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
Dec 3, 2016, 10:35 pm
#901
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Programs: DL 1MM Platinum, UA 1k, HH Silver, BonVoy Platinum
Posts: 1,146
As an aside, on a few occasions lately I've seen the security at the turnstiles actually helping passengers back through and taking their trolley aside once they've made it (since the barrier seems almost more for trolleys anyway).
Dec 4, 2016, 2:05 pm
#902
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: 8,948
They have been removed now. Not sure why they were there, a cursory glance revealed nothing new.
As an aside, on a few occasions lately I've seen the security at the turnstiles actually helping passengers back through and taking their trolley aside once they've made it (since the barrier seems almost more for trolleys anyway).
As an aside, on a few occasions lately I've seen the security at the turnstiles actually helping passengers back through and taking their trolley aside once they've made it (since the barrier seems almost more for trolleys anyway).
The hoarding had come down 2 weeks ago when I flew out of BKK.
M
Dec 16, 2016, 8:15 pm
#903
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Bangkok, Thailand. No longer Palm Coast, FL though still exiled, again, from the Bay Area.
Programs: Only the good ones
Posts: 5,153
Question regarding fares to/from the airport. More of a clarification, really.
I often see here and other places online people estimating the fare of 350-450 Baht. But, isn't the real fare closer to 220 B?
I don't often take taxis anymore. But my last one was 300 to BKK and that included over an hour in Sukhumvit traffic.
Yes, there's a 50 Baht surcharge leaving from the airport. And some hours of the day the tollway is needed (certainly not at midnight, though). But, unless you're stuck in traffic for 90 minutes, aren't these quotes very high?
I often see here and other places online people estimating the fare of 350-450 Baht. But, isn't the real fare closer to 220 B?
I don't often take taxis anymore. But my last one was 300 to BKK and that included over an hour in Sukhumvit traffic.
Yes, there's a 50 Baht surcharge leaving from the airport. And some hours of the day the tollway is needed (certainly not at midnight, though). But, unless you're stuck in traffic for 90 minutes, aren't these quotes very high?
Last night, I had the best deal: meter showed 151THB to my apartment, Suk 77 near On Nut, plus the 50THB of course. It was after midnight and it was a van (since we brought back a lot of stuff from the US,) which is usually more, but he took the surface streets-no traffic nor traffic lights, well that he obeyed.
I usually pay around 300THB to On Nut-Suk 77 area.
Dec 17, 2016, 10:51 am
#904
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,138
I love when the driver overcharges and then still expects a tip.
Went from the airport to my hotel (Hilton Sukhumvit) the other day, with a metered fare around 220 THB (so 270 total with the airport 50 surcharge).
Went back to the airport, and the driver didn't meter. Got there, and he said, "700 baht." LOL. I said, "No way," and he said, "But took the highway!" As if the tolls were 450 THB.
I ended up paying, and he said, "Tip?"
I laughed and said, "You already got it."
Went from the airport to my hotel (Hilton Sukhumvit) the other day, with a metered fare around 220 THB (so 270 total with the airport 50 surcharge).
Went back to the airport, and the driver didn't meter. Got there, and he said, "700 baht." LOL. I said, "No way," and he said, "But took the highway!" As if the tolls were 450 THB.
I ended up paying, and he said, "Tip?"
I laughed and said, "You already got it."
Dec 17, 2016, 4:08 pm
#905
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 love when the driver overcharges and then still expects a tip.
Went from the airport to my hotel (Hilton Sukhumvit) the other day, with a metered fare around 220 THB (so 270 total with the airport 50 surcharge).
Went back to the airport, and the driver didn't meter. Got there, and he said, "700 baht." LOL. I said, "No way," and he said, "But took the highway!" As if the tolls were 450 THB.
I ended up paying, and he said, "Tip?"
I laughed and said, "You already got it."
Went from the airport to my hotel (Hilton Sukhumvit) the other day, with a metered fare around 220 THB (so 270 total with the airport 50 surcharge).
Went back to the airport, and the driver didn't meter. Got there, and he said, "700 baht." LOL. I said, "No way," and he said, "But took the highway!" As if the tolls were 450 THB.
I ended up paying, and he said, "Tip?"
I laughed and said, "You already got it."
Putting aside the failure to get the meter sorted prior to departure, why would you consent to such an outrageous sum?
Dec 17, 2016, 6:19 pm
#906
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,138
Yes, it was a rip-off. But in the grand scheme of things, not one I'm willing to really cause a scene over. And I used a lot of taxis this trip (back and forth from the airport three times, plus some travel in the city when BTS would have been a pain), with only this one a bad apple at least.
That said, the taxi drivers were by and large horrid at finding places, even given the addresses in Thai writing, this trip, which was a new one for me. I had one who went down the wrong soi (went to the DoubleTree rather than the Hilton), and two others who claimed the sois "must have been renumbered" and who were just as confused as that driver, saying the Hilton was now on Soi 26 and not Soi 24. None of them seemed to be scamming for extra meter time (if so, it was by a few baht) and followed what Google Maps showed was the best route... just couldn't seem to locate things until right on top of them.
Dec 17, 2016, 6:24 pm
#907
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,755
Flew into DMK yesterday; it's like a totally new airport. Clean, bright, modern. Got the A1 bus (it's air conditioned) right outside baggage claim. Goes to Mo Chit (BTS)/Chatuchak (MRT) and leaves every five minutes. 30 baht on the bus, then 35 on the MRT to SGS. Easy peazy.
Dec 17, 2016, 10:49 pm
#908
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Have they changed the A1 (DMK-Mor Chit - Bus station) bus schedule? It used to depart every 12 minutes.
I came back (in a taxi) from a nearby location recently (Immigration, Chaeng Watthana) ~ 10:30 AM and the traffic was horrible. Maybe 90 minutes to get to Mor Chit BTS. With the closure of that flyover things have gotten quite bad in that area. Maybe better to head west on Chaeng Watthana at Laksi and get over to the Sirat Expressway?
I came back (in a taxi) from a nearby location recently (Immigration, Chaeng Watthana) ~ 10:30 AM and the traffic was horrible. Maybe 90 minutes to get to Mor Chit BTS. With the closure of that flyover things have gotten quite bad in that area. Maybe better to head west on Chaeng Watthana at Laksi and get over to the Sirat Expressway?
Dec 17, 2016, 11:05 pm
#909
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,755
Dec 18, 2016, 2:25 am
#910
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
I've noticed an increase in the number of taxi drivers who keep a towel over their meters. If you don't see a meter, ask. Do not leave your location without the meter on. The cab driver is never offering a flat rate because it benefits the passenger.
Dec 18, 2016, 3:09 am
#911
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
He didn't have a visible meter in the taxi, FWIW. That said, I had argued with him at the airport drop off a bit over the price, but in all honesty, I'm not going to cause a confrontation over a handful of USD, not as a westerner visiting the country and who speaks no Thai at all.
Yes, it was a rip-off. But in the grand scheme of things, not one I'm willing to really cause a scene over. And I used a lot of taxis this trip (back and forth from the airport three times, plus some travel in the city when BTS would have been a pain), with only this one a bad apple at least.
That said, the taxi drivers were by and large horrid at finding places, even given the addresses in Thai writing, this trip, which was a new one for me. I had one who went down the wrong soi (went to the DoubleTree rather than the Hilton), and two others who claimed the sois "must have been renumbered" and who were just as confused as that driver, saying the Hilton was now on Soi 26 and not Soi 24. None of them seemed to be scamming for extra meter time (if so, it was by a few baht) and followed what Google Maps showed was the best route... just couldn't seem to locate things until right on top of them.
Yes, it was a rip-off. But in the grand scheme of things, not one I'm willing to really cause a scene over. And I used a lot of taxis this trip (back and forth from the airport three times, plus some travel in the city when BTS would have been a pain), with only this one a bad apple at least.
That said, the taxi drivers were by and large horrid at finding places, even given the addresses in Thai writing, this trip, which was a new one for me. I had one who went down the wrong soi (went to the DoubleTree rather than the Hilton), and two others who claimed the sois "must have been renumbered" and who were just as confused as that driver, saying the Hilton was now on Soi 26 and not Soi 24. None of them seemed to be scamming for extra meter time (if so, it was by a few baht) and followed what Google Maps showed was the best route... just couldn't seem to locate things until right on top of them.
I've been in a couple of situations where I've paid the driver less than the meter read (think scalding hot) or less than demanded. The offer of calling, and waiting for the police, never seem to be one they'll accept.
I expect there will be some who claim you should always pay up because of risk of violence, but those incidents are so few as to be not even a concern, especially in a populated place like the airport dropoff area.
Anyway, such is life in the big city.
Dec 18, 2016, 3:11 am
#912
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
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Posts: 17,263
This has been going of forever. That and a host of amulets and medallions dangling from the rear view mirror that would put Mr T to shame, draped right in front of the meter making it nigh impossible to get a read.
Dec 18, 2016, 7:41 pm
#913
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,618
He didn't have a visible meter in the taxi, FWIW. That said, I had argued with him at the airport drop off a bit over the price, but in all honesty, I'm not going to cause a confrontation over a handful of USD, not as a westerner visiting the country and who speaks no Thai at all.
I would have gotten out with my baggage, handed the driver 300bht, and just started walking away.
Dec 18, 2016, 7:47 pm
#914
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Every driver here: car, taxi, truck, bus, whatever has at least a machete...and no shyness (cameras everywhere) about using them, even over 100 baht.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/new...taxi-fare.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/new...taxi-fare.html
Dec 18, 2016, 8:11 pm
#915
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,755
More info on DMK which might be interesting. Link to Bangkok Post article.