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
#1156
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 13
The 555 rule is definitely a very useful tip ^
Anyway, I've noticed that if the driver does not want to turn on the meter, another way to get a quite faire quotation is to speak a bit of Thai.
You'll save some money by asking how much it will cost and negotiating the price in Thai. This is what I've experienced.
Anyway, I've noticed that if the driver does not want to turn on the meter, another way to get a quite faire quotation is to speak a bit of Thai.
You'll save some money by asking how much it will cost and negotiating the price in Thai. This is what I've experienced.
#1157
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
I rarely take taxis anymore, despite over 100 airport trips over the last few years.
Friends have been using Grab for rides all around town, so I tried it to BKK, recently. It worked perfectly! Meter, plus the call fee, and the 25 baht toll. Cash paid curbside at the airport.
I fly back through BKK soon and may try it on arrival, too.
Friends have been using Grab for rides all around town, so I tried it to BKK, recently. It worked perfectly! Meter, plus the call fee, and the 25 baht toll. Cash paid curbside at the airport.
I fly back through BKK soon and may try it on arrival, too.
#1158
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,186
I rarely take taxis anymore, despite over 100 airport trips over the last few years.
Friends have been using Grab for rides all around town, so I tried it to BKK, recently. It worked perfectly! Meter, plus the call fee, and the 25 baht toll. Cash paid curbside at the airport.
I fly back through BKK soon and may try it on arrival, too.
Friends have been using Grab for rides all around town, so I tried it to BKK, recently. It worked perfectly! Meter, plus the call fee, and the 25 baht toll. Cash paid curbside at the airport.
I fly back through BKK soon and may try it on arrival, too.
Conversely, GrabTaxi is just a way of paying 25 thb extra to book a regular taxi. (Not intended as a knock on you - if you're happy with it, you should definitely stay with it.)
Last edited by Diplomatico; Mar 5, 2018 at 7:59 am
#1159
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Programs: DL 1MM Platinum, UA 1k, HH Silver, BonVoy Platinum
Posts: 1,146
You say that, but if you live on a small soi, or maybe a tricky place to call a taxi, maybe a gated apartment building where you'd have to walk out to the main soi to have any chance of finding a taxi, in the rain/heat/etc., well then GrabTaxi is cheaper than an Uber, you can book it from your apartment/hotel room, and they have the same type of messaging alerts, contacts, etc, it can be extremely convenient. For a whole 25 thb extra. I highly recommend it as an app in the "toolbox" because sometimes availability is tricky.
#1160
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,186
You say that, but if you live on a small soi, or maybe a tricky place to call a taxi, maybe a gated apartment building where you'd have to walk out to the main soi to have any chance of finding a taxi, in the rain/heat/etc., well then GrabTaxi is cheaper than an Uber, you can book it from your apartment/hotel room, and they have the same type of messaging alerts, contacts, etc, it can be extremely convenient. For a whole 25 thb extra. I highly recommend it as an app in the "toolbox" because sometimes availability is tricky.
In Chiang Mai, GrabTaxi is nearly always the most expensive of the Grab options and usually more expensive than Uber. (But, as always, what works for one person may not be the best solution for another.)
(Apologies for drifting off topic.)
#1161
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
I believe you used GrabTaxi which is different than just saying Grab. The Grab service that many, if not most, people use for rides in Bangkok is a ride sharing service similar to Uber; there is no meter involved. The rides are booked via an app and the fare is quoted at the time of booking. You ride in a privately owned/leased vehicle.
Conversely, GrabTaxi is just a way of paying 25 thb extra to book a regular taxi. (Not intended as a knock on you - if you're happy with it, you should definitely stay with it.)
Conversely, GrabTaxi is just a way of paying 25 thb extra to book a regular taxi. (Not intended as a knock on you - if you're happy with it, you should definitely stay with it.)
I needed to go to the airport on a Friday afternoon. Taxis in my area will not go. I live inside a soi.
#1162
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,707
Taxi from Bangkok airport
What would be an average 'negotiated price' for a taxi hailed at Suvarnabhumi to the Sukhumvit MRT station on Sunday (late) afternoon?
For the return trip on a Monday morning around 9 AM, what is the least that I should expect to pay?
For the return trip on a Monday morning around 9 AM, what is the least that I should expect to pay?
#1163
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,186
Same going back.
Lots of discussion here:
Catching a taxi at BKK and general Thailand taxi discussion
#1164
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
The least that you should pay would be by using the legally mandated meter.
#1165
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SIN, BKK, MNL, HAM, TXL
Programs: KF*G, AB*G, IBP*G, LCAH*Plat, HH*D, ONYX*Plat, BW*DS
Posts: 90
If you are familiar with Uber or Grab, I would recommend those over a metered cab.
Advantages being:
Advantages being:
- Private car pick-up is on the same floor as arrivals. So after immigration and luggage collection, it is basically 20 steps out of the terminal instead of going to the taxi bay in the basement at which you need to collect a queue number.
- Cab drivers often conveniently forget English, receipt printing paper or the ability to turn on the meter despite it being harshly prosecuted and enforced nowadays. Miscommunication and misroutings are a common sight.
- Accountability: you have a fixed upfront fare agreed via the app, can track the route and complain to the app provider if necessary. What I also value the most is the digital receipts for claims purposes. Bonus: Grab offers a loyalty program, which allows you to accumulate points for redemptions such as ride vouchers.
#1166
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SE Asia
Programs: Thai ROP GOLD, SIA Silver Kris, QANTAS FF, Velocity Rewards, Emirates Skywards
Posts: 339
Do NOT negotiate fare. If they won't use the meter, find another taxi.
From the airport, using the official taxi queueing system, the drivers are required to switch on the meter, and you pay a 50 baht airport surcharge in addition to the fare+tolls on arrival to your destination
Visitors to Bangkok who continue to take taxis on a fixed fare just make the situation worse.
Please please forget this notion of 'negotiated price'
#1169
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,820
#1170
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SE Asia
Programs: Thai ROP GOLD, SIA Silver Kris, QANTAS FF, Velocity Rewards, Emirates Skywards
Posts: 339
I actually saw it on twitter. There were reports on the merger a few weeks ago, but nothing had been confirmed until yesterday
I live in Myanmar, and Grab is clearly dominant there. Uber started strong last year in Yangon but then failed dismally