Public transportation in Thailand is incredibly diverse, offering a mix of traditional methods familiar to Europeans and unique local options. Within the country, it's most practical to travel by airplanes, buses, and trains due to their speed and affordability. For shorter distances within a city, you can opt for motorcycles, buses, taxis, or tuk-tuks. In many villages and hamlets, you'll still find elephants and rickshaws, which serve as both a tourist attraction and a legitimate mode of transportation.
Air Transportation
Air travel in Thailand is known for its speed, but it can be relatively expensive. The following airlines operate in Thailand:
Thai Smile, which serves 25 cities within the country and offers several hundred international flights. While they provide excellent service, their prices tend to be on the higher side;
Bangkok Airways, connecting a dozen locations in Thailand and dozens of major cities worldwide. Prices with this company can be especially affordable during seasonal discounts and sales;
AirAsia, a budget-friendly carrier also operating in neighboring Malaysia, making it a suitable choice for those willing to fly economy class and looking to save money;
NokAir and Orient Thai Airlines, both local low-cost carriers offering services to Bangkok and Phuket.
Bus
Among the conventional modes of transportation, buses reign supreme in popularity in Thailand, compensating for the underdeveloped railway network. In the capital city, there are three major bus stations that serve transportation heading in various directions - south and west, east, north, and northeast, respectively.
The fare for bus travel depends on the distance and the chosen class of bus:
The most budget-friendly option is the orange buses. They lack air conditioning (though sometimes have fans), operate at slower speeds, and stop upon request. These buses are favored by locals and budget-conscious travelers;
Slightly pricier are the blue buses. These are standard buses equipped with air conditioning, restrooms, and greater speed. The drawback of these buses is the limited space between seats, making it difficult to comfortably nap during the journey;
The most expensive buses aren't confined to a particular color but are typically labeled as VIP24. They offer both single and double seats, always feature air conditioning, restrooms, adequate lighting, and seats designed for restful sleep.
For luxury buses, the highest class, the average fare is around 1 THB per kilometer (resulting in a total trip cost of up to 1,000 THB). Regular buses have an average fare of around 7 THB.
Bus Travel
Long-distance buses typically provide passengers with nuts and sweets as dry rations. Additional features of bus travel include:
Bus travel is notably cheaper than flying but slightly more expensive than taking the train;
Local buses generally cover distances at a reasonably swift pace (excluding the economical orange buses);
Bus tickets are usually readily available at bus stations.
Minivan / Shuttle Bus
Slightly faster than regular buses, out-of-town shuttle cabs typically have 12 seats (minivans) and are ideal for journeys of up to 4 hours. They depart from bus stations and major transportation hubs. Common routes include Bangkok to Pattaya and Phuket to Krabi.
Metro
Bangkok boasts a subway system with two overground and one underground branch. The fare depends on the distance traveled, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to quickly navigate the Thai capital.
Taxi
In major cities, you can opt for a taxi (Taxi Meter), preferably one with a meter. The initial 300 meters and boarding typically cost 300 THB, with subsequent charges calculated by distance.
Distinctive features of Thai taxis include:
Vibrant body colors (yellow, orange, pink, red, blue);
Always equipped with air conditioning;
To check if the taxi is available, observe the illuminated dashboard; it lights up when the cab is vacant.
The primary advantage of using a taxi in Thailand, like in many other countries, is its speed and comfort, offering individualized transportation not dependent on fellow passengers. Furthermore, the cost of a four-person ride in a local taxi is often comparable to purchasing four bus tickets.
Tuk-tuk / Songteo
Tuk-tuk, which translates to "cheap," is a three-wheeled motorcycle with a body, resembling a pickup truck or an open-roofed truck, designed to transport 2-3 passengers. Tuk-tuk rides are typically offered by private drivers, with fares starting at 100 THB for two kilometers. In some cities, there's also a government-regulated equivalent known as the Songteo.
Tuk-tuks are commonly used for airport transfers, especially when travelers have luggage to transport.
Train
Trains offer a combination of two key advantages: affordability and relatively high speed. However, train travel is limited to areas with railroads and cannot provide access to the islands.
Train travel provides three types of carriages for passengers:
First Class - double compartments with all amenities;
Second Class - sleeping or seated coaches with fans and air conditioning;
Third Class - comparable to domestic commuter trains.
Fares
The ticket cost is determined by both the distance and class of travel. The most expensive ticket (1,500 THB) for first class is for routes from Bangkok to the southernmost station in the country. Trains departing from the capital also travel north, northeast, and east, with only third-class carriages available in the latter direction.
It's essential to book train tickets at least a week in advance. Most seats are usually sold out by locals and tourists one to two weeks before the travel date.
Other Modes of Transportation
Thailand offers a variety of transportation options for travelers. Here are some additional modes of transportation commonly used in the country:
Mototaxi: Recognizable by their orange vests, mototaxis are motorcycle taxis that are a convenient way to get around. Prices typically start at 50 THB for a 5km ride. Local drivers are often willing to accommodate even if you have large suitcases.
Rental Motorcycles and Bicycles: Renting motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters is popular, with rates averaging around 200 THB per day.
Rental Cars: Rental cars are available starting from 800 THB per day. A valid driver's license is required for car rentals.
Bicycle Rickshaws: This slow mode of transportation is commonly found in small towns and is often more of a tourist attraction than practical transportation.
Elephants: Some areas near natural attractions, villages, and national parks offer elephant rides. Riding an elephant typically costs around 900 THB per hour.
Exploring various modes of transportation in Thailand is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and make the most of your travel experience.
