Varied modes of transportation within Thailand are part of the adventure.

Getting Around in Thailand

Elephants and bamboo rafts, trains and planes, long-tail boats and
ferries, tuk-tuks and taxis. The variety of travel options within
Thailand is one of the country’s pleasures — when it's not a source
of frustration. Knowing all your options, then picking the best, will
get you places faster and more enjoyably. Trying as many as you
can, within the limits of common sense, will enrich your visit.
Most cab and boat drivers do not speak English. Nor can they read
English. Nor can they read a map. So it’s important to be sure the
driver knows where you’re going, before you get started. Hotels and
other business establishments print their name and address (as well
as directions, if necessary) in Thai script, on their business cards
and advertising, expressly for this purpose. Hold on to that card!
Elephants are now banned Without it you’ll need the help of a guide, translator, or dispatcher.
on the streets of Bangkok, Skytrain. Bangkok. The first portions of Bangkok's long-needed
but are still used in the elevated rail opened in December, 1999. If it's going your way, it
countryside — sometimes will generally be the cleanest and fastest way around this congested
for tourists, also city. No other Thai cities have rail systems for travel within the city.
occasionally for hauling Metered cabs. Within major cities; also feasible for short
lumber and other heavy excursions into the countryside. Comfortable, often air-conditioned,
items. which counts for a lot if you’re sitting in traffic. Drivers are
  required by law to charge on the meter. Some, especially late at
night, will try to leave the meter off. Either insist that they turn it
on, or negotiate a fare before you get in.
Tuk-tuks. Within a city. These 3-wheeled motorized cabs should be
a part of your Thai experience, but are better for short distances.
Anyone taller than 5’6" won’t see much, and the open-air ride loses
its charm after you sit too long in a smog-belt of traffic. Tuk-tuks
are cheaper than a cab, and often faster, as tuk-tuk drivers will
weave between traffic, or down the wrong side of the road, to speed
Longtail boats are faster
up the journey. Officially built for two; you can squeeze in a third.
than cabs or buses in
Or a fourth. We once counted eight young soldiers in the same tuk-
Bangkok, provided that
tuk, all beaming happily. Tuk-tuks are not metered; negotiate a fare
your destination is
in advance.
somewhere along the
Samlor. Short distances, e.g., within a
river or canals.
neighborhood. These are three-wheeled
bicycle rickshaws, kind of like a tuk-tuk
Related pages:
without a motor; the driver pedals you around.
Thai customs
Slow, but you know you’re in Asia. Samlors,
Basic travel facts
along with elephants, have been banned from
Things to try...
Bangkok streets but are still pedalled in some
 
other cities. Negotiate a fare in advance.
The Thai language
Train. City to city. The state-run rail system is
Making yourself
inexpensive, and comfortable, but often slow. 
understood
On some routes you have a selection of various
Mai pen rai: a slogan
speeds, from Special Express down to Ordinary. The slower trains
and a philosophy
can work to your advantage if you take a sleeper on an overnight
Gay life and culture
train. You'll have time for a dinner (served on the train), a full
 
nights sleep, and breakfast, when you journey, for example, from
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Gay Thailand tour Bangkok to Surit Thani. Three classes of service are available. Most
overview westerners will want to avoid the wooden benches of third class.
  Second class is comfortable with reclining seats and often air-
Complete site index  conditioning, yet still economical. The pricier first-class ticket gets
you a private air-conditioned cabin.
Local Bus. Within a city. Buses range from western-style passenger
buses to songthaews, which are just trucks with a couple of benches
in back. You’ll certainly be rubbing elbows with the local
population when you use buses, and they're so cheap as to seem
practically free, for a westerner. Figuring out the routes and
schedules is difficult if you don't speak Thai or have a guide. The
songthaews often run when the driver feels they’re full enough,
rather than on a set schedule.
Inter-city coach. City to city. You can find direct bus or coach
service from Bangkok to most other cities. It's often faster than
train, priced about the same as a second-class train ticket, but will
tend to feel more crowded than a train car.
Public ferries and boats. Within a city, or short distances to other
cities and islands. In Bangkok, ferries on the Chao Phraya river are
far more pleasant than cabs, as long as the river’s going in your
direction. Very inexpensive; pay as you board, and bring a map so
you can watch for your stop. Any other place there’s water — a
river or a bay, canal or lagoon — boats may offer the fastest and
most relaxing way to get around.
Chartered boats. Within Bangkok. You can charter a long-tail boat
(named for the long rod mounted on the back, which holds the
engine and propeller) to explore the khlongs, or canals, on the
outskirts of Bangkok. For one or two people, try the aptly-named
rocket boat and hold tight. But be wary about hopping into any boat
that offers a ride: Shady operators occasionally take tourists to
isolated islands, and demand a hefty "fuel charge" to get back.
Smaller and private boats are best used when you're with a Thai-
speaking guide.
Motorbike cabs. Certain cities. Some towns, such as Patong
Beach, have licensed motorcyclists to get you around. Negotiate a
fare, and hop on back. The locals hold onto the motorbike frame. As
a westerner, you can pretend not to know better, and put an arm
around your beefy driver.
Rental motorbike. Anywhere. We suggest you try various forms of
transportation within the limits of common sense, and renting a
motorbike arguably goes beyond those limits. Apart from breathing
Bangkok air, this is perhaps the most dangerous thing you can do in
Thailand. In most areas you’ll be dodging potholes, kids, goats, and
other crazy motorbike drivers, while trying to remember to drive on
the left. But we promised to lay out all the options here. And a
motorbike rental is cheap. A helmet is required in many cities, and
insurance is seldom included.
Rental bicycle. Certain cities and countryside. There are spots
where a rented bicycle is the ideal way to get around. (The ancient
capital of Ayutthaya is one of them. Bangkok is not.) If you’re in
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 such a location, you’ll see other farangs pedaling about. Ask where
you can get one. Good-quality rental bikes are a specialty item, and
in contrast to many of the bargains available in Thailand, may cost
about what they would in the U.S.
Rental car. Anywhere. It’s safer than renting a motorbike. Still,
with other forms of transportation (including private charters) so
inexpensive, we recommend looking at alternatives before renting a
car. You'll need an international driving license
BOAT SERVICE :
Passenger boats are categorized into the following types : 
Ferryboats – fare : 1 baht.
Chao Phraya express boats – fare : calculated by distance. For example, it costs 16 baht from
Nonthaburi to Wat Ratchasingkhon.
Long – tail boats – fare : calculated by distance. For example, it costs 15 baht from Phan Fa to
Wat Si Bunruang. This kind of service is available along some canals.
Passengers can board at piers such as Tha Chang Pier, Tha Phra Chan Pier, both are near the
Grand Palace, and other piers shown on the Bangkok map. More details and fare can be
obtained at the piers.

EXPRESS BOAT SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT :

For detailed information, please contact
- River Jet Company, Tel : 585-9120, 585-1616
- Oriental Hotel. Tel : 236-0400
- The Shangri La Hotel , Tel : 236-7777
- Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, Tel : 266-0123, 237-0022
- Marriott Royal Garden Riverside Hotel, Tel : 476-0022
- The pier at the River City Shopping Complex
This fare is 700 baht per person
In addition, taxi long-tail boats for cruising along the Chao Phraya River or canals in Bangkok
are in service by crise liners. For details, please contact the big piers such as Tha Chang Pier,
Tha Maharat Pier, etc.
City Bus   
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority offers a variety of travelling choices within Bangkok
Metropolis as follows:  
1. IVORY - BULE STRIPE : Economy bus service, ticket fare is 2.50 Baht for the entire
route.  
2. IVORY - BLUE STRIPE (Express Way or "THANG DUAN") : En route on Express
Transit Authority (ETA) Express Way, ticket fare is 5.50 Baht for the entire route.  
3. IVORY - BLUE STRIPE (Late Night Service) : It is operated from 11.00 p.m. to 5.00 a.m. ,
ticket fare is 5 Baht for the entire route.  
4. IVORY - RED STRIPE : This is a new bus service, providing better ventilation with electric
fans. Ticket fare is 3.50 Baht for the entire route.  
5. IVORY - RED STRIPE (Express Way or "THANG DUAN") : Exclusive service en route
on ETA Express Way , ticket fare is 5.50 Baht for the entire route.  
6. IVORY BLUE "POP OR" is a fully air-conditioned bus service. Ticket fare ranges from 6-
16 Baht depending on distance.  
7. GREEN MINI BUS SERVICE : This is a private joint-venture bus. Ticket fare is 2.50 Baht
for the entire route.  
For more information, please dial 184 for Bangkok Mass Transit Authority of Thailand.  

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 Apart form the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Micro Bus Co.,Ltd. Has
provide its service in the both metropolitan area and outskirts.  

Domestic Bus Service

domestic buses travel throughout Thailand linking all provincial capitals. Non air-conditioned
and air-conditioned coaches are available.
- BANGKOK’S NORTHERN BUS TERMINAL is on Kamphaeng phet 2 Road, Tel : 537-
8054-5, 537-5056
- BANGKOK’S NORTHEASTERN BUS TERMINAL is on Phahonyothin Road, Tel : 272-
5299 (air-conditioned) and Tel : 272-0295 (non air-conditioned)
- BANGKOK’S SOUTHERN BUS TERMINAL is on Boromrat Chonnani Road, Tel : 435-
1199, 434-7192 (air-conditioned) and Tel : 434-5557-8 (non air-conditioned).
- BANGKOK’S EASTERN BUS TERMINAL is on Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 391-9829, 392-
9277 (air-conditioned), and Tel : 391-2504, 392-2521 (non air-conditioned).
A bus route map is available at most hotels, bookshops, and the TAT head office for 35 Baht.
CAR HIRE
The Bangkok Yellow Pages list local and international automobile rental companies. Visitors
are advised to shop around since most companies offer different conditions. Self-drive and
chauffeur-driven automobiles are widely available.
Your hotel will be able to assist you. Car hire companies also operate in Pattaya, Hat Yai,
Phuket, Chiang Mai and others.
Those possessing valid International Driving Licenses may prefer to hire automobiles to travel
to other cities.
English language road signs and maps are commonplace and the Petroleum Authority of
Thailand, Caltex, Mobile, BP, Esso and Shell maintain nationwide networks of petrol pumps
and service stations.
MICRO BUS
is an air-conditioned minibus in reddish pink with light gray strips on its sides. The words
"MICRO BUS" are easily noticed in front of the bus.
The fare is 30 Baht throughout the route. Passengers have to prepare an exact fare because there
will be no change on the bus.
Each Micro Bus has 30 seats. In case all the seats are occupied, the bus driver will take no more
passengers.
Note : The bus fare will be added 5 Baht every following year until 1998 when the price will
cease at 40 Baht. 
Fore more information, please contact Tel : 537-8272.
You can see the Time table of Micro Bus ==> HERE In Thai Language.
AIRPLANES
Domestic flight services are operated by Thai Airways International. Tel : 226-0060, 628-2000. 
And by Bangkok Airways, Tel : 229-3434, 229-3456
You can see the Time table of Thai Airways International ==> HERE 
And you can see the Time table of Bangkok Airways ==> HERE 
Taxi-meter 
is a car that shows the sign "TAXI-METER" on its roof. Passengers can check the price from a
meter which start from 35 baht for the first 2 kilometers and 5 baht added for the third
kilometers. Then, the price per kilometer keeps on decreasing automatically to 3.50 baht for the
seventh kilometer.
When the car moves by slow speed or stops, the meter will change 1 baht per minute
continually. Passengers are required to pay a toll in case of using an express way.
Taxi-Meter Service Center provides taxi-meters for calling passengers at Tel : 642-9999 on
condition that 20 baht be added to the meter price as for service charge.
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 Taxi is taxicab with a sign "TAXI" on its roof. Passengers have to bargain the fare before
getting on.
Hotel Taxi usually calculates the fare by hour. The fare is subject to each hotel. Normally, it
costs approximately 200-400 baht per hour
TRAINS
the State Railway of Thailand runs express, rapid and ordinary train services throughout the
country.
For information and reservations , call Bangkok Railway Station on 223-0341-8, or 223-7010
TUK-TUK
Tuk-Tuk or three wheel taxis are quite popular among the tourists for short journeys inside
Bangkok

Its main components are described briefly below, but anyone going to Thailand would be well advised
to take a good guidebook along. Without one, getting from place to place can be very expensive and
frustrating.
To get around in urban areas, most people ride boats, buses, taxis, three -wheeled vehicles (samlors or
tuk tuks), or motor scooters. All of these options are described below.
Boats
Some Thai cities have canals (klongs), and many people use long-tailed motorized boats for
transportation. The Chao Praya Express company, for example, plies the Chao Praya River, and takes
commuters and tourists to destinations all along the river. Now that traffic is so terrible in Bangkok, it
is often faster to take the express boat through town. Ferries take passengers across the water at various
points.
Buses
In Bangkok, traveling by bus is one of the fastest methods of getting around because of an intricate
system of one-way streets and bus lanes. Bus maps are a good investment, and are available at any of
the major hotels and book stores.
There are air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses. All are crowded, cheap, and a pickpocket's
dream, so be sure to protect your money and valuables. The air-conditioned bus has closed windows
and curtains to protect passengers from the sun. The microbus is smaller, has TV and magazines, and
costs 29B (US$1.14), which is expensive by Thai standards.
If you can figure out the routes they take, microbuses are the best option for comfort, but
English-language guides to the buses are not readily available.
Samlors (tuk tuks)
These vehicles are open-air three-wheelers that can be hired like taxis. Motorized (tuk tuk) and pedal-
driven (samlor) versions are both common. Negotiate your fare ahead of time, as they can be
expensive. In Bangkok, long, motorized tuk tuk rides can be quite unpleasant due to the extreme air
pollution and noise, but tuk tuks can get around some traffic snarls in which taxis get stuck. In general,
these are good for short trips and distances less than what the 38B taxi fare will get you.
Taxis
Metered and unmetered taxis are available in Bangkok and in most other Thai cities. Fares for
unmetered taxis are negotiable, and should be agreed upon in advance. Metered taxis are generally less
expensive than unmetered taxis, and by bargaining, fares start at around 44B (US$1.73); however,
during rush hour taxi drivers often simply turn off their meters (a generally accepted practice) and
increase the fare to compensate for traffic slowdowns. Taxis are more comfortable than buses, but
buses are often quicker because taxis aren't allowed in the bus lanes. Traveling by taxi can require
miles-long detours, which result in a longer and more expensive trip. Try to get an idea of a typical fare
from a third party so that you may negotiate an appropriate fare with the taxi driver. Although there's a
train to the Bangkok Airport, taxis are the quickest way, and are reasonably priced - especially if you
can find someone to split the fare.

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Intercity Transportation
Long-distance transportation within Thailand is primarily by rail, airplane, and bus. Some people have
cars, but most ride some form of public transportation.
Air Travel
By far the easiest and fastest way to get from city to city is by air. Thai Airways has almost a total
monopoly on domestic flights in Thailand, and they have offices in North America and in many Thai
cities. Bangkok Airways also flies between some cities, and their fares are comparable to those of Thai
Airways.
Buses
Almost every main city in Thailand is connected by direct public bus with Bangkok and other cities.
There are several types of buses. Rot tamadaa are ordinary buses that stop in every town, have no air
conditioning, and are typically orange. Rot ae are air conditioned, colored blue, and don't usually stop
so often. For long distance travel, people take overnight, air conditioned buses, the most comfortable of
which are called VIP or Super VIP (rot VIP), and have more leg and reclining room than normal air
conditioned buses.
Tickets may be purchased at one of the three public bus stations in Bangkok: for northern destinations,
go to moh chit station; for destinations east, go to sataanii ek-amai; to go south, buy your ticket at the
station at the intersection of Nakhon Chaisi Road and Phra Pinklao Road in Thonburi. In cities outside
of Bangkok, tickets are often sold at store-front locations as well as in the bus station. Private bus
companies offer service to some tourist destinations.
Songtaews
Songtaew means "two rows," and is literally a covered bed truck with two rows of benches that run
down the sides. If you are going to a remote place, or between two smaller cities, you may need to take
a songtaew. These are the final link in the public transportation system, and are quite fun to take if you
don't mind having young uniformed students sitting on the roof and baskets of farmer produce at your
feet.
Trains
Traveling by train in Thailand is an experience you should not miss. There are limits on where the train
can take you, but if you can get close to your destination, you will appreciate the comfort, safety, and
scenery viewing opportunities that trains offer. When traveling long distances, most budget travelers
take the second class sleeper, which has wide padded seats that face each other and that can be made
up into roomy bunks by the steward. The lower bunk is larger than the upper, but there is plenty of
luggage storage space in racks on the aisles. Air-conditioned and fan sleepers are available on express
trains only. There are also first class sleepers, which have private, air-conditioned cabins. For shorter
trips, or if you want to travel during the day, you can reserve second- or third-class seats, which are
similar to bus seats.
To travel to another city by train, you must reserve a ticket ahead of time at the train station or from a
travel agent in Thailand. Tickets for trains are not sold from abroad. Tickets from the same day will
usually be third class seats, so it is best to reserve sleepers at least a week in advance. Be sure to buy
your ticket early if you plan to travel during a Thai holiday. Train passes similar to the Eurail pass are
available for Thailand, but it's doubtful that they'll save you much money. For more information,
contact a travel agent at the State Railroad of Thailand (SRT) in Bangkok.