How to get around Thailand
Navigating Thailand is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Traveling between cities in Thailand offers a range of options, varying in cost and speed. Buses are generally the most affordable for long distances. Air-conditioned day and overnight buses are available, with tickets between Bangkok and Chiang Mai or Krabi typically costing around 400-700 THB. VIP buses offer more comfort for a slightly higher price.
Trains are another budget-friendly option, though often slower than buses. A second-class sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can cost between 650-1000 THB and take around 11 hours. First-class sleeper carriages are available for approximately 1,500 THB for the Bangkok to Chiang Mai route. Train tickets for shorter distances, under 300 km, typically range from 20-50 THB.
For faster travel, domestic flights are the most expensive option. Flights from Bangkok to Phuket can start from 1,356 THB, and to Chiang Mai from 1,117 THB. Generally, domestic flights range from 700-2000 THB.
Minivans are common for shorter intercity routes and typically cost 5-17 USD (approximately 170-580 THB).
Travel Within Cities
Within cities, various transport options cater to different budgets. For quick and short distances, motorcycle taxis are available, typically costing 50-150 THB. Tuk-tuks are an iconic mode of transport, with fares ranging from 30-150 THB for short rides, though prices are negotiated and can be higher in tourist areas. A short 1-2 km ride in Bangkok might cost 40-100 THB.
Metered taxis are widely available in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The base fare in Bangkok is typically 35-40 THB, with additional kilometers costing 6.50-10.50 THB, depending on the distance. A 5 km journey in Bangkok costs around 61 THB, and a 10 km trip about 95 THB. There is a 3 THB per minute charge for waiting or slow-moving traffic.
Ride-hailing services like Grab and Bolt are popular for their convenience, though Grab fares can sometimes be higher than regular metered taxis. GrabTaxi uses a metered fare plus a 20 THB booking fee, while GrabCar has a fixed fare. A GrabCar Economy service in Bangkok has a 60 THB initial fare and 5 THB per kilometer.
Public buses are the cheapest option for intra-city travel, with fares as low as 7 THB in Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses in Bangkok range from 12-26 THB, depending on the distance and bus type.
Bangkok also has an elevated train system (BTS Skytrain) and an underground metro (MRT). BTS fares range from 17-62 THB for a single journey, with a one-day pass costing 150 THB. MRT fares typically range from 17-45 THB.
Songthaews, shared public truck-taxis, are common in smaller cities and towns, offering fares between 0.50-2 USD (approximately 17-68 THB).
