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
Mar 11, 2014, 8:34 am
#151
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Mar 11, 2014, 12:19 pm
#152
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Make that three for Sean's transliteration. Important, if there's a problem with the meter, etc., don't get into it with the driver until you're at your destination, and both you and your belongings are out of the taxi. Attempted ripoffs by taxi drivers here are times when the police are nearly always your friends.
Mar 11, 2014, 3:48 pm
#153
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Thank you for the tip. I do remember hearing that scams/ripoffs are somewhat rampant in Bangkok. Luckily I won't have luggage, just my personal carry-on. I will be storing the rest at the airport since I'm only there for one day.
What would I do though if there was a problem with the taxi driver? Are there police standing around departure all the time? And how would I know if there is a problem with the meter? I would be able to tell if the meter is starting high when I first get on the taxi (in which case I wouldn't get on).
What would I do though if there was a problem with the taxi driver? Are there police standing around departure all the time? And how would I know if there is a problem with the meter? I would be able to tell if the meter is starting high when I first get on the taxi (in which case I wouldn't get on).
Mar 11, 2014, 4:35 pm
#154
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What would I do though if there was a problem with the taxi driver? Are there police standing around departure all the time? And how would I know if there is a problem with the meter? I would be able to tell if the meter is starting high when I first get on the taxi (in which case I wouldn't get on).
I've hit both. In the first case, I won't close the door or fully step into the cab until the meter is on. In the worst case I hit, the driver started going anyway.
In the second, having gotten cameraphone pictures of him, his license, and the meter followed by a threat to call the tourist police convinced him to drop me off immediately while still in the city center (no charge, just plenty of cursing.) I'd imagine the suggestion of just going and paying the meter with airport security staff around would work too, although I wouldn't want to risk it.
The minimum fare/flag drop is 35B and I've never hit an obviously doctored meter; I'd imagine that one would be harder to contest.
There are also some destinations in the city where it's very hard to get a cab to agree to a meter; Khao San is particularly bad for that. While I imagine they're legally required to use the meter, if they refuse outright (as opposed to saying it's OK and then refusing it) just wave them on and get the next cab.
Mar 11, 2014, 6:06 pm
#155
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Thank you for the tip. I do remember hearing that scams/ripoffs are somewhat rampant in Bangkok. Luckily I won't have luggage, just my personal carry-on. I will be storing the rest at the airport since I'm only there for one day.
What would I do though if there was a problem with the taxi driver? Are there police standing around departure all the time? And how would I know if there is a problem with the meter? I would be able to tell if the meter is starting high when I first get on the taxi (in which case I wouldn't get on).
What would I do though if there was a problem with the taxi driver? Are there police standing around departure all the time? And how would I know if there is a problem with the meter? I would be able to tell if the meter is starting high when I first get on the taxi (in which case I wouldn't get on).
Flag drop is 35 baht. You get a taxi from the taxi queue. Don't try to get one somewhere else or "rampant" becomes more accurate. There is a 50 baht surcharge from the airport. Some people try to get a taxi at arrivals to avoid that 50 baht. Don't do it.
Go to the taxi stand, get in line, there are people there making sure the taxis start off properly.
Mar 11, 2014, 6:08 pm
#156
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There are also some destinations in the city where it's very hard to get a cab to agree to a meter; Khao San is particularly bad for that. While I imagine they're legally required to use the meter, if they refuse outright (as opposed to saying it's OK and then refusing it) just wave them on and get the next cab.
Mar 11, 2014, 6:20 pm
#157
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Snooky
Posts: 2,508
Scams happen. "Rampant"? No.
Flag drop is 35 baht. You get a taxi from the taxi queue. Don't try to get one somewhere else or "rampant" becomes more accurate. There is a 50 baht surcharge from the airport. Some people try to get a taxi at arrivals to avoid that 50 baht. Don't do it.
Go to the taxi stand, get in line, there are people there making sure the taxis start off properly.
Flag drop is 35 baht. You get a taxi from the taxi queue. Don't try to get one somewhere else or "rampant" becomes more accurate. There is a 50 baht surcharge from the airport. Some people try to get a taxi at arrivals to avoid that 50 baht. Don't do it.
Go to the taxi stand, get in line, there are people there making sure the taxis start off properly.
Mar 11, 2014, 7:30 pm
#158
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, *A Silver
Posts: 4,896
Scams happen. "Rampant"? No.
Flag drop is 35 baht. You get a taxi from the taxi queue. Don't try to get one somewhere else or "rampant" becomes more accurate. There is a 50 baht surcharge from the airport. Some people try to get a taxi at arrivals to avoid that 50 baht. Don't do it.
Go to the taxi stand, get in line, there are people there making sure the taxis start off properly.
Flag drop is 35 baht. You get a taxi from the taxi queue. Don't try to get one somewhere else or "rampant" becomes more accurate. There is a 50 baht surcharge from the airport. Some people try to get a taxi at arrivals to avoid that 50 baht. Don't do it.
Go to the taxi stand, get in line, there are people there making sure the taxis start off properly.
I would be taking the train to the city though because my arrival time is during morning rush hour. I will be returning at night via taxi, traffic-permitting. My flight gets in around 7a and leaves around 11p.
Mar 11, 2014, 8:08 pm
#159
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That airport taxi que sounds very similar to what I experienced in Ningbo.
I would be taking the train to the city though because my arrival time is during morning rush hour. I will be returning at night via taxi, traffic-permitting. My flight gets in around 7a and leaves around 11p.
I would be taking the train to the city though because my arrival time is during morning rush hour. I will be returning at night via taxi, traffic-permitting. My flight gets in around 7a and leaves around 11p.
Mar 11, 2014, 8:21 pm
#160
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Mar 11, 2014, 9:32 pm
#161
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With 2 airports, each carrying sizable traffic, there needs to be a way to differentiate which you need to get to. The last thing you want is the driver to guess and be wrong.
Mar 11, 2014, 10:14 pm
#162
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When I say airport, they, in my case, ALWAYS, ask:
"Sue wanna boom", or something like that
And I say, Yes.
If it were an LCC, guess I could say, "no, Don Muang".
Mar 14, 2014, 3:17 am
#163
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What would I do though if there was a problem with the taxi driver? Are there police standing around departure all the time? And how would I know if there is a problem with the meter? I would be able to tell if the meter is starting high when I first get on the taxi (in which case I wouldn't get on).
Mar 17, 2014, 5:54 am
#164
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I won't be staying at a hotel. I have a 17 hour day time layover in BKK, so my best bet is to get a moving taxi. What time should I leave the city if I plan to get back in the airport and in the TG lounge by 10p?
Mar 17, 2014, 7:31 am
#165
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Depends if you're flying Coach or Business or First. The Coach check in lines and the non-VIP Immigration lines can be long. If you're in a Premium cabin figure 30 minutes to the airport and 30 minutes for check-in and Immigration. Another 30 minute "just in case" so I'd leave the city at 8:30. If you're in Coach, I'd leave an hour earlier.