Thailand Transportation & City Rides

Thailand is a beautiful country located on the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It has always been a critical tourist point of interest for exotic vacations. If you have chosen Thailand as your next foreign holiday destination, go through this page to learn more about its transportation and city rides for a smooth journey.

Best way to reach Thailand

Before we explain the aspect of domestic transport, let us take a quick look at the best way to reach Thailand from a different country;

• By air- Thailand has a well-designed international air network that connects it to several major countries. The most popular international airports in the country are Phuket international airport, Udon Thani international airport, Suvarnabhumi international airport, etc.
• By road- Individuals starting their Thailand trip from neighbouring Asian countries can consider this option if they want a fun road trip. Alternatively, you may opt for the bus service from Singapore to Hat Yai.
• By water- There are ferry services available from Indonesia to Phuket between November and May, along with cruises from Europe, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc., which stop at Laem Chabang.

Best transport options from the airports in Thailand

Depending on your landing location in Thailand, you can choose from these transport options to reach other parts of the city from the airport;

• Taxi: Private taxis, though a bit costlier than trains, are one of the best forms of transport you can choose from the airport. You can find taxi stands or hail one down the road, not too far from the airport’s main exit.
• Bus: It is a cheap but time-consuming way to travel to the main parts of the city. For instance, bus travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khao San Road (Bangkok) costs under €2 but takes around 1 hour in total.
• Train: At certain locations in Thailand, you can just hop on a train to continue your journey forward after landing at the airport. For instance, the Airport Rail Link City from Suvarnabhumi Airport is a convenient and affordable way to travel to down town Bangkok.

Best way to travel within Thailand

For moving around in Thailand, here are the best options you can choose from;

• Taxi: One of the best ways to travel within major cities in Thailand is by taxi. It will help you reach the precise destination in the most comfortable way possible. It's great for short routes and also for travelling to nearby cities.
• Train: Trains are a quick and reliable way to travel long distances in Thailand. The country’s railway is divided into five regional lines, the Northern Line, Northeastern Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line and Maeklong Railway,
• Domestic flights: With multiple international and domestic airports across Thailand, flights have become a great way to comfortably cover longer routes in the shortest time within the country.
• Motorcycle taxi: Motorcycle taxis are a big part of local transport in Thailand. It can be a great transport choice if you are a single traveller, not carrying heavy luggage and don’t want to get stuck in traffic.
• Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are a popular way to travel within major cities in Thailand. Designed for travelling short distances and carrying 2-3 people, they are available in abundance. They don’t have a metre, so you make sure to negotiate a reasonable fare beforehand.
• Songthaew: Songthaew in Thailand are mini-trucks modified to carry multiple passengers at once. They are not fast but have cheap fares and are great for inter-city travel.
• Bus: The bus service in Thailand is a pillar of local transport in the region. You can find all types of buses there, from short-distance non-ac public buses to long-distance air-conditioned private buses.

Things to consider when choosing transport options in Thailand

Here are some crucial things you should consider when choosing the right transport option for your Thailand trip;

• Distance: Most transport options in Thailand are not designed for long-distance travel. For reference, opt for domestic flights, trains or long-distance buses for intercity journeys. Whereas, for short routes within a small city, tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are sufficient. For travelling within big metropolitan areas, consider subways, sky trains, public buses, taxis, etc.
• Budget: If you don’t have any budget constraints, you can opt for a comfortable journey on domestic flights or private taxis. However, if you are looking for affordable transport in Thailand, consider public buses, trains, tuk-tuks, etc.
• Convenience: Only a few transport options, like taxis, domestic flights, rental cars, etc., are ideal for travellers of all ages. Also, if you have heavy luggage, try to go with a transport option that doesn’t have strict restrictions on luggage capacity.
• Duration: It's always better to opt for a transport option that takes you to your desired location in the least possible time. These options can be a bit expensive but will help you save a lot of time on the road, which you can spend on exploring instead.

Tips for travelling within Thailand

Follow these tips to travel smoothly within Thailand during your trip;

• Language barrier: It can be difficult for travellers to use taxis or other forms of transport if they are unfamiliar with the local language. Not everyone understands English in Thailand, so consider hiring a guide or using a translator app.
• Documentation: Always carry your essential documentation and money close to you. Pickpocketing is common in tourist-focused areas in Thailand, so be careful.
• Luggage: For most of your trip in Thailand, you will find yourself relying on local transport. It can be difficult to navigate with heavy luggage. This is why you should travel light to make everything easier.
• Research: Always research your transport option, travel route, and fare in advance. It will save you from unnecessary delays and troubles throughout the trip.

How to save money when travelling within Thailand?

Here are some useful ways to save money when travelling within Thailand;

• If you are planning on using the Bangkok BTS Skytrain system for travelling around the city for a long time, consider investing in a Rabbit Card, a reloadable transport card. You can also opt for a BTS one-day pass if you have a short stay in the city.
• Public transport, like the metro, bus, Songthaew, etc., is one of the best ways to travel in Thailand for a low cost.
• If you want to travel longer routes in Thailand by taxi, make sure to haggle for the price. Bargaining is a great way to bring down travel fares by a lot.
• Travelling at night can help save you a lot of money in terms of transport fares. Night trains and buses offer transportation at cheap rates, as compared to daytime fares.
• The north of Thailand is much cheaper in comparison to the south of Thailand. From accommodations to transfers, everything in the north is within a reasonable budget, especially for tourists.

Take Home Lessons

This concludes everything you need to know about transportation and local city rides available in Thailand for your journey. Even though the choice of transport ultimately depends on your personal preference, make sure to research everything in advance for a better trip experience.

FAQs

1) How to get around Bangkok?

The most common transport options available in Bangkok, Thailand, include subway, tuk-tuk, motorcycle taxi, taxi, Skytrain, etc.

2) How far is Phuket town from the airport?

Phuket airport is roughly 33 kilometres from the centre of Phuket town.

3) What are the cheapest transport options available in Thailand?

Tuk-tuk, local buses and motorcycle taxis are some of the cheapest forms of transportation available in Thailand.

4) Which highways connect Pattaya to Bangkok?

Both Highway 3 and Highway 7 offer great road connectivity between Bangkok and Pattaya.