Getting around Thailand can be easy and affordable if you know the best transportation options. Whether you're an expat or a migrant, there are many low-cost ways to travel across cities and regions. This guide will walk you through the most popular travel options, including tips on what to ride, useful apps, and services that can make your trips more convenient.
Thailand has an extensive network of public transport options available to both locals and visitors. For those who are looking to travel on a tight budget, public transport is often the cheapest option. Various travel modes are described below.
1. Buses
Buses are one of the most affordable ways to get around Thailand. Whether you're travelling within a city or between cities, buses are generally inexpensive and offer a range of services. For local travel, you can choose whether a city bus or a mini-bus, with tickets costing as little as 8-30 baht, depending on the distance. Long-distance buses that connect major cities are also very affordable, with fares starting from around 400-600 baht.
2. Tuk-tuks
Tuk-tuks are fun, but they may be a slightly more expensive way to travel short distances within cities. They can be convenient, especially for passing through crowded streets. While they usually don’t have meters, it’s common to agree on the fare before you ride. Typical fares for short trips in cities like Bangkok can range from 50-100 baht per kilometre.
In addition to public transport, you may use several apps that make getting around Thailand even easier. These apps can help you with everything from booking to hire taxi services to checking the available schedules. The popular local apps are described below.
Grab is the most popular ride-hailing service in Thailand. It offers low-cost options for getting around, including GrabCar (private hire service), GrabBike (motorbikes for faster travel), and GrabTaxi (traditional taxis). Grab also offers GrabFood and GrabExpress for deliveries, so it is a convenient app for both transportation and meals.
2. Bolt
Similar to Grab, Bolt is another affordable ride-hailing service in Thailand that’s available in Thailand. It offers economy rides at lower prices and is known for being more budget-friendly than traditional taxis. It's available in cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket.
Another handy app is Moovit, which offers public transport directions for cities across Thailand. Moovit is a favourite for those looking to use buses, subways, and light rail systems, and it also provides real-time tracking of buses and trains. You can easily plan your routes to avoid travel delays and the hassle of traffic.
For longer-distance travel and long-term living, trains and metros are a comfortable and affordable way to get around Thailand.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates an extensive train network connecting cities across the country. Trains are generally affordable, with prices ranging from 100 to 500 baht depending on the route and travel class. Night trains or sleeper trains are popular for long-distance travel, offering sleeper carriages that make it easier to travel overnight.
In Bangkok, BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway are fast and affordable modes of transportation. The BTS (elevated train system) and MRT (subway) both have easy-to-use fare systems, with tickets starting from 15-45 baht depending on your journey. These services may be ideal for expats and migrants who live in Bangkok, as they offer quick access to key areas of the city without the hassle of traffic.
In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya Express boat service is a low-cost and enjoyable way to travel along the river. You can use it to get to popular tourist attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, with tickets costing only 15-40 baht per trip.
Final Tips
Whether you’re an expat or a migrant, getting around Thailand can be both easy and affordable if you know these ways. Using certain apps and services, you can make your trips easier and cheaper while saving money. Lastly, I suggest you download translation apps if you face a language barrier so that you can communicate easily when hiring transportation.