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Bangkok Local Reference INFOrmation
Details and contact information on the regional and city buses, BTS Sky Train and MRT Metro transport systems.
There is a variety of public transport in Bangkok and around Thailand, including buses, the Sky Train, a Metro system, river boats, taxis, tuk tuks and motorbike taxis. Buses in BangkokThe Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has information on bus routes in Bangkok and the neighbouring authorities.
There are a large number of buses operating in Bangkok and depending on the colour (which indicate their standard) will either be air conditioned or not. Fares are very cheap and depend on the standard of the bus. Routes operate everyday from 05:00-23:00.
Note: It has been reported that thieves sometimes target buses especially later in the evening so it is advisable not to travel alone. National travelThe government also subsidises the Transport Company which provides bus transport all over Thailand. Buses operate between BKS bus depots and there are five different standards of bus.
There are also many private companies that operate bus services between the major towns and cities. They range from small minibuses to full-size coaches and can be booked or boarded at the BKS bus depots or in major tourist centres. Motor vehicle accidents are frequent in Thailand and private buses are often not as well regulated as government buses. Many companies also offer a "visa run" service to a border crossing for people staying in Thailand needing to renew a tourist visa. AnimalsAnimals are not allowed on public buses. On private buses it will depend on the individual company whether they accept animals or not. BTS Sky Train (rot fai faa)Launched in December 1999 the BTS Sky Train has greatly improved travel around the Central Business District of Bangkok. At present there are only two lines, Sukhumvit and Silom, with 24 stations. The BTS is being extended with new stations under construction. There are BTS Tourist Information Centres at Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin stations.
Just before the train arrives at a station the driver or a recorded message announces the station name. TicketsThe sky trains run from 06:00-midnight and the fare is based on distance travelled. Normal tickets are valid for 90 minutes and can be bought from any BTS Station Ticket Office. There are various tickets and passes that can be purchased which give discounts on the normal fare. Children under a certain height pay a lower fare. Children under 90cm travel for free.
Stored value cards known as Smart Passes are available and are valid for five years from the date of first use but need to be topped up with additional credit within two years. Passengers can also purchase 30-day passes for adults or students. Day passes are also available allowing unlimited travel for one day.
To use a Smart Pass passengers just have to tap the card on the Card Reader at the automatic gates. Services for the disabledEach station is on two levels with ticketing services on the lower levels and the train platform on the upper level which can create problems for those with reduced mobility. At the moment there are elevators which can be used with the help of staff at the following stations: Mo Chit, Siam, Asok, On Nut and Chong Nonsi. There are plans to improve facilities in the other stations. AnimalsAnimals are not allowed on the sky train. MRT (Metro)The Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited runs the Bangkok Metro (or Bangkok Subway).
There are 18 stations and trains run from 06:00-midnight, serving the centre of Bangkok. Trains run every five minutes during peak hours and every seven minutes the rest of the time. There is a station next to the main train station in Bangkok – Hualamphong Station. Extensions to the MRT are being planned. TicketsFares depend on distance travelled and 30-day promotional passes and Smart Cards can be purchased at all stations. Children under a certain height pay a lower fare.
Tickets can be bought from ticket offices at the stations or from automatic vending machines. Different passes are available, such as the Student 30-Day Pass, the Adult 30-Day Pass, the Adult Store Valued Card as well as cards for business travellers, children and the elderly.
Services for the disabledAll metro stations have lifts for disabled passengers and assistance will be given if requested. The trains have locks for wheel chairs. AnimalsNo animals other than guide dogs may go on the Metro. River BusesRiver boats run throughout the day. Some just offer a service directly across the river, but others travel from the north of Bangkok to the south. They have different coloured flags which indicate the number of stops and the speed at which they travel. A boat with no flag will stop at all piers. The Chao Phraya Express Boat company has a number of Express Boats, charter boats and tourist boats.
Cross river boats can be found at most of the centrally located piers. Long tail boats (as well as other boats) are available for rent from the Chao Phraya Express Boat company by calling a day in advance and telling them which pier you would like to be picked up from. Maximum 16 people, minimum 2 hours. Express boats
TicketsTickets can be bought at the pier or on the boat. Only single journey tickets are available apart from one special tourist boat that offers unlimited trips in one day for a fixed price. Information can be found at the ticket office at the pier. The cost of tickets depends on the type of boat which is indicated by the colour of the flag it is flying. Pier location is in English as well as Thai. Assistance for the disabledAssistance will be provided for disabled, ask for help when buying the ticket and they will send someone to help the person on and off the boat. AnimalsAnimals are not allowed on boats. TaxisIt is easy to find a taxi and they are good value in Bangkok. However, depending on the traffic and whether their shift is about to finish (often around 16:00) drivers may refuse to take passengers. Drivers may also be looking for passengers going in a certain direction or may not want to do a long trip. Never travel in a taxi if the meter is broken or the driver doesn't switch it on; just wait for the next one to arrive. The meter always starts at THB 35 before any distance is travelled. It can be a good idea to have a map of the destination with the street names in Thai script or ask a Thai speaker to write the destination in Thai so that it can be shown to the driver. It is possible to book a taxi in advance, but always give plenty of notice:
Tuk TuksFor short journeys tuk tuks can be an effective, but not particularly cheap, form of transport. They are basically a motorbike with three wheels and a cover. Always agree a price before departure. Motorbike TaxisMotorbike taxis can be the quickest means of transport but also the most dangerous. Always insist on a helmet as it is law for both driver and passenger to wear one. Agree a fare before departure, although normally motorbike taxis offer value for money. Official drivers wear a coloured vest, but this is by no means any guarantee that the driver is safe. Further Information
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