Transportation in Bangkok Guide: Top Tips & Ways

Transportation in Bangkok: Top Tips & Best Ways to Get Around!

For first-time travelers, navigating Bangkok's busy streets can be challenging, but with the right guidance, you can get around like a local! This article will provide the insider tips for facing transportation in Bangkok in this guide, along with helpful recommendations for affordable and efficient travel options. Ensure you learn how to travel around this city comfortably, from the tuk-tuks, moto taxis (aka P'win in Thai) and regular taxis to the BTS Skytrain and MRT. Whether you're shopping in  malls and markets, enjoying delicious street food, or exploring historic landmarks, following our tips will make sure you spend more time enjoying Bangkok and less time stressing about transportation in Bangkok. With our complete guide, say goodbye to travel concerns and say hello to a simple way to discover the city.

Unveiling Bangkok’s Public Transportation Network

Using public transportation is one of the best ways to travel in Bangkok. It's budget-friendly and efficient, ensuring you can explore more while spending less. Here’s a guide to the key components of Bangkok's public transportation system that will help you get around the city with ease.

1.River Pass

The River Pass is a convenient pass that makes exploring the attractions around the Chao Phraya River much easier. With this pass, you can travel by tuk-tuk or boat, both of which are budget-friendly and efficient methods. These modes of transport are not only cost-effective and quick but are also commonly used by locals, providing an authentic travel experience. This pass offers unlimited hop-on hop-off boat rides on the Chao Phraya Tourist boats, making it a great way to enjoy the scenic views and access major riverside attractions like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Asiatique. By adding the River Pass into your itinerary, you'll find that transportation in Bangkok can be both enjoyable and economical, allowing you to make the most of your visit.

Benefits:

• Unlimited train rides for a day
• Cost-effective for multiple trips
• Freedom to explore at your own pace

Visit TAGTHAi for more information on the River Pass.

Rabbit Card

The Rabbit Card is an essential tool for anyone looking to navigate Bangkok efficiently. This smart card offers a quick and budget-friendly way to access the city's extensive public transportation network. It can be used on both the BTS Skytrain and the MRT, making it one of the most versatile options for transportation in Bangkok.

• How to purchase: At any BTS or MRT station and load it with credit. With the card, you can easily pass through the turnstiles without buying single journey tickets each time you travel. This saves time and helps you avoid long queues at ticket machines during peak hours.

Benefits:

• Convenient access, avoid queues, discounts and promotions, multi-use, transferable, top-up, and unlimited transfers

The Rabbit Card is particularly valuable for those seeking cheap transportation in Bangkok. It offers various discounts and promotions at participating shops and restaurants, adding extra value beyond just transportation. Plus, the card can be easily topped up at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, making it incredibly convenient to use.

All Day Train Ride

For those looking to explore Bangkok extensively, the All Day Train Ride pass is a fantastic option. This pass offers unlimited travel on the BTS Skytrain for a full day, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for tourists and locals alike. It's one of the best ways to experience transportation in Bangkok.

Benefits of the All Day Train Ride Pass

• Unlimited Travel: The pass allows you to travel as much as you want on the BTS Skytrain for one entire day. This is perfect for those who want to visit multiple attractions without worrying about individual ticket costs.
• Cost-Effective: By purchasing this pass, you save money compared to buying multiple single journey tickets, making it a great option for cheap transportation in Bangkok.
• Convenience: Skip the hassle of buying tickets for each trip. Simply use your pass and hop on and off the BTS Skytrain as you please.

Popular Attractions Accessible by BTS Skytrain

• Siam Paragon: A major shopping center located at Siam Station
• Chatuchak Weekend Market: Accessible from Mo Chit Station
• Erawan Shrine: Located near Chit Lom Station
• Jim Thompson House: A short walk from National Stadium Station

Exploring Bangkok by Motorbike - by P’win or by app provider

Exploring Bangkok by motorbike is an exhilarating way to navigate the bustling city streets. Whether you choose to ride with a traditional moto taxi, known locally as P'Win, or use a modern app-based service, this mode of transportation offers a fast, affordable, and authentic experience. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of motorbike transportation in Bangkok.

P'win (Traditional Moto Taxis, known as Win Mor Sai)

P'Win, or traditional moto taxis, are a common sight in Bangkok. Recognizable by their distinctive orange vests, these drivers offer quick and direct rides, especially useful for short distances and navigating through traffic.

Benefits:

• Quick and Direct: P'Win moto taxis can zip through traffic jams, getting you to your destination faster than cars or buses.
• Affordable: Prices are generally reasonable, and you can often negotiate a fare before the ride.
• Local Knowledge: P'win drivers know the city well and can take you to lesser-known spots or shortcuts.

How to Use:

• Hailing a P'Win: Simply wave down a P'Win driver on the street or go to designated moto taxi stands.
• Negotiate Fare: Agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid any confusion.

App providers

For a more modern approach, consider using app-based motorbike/taxi/Tuk-Tuk services like Grab, Line Man, Muvmi (Thailand's electric Tuk Tuk), etc. These services provide a convenient way to book a ride via your smartphone, offering clear pricing and cashless payment options.

To make the most of the public transportation in Bangkok, here are a few additional tips:

• Plan Your Routes: Use apps like Google Maps or local transit apps to plan your journeys and find the best routes.
• Avoid Rush Hours: The BTS and MRT can get crowded during peak hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM). Traveling outside these times can make your journey more comfortable.
• Stay Hydrated: Bangkok can be hot and humid, so always carry a bottle of water with you.
• Respect Local Customs: Stand on the right side of escalators to let people pass on the left, and always give up your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, and young children.

TAGTHAi Bangkok Premium Pass: Your Ticket to Hassle-Free Navigation

The TAGTHAi Bangkok Premium Pass makes your transportation in Bangkok easier for visitors who have never been in Bangkok before, by providing unlimited access to the MRT, BTS Skytrain, and some bus routes. You can save money and time by not needing multiple tickets with this pass. 

On  TAGTHAi website, you can also see Bangkok airport transfers and access other attractions included in a certain pass, you can explore the pass that matches your pace. Click here! Embrace this smart solution for exploring with easy transportation in Bangkok and make the most of your adventure in the city.