The Ultimate Guide to Taxis in Bangkok

Before going to Thailand, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I’d used an actual taxi. As a Millennial, I’m no stranger to Uber, which is similar in theory but totally different in application. When I’ve traveled abroad before, I’ve usually relied on public transportation. Although it may not be the fastest or most convenient way to travel, it sure is cheap.

Unlike London or Madrid — the two biggest cities I had traveled to before visiting Bangkok — Bangkok does not have an extensive, central subway system. Rather, Bangkok has the MRT underground, and the BTS Skytrain (which is the opposite of a subway, as you might guess.)

However, I found that neither of these options could take me very close to some of Bangkok’s top attractions, such as the Golden Mount, Royal Palace, and Wat Arun.

I do like to walk a lot, so this wasn’t a huge issue. I could easily get to my hostel from the airport using the Skytrain. From there I could walk 3 or so miles to those places I listed.

But the first time I arrived in Bangkok, it was nearly 1 a.m. and the Skytrain wasn’t running. And several times, I walked 10+ miles in a day, and then remembered it’d only been a few months since I’d broken a bone in my foot. Or it was late and I didn’t want to spend an hour walking back to the hostel in the dark.

Any guesses what I did? Yep. I took a taxi.

There was definitely a learning curve. I was totally confused (and sleep-deprived, thanks to jet lag) at the airport, and when I first tried to hail a taxi in town, I couldn’t figure out why none were stopping for me. After a few days, though, I felt like a total pro. So check out my tips, and you’ll be a pro… from the get-go.

How To Get a Taxi in Bangkok From The Airport:

1. Optional: If you’ve just taken out Thai Baht for the first time, buy some water or a snack in the airport to break your large bills. I recommend at least 400-500B in smaller bills.

2. Follow the signs for “Taxi” leading out of the airport.

3. You’ll see tons of brightly-colored taxis lined up in stalls in front of you, seemingly beckoning you forward. You just survived a 17-hour flight and you’re beyond ready to get to your hotel. But I speak from experience — ignore those taxis for just a moment.

4. Instead, locate a little ticket machine. (There might be something similar at your local DMV.) Push the button, and you’ll receive a slip of paper with a number on it.

5. Now, with number in hand, you’ll notice that each taxi is parked in a numbered stall. Find the taxi that corresponds to your number. Most drivers are standing outside their taxis, waiting. Show the driver your paper slip, tell him where you’re going, and get in the taxi.

6. Ensure the taxi meter is set at 35 Baht. If it isn’t, say “Meter” and the driver should reset it.

7. You’re on your way. Don’t forget that cars drive on the left in Thailand!

8. When you arrive, pay the driver the amount shown on the meter. Many taxi drivers intentionally don’t carry change, so try to pay the exact amount, or round up slightly for a tip.

How To Hail a Taxi in Bangkok on the Street

1. First of all, set yourself up for success. Find a place to stand on the curb that gives the taxi driver plenty of space to stop for you, and gives you easy access to the passenger side door. (See Step #7 above.)

2. Notice all those pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, or red taxis driving by — you want one that says “Taxi Meter” on the top.

3. IMPORTANT: There’s an easy way to know which taxis are vacant. In the front left of the car’s windshield, you’ll see a bright red light that says ว่าง. (Free.)

4. Wave the taxi down. If it’s vacant, there’s really no reason it shouldn’t stop for you, as long as you’re easily accessible.

5. Open the back passenger door and get in. Tell the driver where you’re going. I found that it was easiest to tell him “Ratchathewi Station,” which was only a 5-minute walk from my hostel.

6. Sometimes the driver does not want to go to your destination. They may be nearing the end of their shift, may not want to go to that part of town, or there may be too much traffic. If that’s the case, just get out of the taxi and try for another one.

7. When you find an agreeable driver, ensure they reset the meter to 35 Baht.

8. Enjoy the air-conditioned bliss, and pay at the end. (See Step #8 above.)

 

What questions do you have about taxis in Bangkok, or what are your best tips? Leave me a comment!

-Cathy

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Originally Published on January 17, 2018.