Getting around
Bangkok's trains, ride-hailing, and how people get around in cities without rail — including the fare change coming on 1 January 2027.
The essentials
- Bangkok's rail lines (BTS, MRT, Airport Rail Link, Red Lines and more) have charged a flat 20 baht a ride since 1 October 2025.
- From 1 January 2027 that is planned to change to a common fare of 17 to 45 baht, paying the entry fare only once when you change lines.
- Grab and Bolt work in every major city for cars, motorbike taxis and food delivery.
- Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya have no metro. Most residents use a scooter, a car, songthaews or baht buses.
- Riding a scooter without a Thai or valid international licence can void your insurance.
Who this is for
Anyone working out whether they need a car, and how to get around day to day.
Bangkok
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway cover most of the areas expats live in. Pay by contactless bank card on the MRT and increasingly on other lines, or with the lines' own stored-value cards.
River boats on the Chao Phraya and canal boats on Khlong Saen Saep are fast ways across the city at rush hour.
Motorbike taxis (in orange vests) are quick for short trips; agree the price first or use the Grab app.
Fares: the 20-baht flat fare is being replaced. Cabinet approved a 17 to 45 baht common ticket on 23 June 2026, planned from 1 January 2027. Check the operator's site for the current fare.
Other cities
| City | How people get around |
|---|---|
| Chiang Mai | Red songthaews (shared trucks), Grab, scooters |
| Phuket | Scooter or car; Grab; the island has no rail and buses are limited |
| Pattaya | Baht buses along the main roads, Grab, scooters |
Travelling around Thailand
State Railway trains (including sleeper trains to the north), long-distance buses and cheap domestic flights connect every region. Book trains on the State Railway of Thailand site.
Common mistakes
Renting a scooter without a licence or helmet. Police checkpoints fine you, and insurers can refuse accident claims.
Assuming the 20-baht fare lasts forever.
Choosing a Bangkok home far from a station to save rent, then losing the saving in taxis.
Related guides
Driving licence, Accommodation (living near a station), Cost of living.
Official sources
Everything above is written from these. Rules change without notice, so check the relevant one before you book, pay or travel.
This page was last checked against those sources on 26 September 2026. Spotted something out of date? and we'll re-check it.