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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
#1187
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
They've also updated the app several times in the last 2 days so there might be another update needed....
#1188
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SE Asia
Programs: Thai ROP GOLD, SIA Silver Kris, QANTAS FF, Velocity Rewards, Emirates Skywards
Posts: 340
Ah, this is where your fallacy lies. If the approximate metered fare, say, is THB 400 + fees / tolls, there is no reason why I cannot negotiate this to a much lower fare, say THB 300 or even THB 250 total. Why would a driver agree to a lower fare? Usually due to the laws of supply and demand: If he has to wait a long time to get a passenger in the official queue and I offer him a reasonable price for an instant ride (especially after he has just dropped a passenger), many drivers will take my offer. Of course if for some reason that is not the case even after the n..th driver has refused my offer, I always have the option of revising my offer, joining the official taxi queue or in the worst case scenario, hop on to the airport train. I have done this successfully in more places than I can recall (Istanbul, KL, Delhi etc), but of course there are places that I would not try anything like that (e.g. Tokyo, Singapore etc) but in those places taxi drivers are honest and the rip-off risk is low.
But please, do not assume that Negotiating is guaranteeing you pay more than necessary.
But please, do not assume that Negotiating is guaranteeing you pay more than necessary.
Let me put one more bit of information for you.
It is illegal for metered taxis in Bangkok to accept passengers without using the meter.
Again I urge you - do not ever negotiate a fare with a metered taxi in Bangkok, Thailand. You'll never come out ahead, and you just encourage this illegal behaviour of driving up prices and gouging tourists.
#1189
I never suggested in any way you should use a SE Asia SIM card; merely giving you one potential workaround having had problems getting my card to be taken in accounts across the household. Multiple errors one day resulted in success the next on one account. On another it didn't take on 4G but did on wifi.
They've also updated the app several times in the last 2 days so there might be another update needed....
They've also updated the app several times in the last 2 days so there might be another update needed....
I can't even test the cash option, as I can't select destination (no Grab in KSA).
I would hate to setup everything right after arrival at the airport in Bangkok. Why they make it so hard to put all that information before your trip.
#1190
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
It's not just gouging tourists, it's also affecting Thais who are passed by so the taxi can pick up a foreigner who they hope will bring a higher fare.
#1191
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
For $20 I would get some minimum data and a number that will last for several days. It's cheap. For years I used a specific phone for this which was inexpensive. If you do not have an old phone, you likely have a friend that does. Now I just use my regular phone internationally in most foreign countries because the price has dropped for most locations.
#1193
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
AOT limo will be about USD35. Hotels offer various transport services but unless you are staying right by the airport (they offer free transport), it's potentially unlikely the hotel will be offering something for that price. The more upmarket your hotel the more expensive the charge - USD100 is not uncommon.
#1194
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,757
Ah, this is where your fallacy lies. If the approximate metered fare, say, is THB 400 + fees / tolls, there is no reason why I cannot negotiate this to a much lower fare, say THB 300 or even THB 250 total. Why would a driver agree to a lower fare? Usually due to the laws of supply and demand: If he has to wait a long time to get a passenger in the official queue and I offer him a reasonable price for an instant ride (especially after he has just dropped a passenger), many drivers will take my offer. Of course if for some reason that is not the case even after the n..th driver has refused my offer, I always have the option of revising my offer, joining the official taxi queue or in the worst case scenario, hop on to the airport train. I have done this successfully in more places than I can recall (Istanbul, KL, Delhi etc), but of course there are places that I would not try anything like that (e.g. Tokyo, Singapore etc) but in those places taxi drivers are honest and the rip-off risk is low.
But please, do not assume that Negotiating is guaranteeing you pay more than necessary.
But please, do not assume that Negotiating is guaranteeing you pay more than necessary.
#1195
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
Also, your hot meter rate is way higher than anything I've experienced... and yet still lower than my bus gate % at BKK.
Moral of the story, don't take a taxi with you and don't fly with me.
#1196
#1197
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
Metered taxi from BKK to Suk soi 22 on Saturday night/Sunday morning was 250 thb, including 21 thb tip. No toll road (not needed) and hailed the cab at the Departures level.
(Naturally, the driver agreed to the meter then as soon as he put the car in gear, asked for 400 thb. When I said "STOP" in a loud voice, he said "okay, meter" and we were on our way.)
(Naturally, the driver agreed to the meter then as soon as he put the car in gear, asked for 400 thb. When I said "STOP" in a loud voice, he said "okay, meter" and we were on our way.)
#1198
I've downloaded app for My Blue Bird for Indonesia, and had no problem adding my US credit card.
#1199
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
There's no Grab in the US either so why would the outcome be any different? And I'm puzzled as to what Indo's Blue Bird has to do with Grab?
#1200
I'm sure that when I land in BKK I wont be able to add my CC to the Grab app.