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
Oct 21, 2014 | 5:44 am
#316
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
I've actually never attempted it and prefer to take the hotel tuk tuk to Sukhumvit where I can flag a moving cab.
Oct 21, 2014 | 6:48 pm
#317
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
If you find it challenging to get a taxi from your hotel, heading to the airport, or anywhere for that matter, give GrabTaxi (or GrabCar) a try.
I use GrabTaxi often, now I must be up to 60 or so trips, and find the service a breath of fresh air. The drivers are universally younger, tech-savvy, have newer vehicles, always use the meter and drive safely - they do get extra reimbursements for good reviews. There is a 20 baht service fee for using Grab Taxi. The application is incredibly easy to use.
I am often in areas where there are no passing taxis - either a housing development or a condo on a remote, dead-end sub-soi, so GrabTaxi has proven to be invaluable for me, and many, many, many others based on positive comments on Thai social media.
I use GrabTaxi often, now I must be up to 60 or so trips, and find the service a breath of fresh air. The drivers are universally younger, tech-savvy, have newer vehicles, always use the meter and drive safely - they do get extra reimbursements for good reviews. There is a 20 baht service fee for using Grab Taxi. The application is incredibly easy to use.
I am often in areas where there are no passing taxis - either a housing development or a condo on a remote, dead-end sub-soi, so GrabTaxi has proven to be invaluable for me, and many, many, many others based on positive comments on Thai social media.
Oct 21, 2014 | 8:58 pm
#318
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
If you find it challenging to get a taxi from your hotel, heading to the airport, or anywhere for that matter, give GrabTaxi (or GrabCar) a try.
I use GrabTaxi often, now I must be up to 60 or so trips, and find the service a breath of fresh air. The drivers are universally younger, tech-savvy, have newer vehicles, always use the meter and drive safely - they do get extra reimbursements for good reviews. There is a 20 baht service fee for using Grab Taxi. The application is incredibly easy to use.
I am often in areas where there are no passing taxis - either a housing development or a condo on a remote, dead-end sub-soi, so GrabTaxi has proven to be invaluable for me, and many, many, many others based on positive comments on Thai social media.
I use GrabTaxi often, now I must be up to 60 or so trips, and find the service a breath of fresh air. The drivers are universally younger, tech-savvy, have newer vehicles, always use the meter and drive safely - they do get extra reimbursements for good reviews. There is a 20 baht service fee for using Grab Taxi. The application is incredibly easy to use.
I am often in areas where there are no passing taxis - either a housing development or a condo on a remote, dead-end sub-soi, so GrabTaxi has proven to be invaluable for me, and many, many, many others based on positive comments on Thai social media.
Oct 21, 2014 | 9:54 pm
#319
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
The "authorities" variously talk about vehicle age, safety, safe operation, licensing, refusing fares, ad nauseum.
FWIW, I may choose to pay a flat-fare (bad weather, no other options, being pursued by a pack of soi dogs) although I generally am not put in this position. And, I don't want to force a driver to go somewhere if he doesn't want to go. These taxis have limited range (CNG/NGV), and refueling options. The last thing I want is to run out of fuel, or queue in a filling station for 45 minutes.
Oct 21, 2014 | 11:02 pm
#321
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
In English. Finds your location by your phone. You search for your destination just like checking in on Facebook. App is free. Might as well download it "just in case". I have it. Never actually used it but I probably should some times.
Oct 21, 2014 | 11:04 pm
#322
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,209
If you find it challenging to get a taxi from your hotel, heading to the airport, or anywhere for that matter, give GrabTaxi (or GrabCar) a try.
I use GrabTaxi often, now I must be up to 60 or so trips, and find the service a breath of fresh air. The drivers are universally younger, tech-savvy, have newer vehicles, always use the meter and drive safely - they do get extra reimbursements for good reviews. There is a 20 baht service fee for using Grab Taxi. The application is incredibly easy to use.
I am often in areas where there are no passing taxis - either a housing development or a condo on a remote, dead-end sub-soi, so GrabTaxi has proven to be invaluable for me, and many, many, many others based on positive comments on Thai social media.
I use GrabTaxi often, now I must be up to 60 or so trips, and find the service a breath of fresh air. The drivers are universally younger, tech-savvy, have newer vehicles, always use the meter and drive safely - they do get extra reimbursements for good reviews. There is a 20 baht service fee for using Grab Taxi. The application is incredibly easy to use.
I am often in areas where there are no passing taxis - either a housing development or a condo on a remote, dead-end sub-soi, so GrabTaxi has proven to be invaluable for me, and many, many, many others based on positive comments on Thai social media.
Question: if you book someone to pick you up at BKK, does the car go to where all of the other taxis queue? If so, how does one know which is the GrabTaxi car? Sign?
Thanks for the heads up.
Oct 21, 2014 | 11:20 pm
#323
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Catching a Taxi at BKK and general Thailand taxi discussion [SEE WIKI FIRST]
Sorry, yes the fee for GrabTaxi is 25 baht, I was thinking about the radio dispatch fee.
I would not suggest trying to use GrabTaxi for a pick-up at the airport.
I would not suggest trying to use GrabTaxi for a pick-up at the airport.
Oct 30, 2014 | 1:35 am
#324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
The latest news from Air Chief Marshall Prajin is that taxi fares will go up 13% sometime soon, maybe December-ish.
Who knows what might ultimately happen, or when, but this appears to be the plan as of today.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/min...axi-fare-rise/
ACM Prajin is also floating other ideas...
Prajin floats curbing taxi numbers on road
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...umbers-on-road
In other news, Don Muang toll fee to rise 5-15 baht beginning December 22
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/don...g-december-22/
Who knows what might ultimately happen, or when, but this appears to be the plan as of today.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/min...axi-fare-rise/
ACM Prajin is also floating other ideas...
Prajin floats curbing taxi numbers on road
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...umbers-on-road
In other news, Don Muang toll fee to rise 5-15 baht beginning December 22
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/don...g-december-22/
Nov 4, 2014 | 6:13 pm
#325
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
The latest news from Air Chief Marshall Prajin is that taxi fares will go up 13% sometime soon, maybe December-ish.
Who knows what might ultimately happen, or when, but this appears to be the plan as of today.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/min...axi-fare-rise/
ACM Prajin is also floating other ideas...
Prajin floats curbing taxi numbers on road
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...umbers-on-road
In other news, Don Muang toll fee to rise 5-15 baht beginning December 22
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/don...g-december-22/
Who knows what might ultimately happen, or when, but this appears to be the plan as of today.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/min...axi-fare-rise/
ACM Prajin is also floating other ideas...
Prajin floats curbing taxi numbers on road
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...umbers-on-road
In other news, Don Muang toll fee to rise 5-15 baht beginning December 22
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/don...g-december-22/
Nov 14, 2014 | 12:28 am
#326
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SAN
Programs: DL DM / 2MM - Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 1,559
I'm staying at the Marriott Sukh and have an early, 7am flight out of BKK. The car company (Oriental escape) is insisting upon a 330am pick up. Its exactly 28km and there is usually very little traffic at 4am. I am insisting 430am will be MORE than enough time and they are refusing to pick me up. I guess I'll take Uber.
Nov 14, 2014 | 1:13 am
#328
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
I'm staying at the Marriott Sukh and have an early, 7am flight out of BKK. The car company (Oriental escape) is insisting upon a 330am pick up. Its exactly 28km and there is usually very little traffic at 4am. I am insisting 430am will be MORE than enough time and they are refusing to pick me up. I guess I'll take Uber.
Nov 14, 2014 | 3:16 am
#329
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
Majority of car services require 3 hours prior to flight time for pickup. The reason for this is because they are worried about responsibility if missing flight for pax.
Personally I think 5 AM is cutting it very tight if not flying business or first on an international flight. Even at 4AM I have waited 30 minutes in line for passport control if not in the priority line- and in this case the OP really risks to miss their flight if international.
For a 7A flight I would leave the hotel at 4A if flying economy and max 445A if flying business/first due to the differences in passport control and security queues.
Personally I think 5 AM is cutting it very tight if not flying business or first on an international flight. Even at 4AM I have waited 30 minutes in line for passport control if not in the priority line- and in this case the OP really risks to miss their flight if international.
For a 7A flight I would leave the hotel at 4A if flying economy and max 445A if flying business/first due to the differences in passport control and security queues.
Nov 14, 2014 | 4:42 am
#330
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
Majority of car services require 3 hours prior to flight time for pickup. The reason for this is because they are worried about responsibility if missing flight for pax.
Personally I think 5 AM is cutting it very tight if not flying business or first on an international flight. Even at 4AM I have waited 30 minutes in line for passport control if not in the priority line- and in this case the OP really risks to miss their flight if international.
For a 7A flight I would leave the hotel at 4A if flying economy and max 445A if flying business/first due to the differences in passport control and security queues.
Personally I think 5 AM is cutting it very tight if not flying business or first on an international flight. Even at 4AM I have waited 30 minutes in line for passport control if not in the priority line- and in this case the OP really risks to miss their flight if international.
For a 7A flight I would leave the hotel at 4A if flying economy and max 445A if flying business/first due to the differences in passport control and security queues.