Jan 3, 2015, 2:56 am
Last edit by: IluvSQ
READ THIS FIRST:
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Taxi at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
BKK Terminal Map
Source: AOT
MAP KEY
❶ Arrival Gates - Level Two
❷ Immigration
❸ Baggage Claim Carousels
❹ Customs and Exits to Landside Terminal Area
❺ Elevators/Escalators to Ground Floor Level One
❻ Numbered Exits to Outside (taxi queues are near exits 4 & 7)
WHAT TO DO
Taxis accept cash only. There are ATMs and currency exchangers inside the terminal.
BASE COST
TOLLS
SAMPLE FARES FROM BKK TO...
Amounts are approximate and will vary with traffic, specific drop point, etc.
FARE CALCULATOR TOOLS
Reasonably accurate fare estimates are available from a number of websites and apps. These services provide estimated base fares only. Calculations do not include traffic, tolls, airport fees, etc. Reliability varies - use at your own risk.
FAQs
Q: Should I use the hotel's airport transfer service instead of a taxi?A: It depends on your comfort zone, budget, time of day, number of people/bags, etc. In general, the cost will probably be about two to three times the typical taxi fare, or more. If you are relatively new to Asia, it might be a bit overwhelming, and you might find it reassuring to see someone holding a sign with your name as you walk out of baggage claim.
Q: Is it best to take the expressway or surface streets?A: Depending on your destination and time of day, surface streets might be quicker and/or shorter. However, expressway tolls will usually add less than THB 200 to the trip (see above), so you may wish to defer to your driver.
Q: What types of scams should I watch for?A: The most common thing you'll encounter is taxi drivers who do not want to use the meter. They will often ask for a flat fee that is usually much higher than the meter would register. If a driver refuses to use the meter, it's best to exit the taxi and get another. Do not get angry or argue with the driver. If a driver demands more money on arrival at your hotel, wait until your bags have been offloaded from the vehicle, then seek out a porter or other hotel employee to assist you. Again, do not get angry or argue with the driver. A driver may say there is a THB 50 fee to go to the airport. There is no fee to go TO the airport. If the fee is mentioned at the outset, get out and flag down a new taxi. If it is mentioned upon arrival at the airport, remove all your belongings from the taxi and calmly state that there is no such fee while handing over the metered amount. If the driver is insistent, offering to call over a police officer to assist will usually put an end to the discussion.
Q: What is the most common meter scam?
A: Very often, when you enter the taxi, the meter is obscured with a rag or towel, so you do not see that it has been running prior to your entrance,
and is now well over 100 Baht. Always ensure that you observe the driver starting the meter.
Q: If the driver does scam me, how much money are we talking about?A: Usually no more than THB 200-300, which is about USD 7-10
Q: I think I still have other questions...A: Just hit the reply button and get feedback from other helpful FlyerTalkers who take Bangkok taxis regularly!
Q: This all sounds like hassle. Is there some way I can use a small amount of money to make that go away?A: The AOT limo stands before and immediately after customs are trustworthy, although their initial quote will be for their most expensive vehicle. Ask for the Isuzu SUV. You'll be looking at 1,050THB / $33.50 to the center of town, inclusive of all fees and fares, and a small increment on that for a sedan. Credit cards are accepted. You will get a printed receipt before you get in the taxi. The vehicle will be well-driven, clean, and will have seatbelts.
Special thanks to FlyerTalker c_9 for building this wikipost.
This is a member-maintained wiki. FlyerTalkers are invited to update, add missing information and make corrections as needed. Thanks for helping out!
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Taxi at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
BKK Terminal Map
Source: AOT
MAP KEY
❶ Arrival Gates - Level Two
❷ Immigration
❸ Baggage Claim Carousels
❹ Customs and Exits to Landside Terminal Area
❺ Elevators/Escalators to Ground Floor Level One
❻ Numbered Exits to Outside (taxi queues are near exits 4 & 7)
WHAT TO DO
Taxis accept cash only. There are ATMs and currency exchangers inside the terminal.
- Take an elevator or escalator down to the ground level.
- Follow the signs to one of the two taxi queues outside of the terminal on Level One.
- The taxi queue attendant will ask your destination and write it on a taxi slip. UPDATE: There are no longer attendants to write your destination at BKK. You get a slip from a touchscreen kiosk which directs you to a parking stall number where you meet your car/driver.
- The larger part of the taxi slip is yours to keep, the smaller part goes to your driver. Be sure to keep your taxi slip as it contains information you will need if a problem arises. Do not give your portion of the taxi slip to the driver, even if he asks for it. UPDATE: There is no portion of the new slip from the kiosk to give the driver.
BASE COST
- Airport Fee - THB 50 per taxi levied from the airport (never to the airport)
- THB 35 - flag drop through 1km
- +THB 5.50/km for kilometers 1+ through 10
- +THB 6.50/km for kilometers 10+ through 20
- +THB 7.50/km for kilometers 20-40
- +THB 2 per minute waiting or standing in traffic (less than 6kph)
TOLLS
- THB 75 to city center (two toll booths)
- THB 60 to DMK
SAMPLE FARES FROM BKK TO...
Amounts are approximate and will vary with traffic, specific drop point, etc.
- City Center - THB 170-200
- Grand Palace - THB 215
- Don Mueang Airport (DMK) - THB 290
- Hua Hin - THB ___ (typically a negotiated flat fee)
- Pattaya - THB ___ (typically a negotiated flat fee)
FARE CALCULATOR TOOLS
Reasonably accurate fare estimates are available from a number of websites and apps. These services provide estimated base fares only. Calculations do not include traffic, tolls, airport fees, etc. Reliability varies - use at your own risk.
- Bangkok Taximeter
- Easy Taxi (app, android)
- Grab Taxi (app, all devices)
- Taxi Auto Fare
- World Taximeter
FAQs
Q: Should I use the hotel's airport transfer service instead of a taxi?A: It depends on your comfort zone, budget, time of day, number of people/bags, etc. In general, the cost will probably be about two to three times the typical taxi fare, or more. If you are relatively new to Asia, it might be a bit overwhelming, and you might find it reassuring to see someone holding a sign with your name as you walk out of baggage claim.
Q: Is it best to take the expressway or surface streets?A: Depending on your destination and time of day, surface streets might be quicker and/or shorter. However, expressway tolls will usually add less than THB 200 to the trip (see above), so you may wish to defer to your driver.
Q: What types of scams should I watch for?A: The most common thing you'll encounter is taxi drivers who do not want to use the meter. They will often ask for a flat fee that is usually much higher than the meter would register. If a driver refuses to use the meter, it's best to exit the taxi and get another. Do not get angry or argue with the driver. If a driver demands more money on arrival at your hotel, wait until your bags have been offloaded from the vehicle, then seek out a porter or other hotel employee to assist you. Again, do not get angry or argue with the driver. A driver may say there is a THB 50 fee to go to the airport. There is no fee to go TO the airport. If the fee is mentioned at the outset, get out and flag down a new taxi. If it is mentioned upon arrival at the airport, remove all your belongings from the taxi and calmly state that there is no such fee while handing over the metered amount. If the driver is insistent, offering to call over a police officer to assist will usually put an end to the discussion.
Q: What is the most common meter scam?
A: Very often, when you enter the taxi, the meter is obscured with a rag or towel, so you do not see that it has been running prior to your entrance,
and is now well over 100 Baht. Always ensure that you observe the driver starting the meter.
Q: If the driver does scam me, how much money are we talking about?A: Usually no more than THB 200-300, which is about USD 7-10
Q: I think I still have other questions...A: Just hit the reply button and get feedback from other helpful FlyerTalkers who take Bangkok taxis regularly!
Q: This all sounds like hassle. Is there some way I can use a small amount of money to make that go away?A: The AOT limo stands before and immediately after customs are trustworthy, although their initial quote will be for their most expensive vehicle. Ask for the Isuzu SUV. You'll be looking at 1,050THB / $33.50 to the center of town, inclusive of all fees and fares, and a small increment on that for a sedan. Credit cards are accepted. You will get a printed receipt before you get in the taxi. The vehicle will be well-driven, clean, and will have seatbelts.
Special thanks to FlyerTalker c_9 for building this wikipost.
This is a member-maintained wiki. FlyerTalkers are invited to update, add missing information and make corrections as needed. Thanks for helping out!
Catching a taxi at BKK and general Thailand taxi discussion
Jun 11, 2015, 5:48 pm
#481
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
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Posts: 6,192
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24946276-post473.html
Now it seems like AoT will cover this increase, at least for the "first six months". As with many situations here, still very fluid.
Transport Min. greenlights increase of surcharge by airport taxis
BANGKOK, 10 June 2015, (NNT) - The Transport Ministry has given the green light to an increase in the surcharge on fares of taxis operating at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang international airports.
Transport Minister, Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, says the surcharge will be lower than the rate suggested by a study group set up to consider the matter, so as to ensure that the public won't be much affected by the move.
Under the Cabinet resolution, the surcharge for a large taxi or taxi van will be raised to 95 baht from the current 50 baht, and to 75 baht from 50 baht for a sedan taxi.
The Minister said that during the first six months of implementation of the new rates, the Airports of Thailand Co., Ltd. (AOT) will cover the increase from the current surcharge rates, to help absorb the burden of cost on passengers.
ACM Prajin acknowledged that he had yet to come up with a final decision on how the surcharge should be redeemed, but suggested as a basic idea that taxi operators could collect the surcharge receipts and redeem them with the AOT on a monthly basis.
The Minister also instructed the AOT to improve its taxi management scheme, to aim at lowering operating costs for taxi drivers and addressing the complaints made by passengers.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/CenterWeb/...O5806100010005
Now it seems like AoT will cover this increase, at least for the "first six months". As with many situations here, still very fluid.
Transport Min. greenlights increase of surcharge by airport taxis
BANGKOK, 10 June 2015, (NNT) - The Transport Ministry has given the green light to an increase in the surcharge on fares of taxis operating at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang international airports.
Transport Minister, Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, says the surcharge will be lower than the rate suggested by a study group set up to consider the matter, so as to ensure that the public won't be much affected by the move.
Under the Cabinet resolution, the surcharge for a large taxi or taxi van will be raised to 95 baht from the current 50 baht, and to 75 baht from 50 baht for a sedan taxi.
The Minister said that during the first six months of implementation of the new rates, the Airports of Thailand Co., Ltd. (AOT) will cover the increase from the current surcharge rates, to help absorb the burden of cost on passengers.
ACM Prajin acknowledged that he had yet to come up with a final decision on how the surcharge should be redeemed, but suggested as a basic idea that taxi operators could collect the surcharge receipts and redeem them with the AOT on a monthly basis.
The Minister also instructed the AOT to improve its taxi management scheme, to aim at lowering operating costs for taxi drivers and addressing the complaints made by passengers.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/CenterWeb/...O5806100010005
Jun 11, 2015, 6:34 pm
#482
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
AOT should, and probably will, make it clear with signage and on taxi coupons from the queue that the passenger doesn't have to pay it. That won't stop the taxis from trying, of coursel
Jun 11, 2015, 6:59 pm
#483
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Jun 11, 2015, 7:40 pm
#484
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
From a Thai's perspective...
Rip-off taxis drive us round the bend
People who live in Bangkok seem to have a love/hate relationship with taxi drivers. From speeding to one-sided political arguments, everyone has a story to tell about their unfortunate encounters with...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...round-the-bend
Rip-off taxis drive us round the bend
People who live in Bangkok seem to have a love/hate relationship with taxi drivers. From speeding to one-sided political arguments, everyone has a story to tell about their unfortunate encounters with...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...round-the-bend
Jun 11, 2015, 9:40 pm
#485
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Jul 8, 2015, 6:44 am
#486
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Prajin delays taxi fare raise as survey shows taxi service still not satisfactory
The Transport Ministry will delay the plan to raise taxi fare rates by 5% in the second phase as it earlier promised with taxi drivers in July as survey of customers’ satisfaction in taxi service has declined.
Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong stated that he would delay the plan to raise taxi fare in an effort not to burden general public.
The first round of fare increase was initially approved in September last year and the second phase of fare increase by 5% was initially set to start in July 2015, he said.
ACM Prajin said not only people’s cost of living has increased was a reason to delay the increase, but a survey showed that passengers’ satisfaction has dropped from 70 to 50 percent since the beginning of 2015.
However he said the delay was for further study and discussion and the answer would be given to disappointed taxi drivers by July 14.
Meanwhile Vitoon Naewpanich, president of the Network for Taxi Cooperatives who claimed to represent the taxi drivers in the call for higher taxi fares, said he would send letter to the Transport Minister today to urge the minister to keep his promise to increase taxi fare by another 5% in the second phase.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pra...t-satisfactory
The Transport Ministry will delay the plan to raise taxi fare rates by 5% in the second phase as it earlier promised with taxi drivers in July as survey of customers’ satisfaction in taxi service has declined.
Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong stated that he would delay the plan to raise taxi fare in an effort not to burden general public.
The first round of fare increase was initially approved in September last year and the second phase of fare increase by 5% was initially set to start in July 2015, he said.
ACM Prajin said not only people’s cost of living has increased was a reason to delay the increase, but a survey showed that passengers’ satisfaction has dropped from 70 to 50 percent since the beginning of 2015.
However he said the delay was for further study and discussion and the answer would be given to disappointed taxi drivers by July 14.
Meanwhile Vitoon Naewpanich, president of the Network for Taxi Cooperatives who claimed to represent the taxi drivers in the call for higher taxi fares, said he would send letter to the Transport Minister today to urge the minister to keep his promise to increase taxi fare by another 5% in the second phase.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pra...t-satisfactory
Sep 29, 2015, 7:22 pm
#489
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Oct 1, 2015, 1:53 am
#490
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
The cabinet has been re-shuffled, so a new Transport Minister, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, is in place and who knows which way he will blow on this matter? His plate may be full with other issues so no sense dealing with this until the last moment.
I'd expect the meter to read 300 baht or less, the airport taxi surcharge is still 50 baht (but may soon increase to 60 baht for sedans, 90 baht for larger vehicles?), and I think 2 tolls may total 75 baht. So maybe ~ 425 baht all in, max.
Oct 8, 2015, 7:55 pm
#491
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 2,068
Can I check, what's the going rate for a car service from BKK to Sathon? In the past I had used SP Limousine and they would be happy to match rates of other companies, at roughly 900 baht. This time they are only willing to go down to 1,200 baht. Am I missing something here, have prices gone up or is Sathon a bit further away?
Reason for staying in Sathon was because of this rate: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel...ober-15-a.html
Reason for staying in Sathon was because of this rate: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel...ober-15-a.html
Oct 8, 2015, 8:03 pm
#492
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Can I check, what's the going rate for a car service from BKK to Sathon? In the past I had used SP Limousine and they would be happy to match rates of other companies, at roughly 900 baht. This time they are only willing to go down to 1,200 baht. Am I missing something here, have prices gone up or is Sathon a bit further away?
Reason for staying in Sathon was because of this rate: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel...ober-15-a.html
Reason for staying in Sathon was because of this rate: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel...ober-15-a.html
AoT was 1,050 all in recently for me.
GrabCar is quotes at 400/600 (econ/prem).
Sathon qualifies as "The City" for most airport transfer companies.
I'd just use AoT, easy, simple.
Oct 8, 2015, 9:10 pm
#493
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Any thoughts on how much a taxi ride from BKK to Soi 10 should be? (post midnight arrival, FWIW)
IIRC I paid ~320THB to the airport a few years ago, though there may have been some fare / toll increases since then (and of course the cost ex-BKK tends to be slightly higher).
The taxi driver seemed like a piece of scum, trying to convince me there was a flat fee of 1000THB from BKK to downtown. I told him "400THB or meter", we eventually settled for 500THB all-in, since I couldn't bother arguing about $3 at 1a.m.)
IIRC I paid ~320THB to the airport a few years ago, though there may have been some fare / toll increases since then (and of course the cost ex-BKK tends to be slightly higher).
The taxi driver seemed like a piece of scum, trying to convince me there was a flat fee of 1000THB from BKK to downtown. I told him "400THB or meter", we eventually settled for 500THB all-in, since I couldn't bother arguing about $3 at 1a.m.)
Oct 8, 2015, 10:19 pm
#494
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Any thoughts on how much a taxi ride from BKK to Soi 10 should be? (post midnight arrival, FWIW)
Assuming Sukhumvit Soi 10 is your destination, with the meter (250-300), departure fee (50 baht) and tolls (75 baht), maybe 350 - 425 THB?
If an exact price is required, check past posts where people give fares down to the satang.
Assuming Sukhumvit Soi 10 is your destination, with the meter (250-300), departure fee (50 baht) and tolls (75 baht), maybe 350 - 425 THB?
If an exact price is required, check past posts where people give fares down to the satang.
Oct 9, 2015, 6:16 am
#495
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
Any thoughts on how much a taxi ride from BKK to Soi 10 should be? (post midnight arrival, FWIW)
Assuming Sukhumvit Soi 10 is your destination, with the meter (250-300), departure fee (50 baht) and tolls (75 baht), maybe 350 - 425 THB?
If an exact price is required, check past posts where people give fares down to the satang.
Assuming Sukhumvit Soi 10 is your destination, with the meter (250-300), departure fee (50 baht) and tolls (75 baht), maybe 350 - 425 THB?
If an exact price is required, check past posts where people give fares down to the satang.