Living and traveling in a bustling city like Bangkok, known for its heavy traffic, posed significant challenges. In 2016, TomTom, a global leader in GPS navigation systems, ranked Bangkok as the world’s most congested city among 295 cities in 38 countries. However, there has been a positive shift since then. In 2021, according to www.inrix.com, Bangkok dropped to the 15th position out of over 1,000 cities in 50 countries, moving out of the top 10 congested cities. This improvement can be attributed to the extensive rail systems, such as the BTS Skytrain and the MRT Subway, which now cover most of Bangkok and its outskirts. This shift has prompted a significant number of commuters, including both locals and expatriates, to opt for public transportation.
Let’s explore the transportation systems crucial for residents to efficiently navigate and understand the cost-effectiveness of public transportation in Thailand, offering both time savings and affordability.
1. Public land transport
Bus:
- Ordinary Buses (Cream-Red): Fare 8 – 10 baht.
- Air-Conditioned Buses:
- Cream-Blue
- Euro II (Yellow-Orange)
- PBC (White)
- NGV (Blue)
- Fare: 12 – 25 baht (distance-dependent), additional 2 baht for express routes.
- Service Routes: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan.
- Operating Hours: Every day from 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (except cream-red buses which operate all night).
- Fare for Cream-Red Buses during nighttime: 9.50 baht throughout the line.
- For Questions/Complaints/Help: BMTA call 1348
Taxi:
- Fare: Starts at 35 baht, meter increases in steps based on distance.
- From Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports: Additional 50 baht service charge from the meter.
- Not using the meter but asking for a lump sum is an offense. Report such behavior to the hotline at 1584.
Motorcycle:
- Fares start at 10 baht, increasing with distance.
- Ministry of Transport sets the service price at not more than 25 baht for the first 2 kilometers, subsequent distances at not more than 5 baht per kilometer.
- If the distance is more than 15 kilometers, agree on the fare before using the service to prevent excessive charges.
- For Questions/Complaints/Help: Department of Land Transport, call 1584.
2. Rail System transport
BTS Skytrain:
- Light Green Line (Sukhumvit Line): Khu Khot – Kheha
- Dark Green Line: National Stadium – Bang Wa
- Golden Line: Krung Thon – Khlong San
- Fare: 17 – 47 baht (distance-dependent), Gold Line fare: 16 baht.
- Operating Time: Every day from 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Questions/Complaints/Help:
- Tourist Information Center, call 0 2617 7341
- BTS Customer Relations Center Tel. 0 2617 6000
MRT:
- Blue Line: Hua Lamphong – Bang Khae and Bang Sue – Tha Phra.
- Purple Line: Khlong Bang Phai – Tao Poon
- Fare: 17 – 43 baht (distance-dependent)
- Operating Times: Every day from 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. and (Purple Line) 5:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m., respectively.
- Questions/Complaints/Help: MRT Information Center, call 0 2624 5200
Airport Rail Link: Phaya Thai – Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Fare: 15 – 45 baht (distance-dependent)
- Operating Hours: Every day from 05:30 a.m. – 24:00 hrs.
- Questions/Complaints/Help: Call 1690.
Red Line MRT: Bang Sue Central Station – Rangsit
- Fare: 12 – 42 baht (distance-dependent)
- Operating Hours: Every day from 5:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Questions/Complaints/Help: Call 1690.
3. Boat transport
Chao Phraya Express Boat:
- Orange Flag: Fare 16 baht throughout the line.
- Nonthaburi – Wat Ratchasingkhon:
- Mon.-Fri.: 6:00 a.m. – 6:10 p.m.
- Sat. – Public holidays: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sun: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Ratchasingkhon Temple – Nonthaburi:
- Mon. – Fri.: 6:00 a.m. – 6:10 p.m.
- Sat. – Public holidays: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Nonthaburi – Wat Ratchasingkhon:
- Yellow Flag: Fare 21 baht throughout the line.
- Nonthaburi – Sathorn:
- Mon.-Fri.: 6:00 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.
- Sathorn – Nonthaburi:
- Mon.-Fri.: 5:05 p.m. – 7:05 p.m.
- Nonthaburi – Sathorn:
- Green-Yellow Flag:
- Pak Kret – Nonthaburi, Fare 14 baht.
- Nonthaburi – Sathorn Fare 21 baht.
- Pak Kret – Sathorn Fare 33 baht.
- Pak Kret – Sathorn:
- Mon. – Fri.: 6:00 a.m. – 07:45 hrs.
- Sathorn – Pak Kret:
- Mon. – Fri.: 3:50 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
- Red Flag: Fare 30 baht throughout the line.
- Nonthaburi – Sathorn:
- Mon. – Fri.: 6.15 – 7.25 a.m.
- Sathorn – Nonthaburi:
- Mon. – Fri.: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Nonthaburi – Sathorn:
- Questions/Complaints/Help: Call 0 2449 3000
Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat:
- Wat Sri Bunrueang – Phan Fa Lilat (Travel):
- Sailing days: Mon. – Fri.: First round 5:30 a.m., last round 7:15 p.m.
- Sat.: First round 6:00 a.m., last round 6:30 p.m.
- Sun.: First round 6:00 a.m., last round at 6:00 p.m.
- Phan Fa Lilat – Wat Sri Bun Rueang (Return Trip):
- Sailing days: Mon. – Fri.: First round 6:15 a.m., last round 8:00 p.m.
- Sat.: First round 6:45 a.m., last round 7:30 p.m.
- Sun.: First round 6:45 a.m., last round at 7:00 p.m.
- Fare: 12 – 22 baht (depending on distance)
- Questions/Complaints/Ask for Help: info@transitbangkok.com or sales@transitbangkok.com
4. Air Transportation System
Don Mueang Airport/Suvarnabhumi Airport: Catering to domestic and international travelers, these airports offer various flight services with ticket fares available directly through each airline. Booking can be made through the respective airline’s website or application. Convenient transportation options to and from these airports are detailed in the information provided above.
Traveling Tips for Bangkok, Thailand
When utilizing various modes of public transportation, it’s essential to adhere to rules and etiquette. For bus services, ensure you have the correct fare ready and avoid standing at the door to facilitate smooth boarding and alighting for other passengers. Be considerate by offering seats to monks, novices, nuns, children, women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Refrain from engaging in disruptive behaviors such as smoking, arguing, or speaking loudly. On the BTS, avoid sitting with crossed legs to maintain comfort for standing passengers. During peak hours, plan your travel, check traffic conditions, and allocate sufficient time for a swift journey to your destination.
Based on : CBRE
