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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
#181
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,782
They'll find the flat rate passenger to overcharge (or a Thai passenger they don't feel like overcharging), you'll wait a little but have a shot at finding an honest cabbie who'll use the meter.
Sure you can negotiate and say no. But pushing it too far can have in intended health consequences.
If they start to pull out and don't hit the meter, just say "meter" and point. 99 times out of 100 that ends the discussion.
otherwise i expect to pay 500 baht TO he airport
Of course, if it's really THAT bad of a rush hour, tourists are probably better off doing BTS to ARL anyway...
#182
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
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#185
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QRPC PLT/OW EMD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 13,261
Anyway, back to taxis.... Different hotels have different protocols for getting a taxi for you. I agree with the oft suggested idea of getting a moving taxi rather than one sitting at a queue. SGS has no taxi queue. When someone in the lobby needs one, they radio down to the security guard at the entrance to the driveway; and he hails one driving by. There's no place for a taxi queue there as all lanes of Suk carry moving traffic in that stretch.
Other hotels handle taxis differently, -- PA, for example, which nearly always has two or three taxis waiting in a queue on Wireless at the end of the driveway or Aloft which also usually has taxis waiting on the street. I don't recall how WGS does it on the other side of Suk.
Last edited by Dr. HFH; Mar 19, 2014 at 4:27 am
#186
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Programs: DL 1MM Platinum, UA 1k, HH Silver, BonVoy Platinum
Posts: 1,156
I'm not promoting any specific service, but if you are in a time-bind situation to go see Bangkok, etc., for about $60 you can just book a fast-track entry coupled with a car to take you directly where you want to go without worrying about tolls, meters, etc. Even if you are polite and give the bag carrier dude 100 baht tip and 100 for the driver, you are still less than $70 for an easy, sure, quick access to the city. I understand some students-budget travelers will recoil at the idea, but if you can afford it, it's really very simple. Especially if you have less than 24 hours, etc.
#187
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,782
I'm not promoting any specific service, but if you are in a time-bind situation to go see Bangkok, etc., for about $60 you can just book a fast-track entry coupled with a car to take you directly where you want to go without worrying about tolls, meters, etc. Even if you are polite and give the bag carrier dude 100 baht tip and 100 for the driver, you are still less than $70 for an easy, sure, quick access to the city. I understand some students-budget travelers will recoil at the idea, but if you can afford it, it's really very simple. Especially if you have less than 24 hours, etc.
#188
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,515
As you walk down toward ticket counters, Express Train is on the left and local on the right.
#189
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
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Posts: 13,261
I don't know that there is elevator signage specifically designating or directing pax to the train, but if you just go down to the very bottom level of the airport you'll be where you need to be.
#190
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
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Posts: 17,263
If you're taking the escalator to/from the basement level the elevator is right there. However now that I think about that might only travel between 1 and B.
#191
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA MM, Hilton-Dia
Posts: 1,481
I find it faster to take the escalators from 2 to 1 to B. Waiting for an elevator is sometimes a long wait and the human traffic getting in and out makes it even longer.
#192
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK
Programs: AA Plat, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,395
Hi all... I've been trying to clean up the wikipost a bit, and i'm sure I've got some stuff wrong. Only taken a taxi from BKK once, and that was a story unto itself!
Anyhow. If y'all would look it over and fix or give input, I'd greatly appreciate your help.
Also, there was mention a few months ago of tolls going up. Would somebody please confirm whether they are no THB 30 and THB 50 to city center?
Thanks so much. Carry on.
Anyhow. If y'all would look it over and fix or give input, I'd greatly appreciate your help.
Also, there was mention a few months ago of tolls going up. Would somebody please confirm whether they are no THB 30 and THB 50 to city center?
Thanks so much. Carry on.
#193
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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
Floor 2 access (international arrivals) is blocked between doors 5-10 because only AoT and other employees and arriving pax are supposed to enter.
#194
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
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Posts: 68,426
Overall fare from the airport to the Conrad on Wireless Road was THB 207, excluding the tolls.
#195
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: 11,888
Hi all... I've been trying to clean up the wikipost a bit, and i'm sure I've got some stuff wrong. Only taken a taxi from BKK once, and that was a story unto itself!
Anyhow. If y'all would look it over and fix or give input, I'd greatly appreciate your help.
Also, there was mention a few months ago of tolls going up. Would somebody please confirm whether they are no THB 30 and THB 50 to city center?
Thanks so much. Carry on.
Anyhow. If y'all would look it over and fix or give input, I'd greatly appreciate your help.
Also, there was mention a few months ago of tolls going up. Would somebody please confirm whether they are no THB 30 and THB 50 to city center?
Thanks so much. Carry on.