Skytrain (BTS)

The Bangkok Mass Transit System Skytrain, better known as BTS, has been in service since December 5, 1999.  The BTS skytrain is one of the Bangkok’s safest, most convenient mode of transportation around the city.

The BTS Skytrain’s main routes are Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line; even though the routes do not cover all of Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain runs through all the of the business districts.  The Skytrain is not only suitable for Bangkokians, but foreigners also use it because the ticket counter staff, in any train station, can give helpful information in English.

The service starts at 6:00 am and runs until midnight. The ticket cost is between 10 and 40 baht, depending the distance you plan to travel. Also, you can buy monthly, yearly, and other alternative usage tickets, some have lower prices than the regular ticket.  This is more helpful for those who have planned to stay in Bangkok for a long period.

The Skytrain is the best choices for travelers who wish avoid extreme traffic jams and pollution on the Bangkok’s streets.

Metro (MRT)

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), informally known as “the Metro,” is another convenient mode of transportation.  You can take in Bangkok traveling at an average speed of 80 kilometers per hour through Bangkok’s South-to-North business areas.

The main depot is in Huai Khwang district, which is located between Phra Ram 9 and Thailand Cultural Centre stations.

To travel with ease, there are interchange stations at Silom and at Asoke where you have the possibility to change from the Subway to the BTS Skytrain.

The operating hours of MRT are daily between 6:00 am to midnight (like the BTS).  The frequency of trains is less than every 5 minutes during the rush hours, and about every 10 minutes during the off-peak hours.

The ticketing system is slightly different from the BTS’s one though. There are magnetic tokens for single trips and cards for frequent travelers; both can be bought at the counter or the ticket machines.

Bus

To get around Bangkok you can also take the bus. Its routes spread all over Bangkok province and other nearby provinces. The service is available from 05.40am till 9.00pm and price is incredibly cheap.

There are some pros and cons to consider before you get on the bus.

Pros

It's really cheap tickets start from 2.5 baht to 25 baht, which is the maximum cost to get from one side of town to the other. You don't have to explain where to go, as the bus goes everywhere, and probably close yo where you are heading. The bus is more convenient than driving because you don't need to find parking and deal with bad drivers (let the big bus take care of them).

Cons

The bus is crowded during rush hour so seats may not be available. In this case, you are forced to stand. Waiting for the bus is an issue as well, as the heat can fatigue you. Also, if you are in a rush, you'd better consider other types of transportation because the bus is slower than the Skytrain, cars, and motorcycles.

For those without cars, the buses can offer considerable savings since taxi fares add up. You might be amazed how much you save in a week! For those who have cars, public transportation can offer a temporary respite from the inherent challenges of driving in Bangkok.

However, when taking the bus, you should keep a few hundred baht in your pocket for a taxi ride home, along with your address written in Thai in case you get lost, or if your adventure takes you off into the night, as the buses stop at 9:00pm.

Taxi

Taxis are perhaps the easiest and the most comfortable way to get around Bangkok. It is quite cheap with fares start at 35 Baht(about 1 USD). All taxis are metered but some drivers will try to take advantage wof tourists by offering a fixed fare. The biggest tip for taxis is to ensure that the meter is working and showing 35 baht before you enter the cab.

The meter amount depends on a combination of both distance and time. There are a number of taxi companies operating in and around Bangkok, even at a night when the Skytrain and Subway are closed. During rush hour, in both the morning and evening, especially on Friday, traffic jams will make travel by taxi quite expensive.

Taxis are mainly cars with a large part of the trunk (boot) taken up by a natural gas tank. They come in quite a few different colors, depends on which corporation they belong to. The green-yellow and red-blue ones are the most common.

Tuk-Tuk

The Tuk-Tuk is renowned mode of transport among foreigners as the Thai signature vehicle. It is the small vehicle with 3 wheels - basically a motorcycle with a back seat - and the name is derived from the sound they make. It is appropriate for those who want to enjoy the excitement of taking an open-air, rough and fast drive through Bangkok. Not only is taking a Tuk-Tuk a fun experience, but the Tuk-Tuk’s small size is rarely stuck in a tight spot in central Bangkok, where the traffic is gereally congested. Driving down a skinny one-way street more easily than other vehicles help its passengers reach their destination quickly.

The cost is not fixed, but you must bargain with the drivers. To prevent from being overcharged, travelers should ask the price before getting. Taking a Tuk-Tuk while visiting Thailand an experience that none should be without.

Chao Phrya River Express Boat

The Chao Phraya Express Boat offers river travel along the Chao Phraya. It takes only 2-3 minutes to go from one pier to the next. One the water there are no traffic jams. The Express Company has international standard landing piers ready to serve passengers with safety as their primary concern. So, the passengers can be ensured they will have a safe and convenient ride. The tickets range between 12 and 30 baht depending on the destination.

Apart from BTS and MRT, taking the Express Boat is another traffic-free way to avoid the turmoil of peak hours. Also, at the Sathorn pier, in Sathorn district, there is even a connection to the BTS Skytrain. Furthermore, on the boat, the passengers can admire the beauty on either side of the river.

The Express Boat operates from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm on weekdays, and 6:00 am to 6:40 pm on weekends and holidays.