Taxis in Bangkok
Getting around Bangkok by taxi is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel, as most taxis are new, spacious and easy to recognise with their bright orange, red and pink colours. Finding a taxi in Bangkok is very simple as there are many roaming around the streets very willing to stop and pick you up.
However, if you prefer avoiding the hassle of getting a taxi in the very busy streets of Thailand, struggling to communicate with your driver (as the majority of Thai taxi drivers speak little English) or if you prefer travelling on a fixed price, you can book an airport taxi in Bangkok, in advance.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
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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 H 05 MIN |
| FROM DMK TO GRAND PALACE | 7.60 € | 7.60 € | 45 MIN |
Bangkok Taxi Prices
Bangkok taxi fares are very cheap compared to western countries. By law in Thailand, all taxis are required to use a taximeter, so based on the distance and time travelled, with a starting fare of just €0.95 (฿35) and a relatively slow increase on the meter as you travel. Moreover, prices to most places within central Bangkok cost €1.60 (฿60) to €2.65 (฿100), freeway tolls cost between €0.65 (฿25) to €3.20 (฿120) depending on where you are headed to, and all tolls must be paid by the passenger.
- Base Fare (2 Km) – €0.95 (฿35)
- Each Additional 1 Km – €0.13 (฿5)
- Traffic jams – per metre when moving under 6 km/hour – €0,03 (฿1.25)
When entering the taxi, tell your driver where you wish to go; always check that the meter is on and reset to the base fare. Bare in mind that some taxi drivers will try negotiate a fixed price – you may have to politely – but firmly – tell them you wish to travel on a metered price and ask them to switch it on. If you prefer to travel around with a pre-booked airport taxi, there are many of them too, all operating at competitive prices. You can call one of the taxi companies, and they will send a Bangkok transfer to you in no time.
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How to get a Taxi in Bangkok
Bangkok taxis are very easy to find as there are many of them around the city. However, it is well known that if it starts raining, they all seem to disappear. If that is the case during your trip keep in mind that Bangkok taxis can always be found around hotels, shopping malls and tourist attractions.
You can easily hail one of the brightly coloured taxis directly from the streets of Bangkok. Unlike most countries, if you spot a red light in the front window that means that the taxi is empty and you can hail it down. Also, taxi drivers don’t always know the city as well as you would think, as a driver qualification exam isn’t required. For this reason, it is always a good idea to carry a map, or the name and location of where you’re heading to, written in Thai.
Book your Bangkok Taxi in Advance
Knowing that your Bangkok taxi will be waiting for you at a set time, in a set location and with a fixed price takes a lot of weight off your shoulders. If you prefer budgeting and planning your trip in advance, then you can book your Bangkok transfer with one of the many pre-book taxi companies online. Bare in mind that many advance booking companies may have high fees, so to avoid steep rates and hidden charges, book your Bangkok airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.
Bangkok Taxi Tips
- Overall taxis in Bangkok don't accept credit cards. Be sure to carry small cash in Baht on you.
- It is best to travel with smaller bills such as ฿20 or ฿50 notes, 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.
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
Many first-time visitors are hesitant to take Bangkok taxis, as their enthusiasm often translates into dangerous road situations. Thai taxis also have a reputation of trying to get as much money out of their tourist passengers as possible. However, most of their taxi vehicles are new and comfortable, and the drivers are courteous and helpful.
Nonetheless, you need to stay aware – if a driver is refusing to use their taximeter, it is suspicious; and if they insist 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 to ‘good’ places. Again, if you are not feeling good about a taxi driver, rather wait for the next one.
If you have a problem with the driver it is better to file a complaint after you have arrived at your destination; you will need to make sure to note your driver’s details and the taxi number plate.