Thailand is extremely well-connected, which is good news for the many tourists that want to explore this Southeast Asian nation beyond Bangkok. Whether you’re heading north to the mountains of Chiang Mai or south to an island, there are flights, trains, buses, minivans and boats ready to get you there. And better yet, most of these options are efficient and good value.
To help you plan your routes and methods of transportation, we’ve put together this guide to getting around in Thailand.
Flying is the fastest way to get around Thailand
Planes are the most efficient way to get around Thailand, although obviously not the most sustainable choice. The country’s expansive air network links Bangkok with all the major tourist destinations – Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, Phuket, and Krabi – as well as just about every provincial capital you’ve never heard of. And if your destination is an island, some of the low-cost carriers also offer airport-bus-ferry transfers.
Note that Bangkok has two airports, with Don Mueang International Airport functioning as the de-facto budget/domestic hub, and Suvarnabhumi Airport as the primary international hub. A taxi is the quickest way to get into central Bangkok from either airport. Expect to pay at least 350B for the fare, plus the obligatory airport fee of 50B and an additional fee for toll roads. Both airports are also linked to Bangkok’s urban train network, and there’s a shuttle bus that runs between the two airports.
The major domestic operators are AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and VietJet Air. The competition means domestic flights are relatively cheap, but as some of these airlines are essentially budget airlines, they can be sticklers when it comes to luggage weight and size – you’ve been warned.
The train is the slow but steady way to see Thailand
If you’re not in a hurry, and if the rails lead to where you want to go, the State Railway of Thailand offers a cheap, comfortable way to get around Thailand. The country’s rail network spans four main long-distance lines – Northern, Northeastern, Eastern and Southern.
Bangkok shiny new train station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, north of the city center, opened in 2023. It’s the terminus for the Northern, Northeastern and Southern lines and is also connected to the Metro network. With the completion of this station, there are plans for high-speed trains to crisscross the country, with one route to Nakhon Ratchasima under construction. The former terminus, Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong), in Chinatown, remains the hub for local, commuter and tourist trains, as well as all trains on the Eastern Line.
To avoid scams or overpaying, buy your tickets directly at one of the stations mentioned above, or via the State Railways of Thailand website or hotline (1690 from within Thailand). There are various types of seats, outlined below.
First-class
- Available on Overnight Express and Special Express trains only, first-class tickets include an air-conditioned cabin, two twin beds, a private bathroom and a lockable door.
- These are ideal for couples or a family looking for privacy.
- Book several days in advance, especially in peak season (November to March).
Second-class
- The most popular option and available as seats or sleepers depending on the route.
- Can choose between a more expensive air-conditioned cabin or one with a fan.
- Great for solo female travelers – there are women-only sleepers available on some trains.
Third-class
- Recommended for short distances.
- No frills wooden seats with no air-conditioning.
- A good option for those on a tight budget.
Save money by taking a bus or minivan
Buses and minivans form the most comprehensive – and cheapest – network of transportation in Thailand. There are a variety of bus companies, but the most reliable are those run by the government-subsidized the Transport Co. Buy tickets online or in person at the bus station to avoid scams. In particular, be wary of buses that operate directly out of tourist centers, such as Bangkok’s Khao San Road, as there have been cases of baggage theft and commission-seeking stops.
As with most transport in Thailand, there are different levels of luxury.
- VIP, Super-VIP, and 1st-class buses are recommended for overnight journeys as they have plenty of room to recline and a toilet on the bus. Some even have meal vouchers and bus stewards. Be sure to bring a sweater and perhaps earplugs, as sub-zero air-con and movies on full-blast are the other “perks” of this class.
- Second-class means air-conditioning, but no on-board toilet, and perhaps a few more stops.
- “Ordinary” non-air-con buses are a dying breed these days, although they still can be found in more rural areas. These buses are very slow, with frequent stops.
For an increasing number of short and medium-distance routes in Thailand, minivans are superseding buses. Both private and run by the Transport Co., they’re cheap and quick, but passengers are typically jammed in like sardines, and drivers can be reckless.
For more freedom, consider a car or motorcycle
Although renting a car in Thailand may seem intimidating, driving is a great way to explore the country outside of urban areas. That said, Thailand is home to some dangerous roads, and it’s essential to take things slow and be extra cautious.
Cars can be rented in most major cities and airports both from local companies and the usual international chains. Motorcycles can be hired from guesthouses and small mom-and-pop businesses. For the latter, most businesses ask that you leave your passport as a deposit. Before driving off, check the condition of the motorcycle and ask for a helmet (which is required by law).
In theory, short-term visitors who wish to drive any vehicle (including motorcycles) in Thailand need an international driving permit. In practice, this rule is rarely enforced.
Take a long-tail boat for short-haul and ferries for longer journeys
There’s a variety of boat travel in Thailand, spanning both river and sea. For short hauls, including trips along Bangkok’s canals, the standard method of aquatic transport is the open-air long-tail boat. Typically you’ll need to haggle for a price in advance. Larger, roofed, inboard engine boats are used for trips of up to an hour or two. Hydrofoils, ferries and larger, more comfortable speed boats cover longer boat journeys out to the islands.
Use motosai, túk-túks and taxis to explore Thai cities
A common way to get around large Thai cities is via motosai (motorcycle taxis). You’ll see the vest-wearing drivers on street corners, from where they run routes, generally short distances for set rates, or you can negotiate a ride elsewhere – a clever solution when traffic is bad. Hang on for dear life, and don’t forget to wear a helmet.
Although still common in Thai cities, the three-wheeled open-air vehicles known as túk-túks are less a form of public transport and more a novelty these days. It’s necessary to haggle with the driver before you get in; starting rates are typically astronomical for non-Thais. Also, be wary of drivers who take you on detours to their “friend’s shop.” This is a common scam for drivers who get kickbacks from store owners to drive tourists to their businesses.
Taxis are found in most larger provincial capitals, although in some destinations, fares can be set high. To avoid communication problems, download the Grab app (Uber doesn’t operate in Thailand).
Bangkok is the only Thai city with an urban rail system. The Metro (MRT) and Skytrain (BTS) are convenient and expansive, and the network is constantly growing. Fares start at 15B and increase depending on how far you travel. Trains operate from 5:30am to midnight.
Accessible transportation is limited in Thailand
Thai buses and trains don’t typically have facilities for passengers with disabilities, and Bangkok is the only place in the country where there are some provisions. The Bangkok Mass Transit System has elevators in 17 of its 36 stations; the Metro is even more accessible as all stations have an elevator, and there are locks for wheelchairs.
This article was first published Sep 14, 2021 and updated Aug 28, 2024.
