Transport in Thailand: All you need to know

South East Asia is famous for its crowded streets, speeding mopeds, buses, and trains that never go on time and ever-present chaos in public transport. Thailand is a bit more developed than the other nearby countries, but when it comes to its transportation it’s not that much different. It’s easy to get lost here.

When I first visited Thailand I was in shock. Nothing was the same as in Europe and it wasn’t easy to get used to scooters and the public transport, which wasn’t very reliable. I could have avoided any surprises if I had prepared myself for the trip a bit better. Fortunately, today I know and I would like to share this knowledge with you.

In this post, I will give basic information regarding public transport in Thailand, which will make it easier for you to move around the Kingdom. However, always be prepared for surprises. This is Thailand after all and you never know what might happen.

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Last update – December 2025

This guide at a glance

Transportation in Thailand is well developed and inexpensive. You can choose from: fast flights (from 700 THB), comfortable trains (from 30 THB), convenient buses (from 150 THB), and local transportation in cities (BTS/MRT in Bangkok, songteaws in Chiang Mai).

In this guide, you will find:

✓ Detailed descriptions of each type of transport with prices

✓ Practical advice on how to buy tickets and avoid scams

✓ Breakdown of local transport for Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands

✓ Comparison table of times and costs

✓ FAQ with answers to the most important questions

Fastest option: Plane (1-2 hours between major cities)

Cheapest option: 3rd class train (from 30 THB)

Most comfortable: VIP night bus (you save on accommodation!)

Transport in Thailand – what to expect?

Transport in Thailand is more developed than in Cambodia or in Vietnam. People are a little bit more cultured and don’t push you around, don’t jump queues and are polite to one another. In bigger cities, it’s quite easy to catch a cab. Uber and Grab are great here and their prices are very competitive.

It’s easy to travel between the larger transportation hubs. As it’s a very touristy country, you won’t have much trouble to get to the central spots.

It might take you a while to get used to the way things work here, but don’t give up. When you understand the system, it will be hard to stop you from travelling to different places in the country.

Types of transport in Thailand by location

Many cities in Thailand don’t have a very developed transportation system. In most cases, you have to rely on taxis and songthaews – big trucks, where you sit at the back. Everything depends on where you’re going. It’s worth reading about each place to avoid confusion and stress.

Below you will find transportation types at each larger locations in Thailand.

Bangkok

Bangkok is definitely not a quiet and relaxed city. Although Thai people are a very laid-back nation, the streets here certainly don’t look like it. However, I must mention that I am always surprised by how quiet it is in the subway or on the BTS. I find it interesting that even during rush hour, people are simply quiet. I remember once standing at the subway ticket machine and a crowd of people got off the train. Everyone walked in a line, one after another, and basically no one talked. Only a few people whispered to each other. It is worth paying attention to this, because there is no shortage of hidden recordings on social media showing foreigners talking very loudly to each other. Thais consider this to be a lack of manners.

BTS – Skytrain

Probably the best way of moving around the city. BTS trains are fast, clean and comfortable. Skytrain has 2 lines – Sukumvit, which stretches from the north to the east and Silom, which runs from the south to the west. The trains work from 6:30 until midnight.

If you want to use BTS more often, it’s good to buy a BTS Smart Card. Temporary residents and tourists can purchase a Rabbit Card. Another option is to simply buy a single ticket, which are available at the stations. Ticket machines accept only small change. If you don’t have any coins, you can break your notes at a cash desk, which is usually located just next to the machines. One way ticket costs 20-60 Baht. A whole day ticket costs 120 Baht. Monthly tickets are also available and cost 300-1,000 Baht, depending on the number of stops.

MRT – Metro

Metro in Bangkok is also fast and modern. It includes 18 stations and covers 20 km from Hua Lamphong in the south to Bang Sue in the north. Trains leave every 5-7 minutes and start running at 6:30. They finish at around midnight.

Tickets are small tokens, which you can buy at the stations.

Buses

Streets of Bangkok are crowded with buses. They are usually very old and seem to be struggling with the number of people and heat. There are so many lines and kinds of buses in Bangkok that it’s hard to get your head around it. If you really want to use them, then it’s good to get an MBTA map, which is available at bus terminals.

Personally, I rarely use buses. They are slow, they don’t run on time, and they don’t have air conditioning, so it gets very hot inside. My most memorable trip on a city bus in Bangkok was a trip to Koh Kred, an island in the capital. It took me 3 hours one way, and on the way back I got completely lost and had to order a taxi. Only choose the bus if you have time.

Buses in Bangkok start running at 5 am and finish at midnight. The cost varies depending on the kind of a bus you choose. 8.50 Baht is an express bus and 9-19 bus costs to get on a bus with an air con. Except that there are: a red line (8 Baht), a white and blue line (8 Baht) and an orange line (2-22 Baht). Tickets are available from a person on the bus, who should approach you as soon as you take a seat. They will ask you where you want to go and based on that information will sell you a ticket. Make sure you have some change with you.

If you want to get off, you need to let the driver know. You can do that by pressing a special button, which is located above the seats. Just remember to do it before you get to your stop.

Taxis

Taxis in Bangkok have their charm, but they are quite disliked by tourists. They look interesting and colourful, but drivers like to cheat and raise their prices. They are not very keen to use meters and don’t want to pick up people, who will bargain with them.

If you don’t want to overpay then learn some Thai. Asking for a price in the local language might be very helpful in some situations.

You can catch a taxi on the street. Cars with a special red light on on the driver’s side are free. You just have to wave at it for the driver to stop.

Uber, Grab and Bolt

Uber is illegal in Thailand and does not operate there. Therefore, be sure to download two other apps beforehand.

Grab is the equivalent of Uber and is the most popular. In the app, you can order a regular taxi, but also a motorcycle taxi. In addition, there are options for ordering food, which are useful if, for example, you are sick or it is raining heavily and you don’t want to leave the hotel.

The second app is Bolt, which is better known in Europe. The prices here are also very reasonable.

I recommend downloading both apps in advance. You can use them immediately after landing if you buy an E-Sim in advance. Read more about SIM cards in Thailand here.

Motorbike taxis

I actually didn’t know about them until my 3rd or 4th time in Thailand. I use them frequently when in Bangkok and love to ride them.

The legendary motorbike taxis are everywhere in Bangkok. They speed through the city and are beloved by the locals. It is probably the fastest way to get from one point to another. Drivers wear orange vests and that’s how you will recognize them. They usually stand by BTS and MRT stations. The cost of a ride depends on a distance and you can always try to bargain a little.

Boats

Taxi boats in Bangkok are one of their kind. Thanks to them you can get from one end of the city to the other without any problems. Another advantage is the price.

There are a couple of types of boats. Express boats stop at main stations. If you want to cross the river then you can catch a small ferry for only 3 Baht.

Riverboats stop in many places and cost from 10 Baht, depending on the length of the journey.

Chao Phraya Boat Company has the largest amount of boats and lines. If you are in a rush and are not sure where to stop, then you can use the tourist boats, which stop wherever you like. The price is higher and a trip can cost you even 100 Baht.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are the most famous type of transportation in Bangkok and in Thailand. They are used mainly by tourists, but sometimes locals and expats use them, too. They are a bit expensive comparing to MRT, BTS, or normal taxis. Drivers like to lift the prices when they see a lost westerner. If you want to live in Bangkok, avoid them and choose something cheaper.

Are you going to Bangkok? Check out my 3-day plan for visiting the capital of Thailand.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is much smaller than Bangkok. People here live slower, but the city is rapidly developing. There are more cars, more scooters and more people, which makes moving around a bit difficult. If you want to live in Chiang Mai, then it’s good to familiarise yourself with public transport here, which isn’t as developed and convenient as it is in Bangkok.

Songthaew

They are the only proper public transportation here. Songthaews in Chiang Mai are also known as the red taxis. They are simply big trucks, made so you can sit at the back on a special bench. One drive costs 20 Baht and if you go somewhere a little further, then you have to pay more. Songthaews in Chiang Mai are very common and you can catch one on a street. They also drive to the nearby towns. Remember that different colours mean different directions and if you want a ride inside the city, then you need to take the red car.

Tuk-tuks

This is another way of moving around Chiang Mai. Drivers are available 24/7. Prices are high and you have to bargain to get a fair deal. Tuk-tuks are used mainly by tourists.

Taxis

You can catch a taxi on a street. However, they are not as common. The best way is to use Uber or Grab.

Are you going to Chiang Mai? – Check out my guide to the city here.

The islands

The islands in Thailand don’t have buses nor trains. They don’t need them. Most of the islands are small and the locals move around by scooters.

Planning your own Thai island adventure? Get my insider Thailand tips.

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Songthaew

If you are not brave enough then you can use songthaews, which are a bit more expensive than in Chiang Mai. For one trip you will pay 50-100 Baht. Sometimes the cost can be spread among the passengers if you hire the car with a few other people. Songthaews are available on the streets of the major towns and you can catch them on the road, too.

Connections between the cities

It’s easy to get from one city to another in Thailand. The country has a very well developed transportation system.

Flights

Thailand has a few local airlines, which fly to almost anywhere. Additionally, there are foreign airlines and low-cost airlines, such as Air Asia. Tickets can be bought online. I always use Skyscanner, which always shows me all the available cheapest and most convenient options.

Find your connection on Skyscanner.

Buses and trains

There is a good network of buses and trains in Thailand. Those running between major cities are quite comfortable. I recommend booking your ticket on 12GoAsia, which is really great for planning your trips.

Check your connection here.

Buses to smaller towns and villages are less luxurious and travelling on them is a real adventure. You cannot book tickets online and you have to buy them at a bus station. You need to find the right cash desk, which sells tickets to where you want to go. Sales assistants speak some English and it’s not really that difficult to communicate with them.

Boats and ferries

Boats, ferries, and catamarans run between the islands. You can also use speed boats, which are motorboats that vary in size and, depending on their size, can rock quite a bit. Slow boats are large ferries. Traveling on them takes twice as long, but it is cheaper and, in my opinion, more pleasant. Catamarans are a good choice if the weather is nice. During the rainy season or during a storm, I advise against them for sensitive people and those who suffer from seasickness.

Larger boats always have toilets and a bar with food and drinks. You will also find something to eat and toilets at marinas and terminals.

Boats in Thailand are generally safe, but as everywhere, accidents do happen. I recommend getting good insurance in advance, such as SafetyWing or Genki.

Boat ticket prices vary greatly. It all depends on the destination, the size of the boat, and the time. I recommend checking prices on 12GoAsia.

Private taxis

I recently took advantage of this option. I used to think it was an unnecessary expense, but after staying on Koh Kood and other eastern islands, I was so tired of the sun and heat that I decided to hire a private taxi. It took me from the east, Trat province, to Bangkok. I booked it on 12GoAsia. The driver was waiting for me at the ferry terminal and drove me to my hotel in 5 hours. I paid about 100 euros for it. The taxi was a large minivan with air conditioning and a very friendly driver who really took care of my comfort. I will definitely use this option again.

Want to know more about the islands in Thailand? – I recommend reading my posts about Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta and Koh Chang.

Prices and timings – Comparison table

Route	Distance	Flight	Train	Bus
Bangkok – Chiang Mai	692 Km	1 hr. 15 min. (700-1500 THB)	12-13 hrs (800-1300 THB)	10-11 hrs (580-750 THB)
Bangkok – Phuket	842 Km	1 hr. 25 min. (800-200 THB)	N/A	12-13 hrs (700-1200 THB)
Bangkok – Koh Samui	763 Km	1 hr. 15 min. (2000-3000 THB)	13-16 hrs (1200 THB + prom)	13-14 hrs (950 THB + prom)
Bangkok – Ayutthaya	81 Km	N/A	1-2 hrs (30 THB)	1 hr 30 min. (60 THB)
Chiang Mai – Pai	135 Km	N/A	N/A	3-4 hrs (350 THB)
Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai	199 Km	1 hr 15 min. (1000 THB)	N/A	4 hrs (270 THB)

Prices for 2025 – They can vary depending on the route and season.

Find your connection:

Scooters in Thailand

This is an entirely separate subject. If you want to be independent and have an adventure, I really recommend this type of transport. At the beginning, it will seem very difficult and chaotic, but driving a scooter in Thailand is great once you get used to it.

You can buy or rent a scooter. Rental places are available in larger cities and one day costs 250 Baht. Buying a scooter involves some formalities and it’s not very hard.  You can read my previous post about how to ride a scooter in Chiang Mai.

Here you can read more about doing your driving licence in Thailand.

FAQ – Transportation in Thailand

What is the best way to get around Thailand?

It depends on distance and budget. For long distances: flights are fastest (from 700 THB), trains are most scenic and comfortable, buses are cheapest. In cities: Bangkok has BTS/MRT, Chiang Mai has songthaews, islands use scooters.

How much does transportation cost in Thailand?

• Domestic flights: 700-2,500 THB
• Trains: 30-1,300 THB (depending on class)
• Buses: 150-1,200 THB
• BTS/MRT Bangkok: 17-59 THB
• Taxis: 50-300 THB (with meter)
• Grab: similar to taxis
• Scooter rental: 150-300 THB/day

Does Uber work in Thailand?

NO. Uber stopped operating in Thailand in 2018. Use Grab or Bolt instead – they work exactly like Uber, have the same features, and are just as affordable.

Do I need an international driving license in Thailand?

YES, if you want to rent a scooter or car. Without it, you can get fined 500-1,000 THB and rental companies may refuse service. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before traveling.

How do I book train and bus tickets in Thailand?

Easiest way: 12Go Asia – all connections in one place, card payment, e-tickets. You can also buy at stations or through travel agencies. Book 2-3 days ahead for overnight trains in high season.

Is transportation in Thailand safe?

Generally very safe. Biggest risk: scooters – always wear a helmet! Taxis sometimes try to overcharge tourists – use Grab/Bolt or make sure the meter is running.

How do I get from Bangkok airport to the city center?

Easiest options: Airport Rail Link (45 min, 45 THB) or Grab (45-60 min, 250-400 THB depending on traffic). Official taxis also work but make sure they use the meter.

How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

• Flight: 1h 15min (700-1,500 THB)
• Train: 12-13h (890-1,300 THB)
• Bus: 10-11h (580-765 THB)

Can I pay by card for transportation in Thailand?

Grab/Bolt: YES. Buses/trains: usually NO (cash only). BTS/MRT: YES (via Rabbit Card). Taxis: rarely. Always carry cash!

How do songthaews work in Chiang Mai?

Songthaews (red taxis) are shared transport. Flag one down, tell driver where you’re going, pay 20-40 THB. You ride with other passengers. Press the bell to get off.

What’s the best way to get to Thai islands?

Most islands require a ferry or speedboat. Popular routes: to Ko Phi Phi, Ko Samui, Ko Lanta. Book tickets in advance through 12Go Asia or at the pier.

Is it safe to ride a scooter in Thailand?

Scooters are common but risky if you’re not experienced. ALWAYS wear a helmet (500 THB fine if caught without). Drive defensively. Get proper insurance. Many accidents involve inexperienced tourists.

Thailand is a very tourist friendly country and as a traveller, or an expat, you shouldn’t have any problems with moving around. My advice is not to stress when a bus doesn’t come on time, or if a taxi driver tries to cheat you. Transport in Thailand might not be the best, but using it in an effective way is just a matter of getting used to it.