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 16, 2019, 8:24 am
#1426
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,266
Based on : Base fee (incl. 2.00 km): ฿35.00
Then
Kilometer price: ฿5.00
Waiting time per hour: ฿75.00
He might have overcharged me about 15 Baht by starting the meter early. His tip would have been much more than that,
and I try to discourage this kind of behavior.
Jul 16, 2019, 12:35 pm
#1427
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
I am very aware of this. That is why I objected when it was at 39 when I got in - that represents either close to 2 km of distance, or several minutes of waiting time.
Based on : Base fee (incl. 2.00 km): ฿35.00
Then
Kilometer price: ฿5.00
Waiting time per hour: ฿75.00
He might have overcharged me about 15 Baht by starting the meter early. His tip would have been much more than that,
and I try to discourage this kind of behavior.
Based on : Base fee (incl. 2.00 km): ฿35.00
Then
Kilometer price: ฿5.00
Waiting time per hour: ฿75.00
He might have overcharged me about 15 Baht by starting the meter early. His tip would have been much more than that,
and I try to discourage this kind of behavior.
Jul 16, 2019, 4:52 pm
#1428
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
In practice, the driver should not start the meter until you have reached an agreement with them on a destination, routing (if you have specific requirements, like "tollway"), and use of the meter. The display on the meter should be OFF. Once turned on it should read "35".
Given the nature of the displays here, it is easy to confuse a "9" for a "5", assuming the meter was not already running.
Would I get out of a cab in this situation? No.
Would I take the time to post about it? No.
Invoking the potential tip seems strange to me? Maybe don't give a tip? Or reduce your tip by 4 baht?
But I've seen massive brawls over 30 baht meter overcharge so maybe nothing is really weird?
Given the nature of the displays here, it is easy to confuse a "9" for a "5", assuming the meter was not already running.
Would I get out of a cab in this situation? No.
Would I take the time to post about it? No.
Invoking the potential tip seems strange to me? Maybe don't give a tip? Or reduce your tip by 4 baht?
But I've seen massive brawls over 30 baht meter overcharge so maybe nothing is really weird?
Jul 16, 2019, 5:32 pm
#1429
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,266
Actually, it is more than 4 baht.
The first 35 baht covers something like 1 or 2 km. After that the meter jumps 2 baht every 400 meters or so. Bu starting early, you lose that first " free" kilometer.
And I would guess that a driver who tries that will also try some other shenanagins.
I would rather give my money to an honest driver.
There was another cab waiting at the door, so I did not lose any time.
The first 35 baht covers something like 1 or 2 km. After that the meter jumps 2 baht every 400 meters or so. Bu starting early, you lose that first " free" kilometer.
And I would guess that a driver who tries that will also try some other shenanagins.
I would rather give my money to an honest driver.
There was another cab waiting at the door, so I did not lose any time.
Jul 16, 2019, 6:18 pm
#1430
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I am very aware of this. That is why I objected when it was at 39 when I got in - that represents either close to 2 km of distance, or several minutes of waiting time.
Based on : Base fee (incl. 2.00 km): ฿35.00
Then
Kilometer price: ฿5.00
Waiting time per hour: ฿75.00
He might have overcharged me about 15 Baht by starting the meter early. His tip would have been much more than that,
and I try to discourage this kind of behavior.
Based on : Base fee (incl. 2.00 km): ฿35.00
Then
Kilometer price: ฿5.00
Waiting time per hour: ฿75.00
He might have overcharged me about 15 Baht by starting the meter early. His tip would have been much more than that,
and I try to discourage this kind of behavior.
Pretty sure these are "OLD" rates.
New rates:
35 baht covers the first Km
5.50 baht for Km 1-10 (Km 11-20 is 6.50 per Km)
Wait time (traffic surcharge, speed below 6 Kph) 2 baht/min, 120 baht/hr
Carry on.
Jul 20, 2019, 5:51 am
#1431
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,757
No, the four baht was from waiting time. The meter only accumulates distance charges when the taxi is moving above a certain speed.
Jul 20, 2019, 6:34 am
#1432
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
Let's assume the OP wanted a 2 km jounrey, the total fare should be 35+5.5 (40.5). With this taxi they would have been up for 39+11 (50)
But the suspicion is that if the taxi driver tried that on already, who knows which route they woud have taken and wheat the eventual cost would have been.
Agree the 35 could have looked like a 39 if the display was malfunctioning (rather than the metre).
Jul 20, 2019, 7:36 am
#1433
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,757
Jul 20, 2019, 7:40 am
#1434
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
Aug 11, 2019, 2:08 am
#1435
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Taxi fares to increase Sep. 8, 2019, incl. airport fee from 50 baht to 70 baht (and 90 baht for large vehicles).
For commuters, taxi fare hike is least of worries
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/...ast-of-worries
Majority oppose higher taxi fares: Nida Poll
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...ares-nida-poll
For commuters, taxi fare hike is least of worries
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/...ast-of-worries
Majority oppose higher taxi fares: Nida Poll
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...ares-nida-poll
Oct 3, 2019, 8:24 am
#1436
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreux CH
Programs: FB Platinum, M&M FTL, BA Blue
Posts: 11,624
We arrived on 1st October on a delayed flight (SU) at about 11h, after immigration, bags, etc. We went to the official taxi stand and picked up a slip directing us to Lane 11. We got a driver who was so nice and clearly had a young family, going by the photos in his clean taxicab, and he drove well.
Our destination hotel was the Holiday Inn Silom and we reached it in around 40-45 minutes. It cost THB360 including the airport surcharge, highway tolls (THB75) on top. I added a decent tip and wished I had taken his number for the return trip to the airport.
For the return trip tomorrow, the Amber Boutique Hotel in Silom offered a rate to the airport (BKK) of THB500 which includes everything, pick-up, tolls, so I booked it. Because it is a very early start, I didn't want to run the risk of landing on a clown out in the street. This is a worry free solution which obviously costs a bit more, but for 3 persons it is a very good deal.
Our destination hotel was the Holiday Inn Silom and we reached it in around 40-45 minutes. It cost THB360 including the airport surcharge, highway tolls (THB75) on top. I added a decent tip and wished I had taken his number for the return trip to the airport.
For the return trip tomorrow, the Amber Boutique Hotel in Silom offered a rate to the airport (BKK) of THB500 which includes everything, pick-up, tolls, so I booked it. Because it is a very early start, I didn't want to run the risk of landing on a clown out in the street. This is a worry free solution which obviously costs a bit more, but for 3 persons it is a very good deal.
Oct 3, 2019, 8:47 am
#1437
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
Never had a problem hailing a taxi in the wee small hours in Silom. Have had multiple departures leaving Silom between 4am and 6am... fare would be around 225 plus 75 tolls.
Oct 3, 2019, 8:15 pm
#1438
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
For the return trip tomorrow, the Amber Boutique Hotel in Silom offered a rate to the airport (BKK) of THB500 which includes everything, pick-up, tolls, so I booked it. Because it is a very early start, I didn't want to run the risk of landing on a clown out in the street. This is a worry-free solution which obviously costs a bit more, but for 3 persons it is a very good deal.
500 is fine for a pre-book, I used to pay 400 (and I paid the tolls).
I'd recommend GrabCar, for an instantaneous booking, plus you get a real vehicle (trunk usable).
A large percentage of metered taxis here are leased daily in 12-hour shifts, with the change at 04:00 and 16:00, so getting taxis to go where you want in/around these times can be challenging. More so around monthly salary day (last Friday of the month) when Thai folks have cash.
Oct 26, 2019, 2:59 am
#1440
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Suvarnabhumi cabbies threaten to cut back services
Suvarnabhumi airport taxi drivers have threatened to withdraw some services starting on Nov 1 in a protest against what they say is the government’s failure to ensure fair competition once app-based ride services are legalised.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...-back-services
Suvarnabhumi airport taxi drivers have threatened to withdraw some services starting on Nov 1 in a protest against what they say is the government’s failure to ensure fair competition once app-based ride services are legalised.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...-back-services