Getting around Thailand: transport options explained

Getting around Thailand is straightforward once you understand which transport type applies to each kind of journey. City travel, inter-city travel, and island travel each have their own options.

Bangkok: getting around the city

BTS Skytrain is the fastest way to move around central Bangkok. Two lines (Sukhumvit and Silom) cover most tourist and business areas. Buy a Rabbit Card for easy top-ups, or use contactless payment at newer turnstiles. Fares range from 17–59 THB.

MRT Subway complements the BTS with additional coverage, including the Chatuchak market area, Chinatown, and the riverside. The two systems intersect at several interchange stations.

Chao Phraya Express Boat runs along the river and is one of the more pleasant ways to travel between the Grand Palace area, Chinatown, and the upper riverside. Much cheaper than a taxi. Look for the orange-flag boats for the most frequent service.

Grab works well for trips that are not well-served by rail. Set the destination in-app, confirm the price, and wait outside your building. Much less friction than hailing a metered taxi, though taxis are also reliable in Bangkok if you insist on the meter.

Tuk-tuks are fun for short distances and a quintessential Bangkok experience, but always agree on a price before you get in. They are not metered.

Inter-city travel

Overnight trains are one of the best ways to travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The journey takes about 13 hours, but departing in the evening and arriving in the morning means you save on a night's accommodation. Book in advance through the State Railway of Thailand website or through 12Go.

Buses and minivans cover routes the train does not. Minivans are faster but less comfortable over long distances. Buses from Bangkok's Mo Chit terminal serve the north; Southern Terminal serves the south.

Domestic flights are worth considering for longer distances — Bangkok to Phuket or Bangkok to Hat Yai. AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air all operate domestic routes and fares can be very cheap when booked in advance.

12Go Asia is the simplest way to search and book trains, buses, and ferries across Thailand. It handles routes, timetables, and bookings in one place.

Getting to the islands

Surat Thani is the main mainland hub for ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. You can reach Surat Thani by overnight train from Bangkok, then take a combined bus-ferry ticket to the island.

Krabi and Phuket are the departure points for boats to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and the Andaman islands. Ferry services vary significantly by season — some routes only run from November to April.

Koh Chang in the east is reached from Trat, a short flight or long bus ride from Bangkok.

Booking ferry-plus-accommodation packages through 12Go or Klook often works out cheaper than booking each leg separately, and saves time at the pier.

Renting a motorbike

Renting a motorbike is common in resort areas like Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pai, and Koh islands. It gives you independence that no taxi app can match.

That said: Thai roads have a significantly higher accident rate than in most Western countries, and many travel insurance policies do not cover motorbike accidents unless you hold a valid licence for the vehicle class. Check your policy before you rent.