Bangkok is Thailand’s capital city and also the most popular one for tourists. Bangkok has always been a top destination as a city with a lot to offer. Whether you have just one day or a couple of days in the city, there’re plenty of things to do in Bangkok. It’s almost impossible to see all the sights and attractions around the city on the same day but you can surely cover a lot of ground. Bangkok is a big city hence you’ll discover a lot of different modes of transportation here. There are many ways of getting around Bangkok.

Train

Bangkok has a very efficient public transportation system. The train is one of the most popular ways of getting around Bangkok. Bangkok has three different train systems that run around the entire city. You have a choice to use their BTS train which is a sky train, the MRT, which is the subway, or the Airport Rail Link.

Not all trains go to the same locations so knowing which train to take is necessary. The good news is that all of the train systems in Bangkok are linked. Train stations in Bangkok will have transfers to either one of the other trains. People enjoy taking the trains in Bangkok because it avoids the heavy street traffic of the city.

Bangkok’s public trains are the most cost effective ways of getting around Bangkok. Tickets for each of the trains can be found right in the stations and plenty of help is around for assistance if needed. The BTS Sky Train also has day passes if you’re planning to make your way around a lot of the city in a day.

The Airport Rail Link is the best option for traveling between the airport and downtown Bangkok. This train connects you to both the MRT underground train at Makkasan Station and the BTS Skytrain at Phayathai Station. Makkasan Station is a popular station. Right outside of it you can find a lot of restaurants and hotel accommodations such as the FX Hotel Metrolink Makkasan.

Bus

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Most of the areas that are visited often by tourists can be reached via Bangkok’s train system. An alternative to the trains is the bus system in Bangkok. Bangkok has bus routes that go around the entire city including areas where the trains do no service. Buses are sometimes used in combination with another transportation method to get to a destination.

Buses are usually crowded, especially during rush hour, but there are many buses that run very frequently. When the streets don’t have heavy traffic, buses can be a great option for exploring Bangkok.

Taxi

Taxis exist in abundance in Bangkok. They are a very common way of getting around Bangkok, they run at any time in Bangkok so you can easily find a ride to catch your early morning flight or to take you home after being out all night.

Getting a taxi in Bangkok is quick and one of the easiest ways to get around. Since there are so many taxis here, most times you can just stand along the street and signal for a taxi. Some public places around Bangkok have queued taxi services where taxis arrive one by one to pick up the next passengers in line.

When you use a taxi you’ll have to tell the driver your destination. The language barrier sometimes could be an issue but writing the address down can be very helpful or mentioning a nearby train station . Always have your hotel's taxi card with you. Most hotels would have a one easily available online, else enquire with your concierge upon arrival. The hotel's address would be printed in Thai so it is easy for the taxi driver. You should note that taxi drivers may recognize that you are a tourist and not use the fare meter during the trip. When you arrive they will attempt to charge you a significantly higher price. This situation can be avoided by always insisting on using the meter before beginning your journey.

Motor Bikes

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One of the first things that you notice when you first arrive in Bangkok is the number of motobikes that you see on the streets. Motorbikes actually out number the number of cars in a lot of places. They are very popular in Bangkok because of their size and convenience. It’s also easier to have a motorbike in Bangkok than a car.

Some of these motorbikes are just for personal use in getting around the city. However, there are many motorbikes that can pick you up and take you to your destination. These motorbikes are similar to taxis since you can just wave them down or find available drivers sometimes curbside near public spaces. As Bangkok is famous for its traffic jams, motorbikes are sometimes the fastest way to get around the city simply because of their ability to squeeze between stationary cars.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuks are an exciting way to get around Bangkok. Tuk Tuks aren’t found in every country so it could be a new experience and add to the pleasure of your Bangkok trip. A tuk tuk is a small cart attached and led by someone on a motorbike. These 3 wheeled vehicles are open-air which goes well with the Bangkok heat.

Tuk tuk cars are a very inexpensive way to travel around Bangkok. Most tuk tuks in Bangkok are independently owned so price negotiation is usually done upon approaching a driver and determining the rate before leaving. Tuk tuks are always riding around Bangkok so you can always access one for a ride. These are great for short trips and are a fast way to get around Bangkok.

Mobile Car Apps

Bangkok is a modern city so technology is definitely used to help maneuver throughout the city. Bangkok has a few options for mobile apps to be able to directly call a car for pickup. The most popular car ride app in Bangkok is Grab but other services such as Uber also exist. If you don't speak the language or are not familiar with the streets in Bangkok, these apps would be a convenient option. You can book a ride and indicate your pickup and drop-off location via the app, thus eliminating any miscommunication or frustration communicating with the driver. You can also find ride discounts with special promotions.