Getting a taxi in Bangkok
Given that hundreds of taxis are in operation, taking a Bangkok taxi is the best way to get around. The array of colorful vehicles is easy to spot and readily available 24/7. All you need to do is find a taxi with the red LED sign in the window switched on and you can hail them from the street. There are also multiple taxi stands across the city, including near important transportation hubs, where you can get a Bangkok Airport taxi, a Don Mueang Airport taxi, and a taxi from Bangkok Train Station.
Most Bangkok taxis can seat three to four people as most are typical sedans. By law, taxi drivers in Bangkok need to calculate their fares using a taximeter. As street taxis and airport taxis are easy to find every day, at all hours, traveling by cab remains one of the best ways to explore this incredible city.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM BBK TO BANGKOK | 6.80 € | 6.80 € | 32 MIN |
| FROM DMK TO KHAO SAN ROAD | 4.50 € | 4.50 € | 37 MIN |
| FROM BANGKOK TO PATTAYA | 25 € | 25 € | 2 HR 5 MIN |
| FROM DMK TO GRAND PALACE | 7.60 € | 7.60 € | 45 MIN |
How much is a taxi in Bangkok?
If you’re accustomed to European taxi rates, taxi prices in Bangkok will be comparatively much cheaper. Bangkok taxis use taximeters to calculate their fare depending on the distance traveled. There are no fluctuations from day or night, weekday to weekend. However, there is a per-minute rate if the taxi is stuck in traffic or unable to move faster than 6km/h.
With all that in mind, here is a breakdown of Bangkok taxi rates:
Base Bangkok taxi prices
Base rate – €1 (THB 40) for the first km
From 1 km to 10 km – €0.17 (THB 6.50) per km
From 10 km to 20 km – €0.18 (THB 7) per km
From 20 km to 40 km – €0.21 (THB 8) per km
From 40 km to 60 km – €0.22 (THB 8.50) per km
From 60 km to 80 km – €0.23 (THB 9) per km
From 80 km+ – €0.27 (THB 10.50) per km
If the car cannot move faster than 6km/h – €0.08 (THB 3) per minute
Additional charges
The prices above apply to typical four-seater sedans. If you need a larger vehicle, this will be charged at €1.15 (THB 45) for the first km. The remaining per-km rates are the same.
If you’re taking a Bangkok Airport taxi from either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport, a €1.30 (THB 50) surcharge will be added to your metered fare.
If you call a radio taxi from one of the many taxi Bangkok numbers, you’ll be charged €0.50 (THB 20) for the dispatch of that taxi. This also applies to Grab Taxis.
The taxi prices in Bangkok that we’ve discussed so far apply to journeys within the city limits. For example, you can expect a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok to cost around €6.80 (THB 240). But what about longer distances? You should negotiate a fare with your driver before your ride begins to avoid overcharging as there are no official set fares. As a guideline, you can expect a taxi from Bangkok city center to Pattaya to cost €44 (THB 1,700), whereas a taxi to Ayutthaya could cost upwards of €33.50 (THB 1,300).
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How to get a taxi in Bangkok
The simplest way to get a taxi in Bangkok is to hail one on the street. There are hundreds of taxis in operation at any given time, day or night. There are also plenty of taxi stands outside of the main transportation hubs like the airports and tourist attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. You can also call a Bangkok taxi number or use a local app to book a taxi on demand.
How to get a taxi from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
The taxi rank at Suvarnabhumi Airport is located on Level 1, between exits 4 and 6. Once you find the airport taxi queue, head to the automatic kiosk to collect a ticket. That ticket will have your taxi’s number on it and instructions for locating that taxi. From there, you can get a taxi from Bangkok Airport to the city center and reach your accommodation in about 25 minutes.
How to get a taxi from Don Mueang Airport
After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim area, you’ll find the taxi queue immediately outside the nearest exit. There will be a clerk by the taxi stand to whom you’ll need to tell your destination. They will relay that information to your taxi driver before your ride begins. From there, you can get a taxi from Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok and reach your accommodation in about 25 minutes.
How to get a taxi from Bangkok Railway Station
Taxis at Bangkok Railway Station are available outside of the rear entrance of the main building. You can join the queue until a taxi becomes available.
How to get a taxi from the Grand Palace
Many Bangkok taxis are waiting outside of the main exit at the Grand Palace. You can hail one from the street. Some drivers will try to take you on a tour from the Grand Palace. If this is unwanted, respectfully decline and ensure the driver resets the meter before your ride begins.
How to get a taxi from Wat Pho
There are many taxis waiting outside Wat Pho, however, you need to be discerning to find an honest driver. Locals suggest that walking further away from Wat Pho and hailing a taxi from the street may be a better solution to avoid overcharging. That said, taking a Bangkok taxi is still the best way to travel away from Wat Pho, as opposed to taking the public bus.
Most popular Bangkok taxi apps
The main taxi Bangkok apps are Bolt, InDrive, and Grab Taxi. Having a fixed rate quoted at the time of booking is a huge plus, but there are some caveats. Grab Taxi is the more established Bangkok taxi app, however, prices can be higher than hailing a taxi from the street. InDrive is slightly better price-wise but you need to pay in cash. Finally, Bolt has mixed reviews in terms of reliability across Bangkok.
If you have a fixed itinerary, instead of using an on-demand taxi app in Bangkok, you can pre-book a private taxi from a trusted international company, like Welcome Pickups. That way, you get the benefit of a fixed price at a reasonable rate paid in advance – no cash needed.
Useful Bangkok taxi numbers
Generally, you don’t need to call a taxi since there are so many available to hail from the curbside. However, if you’re struggling to hail a cab or all of the cabs you hail are insistent on negotiating a fixed rate, it may be worth calling a reliable Bangkok taxi number.
Here is a list of Bangkok taxi services you can call on demand:
- Bangkok Taxi Hotline: 1681
- Pathumwan Taxi Cooperative: +66 2216 7628
- Siam-Taxi Co-Operative: +66 2944 5061
Remember there is a (THB 20) surcharge for the dispatch of a radio taxi that will be added to your final fare.
Benefits of booking a Bangkok taxi in advance
If you’re new to Bangkok, the high-octane drive of the city can feel overwhelming. Having to plan transport for each excursion should be the least of your worries. Sadly, as some local Bangkok drivers can be dishonest, you have to have your wits about you to avoid overcharging.
Wouldn’t it be relaxing to know that your transport is taken care of and paid for in advance? This is why pre-booking your Bangkok Airport taxi or any other ride with a professional service like Welcome Pickups is a great option for tourists. With friendly, English-speaking drivers, high safety spec vehicles, and reasonable set fares, you can focus on enjoying your holiday in Bangkok without the stress.
Bangkok taxi tips
- Overall taxis in Bangkok don't accept credit cards. Be sure to carry small cash in Baht on you unless you pre-booked online.
- It is best to travel with smaller bills as most taxi drivers don’t carry much change.
- If you are coming or going to the airport, you can change your larger bills to smaller ones at the toll booths on the expressway.
- Make sure your driver resets their taximeter to the base fare and that the taximeter is turned on before you begin your journey.
- A driver refusing to use their taximeter is suspicious. If they insist on giving you a fixed price, it's best to find another taxi.
- Once a driver has agreed to take a certain route, they will usually not try to take a longer one for extra money. They make more money from passenger turnovers.
- As Bangkok taxi fares are cheap and the drivers work 24/7 in a great amount of traffic, a small tip is always appreciated.
- Tipping is a common practice in Bangkok. If you’re pleased with the service, a tip of €0.25 (THB 10) is welcomed. For shorter journeys, you can round up to the nearest 10 Baht.
- Pre-book a taxi online with Welcome Pickups for a competitive rate, professional driver, and 24/7 customer service.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Bangkok
Only a limited amount of wheelchair-accessible taxis are available in Bangkok. They are all privately owned companies and the prices are significantly higher than regular taxis, although the cost is still much lower than Western taxis. If you wish to hire one, you will need to reserve your vehicle at least 24 hours in advance.
Bangkok taxi safety and complaints
It’s fair to say that taxis in Bangkok have a reputation. They are not considered unsafe. Most of their taxi vehicles are new and comfortable, and the drivers are courteous and helpful. However, many drivers try to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.
There are ways to mitigate this. If a driver is refusing to use their taximeter and insists on giving you a fixed price, it’s best to find another taxi. Also, you need to watch out for over-eager taxi drivers who offer to take you on unwanted tours or ‘good’ places. Again, if you are not feeling good about a taxi driver, wait for the next one.
If you have a problem with the driver, you can file a complaint after you have arrived at your destination. Note down your driver’s details and the taxi number plate to make a complaint to the Land Transport Department Hotline on 1584. Better yet, take a photo of the taxi number which is printed on a yellow sign inside the passenger doors.