Can you still get a taxi from departures at Suvarnabhumi Airport?

[Bangkokbaby]

I will arrive back in BKK on Monday and will be quite pushed for time. I don't want to have to wait in a taxi queue so would prefer to go to departures and get a taxi like I have done in the past. Is this still possible and if so, do you think it will save me much time?

[TheAppletons]

It's definitely possible to do so (just did it two days ago.) Without knowing how many people are in the queue that you would have joined in the future, it's pretty difficult to say how much time you'll save.

Suffice to say that the taxi drivers dropping off passengers are actively looking for someone like you - you won't even have to wait one minute once you get up to the outside departures drop-off area.

[Beechboy]

This has come up a few times.

I used to do it, then it was discouraged but apparently there are ways around it by skirting barriers or something.

The taxi rank one floor down is my choice nowadays.

It has gone all electronic with machines to get a ticket. Somebody is there to assist if you get confused as I did first time.

I have not experienced delays and there are usually loads of cabs in line.

The poster above is quite right it is probably better for you and the driver if you hail a drop off taxi.

What is this secret method for getting onto that 'road?'

Edited April 14, 2016 by Beechboy

[SoiBiker]

With the new system in place the queue never takes long. I'd I were pushed for time, though, I'd consider taking the ARL into town and getting a taxi from there - cuts out some of the traffic.

[Thainess]

Sure you can. That'll be 1000 baht. More expensive than taxi from airport to central Hong Kong...

[Bangkokbaby]

This has come up a few times.

I used to do it, then it was discouraged but apparently there are ways around it by skirting barriers or something.

The taxi rank one floor down is my choice nowadays.

It has gone all electronic with machines to get a ticket. Somebody is there to assist if you get confused as I did first time.

I have not experienced delays and there are usually loads of cabs in line.

The poster above is quite right it is probably better for you and the driver if you hail a drop off taxi.

What is this secret method for getting onto that 'road?'

Thanks for the info Beechboy. Are these the usual metered taxis or fixed fare?

[thedemon]

This has come up a few times.

I used to do it, then it was discouraged but apparently there are ways around it by skirting barriers or something.

The taxi rank one floor down is my choice nowadays.

It has gone all electronic with machines to get a ticket. Somebody is there to assist if you get confused as I did first time.

I have not experienced delays and there are usually loads of cabs in line.

The poster above is quite right it is probably better for you and the driver if you hail a drop off taxi.

What is this secret method for getting onto that 'road?'

No secret. The one-way turnstiles are a bit sloppy so if you turn them part way there is enough space to pass going the wrong way.

The security guards sometimes make a halfhearted attempt to dissuade you but they don't really care.

You can be in a taxi and gone inside 20 seconds any time of the day.

[Beechboy]

"Thanks for the info Beechboy. Are these the usual metered taxis or fixed fare?"

Metered, but the last two times that I have come in both drivers have tried to quote a fixed fare. These were the first ever in dozens of times.

The last one wanted 600 ( to Suk. 11) and I told him I would pay what the meter said + toll fees. He accepted it without fuss.

The problem is that 600 is still a bargain by English rates and, principle apart, it must be easy to cave in.

I believe that there is a security element involved as well as everybody gets a ticket. I haven't bothered to work all this out though, but feel happier with that system now as I usually bring in lots of cash (+cards etc.)

Edited April 15, 2016 by Beechboy

[siam2007]

Just make sure you use a Taxi that has JUST ARRIVED and is dropping PAX, as there r some scammers nowadays who already wait for people looking for taxis at the departure level. If they greet you with "where you go" then you already know to avoid those, as they most likely play a dirty game. A honest Cabbie who drops some1 will be happy to go back to any destination in greater Bangkok (until it is around 4 pm and shift change), so they won't ask for your destination and then decide if they want you. As a Taxi arrives every few seconds, it is no problem at all to do it that way (even though the already stationary taxis, promoted by WHERE YOU GO touts look pissed then). But who cares....

[Bangkokbaby]

"Thanks for the info Beechboy. Are these the usual metered taxis or fixed fare?"

Metered, but the last two times that I have come in both drivers have tried to quote a fixed fare. These were the first ever in dozens of times.

The last one wanted 600 ( to Suk. 11) and I told him I would pay what the meter said + toll fees. He accepted it without fuss.

The problem is that 600 is still a bargain by English rates and, principle apart, it must be easy to cave in.

I believe that there is a security element involved as well as everybody gets a ticket. I haven't bothered to work all this out though, but feel happier with that system now as I usually bring in lots of cash (+cards etc.)

Thanks again Beechboy. Out of interest, how long did it take you to get a taxi the past two times you arrived in BKK? And is this on the first floor, gates 4 & 7?

[Bantex]

I believe that there is a security element involved as well as everybody gets a ticket. I haven't bothered to work all this out though, but feel happier with that system now as I usually bring in lots of cash (+cards etc.)

Taxi drivers arriving at level 1 have to scan their taxi licence to enter the taxi rank and the scanner tells them which lane to wait in for a passenger. When a passenger takes a ticket, it has a lane number at the top telling them which taxi to take. The taxi driver normally asks to check the lane number on the ticket to make sure it his lane/ taxi nominated. On exiting the taxi rank the driver again has to scan his ID to exit. The system ensures that taxis are assigned passengers in the order of their arrival. Never give the taxi driver the ticket as the system records the drivers details and he can be traced in case of any problem. The ticket has contact numbers should you encounter a problem with the driver. I have never been quoted a fare by any driver and only ever paid the fare on the meter, + highway tolls, + 50 Baht airport surcharge. According to the airport information screens, the 50 Baht surcharge goes directly to the driver with no deductions.

[SoiBiker]

The new system is foolproof, fast, and offers some safety. I don't know why anyone would suggest bypassing it, unless they're genuinely so skint as to need to save 50 baht, or they just enjoy the idea of passing on a bit of old-timer expat wisdom - now past it's sell-by date.

[thedemon]

The new system is foolproof, fast, and offers some safety. I don't know why anyone would suggest bypassing it, unless they're genuinely so skint as to need to save 50 baht, or they just enjoy the idea of passing on a bit of old-timer expat wisdom - now past it's sell-by date.

Says the guy that suggests anyone in a hurry should use the ARL because, well...... all old-timer expats live in Sukhumvit...... don't they?

If you need the safety of the new system, fine. I don't so will continue to go straight upstairs and into a taxi and gone. Faster than anyone can do it downstairs each and every time.

[SoiBiker]

I said I'd consider getting the ARL - because I live a shortish taxi ride from one of its stations. Obviously those who do not may not consider it such a good option.

[CWMcMurray]

Just make sure you use a Taxi that has JUST ARRIVED and is dropping PAX, as there r some scammers nowadays who already wait for people looking for taxis at the departure level. If they greet you with "where you go" then you already know to avoid those, as they most likely play a dirty game. A honest Cabbie who drops some1 will be happy to go back to any destination in greater Bangkok (until it is around 4 pm and shift change), so they won't ask for your destination and then decide if they want you. As a Taxi arrives every few seconds, it is no problem at all to do it that way (even though the already stationary taxis, promoted by WHERE YOU GO touts look pissed then). But who cares....

True... There some hanging out looking for tourists to overcharge but also those arriving that more than happy to use the meter

For me, I always go to departures.. As I live 5 min from the airport... So if going downstairs, taxis are pissed if they got me...

Waiting for hours to get a 60 thb fair.. Even with the extra 50 thb... They ain't happy

Also the taxi trying to scam just waive me to the arriving taxi when I tell them where I live... As they ain't interested in a 5 min job

Although those dropping at departures with the thought that they will very likely return empty are quite happy to take me home..

And as such a low fair, normally tip them 50 thb anyway

As not doing it to 'save 50 thb'

If you want to avoid dirty looks or the taxi from trying to grab you for the 'special all-in rate'... Just say 'Rom Klao ' ... They will immediately loose interest

Edited April 16, 2016 by CWMcMurray

[thedemon]

I said I'd consider getting the ARL - because I live a shortish taxi ride from one of its stations. Obviously those who do not may not consider it such a good option.

Fair enough.

I only posted that because obviously not everyone's experience is the same. I have been getting taxis upstairs since Suvarnabhumi opened. I tried the new system downstairs a couple of times after it was implemented but for me it isn't better.

I don't live in Baan Nok but for some reason many taxis don't consider my area a desirable destination. Downstairs they have no choice but will often moan about it. Upstairs they will almost always go immediately and happily because any fare is better than none. I always round up the fare to the nearest hundred and then add one hundred so it has nothing to do with saving THB50. I do it because it is still ridiculously cheap and I have some sympathy for a BKK taxi drivers plight.

Added to that is the fact that even if the queues downstairs are manageable there is no way it can be as quick as upstairs. Maybe only 5-10 mins different but still worth saving, in my opinion.

[siam2007]

The new system is foolproof, fast, and offers some safety. I don't know why anyone would suggest bypassing it, unless they're genuinely so skint as to need to save 50 baht, or they just enjoy the idea of passing on a bit of old-timer expat wisdom - now past it's sell-by date.

the system is not foolproof at all, as Airport cabbies are A LOT more dishonest than those cabbies who occasionally deliver a PAX to the Airport.

I experience a "cheating attempt" rate of at least 30% when using the official counter, compared to a ZERO "cheating attempt" rate when using arriving cabs from the departure area. Going to/from Swampy around 30 times a year. And I couldn't care less about the 50 Baht fee, I would even pay 100 if I know I am entering a Taxi with a honest driver

[smokie36]

The new system is foolproof, fast, and offers some safety. I don't know why anyone would suggest bypassing it, unless they're genuinely so skint as to need to save 50 baht, or they just enjoy the idea of passing on a bit of old-timer expat wisdom - now past it's sell-by date.

I had a ten minute wait for a taxi after getting a ticket the other month....not really a big deal for me.

[SoiBiker]

It's funny how people complain about cheating taxi drivers - then talk about how to cheat the system and deny those drivers who're playing the game straight a fare.

[Bantex]

The new system is foolproof, fast, and offers some safety. I don't know why anyone would suggest bypassing it, unless they're genuinely so skint as to need to save 50 baht, or they just enjoy the idea of passing on a bit of old-timer expat wisdom - now past it's sell-by date.

I couldn't care less about the 50 Baht fee, I would even pay 100 if I know I am entering a Taxi with a honest driver

The drivers of some of the larger taxis have been reported as trying to charge 100 Baht surcharge owing to size of their vehicle. The surcharge is only 50 Baht regardless of the size of the taxi.