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 22, 2016, 4:16 am
#751
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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I left bkk yesterday and could not get an uber in the afternoon. I settled for the hotel to get me a cab and it ended up being around 460 THB all-in. Was I ripped off? The meter was around 140 lower than that, he just mumblejumbled something took my 1000 note, returned me a stack of change and drove away.
In the future having smaller notes is in your best interest to avoid these scenarios.
if the hotel gave you a card with the taxi's plate number or any other identifying info you can file a complaint.
Mar 22, 2016, 7:39 am
#753
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where do you travel that the tolls add up to 140?
While we don't know where OP was coming from, unless the journey also used the DMK highway stretch, the toll would likely be 75B.
And we don't even know if OP's taxi used the highway although that would generally be a safe assumption.
While we don't know where OP was coming from, unless the journey also used the DMK highway stretch, the toll would likely be 75B.
And we don't even know if OP's taxi used the highway although that would generally be a safe assumption.
Mar 22, 2016, 6:13 pm
#755
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
I originated from the Pen. I hope the 'differential' was the toll and the surcharge (do they charge that for drop offs?). I did ask the door staff there about tolls and fares and stuff but they were pretty incompetent in giving a response 
Anyway it was still cheaper than taking an Uber and after all it's just a couple dozen baht..
Anyway it was still cheaper than taking an Uber and after all it's just a couple dozen baht..
Mar 22, 2016, 7:35 pm
#756
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
For those who like to use the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (SARL) you may wish to get up to speed on recent issues. There is some rumbling (again) about operations, safety, maintenance. We could be approaching a tipping point where human error combined with a lack of maintenance leads to potential problems.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26361783-post483.html
Maintenance failure blamed for airport train breakdown
THE failure to undertake a major maintenance programme led to a three-hour breakdown of Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link yesterday morning, with six passengers injured following a sudden power blackout that left an operating train idle between stations.
A major maintenance programme is needed as the rail system's trains have travelled more than 1.5 million kilometres, said former deputy Bangkok Governor Samart Rajapolsit.
However, Samart, who previously supervised the city's mass transit system, said the Airport Rail Link, operated by a unit of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), had not done needed major repair work, even though the five-year-old rail system has exceeded its 1.5-million-kilometre mark.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nati...-30282168.html
Ministers slam rail link for rescue chaos
"I have checked. The airport link has had problems for a long time. No one has bothered to pay attention," Gen Prayut said.
Mr Ormsin said the company had failed to maintain the rail system and take sufficient care of commuters.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...r-rescue-chaos
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26361783-post483.html
Maintenance failure blamed for airport train breakdown
THE failure to undertake a major maintenance programme led to a three-hour breakdown of Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link yesterday morning, with six passengers injured following a sudden power blackout that left an operating train idle between stations.
A major maintenance programme is needed as the rail system's trains have travelled more than 1.5 million kilometres, said former deputy Bangkok Governor Samart Rajapolsit.
However, Samart, who previously supervised the city's mass transit system, said the Airport Rail Link, operated by a unit of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), had not done needed major repair work, even though the five-year-old rail system has exceeded its 1.5-million-kilometre mark.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nati...-30282168.html
Ministers slam rail link for rescue chaos
"I have checked. The airport link has had problems for a long time. No one has bothered to pay attention," Gen Prayut said.
Mr Ormsin said the company had failed to maintain the rail system and take sufficient care of commuters.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...r-rescue-chaos
Mar 22, 2016, 9:15 pm
#757
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I originated from the Pen. I hope the 'differential' was the toll and the surcharge (do they charge that for drop offs?).
Typically the passenger (in a metered taxi) pays the toll by handing some cash to the driver as they approach the toll-booth. (Some taxis may have EZpasses, in which case you would reimburse the driver.)
There is no airport surcharge (currently 50 THB) for drop-offs at the airport. Surprised this hasn't been implemented yet?
Typically the passenger (in a metered taxi) pays the toll by handing some cash to the driver as they approach the toll-booth. (Some taxis may have EZpasses, in which case you would reimburse the driver.)
There is no airport surcharge (currently 50 THB) for drop-offs at the airport. Surprised this hasn't been implemented yet?
Mar 22, 2016, 10:05 pm
#758
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
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Posts: 17,263
I originated from the Pen. I hope the 'differential' was the toll and the surcharge (do they charge that for drop offs?). I did ask the door staff there about tolls and fares and stuff but they were pretty incompetent in giving a response Anyway it was still cheaper than taking an Uber and after all it's just a couple dozen baht..
Anyway it was still cheaper than taking an Uber and after all it's just a couple dozen baht..As for the bolded [mine] would you accept if your local grocery overcharged you for items? Why do you shrug it off in such a cavalier notion in this instance?
Mar 23, 2016, 4:59 am
#759
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: The Embassy
Posts: 677
I note tolls from my place, which is probably about as far as the op, are consistently 100 THB.
Mar 23, 2016, 8:50 am
#760
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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
where do you travel that the tolls add up to 140?
While we don't know where OP was coming from, unless the journey also used the DMK highway stretch, the toll would likely be 75B.
And we don't even know if OP's taxi used the highway although that would generally be a safe assumption.
While we don't know where OP was coming from, unless the journey also used the DMK highway stretch, the toll would likely be 75B.
And we don't even know if OP's taxi used the highway although that would generally be a safe assumption.
Mar 23, 2016, 9:52 am
#761
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
Mar 24, 2016, 6:19 am
#762
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
The SARL crapped out again today...story/headline says it's the second breakdown, but there are many reports of at least two breakdowns last week. Suspect the lack of maintenance, and SRT "capabilities", are resulting in outages. Hopefully there is not some catastrophic event.
Airport Rail Link breaks down for SECOND time in a week
The Airport Rail Link broke down for the second time in a week today, leaving passengers stranded for about an hour.
A track switch failure between Ratchaprarop and Phaya Thai stations resulted in rail operations being suspended around 3.45pm this afternoon, Khaosod English reported.
On Monday a power outage on the Airport Rail Link led to700 commuters being locked inside a train with some fainting due to a lack of oxygen. The passengers were forced to break open the emergency exits to get out before and forced to walk along the rail track to get to the next train.
http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2016/03/2...cond-time-week
Airport Rail Link breaks down for SECOND time in a week
The Airport Rail Link broke down for the second time in a week today, leaving passengers stranded for about an hour.
A track switch failure between Ratchaprarop and Phaya Thai stations resulted in rail operations being suspended around 3.45pm this afternoon, Khaosod English reported.
On Monday a power outage on the Airport Rail Link led to700 commuters being locked inside a train with some fainting due to a lack of oxygen. The passengers were forced to break open the emergency exits to get out before and forced to walk along the rail track to get to the next train.
http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2016/03/2...cond-time-week
Mar 28, 2016, 10:59 am
#765
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I hate the hot meter thing. Sure, I know how to manage it and do it when I have to. And an extra 100-200 baht isn't a ton of money for anyone who is flying to BKK from the U.S. I get that. But after flying 25-30 hours, the last thing I want to do is to have to be alert to a taxi scam and then deal with it at the end of the ride. When I step off the plane, I feel as though I'm finally here (because I am, of course) and can relax. If I'm traveling light, I'm on the ARL. If out of service hours or I've got real luggage, you'll find me in the hotel limo. Easy-peasy.