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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
#1306
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Normally it might be 240-280 on the meter (via Rt. 7 and the Si Rat Expressway), plus 70 for tolls and 50 for the airport fee, so 360 - 400 all in.
I guess a driver could take a round about trek south to Bang Na Trat Rd. where the meter might 320 - 350 (even as high as 393 with enough traffic surcharge), the toll (one) 50 baht, plus the airport fee of 50, so 420 - 450 all in.
#1307
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
Really depends on the routing, and traffic of course. Did you happen to notice what route you took? If on a toll road, you paid, right? How many toll booths did you pass? Two? Or one?
Normally it might be 240-280 on the meter (via Rt. 7 and the Si Rat Expressway), plus 70 for tolls and 50 for the airport fee, so 360 - 400 all in.
I guess a driver could take a round about trek south to Bang Na Trat Rd. where the meter might 320 - 350 (even as high as 393 with enough traffic surcharge), the toll (one) 50 baht, plus the airport fee of 50, so 420 - 450 all in.
Normally it might be 240-280 on the meter (via Rt. 7 and the Si Rat Expressway), plus 70 for tolls and 50 for the airport fee, so 360 - 400 all in.
I guess a driver could take a round about trek south to Bang Na Trat Rd. where the meter might 320 - 350 (even as high as 393 with enough traffic surcharge), the toll (one) 50 baht, plus the airport fee of 50, so 420 - 450 all in.
This was a rigged meter, no ifs ands or buts about it.
#1308
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
I had a terrible taxi experience from BKK to town yesterday.
There were no taxis at the official queue and there must have been 200-300 people waiting in line. So, I went up to departures. I tried choosing a taxi who was dropping off a passenger. He suggested meter, so I thought we were good to go.
His meter route included a tour of Lat Krabang, and even a few hundred meters on the highway to Chornburi. Thursday morning traffic was dreadful...
We went through LatKrabang again, with the meter almost at 200 at this point. Then down On Nut to Sukhumvit, and along until the hotel on Soi 15. It took forever.
I hope for better luck on my next visit. 555
There were no taxis at the official queue and there must have been 200-300 people waiting in line. So, I went up to departures. I tried choosing a taxi who was dropping off a passenger. He suggested meter, so I thought we were good to go.
His meter route included a tour of Lat Krabang, and even a few hundred meters on the highway to Chornburi. Thursday morning traffic was dreadful...
We went through LatKrabang again, with the meter almost at 200 at this point. Then down On Nut to Sukhumvit, and along until the hotel on Soi 15. It took forever.
I hope for better luck on my next visit. 555
#1309
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
I had a terrible taxi experience from BKK to town yesterday.
There were no taxis at the official queue and there must have been 200-300 people waiting in line. So, I went up to departures. I tried choosing a taxi who was dropping off a passenger. He suggested meter, so I thought we were good to go.
His meter route included a tour of Lat Krabang, and even a few hundred meters on the highway to Chornburi. Thursday morning traffic was dreadful...
We went through LatKrabang again, with the meter almost at 200 at this point. Then down On Nut to Sukhumvit, and along until the hotel on Soi 15. It took forever.
I hope for better luck on my next visit. 555
There were no taxis at the official queue and there must have been 200-300 people waiting in line. So, I went up to departures. I tried choosing a taxi who was dropping off a passenger. He suggested meter, so I thought we were good to go.
His meter route included a tour of Lat Krabang, and even a few hundred meters on the highway to Chornburi. Thursday morning traffic was dreadful...
We went through LatKrabang again, with the meter almost at 200 at this point. Then down On Nut to Sukhumvit, and along until the hotel on Soi 15. It took forever.
I hope for better luck on my next visit. 555
#1310
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
#1311
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
#1312
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
As to paying ..... had a bad detour in MNL, and I mentioned to the driver that he was taking the long way around the airport, and sure enough the fare was kind of high (second trip to same hotel with same arrival time in relatively short timeframe).
Waited for someone from hotel to approach the taxi, and then told taxi driver the fare was too high and let's discuss with hotel person what "normal" fare should be. Driver quickly accepted "normal" price .... only about a couple of bucks extra IIRC, but it just irks me to pay the visitor tax
#1313
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,192
#1314
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
#1315
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Heading into town, either on the tollway, surface roads or by SARL on a weekday morning will always be challenging - at least we're into the Winter (dry) season, so street flooding is no longer a concern.
Making a connection to the MRT (subway) in-bound at Petchaburi, or the BTS (skytrain) at Phaya Thai, with anything larger than a wallet in the AM rush may prove vexing. Some folks ride the SARL OUTBOUND to Lat Krabang or even the airport, and turnaround just to get on a train. Obviously, this doesn't impact a traveler starting at the airport, but it is an indicator of the volumes.
Making a connection to the MRT (subway) in-bound at Petchaburi, or the BTS (skytrain) at Phaya Thai, with anything larger than a wallet in the AM rush may prove vexing. Some folks ride the SARL OUTBOUND to Lat Krabang or even the airport, and turnaround just to get on a train. Obviously, this doesn't impact a traveler starting at the airport, but it is an indicator of the volumes.
#1316
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
Interesting. I was staying near the about to be opened Iconsiam and the condo where I was staying tried for 30 minutes (at 11 am) to find me a taxi (traffic is a nightmare due to construction of a new light rail decreasing the already overcrowded road by 50%) I gave up and used Grab (which I've been avoiding due to mostly higher rates for grabcar and unnecessary surcharge for taxi - but not unnecessary in the case). It saved me this time.
#1317
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
Waited for someone from hotel to approach the taxi, and then told taxi driver the fare was too high and let's discuss with hotel person what "normal" fare should be. Driver quickly accepted "normal" price .... only about a couple of bucks extra IIRC, but it just irks me to pay the visitor tax
#1318
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Last time I reported a driver to the police, they imposed a 10,000 baht fine.
Can you share any details on this incident? You summoned the police, and they fined the driver 10,000 baht on the spot, and he paid?
I am under the impression that the standard fine for not using the meter remains 1,000 baht. But maybe your driver had additional infractions: no license, for example?
From an article published yesterday...mostly about monthly rentals, 12,000 baht/month, and potential fare increases. https://www.dailynews.co.th/economic/674844
The Department of Land Transport that regulates taxis said that top fines of 1,000 baht would continue to be handed out to any taxi drivers reported for not using the meter.
Pheeraphon Thawornsuphacharoen said that licence suspensions would be handed out for second offences.
Can you share any details on this incident? You summoned the police, and they fined the driver 10,000 baht on the spot, and he paid?
I am under the impression that the standard fine for not using the meter remains 1,000 baht. But maybe your driver had additional infractions: no license, for example?
From an article published yesterday...mostly about monthly rentals, 12,000 baht/month, and potential fare increases. https://www.dailynews.co.th/economic/674844
The Department of Land Transport that regulates taxis said that top fines of 1,000 baht would continue to be handed out to any taxi drivers reported for not using the meter.
Pheeraphon Thawornsuphacharoen said that licence suspensions would be handed out for second offences.