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Transportation
Guide to Public Transport in Bangkok

Buses
City buses are not air-conditioned, and routes can be difficult to understand at first. However, coverage of the city is extensive and prices very cheap (THB4 per journey). Air-conditioned buses cost more (THB8-20) and are very crowded during morning and evening rush-hours. Tickets are bought on board from the conductor, who, along with other passengers, is usually quite helpful in giving advice on your destination. You should note that if you catch a bus you will be at the mercy of Bangkok traffic. If you can get where you're going by Skytrain or better yet, ferry, then you should do rather than potentially spending hours in queued traffic. At rush hour it is seriously quicker to walk.

Skytrain
Bangkok's skytrain was opened in late 1999 and promises to revolutionise commuting in the inner city. There are three main routes radiating from the central station: north to Chatuchak market; south to the Chao Phraya river at Saphan Taksin; and east to On Nut, near the Eastern Bus Terminus. Tickets for single journeys cost between THB10-40 depending on distance travelled with fares charged on a zonal system. The key advantage of using the skytrain is speed, with journeys often four-times as fast as taxi or bus.

You buy tickets from machines, which have maps of the network displaying what fare is payable to every station from your current location. You press the appropriate number, pay the displayed fare and receive a credit-card type ticket for use in the automatic gates. If you don't have change the people at the counter will give you stacks of coins in return for notes.

Subway
Bangkok's newest mass transit system, the subway, opened in July, 2004. Running from the main railway station, Hua Lamphong, it connects 18 stations in the city, connecting stops such as Sukhumvit, Silom and the Queen Sikrit Convention Centre, passing under two of the city's main (and most congested) thoroughfares of Rama IV Rd and Ratchadaphisek Rd. With park and ride schemes and integration with the bus and skytrain networks it is hoped that the subway will relieve some of Bangkok's chronic traffic congestion.

Tickets cost between THB14-36 depending on length of journey, based on a zonal system. Unlike the skytrain the automated ticket machines at stations will accept notes or coins and will dispense change.

Ferries
Express boats travel the length of the Chao Phraya river and are Bangkok's most pleasant and expedient form of public transport. There are clearly marked piers (tha) dotted on both sides of the river; these are also marked with route identifiers on most Bangkok maps. The fare is only THB8-10. You pay on board. The conductor walks up and down the boat shaking his money tin and dispenses tickets. Although there is some way of working out the fares, commonly the conductor seems to decide for you how much you pay, so you may or may not get a couple of Baht change.

Driving
Bangkok suffers from chronic traffic congestion and driving in the city centre is not recommended unless you know the city extremely well. Road signs are more often than not offered in both Thai and English, but the various flow systems and the one-way network makes navigating around the city difficult for the uninitiated.

However, a car can be a sound option for exploring the rest of the country using Bangkok as a base. The capital itself is the only majorly congested area and outside the city limits driving isn't too taxing. If you do take to the road, a valid International Driving Licence is required for hiring a car in Thailand. You must also carry your passport and licence at all times when driving. To rent a vehicle in Thailand, you must be over 21 years of age.

If you want a car in the city but don't want to drive, some car-hire firms will rent you a driver as well as a car, but make sure you get someone who knows the city.

It is essential that you have written confirmation of insurance before driving anywhere. In the event of an accident, do not admit liability but let your insurance company take your part for you. Driving is on the left and you must overtake on the right hand side. Seatbelts must be worn where fitted. The speed limit in cities is 60km per hour (35mph) and 90-100km per hour (52-60mph) on open roads outside the city where signed.

Be wary of other drivers on the road, moreso than usual. Traffic accidents are extremely common. A shortage of ambulances makes it hard for accident victims to receive medical assistance quickly.

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Taxis
Metered taxis are a recent innovation offering the unprecedented potential for a barterless transaction. A minimum of THB35 is charged, while a 5km journey will cost THB50.

The two-tone green and yellow taxis are generally the best. To call a taxi by telephone, dial 1661 and order one to pick you up (THB50 surcharge).

Tuk-tuks: The ubiquitous tuk-tuk is a Bangkok icon. They are in fact customised motorbikes with a canopied two-seater bench in the back. They will take you anywhere and at anytime, although skilled bartering is required to avoid paying too much. THB50-70 is considered fair for a local trip.

 

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