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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
#1321
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,755
#1323
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
We landed at or before 7am. Immigration line was HUGE. I went down to ARL level to change money once through.
Moving from one country to another with a 2 day stop in Thailand, I had far too many overweight pieces to take the train.
Moving from one country to another with a 2 day stop in Thailand, I had far too many overweight pieces to take the train.
#1324
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,193
Add: MRT was jammed. Disneyland-style tape lines set up in the downstairs, train level waiting area queues.
Thankfully, it was a one station trip only.
I have difficulty in deciding which is the better option - ARL to Phaya Thai (more stations, added time/distance on the trains) or ARL to Makkasan (shorter distance on the trains but much longer walk to get to MRT station.) Both can be equally crowded.
#1325
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
If my destination is along BTS west of Nana I typically head to Phaya Thai and transfer there otherwise I'll cross over to MRT at Makkasan.
#1326
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: 14,429
With 4 a.m. departure time a week ago had a lot of time to waste. I was amazed at how long the ARL lines were after 11 p.m.
On a side note, way back in the back way past entrance to ARL there are restrooms, alas when I noted that there was no toilet paper, reply was "not have"
On a side note, way back in the back way past entrance to ARL there are restrooms, alas when I noted that there was no toilet paper, reply was "not have"
#1327
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I took the ARL to Makkasan and then switched to MRT last night.
Good thing you didn't arrive Friday evening, after an unusually heavy bout of rain pretty much the entire city was gridlocked for ~ 5 hours. At Asoke, lines were down all the stairs, and into the MRT, spilling out onto the footpaths. Traffic on Google Maps was dark red everywhere.
I swear we went from very few tourists on Thursday to a gazillion on Friday. Hard to get on the BTS almost everywhere given the number of folks with massive bags.
Good thing you didn't arrive Friday evening, after an unusually heavy bout of rain pretty much the entire city was gridlocked for ~ 5 hours. At Asoke, lines were down all the stairs, and into the MRT, spilling out onto the footpaths. Traffic on Google Maps was dark red everywhere.
I swear we went from very few tourists on Thursday to a gazillion on Friday. Hard to get on the BTS almost everywhere given the number of folks with massive bags.
#1328
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
It looks like the company which operates the DMK-Silom, and DMK-Khao San Road "limo buses" is now offering a similar service from/to Suvarnabhumi/BKK.
Airport Limobus Express Airport Suvarnabhumi Airport One way ticket is 180 baht. Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, 1st Floor, Gate 8 from 05.45am to 01.00am.
1. Suvarnabhumi Airport - Khaosan Road
2. Suvarnabhumi International Airport - Silom Road - Siam
??. 100
DMK service: Limobus Bangkok Airport, Don Mueang Airport Bus
Airport Limobus Express Airport Suvarnabhumi Airport One way ticket is 180 baht. Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, 1st Floor, Gate 8 from 05.45am to 01.00am.
1. Suvarnabhumi Airport - Khaosan Road
2. Suvarnabhumi International Airport - Silom Road - Siam
??. 100
DMK service: Limobus Bangkok Airport, Don Mueang Airport Bus
#1330
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
Last week, 1PM, 360 baht, didn't take the highway otherwise tolls would have been added. I'm not sure I'd refer to this as a flat fare though, at least it isn't like previously with Uber. The fares seem to jump around but this was one of the cheaper I've seen recently.
#1331
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
Last week, 1PM, 360 baht, didn't take the highway otherwise tolls would have been added. I'm not sure I'd refer to this as a flat fare though, at least it isn't like previously with Uber. The fares seem to jump around but this was one of the cheaper I've seen recently.
#1332
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
Thanks - I know it varies - but I can't remember if I take the highway if I pay the driver directly (with Uber I was so used to paying in cash I did that but then the app charged me too- I think Grab is like the regular taxi for tolls even if I take uber car not uber taxi).
#1333
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
You can use the app. pretty much anytime to get a feel for availability/pricing - just enter Suvarnabhumi, and your desired destination: just now 09:36 on Monday, 17 Dec. SBIA/BKK door #5/Level 2 to Terminal 21 (Asoke) 367 baht. Going the other way, from Asoke to SBIA/BKK I get 412 baht.
Looks like there are ~ ten vehicles within a few hundred meters, at the airport.
(LINE Man Taxi quotes a fare of 300-340 plus a 20 baht booking fee for SBIA/BKK-Asoke.)
Toll payment varies by driver and vehicle, IME, but it has always been extra (over the quoted price) for me.
I only pay in cash.
DMK to Terminal 21: 303 baht.
Looks like there are ~ ten vehicles within a few hundred meters, at the airport.
(LINE Man Taxi quotes a fare of 300-340 plus a 20 baht booking fee for SBIA/BKK-Asoke.)
Toll payment varies by driver and vehicle, IME, but it has always been extra (over the quoted price) for me.
I only pay in cash.
DMK to Terminal 21: 303 baht.
Last edited by transpac; Dec 16, 2018 at 8:21 pm
#1334
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
You can use the app. pretty much anytime to get a feel for availability/pricing - just enter Suvarnabhumi, and your desired destination: just now 09:36 on Monday, 17 Dec. SBIA/BKK door #5/Level 2 to Terminal 21 (Asoke) 367 baht. Going the other way, from Asoke to SBIA/BKK I get 412 baht.
Looks like there are ~ ten vehicles within a few hundred meters, at the airport.
(LINE Man Taxi quotes a fare of 300-340 plus a 20 baht booking fee for SBIA/BKK-Asoke.)
Toll payment varies by driver and vehicle, IME, but it has always been extra (over the quoted price) for me.
I only pay in cash.
DMK to Terminal 21: 303 baht.
Looks like there are ~ ten vehicles within a few hundred meters, at the airport.
(LINE Man Taxi quotes a fare of 300-340 plus a 20 baht booking fee for SBIA/BKK-Asoke.)
Toll payment varies by driver and vehicle, IME, but it has always been extra (over the quoted price) for me.
I only pay in cash.
DMK to Terminal 21: 303 baht.
#1335
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I'm going to The River
Grab, SBIA/BKK to The River (I chose the North Tower), shows as 434 baht.
Didn't realize it wouldn't work outside of Thailand, a VPN might help, if that's available to you?
You can check routing and distance (and traffic) on Google Maps. Right now showing 37.7 Km, but 1h18min via Rt 7, and 50.5 Km/1h7min via Bang Na Trat. During rush hour maybe plan for closer to two hours?
Grab, SBIA/BKK to The River (I chose the North Tower), shows as 434 baht.
Didn't realize it wouldn't work outside of Thailand, a VPN might help, if that's available to you?
You can check routing and distance (and traffic) on Google Maps. Right now showing 37.7 Km, but 1h18min via Rt 7, and 50.5 Km/1h7min via Bang Na Trat. During rush hour maybe plan for closer to two hours?