Getting around Bangkok

Use the BTS and MRT for almost everything in the centre, river boats for the old town, and Grab or a metered taxi when you are late, tired or dressed for dinner. Traffic is the enemy here, and the trains avoid it.

Fares below were checked in November 2026. They change often, so check before you ride.

Which ride for which trip

BTS Skytrain

The BTS has two main lines, Sukhumvit and Silom, which meet at Siam. Trains run from 05:00 to 01:00. The last train from Siam to all stations leaves at 00:02, and the last to Samrong, Ha Yaek Lat Phrao, Bang Wa and National Stadium leaves at 00:15. Ticket offices are open from 06:00 to midnight.

Fares. A guide checked in October 2026 gives 17 to 62 baht by distance, with most central trips at 25 to 47 baht. On the extensions, the fare is 17 to 45 baht, and through trips with the main line are capped at 65 baht.

Paying. The same guide reports that BTS gates do not accept bank cards as of October 2026. Your options:

• Single-journey ticket: Buy at the machine.
• Rabbit card: 200 baht at a BTS booth with your passport, of which 100 baht is a non-refundable fee and 100 baht is credit. It works on the BTS, Gold Line, Yellow and Pink monorails.
• One-Day Pass: 150 baht for unlimited rides on the Sukhumvit and Silom lines, which pays off from about the fourth ride.

Gold Line. A short feeder from Krung Thon Buri with a flat 17 baht fare, useful for ICONSIAM.

MRT

The Blue Line links Silom (at Si Lom), Sukhumvit (at Sukhumvit) and Chinatown, and it connects with the BTS. The Purple Line serves the north-west, and most visitors will not need it.

Fares. Blue Line fares run from 17 baht for one station to 44 baht for twelve or more, effective 3 July 2026. Purple Line fares are 14 to 42 baht, according to a travel guide. Service runs from about 06:00 to midnight.

Paying. Tap a contactless Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay credit card at the gate, and tap the same card on the way out. Foreign debit cards are a gamble, since the operator’s page names only Thai banks for debit. Each passenger needs their own card. The old MRT stored-value cards stopped working on 1 June 2026, according to the same guide.

Common fare news

You may read about a 17 to 45 baht cap across all rail lines from 1 January 2027. The Nation reports a ministry source saying this is for Thai citizens only and works through a refund in the Paotang app. Do not plan around it.

River boats

The Chao Phraya is the best way to reach the old town and the most pleasant commute in the city. Sathorn Pier connects with BTS Saphan Taksin.

Chao Phraya Express Boat. Flat fares from the operator:

The operator adjusts fares with diesel prices, so bring small notes and check the sign at the pier.

Blue Flag tourist boat. Pick this one for sightseeing. It runs from Phra Arthit to Sathorn with stops for the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Chinatown and ICONSIAM, and on to Asiatique from 11:30 to 19:00. It runs daily from 08:30 to 19:40, about every 30 minutes. THAIest listed 40 baht for a single trip and 150 baht for a one-day pass as of 5 October 2026.

For a dinner on the water, see the Chao Phraya dinner cruise guide.

Taxis

Bangkok taxis are metered. The meter starts at 35 or 40 baht, then adds about 7 baht per kilometre, and keeps running in slow traffic. Expressway tolls are extra, and you pay them. If a driver refuses the meter, get out and take the next one.

Grab

Grab is the simplest choice if you do not speak Thai, since the price and route are set in the app. It offers GrabCar, GrabTaxi, GrabCar Premium for executive rides, GrabSUV and GrabVan for 5 to 10 people. Pay by card or cash. You can also book airport rides in advance, between 90 days and 75 minutes before pickup. At rush hour, a train still beats any car.

Tuk-tuks

There is no meter, so agree the price before you get in. Treat it as a short novelty ride in a quiet area, not as transport across town.

Coming from the airport? Read how to get from the airport to the city. Staying near a station saves real time, so check where to stay in Bangkok before you book.

Questions people ask

How much does the BTS cost?

A guide checked in October 2026 puts single rides at 17 to 62 baht by distance, with most central trips at 25 to 47 baht.

Can I pay for the BTS with a credit card?

Not as of October 2026, according to the same guide. Use a single ticket, a Rabbit card or a One-Day Pass. The MRT does take contactless cards.

Does one card work on both BTS and MRT?

No. Rabbit cards work on the BTS, Gold Line and monorails. The MRT Blue and Purple lines use contactless bank cards. Each system charges its own fare.

Is the 17 to 45 baht fare for tourists?

No. The ministry's plan for 1 January 2027 is reported to be for Thai citizens only.