Getting Around Thailand: Airports, Trains, Ferries and Ride Apps

Thailand is one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to explore independently. Trains, buses, boats and domestic flights connect almost everywhere, and ride-hailing apps take the stress out of city journeys.

From the airport into the city

Bangkok has two airports. From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link runs into the city, connecting with the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai and with the MRT near Makkasan. From Don Mueang, which handles many low-cost flights, the Red Line commuter train runs to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal for the MRT, and airport buses link to the BTS at Mo Chit.

At both airports, use the official taxi queue rather than accepting offers in the arrivals hall; an airport surcharge and any expressway tolls are added to the metered fare. Grab and Bolt have marked pick-up points too. Chiang Mai's airport is a short ride from the Old City, while Phuket's sits in the north of the island, so allow time to reach the southern beaches.

Bangkok's BTS, MRT and river boats

The elevated BTS Skytrain and underground MRT are fast, air-conditioned and the best way to dodge Bangkok's traffic. The MRT accepts contactless bank cards at the gates; on the BTS, buy single-journey tickets from machines or a stored-value Rabbit card. The Chao Phraya Express Boat is a scenic way to reach the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, with the orange-flag boat stopping at the main piers. Canal boats along Khlong Saen Saep are quick, if a little hectic.

Trains between cities

The State Railway of Thailand runs lines north to Chiang Mai, northeast towards the Lao border, and south to Surat Thani and beyond. Most long-distance trains now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal rather than the historic Hua Lamphong station. The overnight sleeper to Chiang Mai is a classic: seats convert into bunks with fresh linen, and lower berths are slightly roomier. Book sleepers in advance in high season and around holidays, through the railway's official website or at a station.

Buses, minivans and domestic flights

Long-distance buses are comfortable and frequent. In Bangkok, Mo Chit serves the north and northeast, Ekkamai the east coast, and the Southern Bus Terminal the south and west. VIP buses have fewer, wider seats. Minivans are quicker on shorter routes but can feel cramped. Domestic flights link Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani and Koh Samui, and can save a full day of overland travel.

Ferries to the islands

For Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, combined bus-and-boat or train-and-boat tickets run via Surat Thani or Chumphon. On the Andaman side, ferries and speedboats link Phuket and Krabi with Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and smaller islands. Seas can be rough in the rainy season, so leave some slack before an onward flight.

Grab, tuk-tuks and driving yourself

• Ride apps: Grab and Bolt work in Bangkok and the main tourist areas and show the fare upfront, so there is no haggling.
• Taxis: in Bangkok, ask for the meter before setting off; if the driver refuses, take the next one.
• Tuk-tuks: fun for short hops, but agree the price before you climb in.
• Songthaews: shared pick-up trucks used as local buses; in Chiang Mai, the red ones work like flexible shared taxis.
• Motorbike taxis: riders in numbered orange vests cover short trips in Bangkok.
• Driving: Thailand drives on the left. If you rent a car or scooter, make sure your licence and travel insurance actually cover you, always wear a helmet and never leave your passport as a deposit.

Stay connected in Thailand

Nearly everything in this guide works better with mobile data: ride apps need it to find your driver, live maps confirm you are on the right boat, and digital train tickets need to be shown on board. A HelloSIM eSIM is data-only, installs at home before the trip and connects once you arrive, so you can order a ride from the airport kerb. Continuing overland to a neighbouring country? An Asia Pacific regional plan can cover the whole route.