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Exploring Bangkok is an adventure, and the city's public transportation is your best friend for getting around. Whether it's the Skytrain gliding over the traffic or the colorful tuk-tuks darting through the streets, Bangkok's transport options are both efficient and fun. Let's dive into how you can make the most of these systems to get around with ease and enjoy your time in this vibrant city.

1. Airport Rail Link

Source : https://www.klook.com/

- Route to the BTS Skytrain :

From Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport, you can change at Phaya Thai Station to catch the BTS Skytrain. Look for the green line and the Siam Central Station, which is the main hub of the BTS Skytrain system. You can also take the Sukhumvit or Silom lines, two parallel routes that go through Bangkok.

- Route to the MRT Subway :

To get on the MRT Subway, you can switch at Bang Sue Station or Makkasan Station (MRT Phetchaburi Station), depending on which is closer to where you're going. Look for signs with the blue line or names like “Bang Sue,” “Hua Lamphong,” or “Chatuchak” – these are major stations. Bang Sue Station is the main hub for different trains, while Makkasan Station is closer to central business areas and to MRT Phetchaburi Station.

- Tips and How to Buy Tickets :

For the ARL, you can buy train tickets at the ticket counter or from machines. Each train system has its own tickets, so you’ll need to buy a new ticket for each system you use. Tip: Bring lots of cash, small bills, and coins!

Price : Standard price for the City Line is between 15–45 baht depending on distance.

2. BTS SkyTrain

Source : https://www.viator.com/

- How to Ride the BTS Skytrain : 

Before you get on the BTS Skytrain, know that there are two main lines: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. Find your destination station on one of these lines and board the train from the right platform. For example, if you're at Siam Station and want to go to Thong Lor Station, you should take the Sukhumvit Line. On the platform, look for the train heading towards Kheha, which is the last station on the Sukhumvit Line in the same direction as Thong Lor.

- BTS Skytrain Routes :

In addition to connecting with the Airport Rail Link at Phaya Thai Station, the BTS Skytrain also connects with the MRT Subway at Sala Daeng (Silom), Bangwa, and Asok stations. Trains arrive every 5-10 minutes from 5:30 AM until midnight. Get off at Saphan Taksin Station if you want to take a ferry on the Chao Phraya River.

- Price : Ticket prices range from 15 THB to 59 THB. If you choose an all-day pass, the cost is 140 THB.

- Tips to Buy BTS Skytrain Tickets :

Bring a lot of cash, including small bills and coins, to make buying tickets faster. 

3. MRT Subway

Source : https://www.quora.com/

- Bangkok MRT Routes : 

The MRT Subway covers most of Bangkok and some nearby areas like Nonthaburi. For the Airport Rail Link, you can transfer at Bang Sue Station or Phetchaburi Station (ARL Makkasan Station). For the BTS Skytrain, you can transfer at Silom (Sala Daeng), Bangwa, Asok, and other stations. Trains come every 5-10 minutes from 5:30 AM to midnight.
- Tips for Buying MRT Subway Tickets :  Bring cash, small change, and coins to make buying tickets quicker. The MRT Subway does not offer all-day passes.

- MRT App :  Download the Bangkok MRT app to see the MRT map and check fares before you travel.
- Price : MRT fares in Bangkok are between 15 THB and 70 THB. With the highest fare, you can go all the way to Nonthaburi, which is outside Bangkok.

The Difference Between Bangkok MRT and BTS Skytrain

The MRT Subway is a bit cheaper and faster than the BTS Skytrain, but the main difference is where they stop. Before you go, check if your destination is closer to a BTS or MRT station. The prices for both trains are similar. However, if it’s raining, you might want to take the MRT since it’s underground and keeps you dry.

Source : commons.wikimedia.org by Zeddlex  

Here's an overview of the Bangkok urban rail transit system as of January 2024. 

4. Bus

Source : https://www.timeout.com/

Advantages and Disadvantages :

Public buses are one of the cheapest ways to get around the city, and some are even free! However, bus routes can be a bit tricky. There are no announcements when the bus stops, so if you’re not used to it, you might have trouble figuring out where you are. Each bus has a different fare and there are different types, including ones with air conditioning and ones without.
Price : 0 THB - 25 THB

5. Taxi

Source : https://bangkok.taxi/

- Price : 

A Bangkok taxi starts at 35 THB for the first kilometer. After that, it costs 5.5 THB for each extra kilometer up to 10 kilometers. If you travel more than 10 kilometers, the price goes up to 6.5 THB per kilometer. So, the cheapest fare is 35 THB, but it can be between 100 and 250 THB depending on how far you go and the traffic.

- Tips :

If you can’t find a taxi or they refuse to take you where you want to go, try using online taxi apps. Have cash and coins ready, and make sure the driver uses the meter. Don’t try to negotiate the fare shown on the meter and avoid haggling before getting into the taxi to prevent scams.

6. TukTuk

Source : https://www.getyourguide.com/

Price : It’s important to know that tuk tuks do not have fixed fares! The price is based on an agreement between you and the driver before you get in. This means you may need to negotiate to get the best rate. Use your navigation app to calculate the distance to your destination.

7. Ferry and Express Boat

Source : https://www.renown-travel.com/

Routes and Price :

The Chao Phraya Express Boat stops at several piers along the Chao Phraya River. You can see many historic sites like palaces and temples from the boat.

To ride the express boat, you’ll pay about 16 THB to 33 THB. There are also cheap ferries for crossing the river. Saphan Taksin (Sathorn Pier) is the main pier, so you can start your trip there and visit popular spots along the river.