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
Sep 28, 2016, 7:11 pm
#843
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Sep 28, 2016, 9:48 pm
#844
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,947
Worth noting that there are roadworks on the highway around 8mins away from the airport, en route into central Bangkok. The traffic bunches up and can cause delays of around 10-15mins - dependent on whether the construction workers are moving machinery across the road.
M
M
Sep 28, 2016, 10:29 pm
#845
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,305
For me, I prefer AOT limo to taxi, but taxis are certainly cheaper.
In July, the AOT rates to the SGS at Asoke/Sukhumvit were 1200 for a Camry and I think it was 950 for an Isuzu SUV. (though transpac points out it might be 1050 now.)
They have a rate card at the counters. Turn it over for these car types.
-David
In July, the AOT rates to the SGS at Asoke/Sukhumvit were 1200 for a Camry and I think it was 950 for an Isuzu SUV. (though transpac points out it might be 1050 now.)
They have a rate card at the counters. Turn it over for these car types.
-David
Sep 29, 2016, 6:53 am
#846
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 325
For me, I prefer AOT limo to taxi, but taxis are certainly cheaper.
In July, the AOT rates to the SGS at Asoke/Sukhumvit were 1200 for a Camry and I think it was 950 for an Isuzu SUV. (though transpac points out it might be 1050 now.)
They have a rate card at the counters. Turn it over for these car types.
-David
In July, the AOT rates to the SGS at Asoke/Sukhumvit were 1200 for a Camry and I think it was 950 for an Isuzu SUV. (though transpac points out it might be 1050 now.)
They have a rate card at the counters. Turn it over for these car types.
-David
Thanks everyone!
Sep 30, 2016, 10:23 am
#847
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Sep 30, 2016, 1:40 pm
#848
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,403
I booked an AOT car in the arrivals hall last night (out past the baggage reclaim). No queues and the driver was there immediately. They quoted 2300, then looked at my face and punched '1700' into the calculator. I typed back '1050' and they said 'OK'. so it pays to know the going rates or they'll try and sell you a higher priced car (unless you want the merc 
)
)
Sep 30, 2016, 2:32 pm
#849
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,947
I booked an AOT car in the arrivals hall last night (out past the baggage reclaim). No queues and the driver was there immediately. They quoted 2300, then looked at my face and punched '1700' into the calculator. I typed back '1050' and they said 'OK'. so it pays to know the going rates or they'll try and sell you a higher priced car (unless you want the merc )
)M
Sep 30, 2016, 6:47 pm
#850
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I think the prices, which vary by both vehicle and destination, linked to in post #843 remain accurate.
So for some central locations the SUV option (a full-size SUV, Izuzu MU 7) remains the lowest priced option at 1,050 all in (tolls included). The Camry option is 1,200. They have published sheets and there really should not be any negotiation, save perhaps the vehicle make/model?
I think the official taxi queue lines vary quite a bit by season and time of day. I last returned 5 July ~ 10:00 PM and looked down at the taxi queue lines which were 100+ deep, maybe 30-45 minute wait. And the actual automated kiosk machines were mostly out of service shortly after they were introduced, but maybe they have been repaired?
So for some central locations the SUV option (a full-size SUV, Izuzu MU 7) remains the lowest priced option at 1,050 all in (tolls included). The Camry option is 1,200. They have published sheets and there really should not be any negotiation, save perhaps the vehicle make/model?
I think the official taxi queue lines vary quite a bit by season and time of day. I last returned 5 July ~ 10:00 PM and looked down at the taxi queue lines which were 100+ deep, maybe 30-45 minute wait. And the actual automated kiosk machines were mostly out of service shortly after they were introduced, but maybe they have been repaired?
Sep 30, 2016, 9:17 pm
#851
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
I had a lovely taxi ride last week. When I got in, driver suggested fixed price of 500 (to SGS). I declined and requested meter. He said no problem. Clean taxi, seat belts in the back worked, driver drove reasonably and took the expected route, the timer on the meter for idle time (upper left) ran only when we weren't moving, and the fare was correct. Now if only they all could be like that. I can't remember the last ride (before this one) when the idle timer wasn't set to run throughout. Yes, I know, it's a small amount of money; but when I'm the passenger, the driver does much better when everything is correct and honest. When the idle clock runs continuously (assuming that the rest of the meter hasn't been "adjusted"), driver gets the amount on the meter, period. To the baht.
Oct 1, 2016, 12:18 am
#852
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Oct 1, 2016, 2:11 am
#853
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Programs: DL 1MM Platinum, UA 1k, HH Silver, BonVoy Platinum
Posts: 1,146
For the mavericks, just to say it is still easy to go to departures level and grab a taxi there - most times the waiting drivers hold the turnstile for you and help with your bags - but sometimes those same guys suggest fixed prices so you just have to stick to your guns and insist on meter even if that means taking a different taxi, and there is always one that will do meter.
For AOT limos, last time I took it in July I took a BMW 1-way to JW Marriott Suk.Soi 2, for 2,300 baht. This is a great solution when you arrive exactly during a rush hour or torrential rain, though it does cost a bit more!
For AOT limos, last time I took it in July I took a BMW 1-way to JW Marriott Suk.Soi 2, for 2,300 baht. This is a great solution when you arrive exactly during a rush hour or torrential rain, though it does cost a bit more!
Oct 1, 2016, 7:10 am
#854
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
The last time I had to wait in a long line, when they were still filling out the taxi forms by hand, I wound up talking to the person in line with me who had been on both my flights and also from Atlanta, lives near me and we know a couple of the same people. She and I were both staying in the same hotel, so we decided to split a cab, which was going to save me $5! It turned out she was with a large, international organization in Atlanta (not naming names, but Clifton Rd if you know ATL) and on an expense report, so she just paid for the whole thing, lowering my cost to zero!!
Last edited by CJKatl; Oct 1, 2016 at 7:17 am
Oct 1, 2016, 7:17 am
#855
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: BNA (Nashville)
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 6,225
I booked through Blacklane, got a newer E Class, cold water, cold towel. Man waiting at the meet point with my name. Car and driver waiting outside. Took less than a minute. No cash changed hands. Gave the driver a tip. Total about 2300 Baht to the Conrad. Glad to see it was as competitive as the AOT service. Still much more expensive than a cab, but it was a nice option.
