Get around Bangkok with ease using this family-friendly transport guide. Learn how to use the BTS, MRT, river boats, taxis and airport rail link.
Bangkok has notoriously bad traffic jams. So if you are wondering how to get around Bangkok, there are plenty of public transport options to help you avoid the traffic.
Public transport in Bangkok includes the BTS Skytrain, MRT (underground/subway) and River Taxis. Taxis are also cheap and abundant, and for fun, you will still find tuk tuks around the city.
- The BTS Skytrain connects the main shopping and entertainment districts
- River taxis are best for getting to the historical sites and riverside attractions
- Taxis are cheap and abundant, although traffic jams are common
- Tuk-tuks are still a fun way to get around town
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Travelling Bangkok with Kids
Getting around Bangkok with kids is easier than many parents expect, especially if you plan your transport wisely.
The BTS Skytrain and MRT are the most family-friendly options, helping you avoid traffic while staying cool and comfortable.
The MRT in particular is very stroller-friendly, with lifts and wider platforms. While most BTS stations also have lifts, they are sometimes tucked away at one end of the station.
If you’re travelling with a stroller, be prepared for uneven pavements and narrow footpaths once you leave the station. Many major shopping malls and attractions are connected by covered skywalks, which makes walking with kids much easier in busy areas like Siam and Sukhumvit.
River boats along the Chao Phraya are a fun way for families to travel and double as a sightseeing experience, but they are less practical with strollers due to steps and boarding gaps. They are best suited to families with older children who can move independently.
Taxis and Grab are useful when travelling with tired kids, shopping bags or luggage, but traffic can be heavy, especially at peak times. Child car seats are not guaranteed, so families with babies or toddlers may prefer to book a private transfer or use public transport where possible.
While tuk tuks are exciting and kids usually love the experience, they are best treated as a novelty rather than a main form of transport. Always agree on the price before setting off, and stick to short journeys.
Overall, Bangkok is very doable with children — choosing the Skytrain, MRT and occasional river boat will make getting around the city far more relaxed for the whole family.
Guide to Bangkok Public Transport
Read on for more details in tackling Bangkok’s public transport system.
BTS Skytrain
The BTS Skytrain is the most efficient way to get around the inner city of Bangkok. The trains run from 6am-midnight daily, and with just two lines it is easy to navigate.
Most bars, restaurants, attractions and hotels in Bangkok are within a short walk of a BTS Skytrain station. Many of the city’s shopping malls have direct access to the Skytrain via a skywalk.
MRT (Underground/Subway)
Similar to the Skytrain, but underground, the MRT will connect you with most places you want to go in the city. The MRT runs from 6am-midnight.
As with most cities, you should try to avoid rush hours (8-9:30am and 4-7pm) on the train systems, especially if you are travelling with a stroller or young kids.
Bangkok River Taxis
Another great way to avoid the traffic jams of Bangkok is to take to the Chao Praya River, as many of the main tourist attractions in Bangkok are easily accessible from the river.
Run by the Chao Praya Express Boat Company, there are various routes, indicated by the colour of flag they display.
The most popular boat with visitors to Bangkok is the Chao Praya Tourist Boat (blue flag). These are less crowded than local boats, and quicker as they only stop at select piers that are close to tourist attractions. They also benefit from English commentary.
The tourist boats run every 30 minutes from 9am to around 6pm. Tickets cost around 50B for a single journey or 180B for a 1-day pass.
An alternative to the Blue Flag boat is the Orange Flag boat, which also stops at all the major tourist areas.
Bangkok Taxis
Thanks to the terrible traffic in Bangkok, taking a taxi should be a last resort when it comes to getting around.
Some Bangkok Taxi drivers have a reputation for refusing to use the meter and making up exorbitant charges, so if you do need to take one, make sure the driver switches on the meter before you set off.
Anlternative to taxis in Bangkok is Grab, which is similar to Uber. Download the app to your phone and you can order a car at the touch of a button.
Tuk Tuk
A ride in a tuk tuk is always fun, and every visitor to Thailand should take at least one ride in one. They are a good option for short distances. The kids will love it too!
There are no meters in tuk tuks, so be sure to negotiate before you set off.
City buses (non-airport)
Bangkok city buses are cheap but confusing and we don’t really recommend them for short visits or first-timers. The BTS and MRT will get you where you need to go.
Tickets & Payments
Bangkok’s public transport system uses a mix of ticketing options, which can be a little confusing at first. For the BTS Skytrain, you can buy single-journey tickets from machines at each station, or purchase a Rabbit Card, which is a reusable stored-value card that can save time if you plan to use the Skytrain frequently.
The MRT operates on a separate ticketing system, with single-journey tokens available at stations. Some MRT and BTS stations now also accept contactless credit or debit cards, making it easier to tap on and off without buying tickets each time.
For river boats, tickets are purchased separately, either at the pier or onboard, depending on the service. The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat offers both single-journey tickets and day passes.
If you are travelling with kids, buying tickets as you go is often the simplest option, especially if you are mixing different types of transport. Children may qualify for reduced fares depending on height, rather than age.
Getting from Bangkok airport to City Centre
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is around 30km from the city. You have the choice of train, taxi or public bus/van to get into the city from Bangkok airport.
Airport Rail Link
The quickest and easiest way to get into the city is via the Airport Rail Link. Trains run every 15 minutes and take approximately 30 minutes into the city, calling at six stops along the way.
Trains run from 6am – midnight. You can buy tokens from the machines in the train station. Note that commuters use these trains too, so they can get busy at peak times.
If you are taking the train from Bangkok airport to the city, you have two best choices:
- Connect with the MRT at Makkasan City interchange station.
- Connect to the BTS Skytrain or pick up a taxi at Phaya Thai station.
Taxi from Bangkok Airport to City
If you have a lot of luggage, you may prefer to take a taxi into Bangkok city centre from the airport. This will take anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on traffic.
Taxis leave from level 1 of the arrivals terminal. English speaking officials man the taxi desk and will give you a piece of paper with your taxi driver registration details on it, for use in case of a complaint. Make sure the taxi driver uses the meter.
The taxi fare will cost anywhere from 400B-600B depending on your final destination and the traffic. An airport surcharge of 50B will be added to your fare, plus an expressway toll of around 25B.
You can also use Grab to book a ride. This has the added bonus of knowing how much you will pay before you set off (no arguing with the drive to switch on his meter), and your destination will be stored in the app for your driver to see.
Alternatively, click here to arrange a private transfer to your hotel.