Uber in Bangkok: Everything you need to know

Whether you’re planning your next holiday to Bangkok, or perhaps already living there, you may be wondering, does Uber work in Bangkok and how can I book a ride? We’ve got all the information you need about Uber in Bangkok right here, including alternative transport options, and which is the best choice for you.

Is there Uber in Bangkok?

Unfortunately, Uber hasn’t been available in Bangkok since 2018. While the company did operate in Thailand for four years, all Bangkok Uber operations were absorbed by one of their competitors, Grab, which still stands as the most popular ride-hailing app across South East Asia.

Alternatives to taking an Uber in Bangkok

From the airport

Booking a private transfer with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups is the best way to start or end your time in Bangkok. Not only will you be offered a competitive fixed fare that you can pay for in advance, each ride includes a trained English-speaking driver, personalised routes and speedy door-to-door service. No need to stand in line for a taxi, your driver will meet you on arrival, with no extra charges for waiting if your flight is delayed. 

Alternatively, a Bangkok Airport taxi can be taken from the taxi stand outside the Arrivals Hall on the Ground Floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport, or in front of the Arrivals Hall at Terminals 1 and 2 of Don Mueang Airport. These are metered taxis that charge based on the distance travelled on top of a €1.30 (THB 50) airport fee, plus any tolls. Use the touch-screen kiosks to request a taxi and match your ticket to the waiting taxi’s license plate.

Getting around Bangkok

While Uber Bangkok may not be an option for quick trips around the city, there are other popular ride-hailing apps available in this bustling metropolis such as Grab and Bolt. Grab is the most popular service, although Bolt is often slightly cheaper. Like Uber, both companies allow passengers to book a ride through their respective apps. 

Taking a regular metered taxi from the street is also convenient for short trips. Several companies operate throughout the city, making it easy to flag one down or pick one up from the nearest taxi rank outside bus and metro stations, shopping malls, and tourist hotspots. 

If convenience is what you’re after, you can book an in-city ride with Welcome Pickups with a local English-speaking driver at a competitive fixed price to collect you at a time and place of your choosing.

Is there an Uber equivalent in Bangkok?

Yes, Grab operates much the same as Uber, and it provides even more services than Uber used to. Take note, however, that you’ll need a Thai sim card in order to sign up for the Grab app, otherwise you won’t be able to complete the registration process. For online booking that works anywhere, Welcome Pickups offers rides anywhere you’d like to go.

Similar to Uber, Grab passengers will receive a price estimate before booking, be able to view driver ratings, and will have the option to share the journey details with friends and family for extra safety. 

When using Grab Bangkok, you’ll have the option of JustGrab, GrabCar, GrabTaxi, GrabBike, GrabCar Premium, GrabSUV, GrabVan, GrabCar Plus, GrabPet, GrabAssist, GrabDriveYourCar.

JustGrab and GrabBike are your quickest and cheapest services, best for zipping around town, whereas GrabCar and GrabTaxi are slightly more personalised but may take longer to arrive. GrabCar Premium is exactly as it sounds, high-end classy vehicles for business trips or special occasions that can seat 4 to 6 passengers. 

If you’re travelling with lots of luggage or in a larger group of up to 8 people, GrabSUV, GrabVan and GrabCar Plus are your best choices, providing ample space in stylish vehicles. Lastly, there are a few specialised services you can choose from such as GrabPet if you have a furry companion, GrabAssist if you need extra support getting into and out of the vehicle, and GrabDriveYourCar for those times when the party has kicked on and you perhaps shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a car.

Grab prices

The price of your Grab ride will be calculated based on how far you’re travelling, the time it takes to reach your destination (factoring in traffic), your pick-up and drop-off location, and how in-demand drivers are. 

Typically, a Grab ride is cheaper than a regular taxi but you should be mindful of prices surging during peak hour traffic, in areas where there are fewer drivers around, and following events when crowds of people are requesting a ride at once. During these times, a regular taxi may be a cheaper option. Nevertheless, you’ll always be offered a price estimate inclusive of all surcharges before accepting your ride and you will have the option to pay by credit or debit card through the app, or in cash direct to your driver. 

When travelling from either the domestic or international terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city centre, you can expect to pay €7.50 (THB 300) for the one-hour journey. Keep in mind that this price can vary depending on the type of vehicle, the time of day, and your final destination. For a short 5 km ride around town, you’ll pay about €2.50 (THB 100).

Is Uber safe in Bangkok?

All of Grab’s drivers in Bangkok are regulated and made to undertake annual vehicle and license checks. Furthermore, each driver receives a rating much like Uber so that passengers can read past reviews and receive an overview of their service. Riders can also share and track their ride in the app and will receive a notification if the driver goes off course.

Similarly, all Bangkok taxi drivers are regulated, however, there are obvious scams to watch out for, such as the meter ‘not working’ and your driver taking a longer than necessary route ‘due to roadworks’ to try and hike up the price. In any case, if you encounter any issues, take down the driver and vehicle details and contact the taxi company directly or the local police to lodge a complaint.

Grab, Taxi, or Private Transfer?

When it comes to choosing the best option, you should think about the specific needs of you or your group. We’ve gathered some of the most important factors to consider below, so that you can make an informed choice.

FAQs

Is there Uber in Bangkok?

Unfortunately, Uber is not an option when travelling in Bangkok. Instead, there’s the option of Grab, another ride-hailing service popular throughout Southeast Asia. If you don’t have a Thai sim card for Grab, Welcome Pickups is another service you can book easily online.

Is Uber or Grab better in Bangkok?

Since Uber isn’t available in Bangkok, Grab and other ride-hailing apps like Bolt are your best bet for ordering a ride. Alternatively, you can book your in-city rides with Welcome Pickups for set rates at a time and place of your choosing.

Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Bangkok?

If you’re wondering which is cheaper, there isn’t an Uber in Bangkok fare estimate since Uber isn’t available anymore in Bangkok. However, when comparing the prices of similar ride-hailing services such as Grab, these alternatives are generally cheaper. Keep in mind that Grab prices can surge significantly when there is high demand.

Does Uber pick up at Bangkok Airport?

While Uber doesn’t operate at the airport (or in Thailand), there is a dedicated Grab service desk located on Level 2 of the International Terminal, outside Gates 4 and 7. Similarly, you’ll find a service desk in the Arrivals Hall of the Domestic Terminal on Level 2, near Gate 3. Once you request your driver through the app, they will meet you directly outside the exit.