How to Navigate Transport in Bangkok – Convenient Ways of Traversing the City

If you visit the metropolis of Bangkok, you will find a host of transport options to navigate the city. These include public transportation like the underground, Skytrain and buses in addition to abundant tuk-tuks and taxis. Here are some of the transportation options you can make use of on your visit.

By MRT and BTS Skytrain

The Metropolitan Rapid Transit, often shortened to MRT, is Bangkok’s metro / subway system. Operational from 6 am through to midnight, this transport option provides convenient access to many locations in the city. Of the two available lines, the Purple Line extends between Tao Poon and Khlong Bang Phai, whilst the Blue Line travels from Tao Poon to Hua Lamphong. Of these, the Blue Line will be particularly useful for visitors to the city as it travels to many central locations.

The Bangkok Mass Transit System, popularly called the Skytrain or the BTS, consists of two lines which extend through Bangkok’s newer areas. The BTS offers access to numerous restaurants, sightseeing attractions, shopping highlights, accommodations and nightlife venues. You will find that the BTS glides above the busy streets enabling you to evade traffic whilst enjoying air-conditioned travel.

By Bus, Songthaew and Minivan

You will find an array of bus services operating in Bangkok that connect nearly all of its different areas. Although buses may get caught in traffic and bus routes may be circuitous, travellers on a budget will appreciate their low cost. However, you should note that you get both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses; the latter has open windows and ceiling fans (which may be broken) as the only means of easing the stuffiness when temperatures are high.

You will also find numerous songthaews and minivans plying the roads of Bangkok. Songthaews are modified pickup trucks with a couple of benches fitted in the rear. Songthaews and minivans follow established routes and charge fixed fares irrespective of the travel distance. You will be able to board one of these vehicles simply by extending your hand to halt them. Another more convenient option would be to see if you have access to complimentary shuttle van services; those staying at properties like Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok not only enjoy easy access to the city from a centrally located hotel in Bangkok Sathorn, but also free shuttle transport to key hubs.

By Taxi and Motorcycle Taxi

Even though taxis will probably be the costliest way of getting about in the city and trips may be lengthy because of the traffic, they offer convenience and air-conditioned comfort; this makes them an attractive option to navigate Bangkok. Local laws state that taxis must use a functional meter; should the taxi driver decline to use the meter you should simply find another.

On the other hand, motorbike taxis will also offer convenience and may be considered to be a rather exciting means of travelling through the city! They can be readily identified since the drivers will wear colourful vests. You will find motorcycle taxis at many junctions and other popular locations around the city.

By Tuk-tuk and Boat

Tuk-tuks are another much-used method of getting about the city. In fact, it may be said that your visit to Bangkok would be incomplete without experiencing at least one tuk-tuk ride. However, the rates charged by tuk-tuk drivers will not be cheap; you must also be aware that they do not feature meters. Therefore, you should take care to come to an agreement with the driver on the price of the journey before setting off.

Meanwhile, another interesting means of transport in Bangkok would be the boat and ferry services that ply the Chao Phraya River. You will find that some of these vessels simply travel along this waterway in one direction whilst others shuttle passengers around in both directions. The boats’ colour coding will assist you in identifying them and once you are aboard, there will be announcements before every stop.