We get asked lots of questions about the best way to travel around Thailand. There is no quick answer because what is the best option for a solo backpacker might not be suitable for someone travelling with a family. This guide runs through the most common transport options in Thailand with links to more in-depth information to help you plan your travel. Whether you’re planning an island-hopping trip on the Andaman Coast or want to travel around Thailand by train, this guide is for you.
Bangkok transport
No matter where your Thailand travels take you, chances are you’ll spend at least a few days in Bangkok. As with many major capitals, navigating the city’s transportation system can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. To make your journey smoother, we’ve created a beginner-friendly guide to Bangkok’s most convenient and tourist-friendly transport options:
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Bicycles
Although there are many locations in Thailand where we don’t recommend riding a bicycle, there are some notable exceptions. In quiet traffic areas like Sukhothai Historical Park and islands like Ko Yao Noi, renting a bicycle can be a wonderful way to explore.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The cost to hire a bicycle varies around the country, but expect to pay around 50-150 Baht for a day’s hire. You won’t normally be issued a safety helmet unless you are going on an organised bike tour.
Boats
If you’re travelling around Thailand for more than a couple of weeks, you will probably be boarding a boat or ferry at some point. Whether you’re cruising Bangkok’s canals or island-hopping on the Gulf Coast, boat travel is an essential part of many itineraries. To help you plan your trips and navigate Thailand’s waterways safely, we’ve put together some key tips and advice in the links below:
- How to book boat and ferry trips in Thailand
- Andaman Coast island-hopping guide (Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe, Phi Phi, Phuket and more)
- East Coast island-hopping guide (Ko Chang, Ko Kood, Ko Mak, Ko Wai)
- Gulf Coast island-hopping guide (Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao)
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Buses and minivans
There are countless private bus and minibus companies in Thailand and safety standards can vary. If you do have to make a bus journey, try to use a government bus service or a company with a good reputation such as:
On most long-distance routes, if you have the option of taking a bus or the train, opt for the train or consider flying.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
A quick word of caution for anyone taking a minivan in Thailand. For shared transfers (e.g. to piers) the vans can be a convenient option. These vans take into account that tourists will be carrying luggage and the journey is usually relatively comfortable. However, there are also minivans on routes which are mostly used by Thai travellers and commuters. These minivans are often on a tight schedule and speeding is not unusual. There tends to be less luggage space in these vehicles because they may also carry parcels they drop off on the way. Whichever route you take, be prepared to pay extra if you have bulky or heavy luggage.
Cars
In areas of the country where there is limited public transport, hiring a car can be a flexible way to travel.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Like the UK and Ireland, Thailand drives on the left. In major cities and tourist areas, road signs are typically in both Thai and English. While the main roads in much of the country are well-maintained, driving in Thailand presents unique challenges — even for experienced drivers. Sadly, Thailand’s road safety statistics are poor. Thailand consistently ranks as one of the worst countries in the world for road safety.
Unexpected hazards are common, including stray dogs lying in the road, tailgating, loose gravel, and poorly lit roads at night. Rural areas may have potholes, and while Thailand doesn’t face ice or snow, roads can become dangerously slick during and after tropical downpours. Always drive with caution and be prepared for unpredictable conditions.
You can also hire a car or minivan with a driver relatively cheaply in Thailand. Doing it this way can be a good solution, especially if you are travelling with family or friends and means you still have the freedom to travel without the need to stress about driving on unfamiliar roads.
The minimum age to rent a car in Thailand typically starts at 21, though this can vary by company. You’ll need to present your valid driver’s license, and it’s strongly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Always keep your license and passport with you in case of a police checkpoint.
There are numerous local car rental agencies, offering varying levels of service, as well as well-known international providers such as:
No matter which company you choose, always inspect the vehicle before driving. Check the tyres, lights, brakes, and fluid levels to ensure everything is in good condition. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for both drivers and passengers.
Flights
Thailand has a well-developed domestic flight network, with multiple airlines connecting destinations across the country. Low-cost carriers often offer fares that are comparable to, or even cheaper than, bus or train tickets — especially if you book in advance and take advantage of special promotions.
(Photo: Sompol / Shutterstock.com)
If you’re flying to or from Bangkok, be aware that the city has two airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the primary international hub and also serves select domestic routes operated by airlines such as Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and VietJet. Don Mueang Airport (DMK), on the other hand, is primarily used by budget airlines, including AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. If you need to transfer between the two, expect a journey of about an hour by bus or taxi.
- Flight connections at Bangkok airport
- Flights to Thailand: travel tips and advice
- How to avoid jetlag on your Thailand flight
Most domestic airlines have ticket counters at their respective airports in Bangkok as well as at the airports they serve. However, booking online in advance is usually the most convenient option.
Motorbikes
If you have never ridden a motorbike before, Thailand is not the place to learn. Our advice is simple; if you don’t have motorbike experience, don’t rent one in Thailand. We know that makes us sound like killjoys, but we see all too often the tragic results. If you’re from the UK or Ireland and not legally licensed to ride a motorbike in your home country, you aren’t legally licensed in Thailand. Even if you have travel insurance, if you have an accident your policy may not cover you if you don’t have the required licence and international driving permit.
If you have motorbike experience and want to rent one on your travels, our advice for car drivers also holds true; unexpected hazards are common. This includes stray dogs wandering on the road, loose gravel or sand, poorly lit roads at night, and potholes. Roads can become dangerously slick during and after tropical downpours. Ride with caution and expect the unexpected.
Although motorbike shops may still rent out a bike to you without checking your licence, it will be you who is breaking the law. Check your insurance small print too. Not all insurance policies cover you if you don’t have a motorbike licence and an international driving permit.
- Bring your driving licence and an international driving permit and be prepared to show both if you are pulled over at a police checkpoint. If you can’t produce both documents you can be fined.
- Wearing a helmet is compulsory. Although the law is routinely ignored by locals (and tourists), you risk being stopped and fined if you don’t wear a helmet. But you risk far more if you come off your bike. Wear a helmet.
- Don’t leave your passport as a deposit when hiring a motorbike. The renter can take a photocopy, but you should always keep the original. If a renter insists on keeping your passport, walk away and go somewhere else.
- Check the bike for damage and test that everything is in working order.
- Wear some sort of protection. Even if it’s long trousers and a pair of trainers instead of shorts and flip-flops, this can make a difference if you have a minor accident.
Motorbike taxis can be convenient for short trips, but passengers are still legally obliged to wear a helmet. However, not all taxis will have spare helmets for passengers.
Songthaews
Songthaews are shared taxis. The name songthaew translates as ‘two rows’ and the vehicles are typically converted pick-up trucks with two rows of seating in the back. They come in different shapes and colours depending on where you are in Thailand. Songthaew is the catch-all name but you may also hear locals referring to them with different names (e.g. rod daeng – ‘red truck’ in Chiang Mai).
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Prices are usually set so it’s best to ask locally at your hotel or guest house what the standard price is. In Chiang Mai for example, the price for the red songthaews is 30 baht for trips in and around the city centre. If you’re going to the airport or bus station in Chiang Mai, drivers may ask for a higher fare (e.g. 60 baht) or you can arrange to hire it privately for an agreed price (e.g. 100 baht). In other areas, songthaew prices are different (e.g. in Pattaya the set price is 10 baht on most routes).
Taxis
In locations like Bangkok, taxis can be a good option for some trips where your destination is not near a Metro or Skytrain stop. If you flag down a moving taxi in Bangkok, they should use the meter and you pay the metered fare at the end of the journey. However, outside hotels and in tourist areas, taxis are often parked up and quote a set price when passengers approach them. This will always be higher than the meter price. It’s up to you whether you accept or not, but you’ll get a better price flagging down a moving taxi that will use the meter.
(Photo: Tong Creative / Shutterstock.com)
Not all taxi drivers will speak English and if you have your destination written in Thai it can help. Showing a map on your phone is another option if the locations are shown in Thai.
As an alternative to the taxi meter, ride-hailing apps are a popular option for tourists and locals alike. There is no Uber in Thailand, but the two most commonly used apps are Bolt and Grab.
Trains
Train travel can be a fun way to explore Thailand. Train tickets can be purchased in person at any of Thailand’s main railway stations. Tickets can also be booked online via the official State Railway of Thailand (SRT) website:
(Photo: Shutterstock)
On popular overnight long-distance sleeper routes (e.g. Bangkok-Chiang Mai) it’s advisable to book in advance. For shorter journeys (e.g. Bangkok-Ayutthaya) you won’t need to book in advance. Check out more detailed advice for travelling by train in Thailand in the links below:
- Exploring Thailand by train
- 8 of the best train trips in Thailand
- Itinerary Ideas: Southern Thailand by train
- Booking domestic travel in Thailand
Tuk-tuks
Tuk-tuks are a quintessential form of Thai transport. You will usually pay more in a tuk-tuk compared to a songthaew or even a taxi, but they can be sanuk and something to try at least once during your Thailand travels. As with taxis, tuk-tuks parked up outside hotels and tourist attractions will charge more. Flagging down a moving tuk-tuk will usually get you a better price.
(Photo:The Tuk Tuk Club)
You can book tuk-tuk tours with reputable companies like Expique in Bangkok and the wonderful Tuk Tuk Club in North Thailand where you can even learn how to drive a tuk-tuk.
Good to know
- Make sure you have travel insurance
- When hiring any vehicle in Thailand you may be asked to show your passport, but you should never leave it as a deposit.
- Thai people are required to carry their ID card and as a tourist, you should have your passport with you when travelling domestically. In some instances, you may also be asked to show your passport when buying tickets in person e.g. for train travel.
- Air-conditioning on long-distance buses and trains can get chilly very quickly. Blankets are normally provided on these routes but a sweatshirt or light jacket can be useful.
- Buses, trains and planes do get busier around the dates of public holidays (especially Songkran and New Year) and booking tickets in advance is recommended.
- Boat and ferry times may change due to weather or demand, so always keep this in mind when planning travel connections.
- Advice for disabled travellers visiting Thailand
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