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
Jan 31, 2018, 2:58 am
#1096
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
cab to BKK was a dream, the bell hops at The Park Hyatt went to fetch one, they told him where I was going (BKK) to use the meter (he did) tolls were 50 & 25 meter read 243
traffic was slow bet sign BKK 12 Km & 6KM, but not stop and go, maybe 20kph the slowest a far cry from the bumper to bumper and stop and go I experienced last Weds when I arrived
All in all, lesson learnt what a fast meter is so next time it wont occur
thx all for all your assistance hope I didnt clog up the thread
traffic was slow bet sign BKK 12 Km & 6KM, but not stop and go, maybe 20kph the slowest a far cry from the bumper to bumper and stop and go I experienced last Weds when I arrived
All in all, lesson learnt what a fast meter is so next time it wont occur
thx all for all your assistance hope I didnt clog up the thread
Feb 3, 2018, 2:16 am
#1097
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ZRH
Programs: QR Gold / M&M FTL / Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 655
Feb 3, 2018, 3:16 pm
#1098
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
Feb 3, 2018, 4:39 pm
#1099
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,194
As to what to do about it, wait until you get to the hotel, give the driver 400 THB and leave. If he tries to give you a hard time, explain what happened to the hotel staff and let them send him off.
Feb 3, 2018, 5:28 pm
#1100
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
I think if you went way back into this thread you'd find folks who have been "fast metered" to the tune of 800 THB from BKK to downtown.
As to what to do about it, wait until you get to the hotel, give the driver 400 THB and leave. If he tries to give you a hard time, explain what happened to the hotel staff and let them send him off.
As to what to do about it, wait until you get to the hotel, give the driver 400 THB and leave. If he tries to give you a hard time, explain what happened to the hotel staff and let them send him off.
Feb 3, 2018, 6:22 pm
#1101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I've seen a "fast meter" a few times (between 5 and 10 out of several thousand trips - I often take the exact same trip/route every day so large variations in price stand out, after I take out the traffic surcharge component), and I always pay the inflated price, but do make a small light-hearted joke (while maintaining a smile) about it to the driver when I pay. I haven't reported these incidents to the DLT.
Last edited by transpac; Feb 3, 2018 at 6:57 pm
Feb 3, 2018, 6:46 pm
#1102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
I think if you went way back into this thread you'd find folks who have been "fast metered" to the tune of 800 THB from BKK to downtown.
As to what to do about it, wait until you get to the hotel, give the driver 400 THB and leave. If he tries to give you a hard time, explain what happened to the hotel staff and let them send him off.
As to what to do about it, wait until you get to the hotel, give the driver 400 THB and leave. If he tries to give you a hard time, explain what happened to the hotel staff and let them send him off.
This is another reason why the electronic receipt from the airport is important. If you jump through hoops to get up to the departure level you're not going to have that same record for the authorities. Save a dollar, but risk 20 times that.
Feb 3, 2018, 6:57 pm
#1103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
If you jump through hoops to get up to the departure level you're not going to have that same record for the authorities
Meh. All you need to use the DLT reporting tools is the taxi number (metal plates on the inside rear doors). Neither do you get any sort of paper record catching a taxi anywhere else.
I think the electronic receipt is as much for the authorities to assist in finding you if you go missing? ;-)
Meh. All you need to use the DLT reporting tools is the taxi number (metal plates on the inside rear doors). Neither do you get any sort of paper record catching a taxi anywhere else.
I think the electronic receipt is as much for the authorities to assist in finding you if you go missing? ;-)
Feb 3, 2018, 7:02 pm
#1104
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
If you jump through hoops to get up to the departure level you're not going to have that same record for the authorities
Meh. All you need to use the DLT reporting tools is the taxi number (metal plates on the inside rear doors). Neither do you get any sort of paper record catching a taxi anywhere else.
I think the electronic receipt is as much for the authorities to assist in finding you if you go missing? ;-)
Meh. All you need to use the DLT reporting tools is the taxi number (metal plates on the inside rear doors). Neither do you get any sort of paper record catching a taxi anywhere else.
I think the electronic receipt is as much for the authorities to assist in finding you if you go missing? ;-)
Feb 3, 2018, 7:53 pm
#1105
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
. Again I noticed it just as I was getting in but thought it was that way due to it being a Grab cab I now know differently. The 2nd time its easy to make believe you left something inside and need to get it and will be right back then once outside the cab tell me his meter is ripping you off and wont use him
If you have bags in the cab then as others have said its best to get to your destination pay him what you think is the correct amount and have the hotel folks tell him you want the cops to be called
Feb 4, 2018, 6:42 pm
#1106
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,757
That works, except when you are going TO the airport, arrive and get out - refuse to pay the inflated rate - offer the right amount and the driver grabs your bag away from you and threatens you with a fist (I'm a small female) and there are no others around except other taxis (5 am)
Feb 4, 2018, 8:45 pm
#1107
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
At the hotel I offer the driver LESS than the meter should read and allow him to make the choice between accepting the under fare (and sucking up the 50baht ToT charge as well) or waiting for the police. To date the under-fare has been accepted.
Why should I offer the correct price and allow the driver no downside to the scam attempt?
Feb 4, 2018, 11:14 pm
#1108
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
When the driver threatens you, grab hold of your bag yourself and scream POLICE repeatedly as loud as you possibly can. A number of years ago a driver tried something similar with me on arrival at BKK (after my only bag, a carryon, was already on the sidewalk). I threatened him with the police; then he changed his tune and asked me how much I would like to pay. The details are way upthread here, IIRC.
Feb 5, 2018, 7:02 am
#1109
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,266
I've employed a different tactic on several occasions (though none recently).
At the hotel I offer the driver LESS than the meter should read and allow him to make the choice between accepting the under fare (and sucking up the 50baht ToT charge as well) or waiting for the police. To date the under-fare has been accepted.
Why should I offer the correct price and allow the driver no downside to the scam attempt?
At the hotel I offer the driver LESS than the meter should read and allow him to make the choice between accepting the under fare (and sucking up the 50baht ToT charge as well) or waiting for the police. To date the under-fare has been accepted.
Why should I offer the correct price and allow the driver no downside to the scam attempt?
Feb 6, 2018, 6:40 am
#1110
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Bonvoy Platinum, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,811
While I am not questioning your choice of Uber Black, I will point out Uber X has been phenomenal when I've used them in Bangkok. The cars are new, meticulously clean and driven by great people. I've actually ridden in several newish Mazda 323s (or whatever those are called in Thailand) and a couple Hondas. Small, but very clean and professional.