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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
#1216
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,727
Negotiating taxi fares from Suvarnabhumi
Last month I asked about going rates from BKK to the Sukhumvit area with a view towards getting a current yardstick so that I could better negotiate with a driver.
I was roundly condemned by all and sundry at this forum for my 'foolishness' and for possibly 'spoiling the market' and goodness knows what else. Undeterred, i tried last week after landing in BKK. Went upstairs to the departure level and asked a cabbie how much he would want to take me to the Four Points in Sukhumvit. He started off with THB 400, but as soon as I started walking away he quickly lowered his price to THB 250. I passed and checked with the next guy. We agreed on a fixed price of THB 200 - with no booking fee of course, no extra charge for lugage and no tolls. And he switched off the meter as soon as I asked him to On arrival, I just paid him THB 200.
So much for all the naysayers here .... And the good Herr Doktor who asked me
The answer is YES - I have been to Bangkok before - the first time was in 1981 (when DMK was BKK) and pretty regularly since then ...
I was roundly condemned by all and sundry at this forum for my 'foolishness' and for possibly 'spoiling the market' and goodness knows what else. Undeterred, i tried last week after landing in BKK. Went upstairs to the departure level and asked a cabbie how much he would want to take me to the Four Points in Sukhumvit. He started off with THB 400, but as soon as I started walking away he quickly lowered his price to THB 250. I passed and checked with the next guy. We agreed on a fixed price of THB 200 - with no booking fee of course, no extra charge for lugage and no tolls. And he switched off the meter as soon as I asked him to On arrival, I just paid him THB 200.
So much for all the naysayers here .... And the good Herr Doktor who asked me
The answer is YES - I have been to Bangkok before - the first time was in 1981 (when DMK was BKK) and pretty regularly since then ...
#1217
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 was roundly condemned by all and sundry at this forum for my 'foolishness' and for possibly 'spoiling the market' and goodness knows what else. Undeterred, i tried last week after landing in BKK. Went upstairs to the departure level and asked a cabbie how much he would want to take me to the Four Points in Sukhumvit. He started off with THB 400, but as soon as I started walking away he quickly lowered his price to THB 250. I passed and checked with the next guy. We agreed on a fixed price of THB 200 - with no booking fee of course, no extra charge for lugage and no tolls. And he switched off the meter as soon as I asked him to On arrival, I just paid him THB 200.
So much for all the naysayers here .... And the good Herr Doktor who asked me
So much for all the naysayers here .... And the good Herr Doktor who asked me
#1218
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,757
Last month I asked about going rates from BKK to the Sukhumvit area with a view towards getting a current yardstick so that I could better negotiate with a driver.
I was roundly condemned by all and sundry at this forum for my 'foolishness' and for possibly 'spoiling the market' and goodness knows what else. Undeterred, i tried last week after landing in BKK. Went upstairs to the departure level and asked a cabbie how much he would want to take me to the Four Points in Sukhumvit. He started off with THB 400, but as soon as I started walking away he quickly lowered his price to THB 250. I passed and checked with the next guy. We agreed on a fixed price of THB 200 - with no booking fee of course, no extra charge for lugage and no tolls. And he switched off the meter as soon as I asked him to On arrival, I just paid him THB 200.
So much for all the naysayers here .... And the good Herr Doktor who asked me
The answer is YES - I have been to Bangkok before - the first time was in 1981 (when DMK was BKK) and pretty regularly since then ...
I was roundly condemned by all and sundry at this forum for my 'foolishness' and for possibly 'spoiling the market' and goodness knows what else. Undeterred, i tried last week after landing in BKK. Went upstairs to the departure level and asked a cabbie how much he would want to take me to the Four Points in Sukhumvit. He started off with THB 400, but as soon as I started walking away he quickly lowered his price to THB 250. I passed and checked with the next guy. We agreed on a fixed price of THB 200 - with no booking fee of course, no extra charge for lugage and no tolls. And he switched off the meter as soon as I asked him to On arrival, I just paid him THB 200.
So much for all the naysayers here .... And the good Herr Doktor who asked me
The answer is YES - I have been to Bangkok before - the first time was in 1981 (when DMK was BKK) and pretty regularly since then ...
#1219
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
The poster claimed to have taken the taxi from the Departures level. I can imagine a scenario where a driver might take someone for a reduced fare since the alternative is to go back to Bangkok without a fare at all. They can't just sit at the Departures level indefinitely until they find a fare back to Bangkok. Not saying it happened but it's not out of the realm of possibility either.
#1221
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
#1222
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,757
#1223
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,727
You are of course welcome to have your own opinion, especially when proven wrong. Pity though that some people have such a closed mind. This will be my last post on the subject.
#1224
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
Except I haven't been "proven" wrong, you simply claim something that I don't believe occurred. Your claim =/= proof.
#1225
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
I agree, not once did any taxi I took or that pulled over ever come back with a lower non meter rate. Either when my amount was turned down or I insisted on the meter they simply pulled away. Is it possible that 1 driver was willing to take less them meter , yes, but not probable. So I too will say w/o any proof that said driver agreed to 200 flat, I doubt it went down that way
#1226
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SE Asia
Programs: Thai ROP GOLD, SIA Silver Kris, QANTAS FF, Velocity Rewards, Emirates Skywards
Posts: 340
18 years of using taxis from both airports in Bangkok. Never, ever have I had a taxi up at departures offer to drive me downtown for less than the meter price. Quite the opposite.
#1227
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,631
Maybe unicorns like a Bangkok cabbie willing to take below-meter price actually DO exist!!!!
I need to go set leprechaun traps to get their pot of gold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
</sarcasm>
200bht from BKK airport into Sukhumvit and the passenger didn't even have to pay the tolls.
I need to go set leprechaun traps to get their pot of gold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
</sarcasm>
200bht from BKK airport into Sukhumvit and the passenger didn't even have to pay the tolls.
#1228
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,312
#1229
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,631
True, but the meter-charge for non-tollway is usually higher due to the distance/time factor.
I just don't find the story credible that there's even a flat-rate offer of 250bht, much less 200bht.
Just consider that the poster tried to suggest "extra charge for luggage" is somehow relevant. I've never even heard of any legit cab driver suggesting *that* to begin with. It's one of the factors that make me think the story is just a fairy tale.
I just don't find the story credible that there's even a flat-rate offer of 250bht, much less 200bht.
Just consider that the poster tried to suggest "extra charge for luggage" is somehow relevant. I've never even heard of any legit cab driver suggesting *that* to begin with. It's one of the factors that make me think the story is just a fairy tale.
#1230
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
One example is any location around Si Yek Asok (corner of Sukhumvit): You'd follow under the highway from the exit just before the tolls, turn left onto Phet Uthai, right onto Kamphaeng Phet 7 and voila, you're right there at TNN Asok Montri. Any hotel in that area is accessible with less distance on the meter than if you took the Ploen Chit exit and came down Suk.