“Public transportation and Connections in Thailand”

Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the world. But one question often arises: how do you get around the cities? Whether you’re planning your trip or just curious to know more, this guide is here to help.

Thailand offers a wide range of public transportation options, both efficient and affordable, allowing you to travel easily within the cities as well as between different regions of the country.

Which types of transport are most commonly used, and how do they work?

🚆 Trains (State Railway of Thailand – SRT)
What they are: Long-distance trains connecting Bangkok with the whole country.
Where do you catch them: main train stations, e.g. Bangkok Hua Lamphong (gradually moving to Bang Sue Grand Station).
Tickets:

• at the station ticket offices

• online on 12GO

• On the SRT website: https://www.thairailwayticket.com

• through tourist agencies.

Types of trains: ordinary, rapid, express, special express, and overnight trains with bunks.
Payment: cash, cards or online.

🚇 S ubway (MRT) and Skytrain (BTS) in Bangkok
What they are: Modern and efficient means of getting around the capital quickly while avoiding traffic.
How they are used:

• BTS Skytrain: two main lines (Silom and Sukhumvit).

• MRT Subway: blue and purple lines.

Tickets and payment:

• Single tickets: can be purchased at vending machines (bills or coins).

• Reloadable Cards: Rabbit Card (BTS) / MRT Card (MRT).

• Digital payments: contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard) and QR code via apps (LINE Pay, TrueMoney).

🚌 Public buses (BMTA) in Bangkok
What they are: Cheap means of getting around the city, often a bit chaotic but widely used by Venues.
Types: air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned.
Tickets: purchased on board from the person in charge (conductor).
Fares: between 8 and 20 baht, depending on the type of bus.
Payment: cash.

🚌 Long-distance buses
What they are: An economical way to travel between different locations with many comfort options and services for all needs
Types: different comfort classes, Express, VIP, air-conditioned.
Tickets: purchased at the station, through agencies, or online at 12GO
Fares: cheap.
Payment: cash, cards, App.

🛺 Tuk-Tuk
What they are: Iconic, noisy, and picturesque three-wheeled vehicles used mostly by tourists for short distances.
How to get: by stopping one on the street or via App (e.g., Grab / Bolt).
Price: to be bargained before the ride.
Payment: cash or via App if booked online.

🚖 Taxi
What they are: Regular cabs, recognizable by their bright colors (pink, green, yellow).
How to catch: by stopping one on the street or using Apps such as Grab or Bolt.

• Metered cab: basic fare ~40 baht.

• Some drivers may refuse to use the meter in tourist areas: insist on it, negotiate the fare before getting in, or use ride-hailing apps.

Reservation recommended: via Grab or Bolt.
Payment: cash, Grab Pay or cards via app.

🛵 Moto-taxis
What they are: Motorcycles with drivers found almost everywhere, used for short trips or for moving quickly through traffic.
Price: agreed beforehand or indicated by fare signs at the stations.
Payment: cash.

🚤 Boats and boats
What they are: Useful river vehicles for getting around Bangkok or moving between islands.
Bangkok: Chao Phraya Express Boat service.
Tickets: can be purchased at the pier before boarding.
Fares: 10 to 40 baht each way.
Tourist alternatives: private longtail boats (more expensive, price to be bargained).

🚐 Minivan
What they are: Vans used for connections between cities or to tourist destinations.
Tickets: can be purchased at the station (e.g., Mo Chit, Ekkamai, Sai Tai Mai), from agencies, or conveniently online with 12GO .
Payment: cash or online if booked in advance.

🚙 Songthaew (สองแถว)
What they are: Modified pickups with two rear benches, used as collective cabs or Venue buses.
Where they are found: very common in provincial cities (e.g., Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Phuket).
How they are used:

• Fixed routes: operate like minibuses following a predefined route but without stops, to get off you press the appropriate warning button and the vehicle stops just ahead. Payment is made as soon as you get off the vehicle, directly to the driver in cash.

• Private rides: You can hire one by negotiating the price.

Rates: between 10 and 50 baht, depending on distance (more for private hire).
Payment: cash, directly to driver.

📲 USEFUL APP:

• 12GO: Bus, Train, Ferries, Flights

• Grab: taxi, tuk-tuk, motorbike.

• Bolt: alternative to Grab, widely used in Thailand.

• Google Maps: to see bus and skytrain routes.

• Moovit: Public transportation info (Bus schedules, routes, and stops)

💳 Most common payment methods:

• Cash (especially for songthaew, motosai, tuk tuk)

• Prepaid cards for public transportation (Rabbit Card for the BTS, MRT Card for the Metro, in Bangkok)

• Contactless and QR codes (particularly in large cities)

• App (Grab, TrueMoney, LINE Pay)

🔔 Useful Tips:

• Always carry some small change with you for buses, songthaews, and moto-taxis.
• Negotiate the price with tuk-tuks and other private transport.
• During peak hours, prefer BTS/MRT to avoid road traffic.
• Use 12go.com for booking train tickets, long-distance bus, and domestic flights.

Getting Around the Most Popular Destinations

Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Krabi, Koh Samui

🚆 Bangkok: The Kingdom of Traffic… and Smart Solutions

Bangkok is huge, chaotic, and fascinating. But fortunately, it boasts one of the best transportation systems in Southeast Asia.

The main transportation options:

• BTS Skytrain: Modern, fast, and efficient elevated metro. It operates from 6:00 AM to midnight, perfect for avoiding traffic.
  Price: 16 to 62 THB per ride (0.40-1.60 €).
  Recommended to buy Rabbit Card.

• MRT (Metro): Covers areas not served by the BTS. Clean, air-conditioned, and punctual.
  Price: 16 to 45 THB (0.40 to 1.20 €).

• Airport Rail Link: connects Suvarnabhumi International Airport with the city center.
  Price: 15 to 45 THB (€0.40 to €1.20).

• Boats on the Chao Phraya River: ideal for visiting the old town and temples while avoiding traffic.
  Price: 10 to 32 THB (0.25-0.80 €).
  Tourist hop-on hop-off boat: about 150 THB (4 €) per day.

• Buses: cheap but often slow due to traffic.
  Price: 8 to 25 THB (0.20-0.60 €).

• Tuk-tuk and moto-taxi: typical, folkloric, useful only for short distances.
  Tuk-tuk price: 60 to 150 THB (1.50-4 €) for short routes. Always negotiate on price.
  Moto-taxi: 20 to 100 THB (€0.50-2.50).

• Cabs: convenient if it is raining or you are not alone, but there is a risk of getting stuck in traffic during rush hour.
  Metered cab price: from 35 THB (0.90€), remind the driver to activate the meter or alternatively agree on the right price before getting into the car.

Useful tip (especially for less short trips): download the Grab or Bolt app (both widely used in Thailand) to your smartphone to quickly hail cabs to your location with very clear times and prices.

🛺 Pattaya: Easy Life and a Sea of Pussy

In Pattaya, life is more relaxed, as is traffic and transportation.

Getting around:

• Songthaew (baht bus): small pickup trucks with seats in the back, the most popular vehicle.
  Price: 10-20 THB (€0.25-0.50).

• Tuk-tuk and moto-taxi: found everywhere.
  Private tuk-tuk price: 100-200 THB (2.50-5 €).
  Moto-taxi: 40-80 THB (1-2 €).

• Bus and train to/from Bangkok: frequent and cheap connections.
  Bus price: 120-150 THB (3-4 €).
  Train price (2nd class): 30-40 THB (0.80-1 €).

• Motorbike Rental: very common, but remember: an international driver’s license is necessary (and leave a copy of your passport with the rental agency, while keeping the original with you or safely in your accommodation).
  Price: about 250–300 THB per day (6.50–8 €).

🚌 Phuket: Beaches and Tourism

Phuket is big, touristy, and crowded. But there are practical solutions.

Transportation in Phuket:

• Phuket Smart Bus: Modern, air-conditioned, with Wi-Fi and USB outlets. Perfect for those traveling between the beaches.
  Price: 50-170 THB one way (€1.30-4.50), depending on distance.

• Songthaew and tuk-tuk: useful but watch out for inflated prices for tourists.
  Songthaew price: 30-50 THB (0.80-1.30 €).
  Private tuk-tuk price: 200-300 THB (5-8 €).

• Moto-taxi:
  Price: 40-150 THB (1-4 €).

• Private cabs:
  Price: 400-600 THB (€10-16) for routes between beaches.

• Scooter rental: affordable, but watch out for traffic and road conditions (leave a copy of your passport with the renter, the original keep it with you or in safe in your accommodation).
  Price: 250-350 THB per day (6.50-9 €).

Future plans: a tram/light rail system is on the way, planned for the next few years.

🚗 Chiang Mai: The Northern City Between Temples and Mountains

Chiang Mai has a collected downtown and a couple of “For Men” streets to explore on foot.

Most commonly used transportation:

• Red Songthaew: shared pickups with flexible routes. Just stop them and get on.
  Price: 20-40 THB (0.50-1 €).

• Cabs and apps such as Grab/Bolt: practical and reliable.
  Price: 60-120 THB (1.50-3 €).

• Moto-taxis: always comfortable and suitable for short trips.
  Price: 30-80 THB (0.80-2 €).

• Walking or biking: walking costs nothing and is pleasant.
  Bike rental price: 50-100 THB per day (1.30-2.50 €).

• Streetcars on the way: the project is in development and there is talk of 2027 as a possible opening date.

🌊 Hua Hin: Relaxation, Sea, Baretti and Low Prices

Hua Hin is a popular destination for those who want some sea and tranquility without straying too far from the capital.

Getting around:

• Walking: Hua Hin is not that big, and there is not much transportation in town, but by choosing a Hotel in the right location you can visit the whole central area from the sea to the station just by walking. For wide-ranging exploration, it is worth renting a scooter instead.

• Moto-taxis: can be found but much less than elsewhere.
  Moto-taxi price: 30-80 THB (0.80-2 €).

• Scooter rental: good for visiting more distant beaches and other points of interest outside the center.
  Price: 200-300 THB per day (€5-8).

Connections with Bangkok:

• Bus: frequent departures from Bangkok (Victory Monument or Southern Bus Terminal).Price: 160-200 THB (4-5 €).

• Train: scenic but rather slow.
  Price: 46-90 THB (€1.20-2.40).

• Private vans: 180-220 THB (4.50-6 €).

• Private Taxi: faster and more convenient option, but also more expensive.
  Price: from 2000 THB (about 53 €).

🌴 Krabi: Wild Nature and Postcard Beaches

Krabi is famous for Railay, Ao Nang and nearby islands such as Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around:

• Songthaew: ideal for moving between Krabi Town and Ao Nang.
  Price: 50-100 THB (€1.30-2.50).

• Tuk-tuk and moto-taxi: common in tourist areas.
  Tuk-tuk price: 150-300 THB (4-8 €).
  Moto-taxi price: 40-100 THB (1-2.50 €).

• Tourist minivans: for excursions or travel to other locations.
  Price: 150-350 THB (4-9 €).

Links:

• Plane: direct flights to Bangkok (1h20m, 900-1800 THB).

• Bus and ferry: sea connections to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.Combined ferry+bus price Phuket-Krabi: about THB 500-900 (€13-24).

🏖️ Koh Samui: The Island of Comfort (but not cheap)

Koh Samui is one of the most touristically developed islands, with convenient but expensive facilities compared to other parts of Thailand.

Getting around:

• Songthaew: shared vehicle, good for short routes.
  Price: 50-100 THB (€1.30-2.50).

• Cabs: convenient, but much more expensive than in the rest of the country.
  Price: 400-1000 THB per ride (10-26 €).

• Moto-taxi: for short distances.
  Price: 50-150 THB (1.30-4 €).

• Scooter rental: the best way to explore independently.
  Price: 250-350 THB per day (€6.50-9).

Links:

• Air: direct flights only with Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways.Price: 2500-4000 THB (65-100 €) per flight from Bangkok.

• Ferry + Bus: cheaper alternative via Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat.Combined price: 500-1200 THB (€13-32).

✈️ Air Connections Between Major Locations

📌 Venue Transportation Summary Table

Transportation in the Minor Islands of Thailand

Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta and other pearls of the sea

Thailand is not just Bangkok and Pattaya, Go Go Bars and NightLife, and for those who instead of the usual “Short Time” prefer a romantic vacation with “the Girlfriend for Hire”(a much more common practice than you might think) there are also many lesser-known islands that offer unique atmospheres, dreamy beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. Here are what they are and how to get around the islands most devoted to relaxation and how to reach them.

🐢 Koh Tao: Paradise for Divers and Nature Lovers

Getting around:

• Motorcycle-scooter: the best means of getting around the island, easy to rent.
  Price: 250-350 THB per day (6.50-9 €).

• Boat cabs: for moving between beaches or diving.
  Price: 200-400 THB (€5-10) each way, to be bargained.

• Walking: to explore the areas near the main village.

Links:

• Ferry: regular connections from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and the mainland port of Chumphon.
  Price: 300-600 THB (€8-15).

🌴 Koh Phangan: Famous for the Full Moon Party, but not only.

Getting around:

• Moto-scooter: very convenient for getting around the whole island.
  Price: 250-350 THB per day (€6.50-9).

• Songthaew and cabs: available, but less frequent.
  Price: 50-150 THB (1.30-4 €).

• Boat cabs: to reach more isolated beaches.

Links:

• Ferry: frequent from Koh Samui and Surat Thani.
  Price: 300-600 THB (€8-15).

🏝️ Koh Lanta: Quiet Beaches and Relaxed Atmosphere

Getting around:

• Scooter: the most popular means of visiting the island.
  Price: 200-300 THB per day (€5-8).

• Cabs: present but expensive compared to scooter.
  Price: 200-500 THB (€5-13).

• Car rental: available for groups or those who want more convenience.
  Price: 800-1500 THB per day (20-40 €).

Links:

• Ferry: connections to Krabi and Phuket by sea.
  Price: 200-400 THB (€5-10).

• Minivan: to/from Krabi and other locations.

⛴️ Other smaller islands (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Larn, Koh Samet, Koh Chang)

• Koh Phi Ph i: Popular for parties and nature, connected by ferry to Phuket and Krabi (400-600 THB).

• Koh Larn: Also known as “Coral Island,” located opposite Pattaya and very popular with day-trippers. Sandy beaches and clear sea. Easily reached by ferry from Bali Hai Pier a 5-minute walk from Walking Street (30-100 THB each way). via cheap ferries (30-50 THB) or speedboat.

• Koh Samet: Small island ideal for relaxation and crystal clear sea, popular with Bangkok residents for short weekends, accessible by bus or minivan to Ban Phe + ferry (200-300 THB).

• Koh Chang: Wildest and largest island near Trat, bordering Cambodia, reached by ferry (80-150 THB).

🧭 Useful Tips for Traveling to Thailand

✔️ Buy rechargeable cards (Rabbit Card for BTS, MRT Card for subway) for worry-free travel.

✔️ Avoid peak traffic hours (7:30-9:30 am and 5-7 pm), especially in Bangkok.

✔️ Always bargain the price with tuk-tuks and moto-taxis before leaving.

✔️ With regular Taxis always ask to activate the meter or haggle the fare first.

✔️ You can always use apps like Grab o Bolt which offer various alternatives besides the usual Taxis, in many cases it is convenient.

✔️ Use 12GO to search and book tickets for Trains, Ferries, Buses, and Domestic Flights to Thailand (not surprisingly, it is one of our partners, tested and rated as reliable before landing on these pages, there are good deals, clear prices, and it is easy to use).

✔️ For travel to the islands, prefer bus+ferry combination packages to save money.

So, as we have just seen, there is no shortage of options for getting from place to place in Thailand, and I hope this transportation guide will be useful to Traveling Friends in the Land of Smiles.

As a reminder, for more details about Thailand and other destinations, you can visit the other sections of the site devoted to Reviews, Hotels, Travel Stories, Insights and whatnot.

Greetings from your Editor and Bon Voyage!