Thailand - best way from aiport to hotel near Nana

I have booked Adelphi Suite and trying to figure out the best transfer from BKK. The hotel lists a few options and I am considering one of the following for afternoon arrival and evening departure:

1) Airport Express
Air-conditioned bus service which operates from 5.00am to 12.00midnight. Contact the Airport Express Counter at Level 1 near entrance 7. Take route AE3 Suvarnabhumi-Sukhumvit-Wireless. Fare is THB 150 per trip. Descend on Sukhumvit Soi 10 (Bangkok Bank), head towards Nana BTS skytrain station (200m) and take the first left onto Sukhumvit Soi 8. The hotel is 100 meters along on your right hand side. Approximately a one hour ride, depending on traffic.

2) AIRPORT RAIL LINK
Upon arrival head to the airport rail link located at the basement level of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Adelphi Suites guests are recommended to purchase the Express Line ticket to Makkasan station, where they would need to change lines & take the subway from Petchburi (MRT) to Sukhumvit (MRT) station. Here another change of line is required; take the skytrain from Asoke (BTS) station to Nana station. On arrival at Nana station take Exit no. 4, turn left at the bottom of the stairs, take the first right onto Sukhumvit Soi 8 and Adelphi Suites is about 50meters along on your right.

Which one is preferrable for a first visit to Bangkok?

Option 1. no longer exist.
Option 2. Do you really need to put yourself through that epic after a presumably long haul flight. ( Any flight for that matter )
Option 3. Taxi ^

Having done the Airport Rail Link in both directions twice and having done both the Express and the local City Line, I would say its a quick and easy way to Nana, but I would recommend taking the local City Line all the way to Phaya Thai and switching to the Sukhumvit line there, which will make the trip a shade longer, but will require only the one switch, and you can travel all the way to Nana. The only time I do not advise this, is if you are travelling with a lot/heavy luggage since you have to navigate steps during the switch. Good luck..

Option 3. Taxi ^

+1

Taxis in BKK are dirt cheap.

Option 1. no longer exist.


Oh really - what happened? I guess the Adelphi hasn't updated their website in a while to still have this posted.

They post this for taxi instructions:
Proceed to the taxi counter, level 2 at the Arrivals Hall near entrances 3, 4, 7 & 8. A 30 to 50 minute drive depending on traffic. Taxi Fare: Proceed to the taxi stand which is located in front of the Arrival Halls International & Domestic Passenger Terminal. Please retain part 4 of ticket in the event a complaint needs to be lodged. A 30 to 50 minute drive depending on traffic.
Taxi Fare: Airport surcharge of THB 50 plus amount on meter and expressway fees

How much would the fare be approximately?

BTW - I will likely be travelling with a medium sized suitcase as checked luggage, if that makes any difference.

Metered taxi stand is now on level 1.

Fare should be ~ 370 baht all in ( 250 baht on the meter, 50 baht airport fee, you pay to driver, tolls are 70 baht ).

What day of the week, and time of day are you scheduled to arrive? The airport train (SARL), skytrain (BTS) and subway (MRT) operate ~ 06:00 - 00:00 daily.

There is no "down" escalator, nor elevator at the Nana BTS station so you'll have to carry your bags down the stairs. Additionally, if going on the SARL to Phaya Thai to connect with the BTS understand that the BTS trains can be quite full; I sometimes have trouble getting on without bags, in the AM rush, and have seen many travelers with bags unable to board, at least for the train I can get on.

A taxi may be the best alternative, then maybe you could take the train(s) back for your departure if you want to try that mode?

How much would the fare be approximately?



350-400THB including tolls. ($12-13CAD)

350-400THB including tolls. ($12-13CAD)

I've stayed at Adelphi Suites 4 or 5 times and will again next month. Cheapest with least amount of hassle is taking a Taxi from BKK right to the front door of the hotel. All you have to tell the driver is "Sukhumvit, Soi 8" and he'll get you there.

The other option that Adelphi Suites (and most other higher-end hotels) offer is a new private car and driver. You walk out of baggage claim and there's a guy standing there with a sign. I did it once only because it was included in the special deal package I had. But if it's not included, it's REALLY expensive, about $50 US as I recall.

I have booked Adelphi Suite and trying to figure out the best transfer from BKK. The hotel lists a few options and I am considering one of the following for afternoon arrival and evening departure:

1) Airport Express
Air-conditioned bus service which operates from 5.00am to 12.00midnight.
Good riddence to this waste of time bus "service". Wait in the airport basement for up to an hour and breathe diesel fumes from all the other busses. Then get in a cranky old bus with plastic seats ( ie sweaty) and spend up to 2 hrs in start stop traffic to get where you could have gone by train or taxi in 30 minutes. Yes, it was cheap, and you certainly got what you paid for - ie very little.

Good riddence to this waste of time bus "service". Wait in the airport basement for up to an hour and breathe diesel fumes from all the other busses. Then get in a cranky old bus with plastic seats ( ie sweaty) and spend up to 2 hrs in start stop traffic to get where you could have gone by train or taxi in 30 minutes. Yes, it was cheap, and you certainly got what you paid for - ie very little.

And yet when Don Muang was the main hub they used to run a very fast reliable shuttle into the Sukhumvit. Which incidentally had a stop opposite Soi 8 for the Nana skytrain.

BTW - I will likely be travelling with a medium sized suitcase as checked luggage, if that makes any difference.

Makes all the difference :eek:

Train from BKK has room for luggage, SkyTrain not so much. That plus it tends to be fairly packed most of the time, so I was bumped around a bit even though I only had a backpack and a small backpack for my netbook and camera.

I am used to it, did in in Beijing where the metro (I'm told not to call it subway or they will direct you to the nearest Subway shop) is MUCH more crowded and there's LOTS of shoving.

With luggage, if eight buck won't break you, that's the way to go.

EmailKid

Hi all... what would be the MAXIMUM taxi time from Adelphi to BKK airport at

1) 3am
2) 9am

Is it ever hard to find a taxi around there?

Hi all... what would be the MAXIMUM taxi time from Adelphi to BKK airport at

1) 3am
2) 9am

Is it ever hard to find a taxi around there?

Its hard to give a MAXIMUM taxi time.. I would say its possible to take 2 hours in some extreme condition, 3 is unthinkable.. but then I suppose anything is possible if the highway is suddenly closed, and you happen to be already on the road..

1) at 3am it should be less than an hour.. might even be 45 minutes
2) at 9am it is more likely to be a 70 to 90 minute ride depending on traffic

The guy at the Adelphi can get a cab for you in advance if you like.. but in most cases.. the cabs are parked just outside.. and he will even go get one for you..

Its hard to give a MAXIMUM taxi time.. I would say its possible to take 2 hours in some extreme condition, 3 is unthinkable.. but then I suppose anything is possible if the highway is suddenly closed, and you happen to be already on the road..

1) at 3am it should be less than an hour.. might even be 45 minutes
2) at 9am it is more likely to be a 70 to 90 minute ride depending on traffic

The guy at the Adelphi can get a cab for you in advance if you like.. but in most cases.. the cabs are parked just outside.. and he will even go get one for you..

Thank you - yes I meant the "maximum average" :)

From Soi 8 to the airport at 09:00 is actually pretty quick as you are near the tollway entrance, and on the correct side of the road, (driver needs to jog right at Soi Nana), and traffic to the airport isn't bad. The last few times I've gone at this time it's been ~ 40 minutes, and at 03:00 it should be the same travel time.

Drivers who share taxis, with two 12-hours shifts, usually change at 16:00 and 04:00, so it can sometimes be challenging, but not overly so, to get a taxi +/-1 hour depending on the destination and taxi drop-off point. The taxis parked on Soi 8 near the Adelphi may want a flat-fare to the airport, so if their price in unacceptable maybe walk out to Sukhumvit and flag a moving taxi.

Taxi for sure, 300-400 THB all in

From Soi 8 to the airport at 09:00 is actually pretty quick as you are near the tollway entrance, and on the correct side of the road, (driver needs to jog right at Soi Nana), and traffic to the airport isn't bad. The last few times I've gone at this time it's been ~ 40 minutes, and at 03:00 it should be the same travel time.

Drivers who share taxis, with two 12-hours shifts, usually change at 16:00 and 04:00, so it can sometimes be challenging, but not overly so, to get a taxi +/-1 hour depending on the destination and taxi drop-off point. The taxis parked on Soi 8 near the Adelphi may want a flat-fare to the airport, so if their price in unacceptable maybe walk out to Sukhumvit and flag a moving taxi.

Good rule of thumb in BKK is to always catch a moving taxi. The taxi mafia parked outside of tourist areas typically won't want turn on their meter. And they don't let the honest drivers queue up there....so walk a block and grab one that is moving.

Good rule of thumb in BKK is to always catch a moving taxi. The taxi mafia parked outside of tourist areas typically won't want turn on their meter.

Heard that as well. On my last trip just ignored the taxi driver who was waiting as I emerged from one of the Sois and stopped a moving taxi. Only went to the Makkasan train station, so not a long trip.

EmailKid

Having done the Airport Rail Link in both directions twice and having done both the Express and the local City Line, I would say its a quick and easy way to Nana, but I would recommend taking the local City Line all the way to Phaya Thai and switching to the Sukhumvit line there, which will make the trip a shade longer, but will require only the one switch, and you can travel all the way to Nana. The only time I do not advise this, is if you are travelling with a lot/heavy luggage since you have to navigate steps during the switch. Good luck..

There is now an express train to Phaya Thai (in addition to the one to Makassan). This would be the best bet if you don't have lots of luggage.

There is now an express train to Phaya Thai (in addition to the one to Makassan). This would be the best bet if you don't have lots of luggage.

Yes I encountered that on arrival at BKK on I think the 24 November. "Express" is a bit misleading though. There is only one set of tracks so the Express does not overtake the City Line local train. You might as well just take the first train that's leaving. On the return from Phaya Thai the Express passengers just get to sit on the plastic waiting area chairs for a time while the City Line train sets off in front. And then their train trails along behind. I took the City Line coming back. Unless you have a lot of luggage, it's perfectly adequate.

Yes I encountered that on arrival at BKK on I think the 24 November. "Express" is a bit misleading though. There is only one set of tracks so the Express does not overtake the City Line local train. You might as well just take the first train that's leaving. On the return from Phaya Thai the Express passengers just get to sit on the plastic waiting area chairs for a time while the City Line train sets off in front. And then their train trails along behind. I took the City Line coming back. Unless you have a lot of luggage, it's perfectly adequate.

Express trains can overtake City Line trains at Hua Mark. I ride the City Line often, although not always to SBIA, and have been on a train once which was overtaken at Hua Mark.

There are also 4 tracks at Makasan so Express trains (bound for Phaya Thai) can overtake City Line trains here.

Express trains can overtake City Line trains at Hua Mark. I ride the City Line often, although not always to SBIA, and have been on a train once which was overtaken at Hua Mark.

There are also 4 tracks at Makasan so Express trains (bound for Phaya Thai) can overtake City Line trains here.

Being a bit of a train buff... Yes you are right about the potential at Hua Mark. At Makkasan however, the two centre tracks appear to end in buffer stops just beyond the platforms so would not be available for overtaking moves. As far I can see those tracks can in practice only be used by the terminating Makkasan Express trains. I find it a bit surprising that they didn't design a bit more flexibility into the track layout. Perhaps now that they seem to have realised that most airport travellers don't want to use Makkasan after all, they will make some changes.

Perhaps now that they seem to have realised that most airport travellers don't want to use Makkasan after all, they will make some changes.

For an early morning departure Makkasan is perfect. Too early for Skytrain or Subway, so a taxi is quick and cheap, and then on to the airport.

EmailKid

I made it to the hotel. This is how it went: got a driver at the airport around 3pm with a red and very old and beaten corolla (brakes squealing, speedometer not working, torn seats), he sped along some highway and when the meter was around 280 got to a tollbooth. He paid, and it was slow going. We ended up in a jam on Asoke (?) for about 40min, and I enjoed watching the bikers. Arrived around 4:30 - he asked for 475TB and I gave him 500. I asked why he didnt take expressway to Soi 8 and he said that congestion was worse ...

I made it to the hotel. This is how it went: got a driver at the airport around 3pm with a red and very old and beaten corolla (brakes squealing, speedometer not working, torn seats), he sped along some highway and when the meter was around 280 got to a tollbooth. He paid, and it was slow going. We ended up in a jam on Asoke (?) for about 40min, and I enjoed watching the bikers. Arrived around 4:30 - he asked for 475TB and I gave him 500. I asked why he didnt take expressway to Soi 8 and he said that congestion was worse ...

Still on the highway and the meter reads 280 baht :eek:

Still on the highway and the meter reads 280 baht :eek:

I'm pretty sure he figured it was my first time here. Mentioned it was Thai New Year holiday, and wanted to drop me off at places for boomboom ... I intended to hold on to the slip from the dispatcher, but he insited on collecting it ... I hope I have better luck on the way back. On the other hand, great evening and full day exploring the touristy places. Just reserved a full xmas dinner for 690TB.

I intended to hold on to the slip from the dispatcher, but he insited on collecting it ...

Never, ever, give up the slip.

I realize I'm repeating myself, but still think that the train is the way to go. Never been crowded, and you can grab a taxi once you are in town if luggage is a concern. Lots of room on the express train, though only took the 6 a.m. local, so don't know how that is during the day.

EmailKid

So for cab strategy for the way back tomorrow - walk up to Sukhumvit and hail a cab heading toward central? Is there any colour cab better than the others red, blue, pink, yellow...)?

So for cab strategy for the way back tomorrow - walk up to Sukhumvit and hail a cab heading toward central? Is there any colour cab better than the others red, blue, pink, yellow...)?

Why not just have the hotel call a taxi for you:confused:

So for cab strategy for the way back tomorrow - walk up to Sukhumvit and hail a cab heading toward central? Is there any colour cab better than the others red, blue, pink, yellow...)?

I've never really paid much attention to the color of the cab, but do try to take a look at the fellow to make sure he looks decent. Can be hard when you are catching one when it's still dark outside (those damn early morning departures on UA and NW).

EmailKid

Well I walked up to Sukhumvit and traffic was not moving at all. So I just took the stairs up to Nana Station, and took the BTS. Total cost was 70 baht, and I was at the airport within an hour. The trains were crammed but airconditioned, I'd say comfort level would have been equivalent to a beat up old taxi without a/c.

I've never had a taxi in BKK that doesn't have a/c.

I've never had a taxi in BKK that doesn't have a/c.

There are quite a few. I've ridden in them several times, and avoided them many more times. Never seen one at the airport though.