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Getting Around Thailand: Bangkok BTS, MRT, Boats, and Grab
Bangkok's traffic is heavy, so making good use of the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway is key. On the islands and in smaller cities, ride-hailing apps and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are the main ways to get around.
Transport by City
Bangkok
- BTS (Skytrain): Connects Sukhumvit, Siam, and Silom, covering most shopping and hotel areas
- MRT (subway): Transfer to BTS Asok at Sukhumvit Station, runs toward Chinatown and Chatuchak Market
- Chao Phraya express boats: Reach the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun without traffic
- Grab and Bolt: Fares are set in advance, which is easier than metered taxis
Phuket
- Public transport on the island is limited, so most people use Grab, Bolt, tuk-tuks (negotiate the fare), or rental cars.
- There's also a bus linking the airport with Patong and Kata beaches.
Koh Samui
- Use songthaews (shared pickup trucks) and Grab or Bolt.
- Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut are 10-20 minutes apart by car.
Chiang Mai
- Red songthaews run all over town, and Grab is easy to get too.
- The Old City is great for exploring on foot.
Getting Around Tips
- Before getting into a tuk-tuk or regular taxi, confirm that the meter will be used or agree on the fare first.
- During Bangkok rush hours (7-9 a.m. and 5-8 p.m.), the BTS and MRT are much faster than the roads.
- In the rainy season, roads flood right after a downpour and cars are hard to find. Check the live cam to see if the rain has stopped before heading out.
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Last updated: 2026-10-30
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