I was waiting for one of you Bangkokians to bring this up. Definitely the best taxi option. Also, the airport rail link is excellent if one has no to little luggage and don't need to arrive at the door of ones destination.
I could write a thick book about all the incidents I have experienced taking a taxi from Suvarnanhumi to different locations. Some really scary, others just annoying or in hindsight amusing🙂. But never experienced any problems taking a taxi on the streets of Bangkok. Good video. Cheers.
Still be careful with the ticketing service. I lived in Thailand and travel there frequently, and even with the ticket system, the driver immediately wanted to set a price rather than use the meter. Don't fall for it. I think, in the end, he took me on what he said was a bit of a shortcut but we ended up in terrible traffic, and the meter got way up to about the level he desired in the first place. And I was nice, even speaking some Thai. Anyway, they are persistent, and they hustlers. 😉 I would say use the train system if possible, this ticketing system as the next alternative or maybe just splurge and pay $25 US for a private driver. You can pre-book them. But if it's about saving money, train, then this ticketing system.
We use the airport taxi just for the convenience but now here in Hua Hin using grab the price for most journeys is between 75-80. but we also use the Bhat bus if we are in an area that is convenient. For example today we go to Blueport so we will use grab and pay about 75, we will then use the baht bus into town for lunch then order a grab back home for a similar price. Im fed up of arguing with cab drivers who wont put the meter on.
The drivers just can't help themselves! The 'ticket', with their details, doesn't deter them at all. I always use the excellent and cheap rail link in the basement of the airport.
I remember I took a taxi from Chong Nonsi to the Don Mueang airport and it cost a total (taximeter) of 240 BAHT but it was in 2003, 21 years ago, and here it cost 290 BAHT but Suvarnabhumi is further away than Don Mueang from downtown BKK. In other words, taxi prices remained pretty much the same for over2 decades. That is quite interesting.
You are right. And this is something that many people forget when they complain about taxi drivers in bangkok. I think the starting price should go up and maybe the prive per km as well.
You are really right! I used this from Suvannabhumi to Bang Rak-exact the same way! Since I have only to walk 90 meters from Saphan Thaksin to my "Base-Camp-Hotel" I see no need for me to take a taxi there further on. In September I will go back from Hilton-Asok after returning from Ko Phangan and I will do the same way from Asok-BTS. But I'm sure, if you let the Concierge call you a taxi it will be by meter + expessway-charge. Really easy, if one knows! God job as always, regards! Marlies
last year had it again that taxi driver refused to take me to the city from Suvarnabhumi on meter fare, even I had the ticket.. so had to pick a new ticket and another driver.. annoying.. - would always prefer taking a grab even if it's more expensive, but getting a grab from Suvarnabhumi is quite messy.
I usually choose my flight to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in the mid-afternoon, where the Grab prices are in the low fare. (Still cannot beat the taxi) Last week it cost me 448 THB from airport to Siam (holiday eve). Because in my area Grab is much more trustable than taxi, that’s why people mostly recommend it. I personally had bad experience with taxi before, as long as I hoping to change my mindset but airport trips are tiring hence I prefer to just take the slightly pricier option.
That was another helpfull video Jeroen. I will take the Airport Rail Link, as it is also a nice way to go to the city. It also depends where you are going of course. Lovely video again!
Good video Jeroen, I used also an airport taxi 1,5 weeks ago and I paid 500 with tip 50 baht very close to Ekkamai BTS and we had a good driver no need for a grab and it's cheaper.
Recent Grab trip from Survarnabhumi to Asok cost me TBH349 + THB25 highway fee. The Taxi queue was way less. Didn’t use Grab further and turned to Bolt for subsequent trips by car.
I know you made previous videos but definitely will refer this video to those traveling to Thailand for the first time! Everything will be simpler once ppl have a good visual and clear information like what you always provide!!!
Another great video Jeroen, but it’s obvious you came across as someone who knew Thai and where to go, how much fees were for the airport surcharge and highway tolls. I agree it’s good to have the driver info as it certainly helps. On a past trip, I got a Gran and wanted to go from my dentist to Terminal 21. A straight shot down Asok Mantra Rd I believe they call it. But the guy took a circuitous route and got stuck in traffic. I complained and Grab discounted the ride. The driver tried to take a longer route hoping to avoid traffic and took the gamble and lost O thought he was trying to scam me but I later realized what he was trying to do. I should’ve just jumped onto the MRT but in those days, I didn’t know better.
Love the video. Clear and precise. If I may ask, what’s the going rate to tip the taxi driver? Is it based on a percentage or some sort of a round up? Thanks!
Every time I had a problem with Taxi at the airport. They charge me 700 plus to go to Terminal 21. I usually arrive midnight. I have to take taxi from airport to Terminal 21 because my hotel is next to Terminal 21. It should be less than 300 baht because no traffic at mid night. So I stop taking taxi. I can't trust them.
Great price. But then the moment where you pull out a fresh 1000 THB-bill from the ATM and the taxi drivers smiles and says the often heard words „sorry, no change“. I have been tricked too often by taxi drivers in Bangkok, even the hotel staff was often not able to convince the driver to put the meter on. Now I just use Grab and Bolt and I pay the premium to have a hassle free ride.
Mostly have very good experience with taxis especially if the driver comes from Isaan😊, never had problems in any way, normally I take the AirportLink to the city, helpful video for traveller anyway, 😊🤘🏼🇹🇭🙏🏼❤️
oh wow, they changed the system. many years ago, its always a flat rate charge taking taxi from airport, and i remember the 7 seater SUV is 600 baht. Subsequently every time i visit bkk, i will just take the airport rail cause it is cheaper. I guess i might revert back to taxi then.
Good tips for getting into the city with a taxi. My iin-laws live outside of Bangkok, nowhere near a major landmark other than the local wat. Since I can specify the location in the Grab app, it would be my first choice... but usually a family member would pick up the farang from the airport. 🙂 I find that even local Thai's avoid the taxi's.
Thank you for this video. Personally I prefer the ARL. The only thing I always wondered is why there is no taxi stand @ makkasan station. Kind of adventurous to hail a taxi there 😊
This is great to know because our hotel on November 19-28 is at the Aira Hotel Bangkok on Sukhumvit 11. We're just getting some info and any recommendations, references, and ideas on what modes of transportation we're going to take. Thank you for this video.
I did have one not want to use the meter several years ago. I always like to point at the meter and say "meter" before they lock my bag in the boot! Anyway, he started trying to negotiate a price, I screwed up the ticket, and walked back to the kiosk to get another..... On a side note, when I used to catch them from the departures drop off, I jumped in one and as he was driving off, he wouldn't turn on the meter, I had to start opening the door as we were moving to let him know I was serious, he soon turned the meter on...haha :-)
I recently took Grab to the airport from my condo and again when I returned. The outbound trip went fine - but it was expensive at about 500 B. The inbound trip took over 30 minutes to find a ride and the first ride came and then disappeared. I got another ride quickly but they made me go to arrivals to pick me up. Then they got lost trying to find my condo... again it cost about 500B. More expensive than a metered taxi and much more expensive than the Airport Rail Link train and skytrain which is my preferred option - however I had a heavy bag and didn't want to drag that the 15 minute walk to my condo...Gllobal Travel mate is correct - meter taxis are cheaper than Grab...
I really don’t care if taxis are cheaper, they are all assholes. What are they going to do if you call that number to complain? F-all! At least Grab drivers are courteous and held to a certain standard.
Thanks for this video. It would be more complete if you had add in the other more commonly used transport app in Thailand called Bolt. I hardly use Grab as you had mentioned it is no longer cheap, not here nor anywhere else in the region. Adding too Bolt has its share of dodgyness when i have experienced many times the car number does not match the one displayed on your app. Just discuss with the driver and affirm the price, you'll be fine. No need to start any confrontation.
Great that you took us to the airport today, it makes me miss it! Agree that the taxi ride by metre is cheaper, but in some cases it's also same price depending on traffic and time of the day. Good to see you anyway! Are you planing any rooftop bars trips soon? It's summer and lovely to enjoy drinks outdoor. Keep it up, Jeroen! -- Éric watching from Toronto ;-)
i was in bangkok. i first look blue taxi that was expensive the airport link train was amaziing . thankyou for your help my Girl friend lives in bangkok
I guess it depends on the traffic I usually stay around terminal 21 and the roads are like a parking lot so using grab at least I know the price and no surprises. Last time from DMK there were six of us and the cost of a big van was expensive so just took the subway train very easy cheap and for sure much faster .
I always say "How much" and then I negotiate. I paid 500 baht last time I used a Swamp taxi. Now I'll just ask for the highway and meter. Thanks for the info.
I've found they'll try and take the ticket from you to "check it", or use it to write the totals on the back. As mentioned make sure you don't hand it over to them.
i use grab because i do not always have baht when i land, plus i dont want to have to deal with negotiation, plus on the app i can make sure they are taking the correct route.
Taxis are great to take from the airport especially if its your first time. But if your a regular visitor like I am and arrive at a reasonable time, nothing beats the Airport Rail link for 45 bhat!
The system has been around for a long time, maybe nearly 10 years. The ticket has a lot of information eg, Name of taxi driver, driver licence number, taxi plate number, date of trip, time of day, parking bay number, Tourist Police phone number, Taxi Service compliant phone number. The area is under 24 hour CCTV so given the date, time and parking bay number, very easy to identify taxi driver. Grab is for tourists, taxis are for the locals. 😂
This is helpful thanks . Can I ask the 50B Surcharge is it just a one off charge or is it 50B per person. Last year we were charged 50B per person plus 20B per piece of luggage. My partner and I are coming to Bangkok in 2 weeks time.
OMG! I miss Thailand so much I remember the day I used the taxi at the airport, it is so differnet from Canada and cheaper too. Also I wanted to know what is the camera that you use to film and is it with a gimbal Thank you so much for this video Jeroen it rememind me a lot of memories from Thailand
@@globaltravelmate thank you for the quick reply back. I love the quality of your videos. I need to get a s24 too. I wish you a wonderful day and keep up the great work!
well done on this simulated taxi run, Mr. Jeroen - a request, can you make a vid concerning how to get & use a Rabbit Card & also paying QR codes? Are digital payments widely used in Bangkok? 😁
Have you done a train trip advice video, from the Airport into the Hotel region? my luck i would get bad Taxi driver, always happens. I have terrible Navigation skills!!!
Good info thanks. Do you know if the taxi rate changes depending on time of day or night? As Grab seems to vary depending on demand i.e. when the ARL isn't running. Cheers!
Never had any problems with taxis using the mter from the airport, but what about taxis going to the airport from your hotels which almost on all situations, the taxis never went to use the meter going to the airport. What do you recommend or tips you can share to have the taxi turn on the meter going to the airport?
Very informative, thank you! For the airport 50 Baht charge, how will that be calculated? WIll that be included in the fair or do I have to add 50 Baht on top of what the meter says?
Never used anything but a thai taxi... 100s of times. I think of it like this, I have always given the driver 300b no matter the fair (usually average 70 to 100b). I guess it feels weird to pay less than 10 us dollars for a ride. Plus the 300 is usually enough for them to fill up LPG before returning their rental. Most people don't know that most drivers rent the taxi and only get what's left at the end of the night. GREAT ADVICE 👍 and I have NEVER been ripped off by a thai taxi driver. Can't wait to get back...😢
As a cyclist,you must be familiar with your very famous Dutch bike and Dutch cargo bike, are they suitable for Thailand? Where could I see one? Dank u well
Nah that’s not always true it depends on the time of the day grab is more convenient also if you subscribe to the grab subscription you get a bunch of coupons. I paid less than you most of the time.
i priced bolt from bkk airport to terminal 21 and it says about 280B. so it's about the same price as your taxi in this video. one quick question, where do i pick up bolt at bkk airport - which level? can you provide a map for me?
So, you might get the same price as a regular taxi when you arrive on the right time? I made this video to show people they can also take a normal taxi and therefore let regular taxi drivers earn a decent income.
