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|Updated: 4 August 2023
We all know what the traffic is like in Bangkok. The city is famous, or infamous, for the daily gridlocks and the time it takes to get from point A to point B. It can be a total pain that affects pretty much everything that you do. But there are two sides to the coin.
Bangkok has so many options that allow you to travel around and mostly the options are cheap and easy to use. Obviously it all depends on your location and your destination. Using the river is a great way to commute with the express boat system and numerous ferries that wiz you through the city.
If you want your feet on dry land you are really spoilt for choice depending on how brave you are the motor bike taxi system can get you around quite quickly, but many drivers don’t have additional helmets and weaving through the traffic can be quite dangerous. You work out the price first and off you go. Tuk tuks can also get you around quite quickly as they can weave through the traffic also and can take small sois away from the main road which are usually not that crowded. You need to negotiate the price before you get into the tuk tuk. Surprisingly they can be more expensive that taking a taxi meter depending on how hard you are able to bargain down the asking price. I use taxis all the time, they take a little longer, but are air conditioned and comfortable and the vast majority of drivers are professional.
The BTS and MRT system seems to be growing daily spreading out across the city. Both are quick and convenient, but can be very crowded during peak times.
There is an extensive bus system the criss crosses the city. Not always quick and comfortable or not always easy to understand the routes, but is improving all the time with new buses being added to the service.
In most cases the prices are very cheap compared to western countries and, for me, makes having a car not something I want or need.
There is the potential to get ripped off, but most of the drivers are honest and provide a good service.
With so many options open to you, mix and match and enjoy all that Bangkok has to offer. It’s a great city and exploring it can be fun whatever type of public transport you choose to use.
