Getting into Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

[JimmyJ]

First time.

 

I decided I didn't want my 1st experience with Thailand to be arguing with cabdrivers to turn on the meter, so thought I'd take the Sky Train and then perhaps a cab from the closest station to my hotel if not in walking distance.

 

But just saw the article about delays on the Sky Train and sometimes lines extending into the street.

 

Is Grab picking up at the airport?

 

Do you simply deal with the regular cabs and keep looking for one that will turn on the meter?

[Lakegeneve]

You'd be better posting this in the Airport forum as loads of advice there, https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/105-suvarnabhumi-airport-forum/

 

The Airport Link (ARL) is not the BTS so you'll be able to get into town no probs subject to your final destination location, http://www.srtet.co.th/index.php/en/

 

Metro network,https://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/mapPPL.aspx?Menu=183&Lang=En

Edited June 26, 2018 by Lakegeneve

[robblok]

If you use the taxi system you will get a bill, the taxi driver will have to turn on his meter. If they don't you keep your bill for complaining. But in general they all turn on their meter for the BKK area if leaving from the airport cue.

[Lakegeneve]

Where is your hotel located exactly? That and your time of arrival will dictate the best travel options.

[JimmyJ]

18 minutes ago, Lakegeneve said:

Where is your hotel located exactly? That and your time of arrival will dictate the best travel options.

Good question.

 

I was about to start a thread in this forum seeking suggestions, will start it shortly, and post back here once I decide.

[buick]

i commented on the hotel thread.  the hotel recommendation on sukhumvit soi 39 is right next to the BTS station 'phrom phong'.  use exit 3 to access soi 39.

 

most of the travelers i know, prefer to take the airport link train to the phaya thai station and transfer there to the BTS when accessing sukhumvit hotels (very easy transfer process).  it is the long way to get to soi 39 but less hassle with bags.  you can cut the trip shorter by transferring from the airport link (makkasan station) to the MRT (petchaburi station, there is a connecting walkway) and going one stop to BTS (asoke) then ride one stop to phrom phong. 

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

8 hours ago, robblok said:

But in general they all turn on their meter for the BKK area if leaving from the airport cue.

Drove with a mate on June 14 from BKK to Sukhumvit and against all rants he switched on the meter without discussion.

Ended somewhere in the 300 Baht range (forgot exact number).

Driving such a distance in a proper clean taxi for less then 10 USD/EUR. Where in the world do you get this?

 

Airport Rail Link: be aware that you will have to drag your baggage up/down long stairs, walk considerable distance from the platform down to the road or the MRT.

(assuming that nothing has improved during the last years)

Edited June 26, 2018 by KhunBENQ

[impulse]

In around 100 trips in 7+ years from BKK to home at Asoke, I have taken the taxi on around 98 of them.   Tried the rail link and never again with luggage. (It was okay when the Airport Express Line was running, but that didn't last long)  My next arrival, I'll use the legal taxi queue.  That's based on actual, recent experiences.

 

The longest I ever waited for a taxi in the legal queue was 11 minutes.  I timed it.  The line was horrendous and it was still only 11 minutes (DMK is different and awful).  That was before the auto-ticket queues.  Since they installed the new auto-ticket machines, it's rarely more than 3 minutes.  Last 5 of 5 trips, there has been no queue- I walked right up to the ticket machine. 

 

Never has a taxi refused to turn on the meter for me in the legal queue.  But that's only 98 rides out of tens of millions they do every year.  I'm not saying it doesn't happen.  Just never to me.

 

The one caveat about the new machines is that it was nice to have someone translate your destination when they had attendants for the queues.  But that had unintended consequences and often caused delays since the attendants were human and subject to influence.  The machines aren't.  But you really need to have good info about your destination because Thai taxis navigate by landmark and not by map or street address or GPS.  And lots of them can't read very well in the relative darkness of a taxi- especially if the print is small and not in Thai.

 

I'm not saying nobody has problems, and certainly not saying it wasn't much worse in the past.  But a lot of the horror stories come from guys who haven't had a BKK arrival in years and years, or have used the 4th floor arrival trick for years, and their information is no longer current.

 

Edited June 26, 2018 by impulse

[klauskunkel]

If you arrive between 6am and midnite you could take the Airport Link train (about every 20 min, 40 baht)to Makkasan station and from there you have access to the subway, or taxis.

The BTS (Skytrain) does not serve the airport.

[simoh1490]

Absolutely agreed, take the airport link (train) from the airport and then jump on the BTS, it's the only way to go.

[Expatthailover]

It will range from 500 baht to 1500 baht meter or no meter.

In any event that is dirt cheap by international standards.

Why people see the need to nitpick over trivial amounts right at the start of the trip bewilders me.

London cabs wont leave heathrow for anything under 100 quid plus.

If saving 5 or 10 quid means a lot so be it.

For myself I just want to get out of the airport and to my hotel asap to get showered and changed asap.

1500 baht is a very small price to pay for a westerner

[simoh1490]

1 minute ago, Expatthailover said:

It will range from 500 baht to 1500 baht meter or no meter.

In any event that is dirt cheap by international standards.

Why people see the need to nitpick over trivial amounts right at the start of the trip bewilders me.

London cabs wont leave heathrow for anything under 100 quid plus.

If saving 5 or 10 quid means a lot so be it.

For myself I just want to get out of the airport and to my hotel asap to get showered and changed asap.

1500 baht is a very small price to pay for a westerner

For 1,500 baht I can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, there's little chance a sensible person would want to spend that much getting from the airport to a hotel, unless they didn't know any better.

[murraynz]

On 6/25/2018 at 10:17 PM, robblok said:

If you use the taxi system you will get a bill, the taxi driver will have to turn on his meter. If they don't you keep your bill for complaining. But in general they all turn on their meter for the BKK area if leaving from the airport cue.

this is  best way into bkk--most drivers will ask you--do you want to use toll rd ???, if so it is an extra 70baht plus 50 baht into nana....probably quickest this way..recently it cost me 280baht, plus tolls into soi 4 nana...{this was  peak traffi time}

[robblok]

42 minutes ago, Expatthailover said:

It will range from 500 baht to 1500 baht meter or no meter.

In any event that is dirt cheap by international standards.

Why people see the need to nitpick over trivial amounts right at the start of the trip bewilders me.

London cabs wont leave heathrow for anything under 100 quid plus.

If saving 5 or 10 quid means a lot so be it.

For myself I just want to get out of the airport and to my hotel asap to get showered and changed asap.

1500 baht is a very small price to pay for a westerner

I don't understand it why people compare Thailand to London. That something is more expensive somewhere else does not mean you should pay above normal rate here. These comparisons are usually made by tourists or people who havent lived long in Thailand. You should just pay local prices its not about that 1500 baht is not much, its about paying a fair price for the location.

[theoldgit]

1 hour ago, Expatthailover said:

London cabs wont leave heathrow for anything under 100 quid plus.

That's certainly not my experience, but we're talking about Bangkok not London.

[dotpoom]

I always got the bus..  Are they not running now, don't see a mention of them here?

[thaiguzzi]

21 hours ago, JimmyJ said:

First time.

  

I decided I didn't want my 1st experience with Thailand to be arguing with cabdrivers to turn on the meter,

 No disrespect intended, but why have you got over 600 posts over several years on a Thai centric forum if you have never been here?

21 hours ago, robblok said:

If you use the taxi system you will get a bill, the taxi driver will have to turn on his meter. If they don't you keep your bill for complaining. But in general they all turn on their meter for the BKK area if leaving from the airport cue.

What he said.

It works pretty damn perfect. 95% of downtown travelers will use this and the price averages out between 250-400 baht depending on the area and traffic.

[smotherb]

13 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Drove with a mate on June 14 from BKK to Sukhumvit and against all rants he switched on the meter without discussion.

Ended somewhere in the 300 Baht range (forgot exact number).

Driving such a distance in a proper clean taxi for less then 10 USD/EUR. Where in the world do you get this?

 

Airport Rail Link: be aware that you will have to drag your baggage up/down long stairs, walk considerable distance from the platform down to the road or the MRT.

(assuming that nothing has improved during the last years)

Yes, I agree. I prefer taxis. Simply follow the signs to the metered taxi queue, take your number and get your cab--they always use the meter, you pay a surcharge and the tolls, so maybe B300 to your hotel. I often have them stop for a cold one on the way. 

[jkcjag]

The BTS issue is in the news this week...apparently something to do with the telco network they are using...there's a meeting between parties today to resolve it, but when that will be is unknown as of now. 

For the most comfort arrange for a hotel car pickup...perhaps B1,500 from a 5* hotel...they can advise. Perhaps smaller hotels won't offer this option.

 

Using the Airport link might depend on your amount of baggage you have to lug along at the BKK end, if you want to transfer to the MRT at Ploenchit...it's a long hot walk . That should not be an issue if you transfer to a taxi outside. As mentioned above, it may stop at intermediate stations, but it's still it avoids traffic from the airport. However, depending on the time the train may be packed with locals from those intermediate stations.

 

I've mostly used a public taxi from the rank. It's been automated for a while now, and very efficient. I've never had an issue with the meter in 20 years, it's always been turned on immediately, or as they pull away. Speaking, or showing your destination in Thai language is always helpful. Typically less than B300 to Ratchadapisek/Asoke area, including the airport B50 fee.

The roads are usually heavy with traffic, but if you arrive in peak times in particular in the morning between 07:00 to 10:00, then you will be caught in the morning traffic into Bangkok, and it could increase your journey time by a factor of 2 or 3.

[elgenon]

On 6/26/2018 at 12:17 PM, robblok said:

If you use the taxi system you will get a bill, the taxi driver will have to turn on his meter. If they don't you keep your bill for complaining. But in general they all turn on their meter for the BKK area if leaving from the airport cue.

The one time I tried the taxi queue in the last 20 years the guy refused to turn on his meter. I told him to stop and let me out. Luckily he turned it on.

[elgenon]

Don't understand all these responses. I just grab a taxi at Arrivals. Fast, easy.

[wolf81]

On 6/26/2018 at 12:40 PM, JimmyJ said:

Good question.

 

I was about to start a thread in this forum seeking suggestions, will start it shortly, and post back here once I decide.

I always like to stay at the FX Metrolink Makkasan hotel. It's next to the Makkasan station which is one of the stops of the Airport Link train. It also has a BTS train station next to it. Good location to get to Terminal 21 for shopping or Soi Cowboy for fun. The rooms are not that expensive and pretty decent. Not guest-friendly (AFAIK) though.

[whaleboneman]

5 hours ago, Expatthailover said:

It will range from 500 baht to 1500 baht meter or no meter.

In any event that is dirt cheap by international standards.

Why people see the need to nitpick over trivial amounts right at the start of the trip bewilders me.

London cabs wont leave heathrow for anything under 100 quid plus.

If saving 5 or 10 quid means a lot so be it.

For myself I just want to get out of the airport and to my hotel asap to get showered and changed asap.

1500 baht is a very small price to pay for a westerner

Is your hotel in Pattaya?

[buick]

1 hour ago, jkcjag said:

if you want to transfer to the MRT at Ploenchit...it's a long hot walk .

i think you mean 'petchaburi', not 'ploenchit'.  i'm sure you know, just a typo.  just clarifying for others who might get confused.

 

as for other comments on the taxi queue at bkk airport, i have had good experiences with that (always get meter).  if i arrive after 10pm, i use a taxi for sure.  zero wait.  get the ticket from the machine and walk to the taxi parked at the stall with number on your ticket.  i had some pretty long (time wise) taxi rides during the day due to traffic so i started using the airport link-BTS to help avoid that.    if you can, i recommend checking google maps traffic before you decide which method you want to use.  if the road is generally green, go for a taxi.

 

[observer90210]

The MRT (train) is fine, but if you have heavy luggage, not so convenient when you exit at the downtown terminal Phaya Thai Station..IMHO ! Escalators or elevators seem to be lacking ? (I did not find then anyhow last time)...maybe the other Stops are more convenient ??

 

As for the taxis from BKK airport, each time I had to argue. 2 years ago,  I had to refuse 2 taxi crooks until the 3rd taxi nut head, grumbled but accepted the meter. All were trying to cheat me for a 600 THB ride to downtown, which is almost double. (not including toll).

 

Maybe I look a bit naive and the type who can be ripped off easily?

 

Grab/Uber seems the best alternative, if you can.

Edited June 27, 2018 by observer90210

[impulse]

5 hours ago, robblok said:

I don't understand it why people compare Thailand to London. That something is more expensive somewhere else does not mean you should pay above normal rate here. These comparisons are usually made by tourists or people who havent lived long in Thailand. You should just pay local prices its not about that 1500 baht is not much, its about paying a fair price for the location.

 

I agree with your statements about comparing apples and durian. 

 

But I never understood the thinking behind spending $1,500+ on a R/T ticket, $100 a night on hotels, and $5,000 worth of your precious vacation days, then worrying about spending a few extra bucks to take a taxi and save schlepping bags and transferring trains (or ending up in a taxi anyway). 

 

Sure, it's BKK and the prices should be lower than London.  But the economics of risking precious vacation time don't change that much.  The most valuable commodity I'm spending on holiday isn't the taxi or train money.  It's my very limited vacation time.

 

If I were on holiday, I'd probably line up an AOT limo at around $30 to make sure it's a pleasant drive to my hotel.  Sadly, I never plan that well in advance and each time I tried it as a walk-up, they have always asked me to wait 30-45 minutes for a car.  I can be home snoozing (or out partying if I wasn't an old fart) by that time.

 

Of course, if you hail from one of the communist socialist Euro zone countries where you get 100 days of vacation to burn, the calculation may be different.

 

[robblok]

3 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

I agree with your statements about comparing apples and durian. 

 

But I never understood the thinking behind spending $1,500+ on a R/T ticket, $100 a night on hotels, and $5,000 worth of your precious vacation days, then worrying about spending a few extra bucks to take a taxi and save schlepping bags and transferring trains (or ending up in a taxi anyway). 

 

Sure, it's BKK and the prices should be lower than London.  But the economics of risking precious vacation time don't change that much.  The most valuable commodity I'm spending on holiday isn't the taxi or train money.  It's my very limited vacation time.

 

If I were on holiday, I'd probably line up an AOT limo at around $30 to make sure it's a pleasant drive to my hotel.  Sadly, I never plan that well in advance and each time I tried it as a walk-up, they have always asked me to wait 30-45 minutes for a car.  I can be home snoozing (or out partying if I wasn't an old fart) by that time.

 

Of course, if you hail from one of the communist socialist Euro zone countries where you get 100 days of vacation to burn, the calculation may be different.

 

That still does not explain why someone should pay more for a taxi then needed. Taxi is as fast as your AOT taxi.  I would not feel happy if i get ripped off its about paying the right price. I get it if you pay more to get somewhere faster if you got limited time. That is the way I think too when I am on a holliday. But that still not justifies paying more then what you should pay because some local is ripping you of. Maybe its just your American gun totting 3 holidays a year way to feel its ok to be overcharged. (in jest to your part)

 

[impulse]

35 minutes ago, robblok said:

That still does not explain why someone should pay more for a taxi then needed. Taxi is as fast as your AOT taxi.  I would not feel happy if i get ripped off its about paying the right price. I get it if you pay more to get somewhere faster if you got limited time. That is the way I think too when I am on a holliday. But that still not justifies paying more then what you should pay because some local is ripping you of. Maybe its just your American gun totting 3 holidays a year way to feel its ok to be overcharged. (in jest to your part)

 

I'd be the first to admit that Americans treat our vacation days more dearly than most.  One of the favorite sayings in the US oil business is "if the company figures out they can live without you for 2 weeks, you'd better have your resume (that's like a CV) up to date".  That's one of the reasons most Americans don't travel internationally, especially to the far side of the world.  There's a risk that someone else will be sitting at our old desk when we return.

 

And, we are notorious for tipping, for which we are often blasted by our Euro cousins who would prefer the locals never learn what a tip is.  So, getting ripped of for a buck or two really doesn't phase most of us.  We just make it up with a smaller tip.

 

Oh, and I leave the guns at home when traveling international.  I occasionally used to carry one (legal, unloaded and declared- in checked baggage) when I flew within the USA.  But the customs people overseas don't seem to have any sense of humor or curiosity about firearms.  And everyone has an x-ray machine now.

 

Edited June 27, 2018 by impulse

[robblok]

17 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

I'd be the first to admit that Americans treat our vacation days more dearly than most.  One of the favorite sayings in the US oil business is "if the company figures out they can live without you for 2 weeks, you'd better have your resume (that's like a CV) up to date".  That's one of the reasons most Americans don't travel internationally, especially to the far side of the world.  There's a risk that someone else will be sitting at our old desk when we return.

 

And, we are notorious for tipping, for which we are often blasted by our Euro cousins who would prefer the locals never learn what a tip is.  So, getting ripped of for a buck or two really doesn't phase most of us.  We just make it up with a smaller tip.

 

Oh, and I leave the guns at home when traveling international.  I occasionally used to carry one (legal, unloaded and declared- in checked baggage) when I flew within the USA.  But the customs people overseas don't seem to have any sense of humor or curiosity about firearms.

 

You brought the joke in not me, but you still need to explain to me why anyone would have to pay more for something and will have to get ripped off. Nothing wrong with paying the correct price and the taxi and your AOT car will be equally fast. I get it that you don't worry about the expense, but i thought most people would hate it if they get ripped off. I am one of those. 

[Wake Up]

18 hours ago, impulse said:

In around 100 trips in 7+ years from BKK to home at Asoke, I have taken the taxi on around 98 of them.   Tried the rail link and never again with luggage. (It was okay when the Airport Express Line was running, but that didn't last long)  My next arrival, I'll use the legal taxi queue.  That's based on actual, recent experiences.

 

The longest I ever waited for a taxi in the legal queue was 11 minutes.  I timed it.  The line was horrendous and it was still only 11 minutes (DMK is different and awful).  That was before the auto-ticket queues.  Since they installed the new auto-ticket machines, it's rarely more than 3 minutes.  Last 5 of 5 trips, there has been no queue- I walked right up to the ticket machine. 

 

Never has a taxi refused to turn on the meter for me in the legal queue.  But that's only 98 rides out of tens of millions they do every year.  I'm not saying it doesn't happen.  Just never to me.

 

The one caveat about the new machines is that it was nice to have someone translate your destination when they had attendants for the queues.  But that had unintended consequences and often caused delays since the attendants were human and subject to influence.  The machines aren't.  But you really need to have good info about your destination because Thai taxis navigate by landmark and not by map or street address or GPS.  And lots of them can't read very well in the relative darkness of a taxi- especially if the print is small and not in Thai.

 

I'm not saying nobody has problems, and certainly not saying it wasn't much worse in the past.  But a lot of the horror stories come from guys who haven't had a BKK arrival in years and years, or have used the 4th floor arrival trick for years, and their information is no longer current.

 

Very good post that I agree with. My only comment is once I got a cue ticket for a large taxi not a regular taxi. A large taxi is almost twice as expensive as a normal taxi. The taxi driver spoke English and told me about the meter rate difference between large and regular taxis and that I had chosen a large taxi que instead of a normal taxi que. I don’t know how I did that but in the future if I get a large taxi I am going to decline and get another taxi que. A 320 baht taxi ride to Sukhumvit soi 8 costs me 720 baht in a large taxi.  

 

Maybe there was a large taxi sign on the que machine at the airport that I missed seeing but in 50 plus trips from Swampy to Sukhumvit this has only happened to me once. 

 

And I always allow the driver to take the toll road which is an extra 25 baht plus 50 baht.  Anyone else try not going the toll road route from Sukhumvit soi 8?