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
Feb 4, 2016, 12:33 pm
#616
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How is that "problem solved" where you are suggesting the guy short-change the driver by 25bht? 
You think that it's a good idea to refuse to pay a fee which is clearly printed because you just don't feel like it's something you're willing to pay?
In what other situations would you take this approach?
You think that it's a good idea to refuse to pay a fee which is clearly printed because you just don't feel like it's something you're willing to pay?
In what other situations would you take this approach?
"Yes, I can see the menu clearly spells out a 10% service fee, but I don't feel like I should pay so I am refusing to pay the full amount on the bill"
I gave no indication as to what they should do nor what I would do.
Feb 4, 2016, 1:14 pm
#617
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Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,636
The two options are
take the cab, pay the fee
walk off the property and hail a taxi
I think the idea of "pay the meter and refuse to give anything more" seems to be a rather odd piece of advice.
walk off the property and hail a taxi
Feb 4, 2016, 4:38 pm
#618
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
In addition to Bumrungrad, it looks like GrabTaxi has relationships with Central World, Central Chitlom, Samitivej Hospital. There may be other spots as well?
This may be the only way these places can insure a steady supply of reliable, hassle-free taxis? Complaints, about taxis, at places like MBK are always making the news.
That said, places like Bumrungrad should consider covering this fee, but that's just my opinion. If you wish to avoid the fee, and depending on how mobile you are, and your destination, it may be easiest to walk out to Sukhumvit Soi 3 to hail a passing taxi?
The booking fee for a radio-dispatched taxi is 20 baht, and they may or may not supply an actual taxi in a reasonable time period.
This may be the only way these places can insure a steady supply of reliable, hassle-free taxis? Complaints, about taxis, at places like MBK are always making the news.
That said, places like Bumrungrad should consider covering this fee, but that's just my opinion. If you wish to avoid the fee, and depending on how mobile you are, and your destination, it may be easiest to walk out to Sukhumvit Soi 3 to hail a passing taxi?
The booking fee for a radio-dispatched taxi is 20 baht, and they may or may not supply an actual taxi in a reasonable time period.
Feb 4, 2016, 10:19 pm
#620
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I experienced a new (at least to me) scam at the airport the other day.
Apparently the numeric display on the front of the meter can be turned on or off independently of whether the meter is running.
Got into a taxi at BKK through the regular taxi system downstairs. Told the driver SGS, Sheraton Asok. Meter was [appeared to be] off. We started out, but before we even got to the exit gate, I said, "Meter, Meter." He said, "OK" and turned it (the display, as it turned out) on. It read .7 km.!! We still had not yet passed the exit gate for taxis; we were still on that straight stretch of pavement where the taxis park in the center while they wait for you. Uncharacteristically, I threw a little hissy fit; and he restarted the meter without complaint.
I assume that he turned the meter on when he entered the airport? Anyone else experience this one?
And you wonder why I prefer hotel cars or AOT to taxis? Yes, it's more expensive. Can be a lot. But I hate the game, and I don't have to be on alert constantly to see if the driver is going to scam me. IME these taxi scams are much less common going to BKK.
Apparently the numeric display on the front of the meter can be turned on or off independently of whether the meter is running.
Got into a taxi at BKK through the regular taxi system downstairs. Told the driver SGS, Sheraton Asok. Meter was [appeared to be] off. We started out, but before we even got to the exit gate, I said, "Meter, Meter." He said, "OK" and turned it (the display, as it turned out) on. It read .7 km.!! We still had not yet passed the exit gate for taxis; we were still on that straight stretch of pavement where the taxis park in the center while they wait for you. Uncharacteristically, I threw a little hissy fit; and he restarted the meter without complaint.
I assume that he turned the meter on when he entered the airport? Anyone else experience this one?
And you wonder why I prefer hotel cars or AOT to taxis? Yes, it's more expensive. Can be a lot. But I hate the game, and I don't have to be on alert constantly to see if the driver is going to scam me. IME these taxi scams are much less common going to BKK.
Feb 4, 2016, 10:56 pm
#621
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Maybe some drivers start the meter when they leave the taxi lot, which is about that distance away? Taxis wait for hours in a lot on the airport grounds before being dispatched to the level 1 queue.
I haven't taken at taxi from SBIA/BKK is well over a year, not that I'd notice the meter reading in Km. You were "scammed", if that is the appropriate term, by at most 3 baht. The 35 baht flag-fall covers the first Km.
People should also be reminded that there is a traffic surcharge, so if you are stuck in traffic (or moving very slowly) and see the meter progressing please do not automatically assume you are being ripped off.
I haven't taken at taxi from SBIA/BKK is well over a year, not that I'd notice the meter reading in Km. You were "scammed", if that is the appropriate term, by at most 3 baht. The 35 baht flag-fall covers the first Km.
People should also be reminded that there is a traffic surcharge, so if you are stuck in traffic (or moving very slowly) and see the meter progressing please do not automatically assume you are being ripped off.
Feb 4, 2016, 11:58 pm
#622
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Plus stop time. Which could have added up in this particular instance.
Feb 5, 2016, 12:00 am
#623
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Feb 5, 2016, 12:21 am
#624
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I'm not sure. I didn't get the impression that it's enforced. But if you go to the taxi stand in the hospital driveway, the hospital staff gets you a Grab Taxi. No other taxis seem to pull up there.
Last edited by Dr. HFH; Feb 6, 2016 at 11:17 pm
Feb 5, 2016, 12:48 am
#625
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: The Embassy
Posts: 677
I would far rather (and generally do) pay for an AOT limo or an Uber at 5 times the price than get in to a cab where I knew the cabbie was playing at sillybuggers with the meter. Your mileage may vary(!)
Feb 5, 2016, 3:32 am
#626
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
the amount really doesn't matter...
I guess we'll have to disagree on this point. I can't see getting into a potentially dangerous situation over 3 baht. Miscommunication, cultural differences, body-language, ego, anger, loud voices and soon the machete is out.
In thousands of taxi journeys here I think I've seen a rigged meter fewer than five times. I've made a little joke about it to the driver as I paid the metered fare, and let it go. Generally speaking I find it easier to keep cool here; that's served me well living here for ~ 12 years.
Most taxis are operated as 12 hour daily rentals, so it's not really "somebody's car".
I guess we'll have to disagree on this point. I can't see getting into a potentially dangerous situation over 3 baht. Miscommunication, cultural differences, body-language, ego, anger, loud voices and soon the machete is out.
In thousands of taxi journeys here I think I've seen a rigged meter fewer than five times. I've made a little joke about it to the driver as I paid the metered fare, and let it go. Generally speaking I find it easier to keep cool here; that's served me well living here for ~ 12 years.
Most taxis are operated as 12 hour daily rentals, so it's not really "somebody's car".
Feb 5, 2016, 8:55 am
#627
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Every time I go there the taxis on Soi 3 are going exactly nowhere.
Feb 5, 2016, 9:05 am
#628
Join Date: Oct 2007
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In thousands of taxi journeys here I think I've seen a rigged meter fewer than five times. I've made a little joke about it to the driver as I paid the metered fare, and let it go. Generally speaking I find it easier to keep cool here; that's served me well living here for ~ 12 years.
In my ~20 taxi rides in Bangkok, I've been ripped off twice. Both times for around 150 Bahts.
I usually give 100 Bahts tip (I'm still thinking that 100B is small tip for the ride from the airport), but when I got ripped off, I just paid the meter and not a penny more.
Feb 5, 2016, 12:56 pm
#629
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What I don't get is how Grab Taxi makes money out of this. They don't take a record of the taxi number that I have seen. So the taxi driver gets his 25 baht but how does Grab Taxi profit?
If Bumrungrad is paying them, why would they do that as opposed to letting their own staff manage it for less?
Feb 5, 2016, 12:57 pm
#630
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I guess you are not taking the taxi from the hotels. As soon as they see tourists they start messing with the meters.
In my ~20 taxi rides in Bangkok, I've been ripped off twice. Both times for around 150 Bahts.
I usually give 100 Bahts tip (I'm still thinking that 100B is small tip for the ride from the airport), but when I got ripped off, I just paid the meter and not a penny more.
In my ~20 taxi rides in Bangkok, I've been ripped off twice. Both times for around 150 Bahts.
I usually give 100 Bahts tip (I'm still thinking that 100B is small tip for the ride from the airport), but when I got ripped off, I just paid the meter and not a penny more.