Bangkok Airport Taxi Options

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Why Take a Taxi from Bangkok Airport

Although Bangkok airport taxis used to have a bad reputation, nowadays, they are a sought-after transit option from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Direct and hassle-free, BKK airport taxis offer relaxed and safe rides to the exact location of the passenger’s destination. That being said, they are dependent on Bangkok’s notorious traffic levels. That’s their main downside. Moreover, some scamming incidents still occur at Bangkok Airport, especially when it comes to first-time visitors. Nevertheless, if travelers catch their cabs from the official airport’s taxi rank and ask for a metered journey, they’ll most probably enjoy a seamless ride. Overall, here are the reasons why you should catch a taxi from Bangkok Airport:

Bangkok airport taxis are available around the clock. No matter the time of the day or the day of the week, BKK airport taxis are present at the main airport in Thailand. Moreover, they provide door-to-door services, meaning passengers are dropped off right outside their accommodation. Hence, they don’t have to catch the bus or train, settle on the most convenient alighting stop, and make their way from that point carrying their heavy luggage all along. On the other hand, rides with Bangkok airport taxis are safe. Travelers sit comfortably inside their cab while their luggage is stored in the vehicle’s trunk (and not exposed inside the public means of transit). It goes without saying that taxis from Bangkok Airport are also the perfect choice for families.

The Most Frequent Bangkok Airport Taxi Scams

Although Bangkok airport taxis provide safe services and scams are a random occurrence, you should be aware of the most frequent deceptive practices. First and foremost, you should always refuse set-priced rides, as they are, as a rule, far more expensive than metered journeys. What’s more, you should keep an eye on the taximeter right before reaching your destination, as some drivers tend to zero it quickly so as to charge you an arbitrary price. On the other hand, they may claim not to have enough change to keep the difference or follow a longer route to increase the ride’s duration and cost. Finally, they may also suggest dining or shopping facilities only to get a commission.

Bangkok Airport Taxi Fares and Prices

Taxis from Bangkok Airport are metered. They don’t provide set fares except for long-distance routes outside Bangkok. Thus, you shouldn’t agree with your driver on a set price, as you’ll most probably be overcharged. The charge for the first 1km/0.62 mile is THB 40/$1,09/€1,01, while each kilometer up to 10km/6.2 miles is priced at THB 6,5/$0,18/0,17. Kilometers from 10km to 20km (6.2-12.4 miles) come with a 7/$0,19/€0,18 fee, while from 20km to 40km (12.4 to 24.8 miles), passengers pay 8/$0,22/€0,20 per kilometer. Is your destination located further? The taximeter calculates 8,5/$0,23/€0,21per kilometer from 40km to 60km and THB 9/$0,25/€0,23 from 60 km to 80km. From that moment onwards, the fee per kilometer is THB 10,5/$0,29/€0,27. On the other hand, when the vehicle doesn’t move due to the traffic or travels with a speed up to 6km per hour (3.7 miles), passengers pay an additional THB 3/$0,082/€0,076  per minute. What’s more, booked taxis are THB 20/$0,55/€0,51 more expensive. Finally, taxi rides from Suvarnabhumi Airport bring a surcharge of THB 50/$1,37/€1,27, added to the final rate at the end of the ride, while toll fees are paid by the passenger as well. Bangkok airport taxis are highly affected by road congestion. That’s the reason why it is advisable to use the toll roads (expressways) during rush hours (approximately from 07:00 am to 10:00 am and from 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm). Conversely, during the night, you should ask the driver to avoid the highways to save on toll fees.

Do you carry luggage? If you have up to two pieces sized up to 26 inches/67cm, you won’t have to pay a surcharge. However, more than two pieces of luggage are charged at THB 20/$0.55/€0.51 per piece from the third one onwards. Larger baggage costs THB 20/$0,55/€0,51 per piece, whereas oversized luggage is charged at up to THB 100/$2,73/€2,53. Please note that wheelchairs, strollers, and cans are out of charge. As for tipping the driver, it’s utterly optional. That being said, it is customary to leave a small tip, especially for pleasant rides. Overall, passengers use cash to pay for their taxi fares. Hence, it is strongly recommended to have small denomination notes as Bangkok airport taxi drivers typically don’t have enough change.

Bangkok Airport Taxi Rates to Popular Destinations

Taxis from BKK Airport are metered. Therefore, their rates depend on the traversed distance, the traveling time, the traffic congestion, etc. Still, you can get an idea of the usual taxi fares from Suvarnabhumi Airport to some of the most popular destinations in Bangkok:

Where is the Bangkok Airport Taxi Rank

The official BKK airport taxi rank lies on the Ground floor of the Main terminal building. You’ll spot signs towards “Public Taxis” all over the airport. It is actually to be found close to Exit 4. Once you arrive at the taxi stand, you’ll come across two queues. Each one splits into three lines: one for short rides to the surrounding areas, one for regular Bangkok airport taxis, and one for large vehicles (that can accommodate more passengers and oversized luggage). It’s important to remember that the mentioned fares apply to journeys with ordinary taxis. As soon as you reach the front, you’ll have to use the airport’s touch-screen machines and issue a paper ticket, displaying the bay’s number where your taxi will be waiting. The paper will also include important info (such as the driver’s name and photo, the taxi’s license number, and its plate). Therefore, you should keep it to retrieve necessary information in case of forgotten items inside the cab or if you want to file an official complaint.

During rush hours, the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport gets congested. As a result, there are long queues for a taxi at the airport’s taxi rank.

Airport Taxi from Bangkok Airport to Hotel

A taxi from Bangkok Airport is one of the most convenient ways to reach your accommodation in Bangkok (as long as the traffic conditions are normal). Bangkok airport taxis are air-conditioned and well-maintained vehicles that provide safe and hassle-free services to the front door of the passenger’s hotel. Thus, a taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and is priced at around THB 700/$19,08/€17,80, including the airport surcharge and the toll fees (in case you use the expressways). That being said, when roads are congested, journeys are longer and costlier. Thus, if you want to save money on your transit expenses, you should check if your accommodation offers complimentary airport shuttle rides.

Tips & Hints for a Pleasant Bangkok Airport Taxi Ride

• You’ll find several taxi vehicle categories at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Indeed, apart from ordinary taxis, there are electric vehicles and VIP taxis as well.
• Although the government has taken measures against individual drivers providing so-called low-cost rides at Bangkok Airport, you may still come across unlicensed drivers trying to convince you to accept their services. You are strongly advised against such offers.
• The AOT Limousines are the only official limousine service at BKK Airport. Their rank lies on the Second floor of the Main terminal, and their counters are located close to the baggage claim area and the Arrivals hall.
• If you want to avoid getting overcharged, you should, under no circumstances, agree on a set-price ride.
• You should check that the taximeter works properly at the beginning of the ride.
• The majority of Bangkok airport taxi drivers speak English (or at least can communicate in English). Still, it is always recommended to have the address of your destination written on a piece of paper.
• If you want to make a complaint about your Bangkok airport taxi ride, you should call 1584.
• Night rides don’t come with extra charges.
• Should you need any assistance, you should head to the Public Taxi Service Center, lying inside the terminal.
• Bangkok airport taxis can be of any color (orange, pink, blue, half-yellow half green).
• Once you reach your destination, you should exit the vehicle carefully, as motorbikes often do not pay attention and can overtake vehicles from all sides.
• CABB is a taxi company with London-like cabs, equipped with USB chargers and GPS and offering Wi-Fi. Expectantly, rides with those Bangkok airport taxis are more expensive. Moreover, you should note that cash payments aren’t accepted.
• Ride-sharing services (such as Grab) are also present at Bangkok International Airport.

FAQs

How do I get a taxi from Bangkok Airport?

You should head to the airport taxi rank if you want to catch a taxi from Bangkok Airport. The taxi stand is to be found on the Ground level of the Main terminal building, close to Exit 4.

Are taxis from Bangkok Airport reliable?

As long as you catch your taxi from the official taxi rank and don’t trust individual drivers who may approach you at the airport, your ride to your destination will most probably be relaxed and hassle-free. That being said, you should insist on a metered journey even if the driver suggests a flat rate to avoid getting overcharged.

Do Bangkok airport taxis take cards?

Most Bangkok airport taxis aren’t equipped with POS. Thus, they accept payments only in cash. Overall, cash is the most favored payment method when it comes to taxi rides from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Therefore, you should carry cash with you (in the local currency). In fact, it is highly recommended to carry small denomination notes.