quite scary, especially if you aren’t used to this form of transport. This is probably one of the least safe ways to navigate Bangkok, but prices are very affordable and journeys can be quick especially as you can usually travel through traffic.
Train
The Sky Train (BTS), very modern, fast and a great way to avoid traffic jams. The BTS does not go stop near some of the more popular tourist destinations in Bangkok though like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. But if you want to visit places on the outskirts like Lumphini Park or Chatuchak market, it is best.
Bangkok also has the MRT, an underground metro which traverses Bangkok from north to south. This is also connected with the BTS and Airport Link, and if you have a map, it is very easy to navigate.
River
Travelling on the Chao Praya river is one of the best ways to see more of Bangkok and to get some amazing photos of the Bangkok skyline. There are cheap water taxi’s which local people use, and then more expensive options for tourists including river cruises.
There are regular boat shuttles allowing you to cross the river in minutes, these are very convenient if you want to see some of the popular tourists attractions in Bangkok like Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
Tours
Lots of local operators offer sightseeing tours of Bangkok, to browse options view excursions and activities on GetYourGuide. There are tours for all interests, you can spend a few hours, a full day or longer taking in all the best attractions in Bangkok and the surrounding areas.
If you have a flexible schedule and would like to see more places in Thailand check out a tour operator like G Adventures who offer lots of amazing small group adventure tours to popular destinations in the country including the spectacular southern islands.
Rent a Car
Another option, if you are a confident driver is to rent a car, motorbike or moped. Traffic and the road system in Bangkok can be a challenge if you have never driven here before so it isn’t recommended unless you are an experienced driver. Also trying to find locations whilst avoiding hitting speeding tuk tuks driving past can be a challenge.
Hopefully our guide has given you some ideas and confidence you can get around Bangkok quite easily. This city really is a huge, but fascinating destination to explore.
