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
Jul 14, 2018, 10:40 am
#1246
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,811
Jul 14, 2018, 10:47 am
#1247
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
When they show you the price list you need to turn it over to see the cheapest car, which is conveniently on the back page all by itself
Jul 14, 2018, 5:01 pm
#1249
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,312
Personally, I usually get the Camry, though slightly more expensive than the Isuzu. I did take the Isuzu once several years ago and it was not as comfortable as the Camry. They may have upgraded the Isuzu they use since then, I just remember I didn't like it as much as the nice late model Camrys they use there.
I just book it after getting our bags but before leaving the immigration hall. Then you take the slip to the AOT desk just outside the immigration exit and usually they will have somebody escort you to the car, or they will tell you which door to exit (they are all numbered and easy to see) and then you hand the slip to an AOT limo employee near the curb.
It's true, they always present the card with the more expensive options towards you, and you have to flip the card over to see the cheaper options like the Camry or Isuzu.
-David
I just book it after getting our bags but before leaving the immigration hall. Then you take the slip to the AOT desk just outside the immigration exit and usually they will have somebody escort you to the car, or they will tell you which door to exit (they are all numbered and easy to see) and then you hand the slip to an AOT limo employee near the curb.
It's true, they always present the card with the more expensive options towards you, and you have to flip the card over to see the cheaper options like the Camry or Isuzu.
-David
Jul 14, 2018, 5:25 pm
#1250
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
If the arriving Immigration lines are short then you'll have plenty of time to book/pay for the AoT Limo service, while you wait for your bags, at the back of the baggage hall (just to the right of the "C" Custom Channel, maybe behind carousels #17/18?). At least that's the AoT booth I used this week. There may be another one in the baggage hall? It takes ~ 2 minutes to arrange the limo, you pay, they give you a slip, then you get your bags and DF purchases, exit Customs and there is an AoT booth right outside the Customs exit, they greet you and walk you outside to your vehicle. They usually have vehicles staged, so farm to table is ~ 2 minutes.
You could try GrabCar, although I have no experience with that service arriving at SBIA/BKK.
Last edited by transpac; Jul 14, 2018 at 9:02 pm
Jul 14, 2018, 6:08 pm
#1252
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Jul 15, 2018, 1:56 am
#1253
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
Uber is/was a perfect solution at airport arrivals only when you are assured of internet access, and only when you are confident you understand pick-up arrangements/locations. For first-tme airports this could engender a high degree of insecurity without research, though i acknowledge that once you understand the set-up and its limitations, then given internet access you are onto a winner.
Jul 15, 2018, 2:13 am
#1254
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,811
I have a flat-fee phone plan with worldwide (well, pretty much, it’s 80 countries or so) roaming included. 
So even when Uber drivers have trouble finding me, I don’t mind them calling me on my German cellphone. I rather live with that than research transportation for every single destination prior arrival...
So even when Uber drivers have trouble finding me, I don’t mind them calling me on my German cellphone. I rather live with that than research transportation for every single destination prior arrival...
Jul 15, 2018, 2:42 am
#1255
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
I have a flat-fee phone plan with worldwide (well, pretty much, it’s 80 countries or so) roaming included.
So even when Uber drivers have trouble finding me, I don’t mind them calling me on my German cellphone. I rather live with that than research transportation for every single destination prior arrival...
So even when Uber drivers have trouble finding me, I don’t mind them calling me on my German cellphone. I rather live with that than research transportation for every single destination prior arrival...
Jul 15, 2018, 3:13 am
#1257
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
a flat-fee phone plan with worldwide (well, pretty much, it’s 80 countries or so) roaming and Rosetta Stone included
Seriously, I defy anyone to make sense of the "come zone D" message i got as a first-time Uber use in Jakarta. It's now Grab, but I now know exactly where to go.
As for new destinations, if I'm not being met (best option!) and I have time, of course I'll research how to get where I need to go. It seems reckless not to know at least how long the trip should be and have an idea of the cost - even if you'll ultimately throw the cost in the expenses box.
Jul 15, 2018, 8:39 am
#1258
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,811
Of course I research the destination, but I don’t want to spend time finding out if you can trust taxi drivers, which limousine company is the best option etc.
So if there is Uber, I’m happy.
So if there is Uber, I’m happy.
Jul 15, 2018, 10:38 am
#1259
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: Always J
Posts: 57
I can't be doing with all the other potential nonsense at Swampy so we always pick up an AOT limo. Easy Pass enabled and the drivers generally know where they're going [except for the last but one]. We usually head for Impact Arena area and it's only about 1600 baht and a fair trot to the other side of town. Never experience any major problems with them.