Thailand captivates visitors with its golden temples, pristine beaches, vibrant street food culture, and warm hospitality. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil islands of the south, this Southeast Asian gem offers an unforgettable blend of ancient traditions and modern energy.
- Public
- Bangkok has excellent BTS Skytrain and MRT subway covering key areas plus extensive bus network. Other cities rely on songthaews and tuk-tuks.
- Taxi
- Grab app is reliable and transparent throughout Thailand. Metered taxis in Bangkok good if meter used. Tuk-tuks fun but overpriced.
- Rental
- Car rental practical for exploring outside cities. Motorbike rental common on islands and in Chiang Mai but accident rates are extremely high.
- Walking
- Chiang Mai old city walkable, Bangkok's Rattanakosin Island walkable for temple visits, but most areas require transport due to distances and heat.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Airport Rail Link to city center ($1.50, 30 minutes)
- Shuttle
- Metered taxi $10-15 (45-60 minutes depending on traffic)
- Bus
- Airport bus routes A1-A4 ($1.50-2)
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
- Bangkok
- Extensive bus network covers entire city. Air-con buses $0.30-0.80, non-air-con $0.25. Can be confusing for tourists.
- Chiang mai
- RTC smart bus system covers main routes $0.30-0.60. Limited routes but air-conditioned and reliable.
- Phuket
- Local buses between beaches and Phuket Town $1-2. Infrequent and slower than other options.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, tuk_tuk, songthaew, motorbike_rental, bicycle
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered taxi
- Availability
- Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai have metered taxis
- Base fare
- $1.20
- Per km
- $0.30
- Tips
- Always insist on meter. Traffic can significantly increase fares. Grab/Bolt often more reliable in Bangkok.
- Ride hailing
- Apps
- Grab (most popular), Bolt, and InDrive available in major cities
- Cost
- Similar to or slightly more than metered taxis
- Tips
- Essential in Phuket where taxis often refuse meters. Safer and more transparent pricing.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Cost: Bangkok to Chiang Mai: government $15-20, VIP $25-35, minivan $20. Bangkok to Phuket: VIP $20-30.
- Types
- Government buses (cheaper, basic), VIP buses (A/C, comfortable), minivans (faster, less comfortable)
- Booking
- Book at bus terminals, online at busonlineticket.co.th, or through hotels
- Tips
- VIP buses much more comfortable for long trips. Minivans faster but cramped. Overnight buses save accommodation cost.
Flights
Routes: Bangkok to Chiang Mai ($30-80, 1.5 hours), Bangkok to Phuket ($35-100, 1.5 hours), Bangkok to Samui ($60-150, 1 hour)
- Airlines
- Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet
- Booking
- Direct from airlines or Skyscanner.com, Kayak.com
- Tips
- Book in advance for best prices. Budget airlines charge for luggage. Often cheaper than train/bus and saves time.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Suvarnabhumi Airport
From centre: 32 km
Options: Airport Rail Link to city center ($1.50, 30 minutes); Metered taxi $10-15 (45-60 minutes depending on traffic); Airport bus routes A1-A4 ($1.50-2); Grab/Bolt ride-hailing $12-18; Airport limousine service $25-35
Don Mueang Airport
From centre: 24 km
Options: A1 bus to Mo Chit BTS ($1, 30 minutes); Metered taxi $8-12 (30-45 minutes); Train to Hua Lamphong ($0.30, limited schedule); Grab/Bolt ride-hailing $10-15; Shared minivan to Khao San Road ($4)
Chiang Mai International Airport
From centre: 4 km
Options: Metered taxi $4-6 (15 minutes); Airport shuttle bus to Old City ($2); Grab/Bolt ride-hailing $4-7; Songthaew shared pickup ($1.50); Hotel pickup (often free or $5-10)
Phuket International Airport
From centre: 32 km to Phuket Town
Options: Airport bus to Phuket Town ($3, 90 minutes); Metered taxi $15-20 to Patong (45 minutes); Grab/Bolt ride-hailing $12-25 depending on beach; Airport limousine $25-40; Shared minivan to beaches $8-12
Samui Airport
From centre: 2 km to Chaweng
Options: Shared minivan to hotels $5-10; Private taxi $10-20 depending on destination; Hotel pickup (often arranged in advance); Songthaew shared pickup $3-5
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Grab
The essential app for ride-hailing, food delivery, and transport throughout Thailand. Transparent pricing, safe, and accepted everywhere.
Bolt
Alternative ride-hailing app available in major Thai cities, sometimes cheaper than Grab.
12Go Asia
Book buses, trains, ferries, and flight combinations for intercity travel across Thailand online.
BTS SkyTrain App
Bangkok Skytrain official app for route planning, fare calculation, and Rabbit Card top-up.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the Grab app before arrival - it's Thailand's essential ride-hailing app for safe, transparent pricing
Always insist metered taxis use their meter in Bangkok - if they refuse, take another cab or use Grab
BTS Rabbit Card and MRT stored-value cards save money and queuing time on Bangkok metro systems
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) in Chiang Mai run fixed routes for 30 THB - wave to flag down
Book overnight buses and trains in advance for popular routes (Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Phuket)
Domestic flights between Bangkok and major tourist destinations can be cheaper than you'd expect - check Thai AirAsia
Tuk-tuks are a tourist experience, not practical transport - always agree on price before boarding
Walking in Bangkok is difficult due to heat, incomplete sidewalks, and traffic - factor this into planning