Should I take a taxi or a Grab from Suvarnabhumi Airport to my hotel in Bangkok?

Dec 10, 2023
a year ago
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello y’all. I’m arriving in Bangkok next Sunday morning. It’s my first time in Thailand and I’ll be arriving alone. Is it wiser to grab a taxi outside of the airport to go to my hotel in the city or to book a Grab?

Thanks for any sound advice you can share with me. If all goes well, after this initial 5-month test period, I’ll make the move to retire in Thailand.😎
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The community discussed the best transportation options from Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok, offering various perspectives on whether to grab a metered taxi or use services like Grab. While Grab might give a fixed fare, many advised using metered taxis to avoid potential hassles and scams, especially for first-time travelers. The taxi stand is officially organized and relatively reliable, albeit with a small airport surcharge. Alternatives like the Airport Rail Link for those with less luggage and cash suggestions for fares were also highlighted.
Mho ****
You can try the website for oriental escape. They charge about 1000 baht. Professional driver with nice clean car waiting for you at the arrival hall. Pay a little more to get the hussle in the airport. Getting the taxi there is always a long slow queue!
Nongnuch ********
@Mho ***
the last 10 times there was no queue at the meter taxi stands . . . where do you live, inside a banana?
Naruenapang *******
Go to the highest floor, the arrival gate. Just grab some after they drop ppl off. Remember to say Meter only but might be hard, maybe say you will tip and tip like 50-100thb.

Good luck!
Nongnuch ********
@Naruenapang ******
That's a stupid advice . . . you will need to jump the steel barriers, grasping to all your luggage. You can call yourself lucky if the security doesn't yell at you or have you arrested . .and you will save from nothing to maybe 50 Baht. Only really CHEAP CHARLIES do that
Naruenapang *******
@Nongnuch *******
thanks for the advice. Apparently i have no problem with that and many ppl do it. I'm Thai as you are.

It's just another option though.

It's great you also add these hussel facts so ppl know it. 🙏😇
Nongnuch ********
@Naruenapang ******
cheap Charlie is a Thai - how far can you sink?
Naruenapang *******
@Nongnuch *******
yes definitely! 😄 also just noticed now. You're not Thai but under a Thai facebook name. Sorry for the misunderstanding!
Albert ********
Taxi stand in the airport it's honest. The only extra fee.would be a highway toll. You can also take the airport link. To the other lines.
Adam **********************
I am 69 years old. I'm from Poland.I am retired. How can I get a visa for one year or longer? How to open a bank account in Thailand? I went to several banks- refusa to issune a bank account. I want to live in Thailand permanentny.
Jack **********
Ladyboy pick you up on scooter
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jack *********
😂😂😂
Liz *****
We booked a car to collect us from the airport
Nongnuch ********
@Kay *****
allow me to correct all these many wrong informations: the official Meter-Taxi stands are ONE level ABOVE the basement! And GRAB or BOLT taxis will not pick you up there, they will pick you up outside the arrival level, which is ONE level above the Meter-Taxi stands.
Nongnuch ********
@Kay *****
. . . . . for withdrawing only 1900.- THB, you will have to pay a 220.- Baht ATM fee. It doesn’t make much sense.

Better you draw the maximum amount at an ATM which is 20,000.- THB, (or 30,000.- THB at the yellow Krungsri Bank ATM) because by this way you can spread the 220.- Baht ATM fee over a large amount. Make sure your credit card has been enabled for withdrawals in South East Asia.

The daily rate by a credit card provider is a really good rate (!) in case they don’t levy any other provisional fees for withdrawing abroad.

And EVEN MUCH BETTER it would be, that after you have passed customs, you follow the sign "Airport Rail Link", which will lead you all the way to the basement, where you can exchange Euro Cash for the BEST rates at the THREE money changers opposite the Airport Rail Link platform.

NEVER, I say never (!!) change cash in any of the upper levels of the BKK Airport! . . .

Then go upstairs one more time and take a Meter-Taxi to your hotel.

There will be a 50 Baht Airport fee added, and make sure you hand the driver 100.- Baht and ask him to use "the Expressway please" - by this you avoid traffic congestions.

Make sure he turns on the meter, if he doesn't, you must insist on it.

From the airport to downtown it is something like 350.- Baht plus the 50 Baht fee plus 70.- Baht Expressway toll

. . .
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
Thanks so much for the detailed advice. I really appreciate it. I definitely will change money at Superich in the airport and I will ask them to give me some small bills. If they don't, then my second option was to get some smaller bills from the ATM machine.
Nongnuch ********
@Kay *****
at the ATM, you will mostly receive 1000.- THB bills. There is a slim chance you get a 500.- THB bill if you choose a withdrawal of
*****
.- THB. SuperRich in the basement can definitely give you a 500.- THB bill and five 100.- THB bills if you ask them politely. The 500.- THB is perfect for paying the Meter Taxi, and the 100.- THB bill is good for the Expressway toll
Michael *******
First timer?! Electric Buggy service and Limo!

You only live once...✌🏽😎
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ******
If you come with the Limo, I'll hop in. 😆
Kyi ******
Use Grab, especially at the airport. I just arrived 5 days ago and found out there lots of Scammers in Bangkok. Be careful!
Elisa *******
If you have luggage go to the queue for a meter taxi. If travelling light you can take the train/metro BTS. Ticket Agents are helpful if you can't figure the map. Takes about the same amount of time as a taxi unless it is raining or rush hour. Make sure you change some money at the baggage claim area to pay for your trip. A small amount $50 is plenty. Better exchange rate in town at Super rich
Brad *******
Sounds like my story except I’m arriving on the 30th
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brad ******
At least now you won't have to ask what the best way to get to the city is! 😄
Bob *********
One Way To Avoid These ?? Is To Buy A Lonely Planet Guide Book. The Answere Are There
Michael ********
Install n use Bolt app....it's less than half the airport taxi fare
Steven **********
Go to the basement pay ฿40 for the train from there you can get a BTS to wherever I always book my hotels near the BTS
Steven **********
Provided you don’t land between midnight and 7 AM
Terary **********
The thing I like about Grab is that I know the price up-front. With the taxi at the airport they're supposed to use the meter but sometimes they don't like to.
Henrik *****
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Seanos **********
Grab the train, learn the ropes and save yourself a bundle
Bent *************
Take the train or a bus. Otherwise you will be overehelmed with all kinds of suggestions what to do when the taxidriver finds out you are new here and alone!
Richard **************
It will cost around 300baht if you arrive at night. Make sure he uses the meter. Using the expressway will cost you an extra 60 baht but it’s worth it.
Andrew ********
Taxis as soon as you step out of the airport. 1000thb to the city. Enjoy your stay.
Madz ******
I always book with Cherry taxis. Very reasonable, super reliable, Aircon cars with water, highly recommend (for over 10 years!)
Vini ***********
@Madz *****
what’s their number or email
Madz ******
@Vini **********
**************************
Tony *********
I use Bolt all the time and used Grab when I can't get one on Bolt. Grab tends to be a little more expensive. Both apps give you a choice of type of transport and different costs. If you want to get one outside the airport you can at least first check out what you should be paying using the apps if you don't want to wait around for one to arrive. I really like Bolt very rarely let's you down only when some big event has happened and thousands are also trying to get a taxi. Then your best option when you want to get around is motorbike taxi if it's not too scary for you or the taxi bus which I had to use recently in Pattaya to get away from the fireworks evening.

Good luck with your ventures in Thailand it's a truly wonderful place to live 👍🏼🙏🏼
Tony *********
Just seen this you might want to get in touch?
Eyal *******
It's your first time in Thailand. Use grab or bolt can be little tricky on first time, because maybe they not found you, try to call you, and you not understand. Just use taxi from airport.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eyal ******
I agree. Thanks Eyal.
Michael *******
After coming through customs there are signs to the taxi rank, there are 2 channels one for a large taxi and one for a standard taxi, at the machine you press for a ticket and it gives you a ticket with the parking bay number on, go walk to your taxi, your driver awaits.
Brian *********
Why not ask hotel if they have an airport transfer or pre book a taxi and they will meet you at arrivals exit door 3
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian ********
I did. They suggested I take a taxi because their car service charges extra for the waiting time.
Brian *********
@Kay *****
there's many online taxi companies that have a fixed rate and wait for you with a name sign at exit 3
Phil ******
@Kay *****
yes easier
Sue **********
Get a metered taxi right outside the airport. You’ve had a long flight already. So why stress yourself over a few baht? 🤷‍♀️
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sue *********
I agree Sue. Thanks.
Luc ************
Taxi, 500baht to the center of BKK
Bent *************
No! The meter had ben tampered with if it shoes 420!
Bent *************
Luc ************
Bent *************
@Luc ***********
Your statement! If you pay 500 you are being robbed.
Luc ************
@Bent ************
meter is 420, add a tip and you have 500 🤷‍♂️
James ********
First time there I'd just go with grab or bolt, less hassle for you ...
Tim *********
All the very best on your move Kay. I too will be moving in the new year. It'd be fun to swap notes.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim ********
Thanks Tim. All the best to you, too.
Gregg ************
I always just take a taxi from the taxi stand at the airport. If you're staying in the city, when the driver asks if you want to take the highway (toll road), say yes. Have some baht to give the driver to pay tolls during the trip, as well as paying at the end of the ride.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks, that's what the hotel said to do, too. I have been told there's a ticket machine just outside the airport for metered taxis and in any case, 500baht should cover it including the toll. Does that sound right to you?
Gregg ************
@Kay *****
Should be fine, though I don't remember actual costs (
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is a useful site for getting an idea of metered fares to your destination). The taxi driver might quote you a fare instead of using the meter, so if you have an idea of what the ride should cost, you can know whether to accept it or not. Traffic in bangkok can be pretty brutal depending on the time of day, so its not unusual for cab drivers to want to make adjustments for the time they'll be stuck in traffic. Airport taxis are supposed to use the meter, but I've had them do both. FYI regarding cash, I generally withdraw from an ATM in the baggage claim area, then go to one of the teller windows there to change a 1K baht note for smaller bills, which tend to work better for taxis.
Dana *******
If your hôtel is in Banglamphu, there is a bus for 80 baths.
John *******
I use train and bolt but train can be difficult if you not sure where you going Chokh di
Ricky ******
BTS is very easy, cheap, fast and clean, and an easy option if your hotel is near a station.
Steve ********
Tried to send you a msg. If you would like direct answers send me a dm
James **************
Just get a taxi if you have big bags, prob about 400bhat
Wan ****
I recommend AOT , go to AOT counter. They are good service and reasonable price. I am Thai and use AOT for every trip from airport.
Jim ************
Get a train only 45thb to city, u catch it from underneath the airport.
Ean **********
I love the train as well if I am by myself
Jared **********
It all comes down to where your hotel is, i came in this week and from wheels on the ground to asok was about a hour taking the airport link and a short subway
Kool *******
As this is your first time, after you land go to an ATM and get 1900 baht. This will give you enough cash for your taxi, and to get you situated for the next day. After you have gotten some Thai baht, just go to the taxi queue. Grab is the most expensive, and a waste. The taxis at the queue use the meter, and then there is a simple 50 baht airport tax all taxis pay picking up at the airport. There can also be a added charge for excess luggage, if you have a lot, but, it is still cheaper than Grab, and Grab can cancel on you here, and they do quite regularly.
Bill *********
@Kool ******
most ATM's dispense in multiples of 1000 baht. There are taxi's at the airport that don't use a meter. I know, i got scammed by one.
Nongnuch ********
@Bill ********
when you enter the meter taxi, always insist that the driver uses the meter. If he doesn't just stop him. At the airport they ARE REQUIRED to use the meter (but some will first try to bargain a fixed fare with you)
Brandon ************
@Bill ********
most ATMs dispense down to the hundreds. I almost always withdrawal with a 900 at the end to get some small bills. 2900, 3900, 4900, etc
Kool *******
As this is your first time, after you land go to an ATM and get 1900 baht. This will give you enough cash for your taxi, and to get you situated for the next day. They don't take foreign currency, only baht everywhere. After you have gotten some Thai baht, just go to the taxi queue. Grab is the most expensive, and a waste. The taxis at the queue use the meter, and then there is a simple 50 baht airport tax all taxis pay picking up at the airport. There can also be a added charge for excess luggage, if you have a lot, but, it is still cheaper than Grab, and Grab can cancel on you here, and they do quite regularly.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
Hey Kool, I hadn't thought of that. Yes, I will use my Wise card which has baht on it to get some quick cash. Thanks for the sound advice!
Nongnuch ********
@Kay *****
that was a bad advice from Kool Breeze, because for withdrawing only 1900.- THB, you will have to pay a 220.- Baht ATM fee.

Better is - you draw 20,000.- THB, because by this way you can spread the 220.- Baht ATM fee over a large amount.

And even MUCH BETTER it would be that after you have passed customs, you follow the sign "Airport Rail Link", which will lead you all the way to the basement, where you can exchange Euro Cash for the BEST rates at the THREE money changers opposite the Airport Rail Link platform.

NEVER, I say never(!!) change cash in any of the upper levels of the BKK Airport! . . .

Then go upstairs one more time and take a Meter-Taxi to your hotel.

There will be a 50 Baht Airport fee markup, and make sure you hand the driver 100.- Baht and ask him to use "Expressway" by this you avoid traffic congestions.

Make sure he turns on the meter, if he doesn't, you must insist on it.

From the airport to most downtown destinations, it is something like 350.- Baht plus the 50 Baht fee plus 70.- Baht Expressway charge
Kool *******
@Nongnuch *******
you are aware that the worst exchange rates are at the airport don't you? If you take out bt20,000 you lose about bt1200 compared to exchange booths in Bangkok center.
Nongnuch ********
@Kool ******
You got your wires crossed. . . . I guess you didn't fully read my expertise. . . . if you take out 20.000.- THB at an ATM at the airport using a free of charge for abroad withdrawals credit car, you will receive a perfectly good rate, better than the rate of many exchangers in downtown Bangkok Except the green and orange SuperRich

And you are exaggerating

I have warned her against an exchange in the upper levels of the BK Airport.

I am directing her to the platform of the "Airport Rail Link" in the basement. There at the Superrich, the Kasikorn or the Happyrich booth, she will receive one of the BEST exchange rates of the whole of Thailand . . . . . . .

and you are COMPLETELY WRONG regarding withdrawals at ATM's using an European credit card.

Most of these providers offer very good conditions, no extra charge or payups for foreign withdrawals, and this leaves the user with only the 220.- Baht ATM fee.

So it is absolutely recommended to withdraw the maximum amount of Thai Baht at a Thai ATM, in order to spread the 220.- THB over a large amount.

The "Real Time Daily Spot Rate" of a credit card provider is BETTER than any exchanging money over a bank counter (!!)

and an ATM withdrawal with a “real” credit card gives you just marginally less than a cash exchange at a private exchange booth

It seems that you haven’t done your homework, yet
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yikes
Brad *******
@Kay *****
you'd be wise to get a card that covers ATM fees, as many do.
Brandon ************
@Kay *****
just beware you'll still have to pay 220₿ fee each time you use a foreign card at the ATM
Vikorn ***********
The official taxi stand is on the basement. They charge extra 50 and also 20 for each luggage. Or you can go 1 floor up to the departure floor, get out and hail a taxi there. They wont charge those extra but make sure to get them to charge you by meter and not on the negotiated fare. Or you can call grab but their fare is 30-50% higher than the metered taxi
Nongnuch ********
@Vikorn **********
let me correct you: the official Meter Taxi stand is ONE level ABOVE the basement! And GRAB or BOLT taxis will not pick you up there, they will pick you up outside the arrival level, which is ONE level above the Meter-Taxi level
Vikorn ***********
@Nongnuch *******
i spoke from MY OWN experience. i hail a taxi from DEPARTURE FLOOR when another passenger got off their taxi. And maybe u r right that grab doesn't do pick-ups there cos i MYSELF never tried
Nongnuch ********
@Vikorn **********
you will have to jump the barriers if you do that outside of the departure level. You may feel lucky the security did not stop you from the breach
Alistair **********
Just grab a taxi from level 1. It'll only be about 300-400B. Train is useful if it's really busy and during peak hour, but you'll either need to change trains or catch a taxi to your hotel, so I prefer just taking the taxi straight from the airport.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
Thanks Alistair, that is sound advice, especially since I'll be extremely jet lagged by the time I land.
Graham ******
If you use a taxi you first take a ticket from the machine (choose big taxi if you have much luggage) then go to the numbered lane on the ticket for your assigned taxi.
William **************
One trick is to go up to departures level and grab a taxi there. Make sure they use their meter. But the drawback on that is the taxi's at arrivals have been vetted and the ones at departures have not been.
Mikie *********
I agree with several other posters. Public transportation is great in Bangkok but all the taxi's I have taken from either airport have been fair and honest with pricing.
John ***********
@Mikie ********
Never had a problem with any taxi taken from the airport. The train is a good option if you are staying close to a station en route.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John **********
Hi John, I'm staying in a hotel near to the Royal Palace, a cute little place called Neighbor Phuton.
John ***********
@Kay *****
I'd take a taxi as your hotel is not easy to reach with public transport. Looks like a little gem of a hotel. What you do have easy access to is the canal ferries which will allow you to quickly reach many of the major attractions and parks, but also the river ferry which will take you to Chinatown, Little India on Pahurat Rd and the flower market, all in the same area - my favourite part of Bankok, full of variety and life. Also near Kaosan Rd. An inspired choice of hotel!
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John **********
Thanks John. My first stops will be the Royal Palace and the nearby temples. 😊
Mikie *********
@John **********
I love Bangkok. It took me a little while to figure out the train system but now I take it everywhere. I travel between Thailand and the Philippines all the time to avoid visa issues. I have also fallen in love with Filipina and Thai women which is easy to do.
John ***********
@Mikie ********
The Sky train and subway, along with the river and canal ferries, make traversing Bangkok so easy, and the maximum fare of 45 baht makes the sky train very economical if you use it for long trips. There is for instance a sky train/bus combination to Don Meuang airport using the Sukhumvit line. I lived 6 years in Bangkok before the construction of the rail system and owned a car. Often travelling anywhere was a bit of a nightmare. Now I am more than happy using public transport to get around. Bangkok is a great city and hopping from place to place really allows you to appreciate the variety to be found there. I basically only stay in Bangkok when I visit, last time in 4 different locations.
Mikie *********
@John **********
after 2 years I have figured out the public transportation in Bangkok. I love it keeps expanding. I like staying in Bang Na when in Bangkok and now it's covered with public transportation.
John ***********
@Mikie ********
I stayed in On Nut, Victory Monument and Rangsit (visiting friends) last time, with the BTS in each case only a stone's throw from my hotel/apartment. My only complaint is the public transport system shutting down at midnight.
Paul ********
Basement Cash up money, Jump on BTS

Check on Google Maps

Stay Safe
Nongnuch ********
@Paul *******
the train at the Airport is called "Airport Rail Link". It gets you to the Makkasan junction where you can definitely change over to the BTS system
Paul ********
@Nongnuch *******
Same Meat different gravy cupcake
Nongnuch ********
@Paul *******
You got your wires crossed. . . . It's not the same meat, mug, since the Bangkok mass transportation has been by large expanded in the recent years. Now there is the MRT alongside the BTS and the new yellow line. If you confuse these, you should NOT advise anyone in this group and keep your fingers off the keypad
Paul ********
@Nongnuch *******
All Metro Train
*****
555 Troll
Bent *************
@Paul *******
There is no BTS in any of Bangkok’s airports!
Paul ********
@Bent ************
You fill better now Mug
Harvey *****
What time do you land if it’s evening traffic will be awful. Your be better of getting the train . It’s fairly easy to understand , you book a ticket on machine , is clean and cheap too.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Harvey ****
Hi Harvey, thanks for the advice. I'll get in around midday and by the time I get out of the airport, it will be around 2-ish. I'm usually all for trains but I fear I will be heavily jet lagged and a little fuzzy brained so my best bet is probably a taxi.
Terry ********
@Kay *****
Thats exactly why I always spend the 1st night in a hotel very near Suvarnabhumi which offers free transport to and from the airport. U just go to the area on Arrivals Level 2 between gates 3 and 4 and ask for the transport for your hotel. Totally stress free, wait a short while and about 10 mins drive to your hotel. I can recommend B.S Residence or Thong Ta Resort or The Great Residence. All on Agoda.com.
Duncanc **********
Taxi will not use GPS navigation. - use Grab or other app if you have data enabled on your phone
Bobby *********
Taxi driver with meter
Pui *****
You can use Grab, Bolt or InDrive. Compare prices in all 3 apps. Can vary by over 30%. Or just use a metered taxi from the airport's official queue system. Highly organised and easy.
Brandon ************
Will you have cash and small bills to pay your taxi in close to exact change?

If not then use grab or bolt with credit card.
James *********
@Brandon ***********
can you get small notes at the cash exchangers like Superich or is there another way to do that at Suvarnabhum..before grabbing a Taxi.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Hi
@Brandon ***********
, I plan on changing money in the airport after customs. I will ask them to give me some small bills so I can pay the taxi. Otherwise, perhaps I can get smaller bills in the hotel upon my arrival. I'll be so jet lagged when I get there, I just want to keep everything as easy as possible.
David ********
@Kay *****
there will also be toll booths you will need to pay … I forget the price, not a lot, but it’s probably good to have a few 5 & 10 baht coins …
Kris ********
@Kay *****
Superrich ....best rate
Mike *****
If u arrive at Suvarnabhumi you can go to the basement where you can find city line train connected to BTS. They have a taxi office at a different floor. Dunno if grab is accepted inside airport. At basement they also offer good money exchange office.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ****
Hi Mike, thanks for the sound advice. If this were not my first time in Thailand, I'd probably take the train however, it is my first time and I'll be very jet-lagged (flying in from Italy) so I think I'll opt for the metered taxis that have been suggested thus far.
Jan *******
@Kay *****
Depending on your destination - you may get stucked in heavy traffic.

But yes - taxi is easy. After arrival go two levels down and outside - it’s self explaining / but there are people who can help.

maybe your hotel offers a pick up service - did you ask ?
John ********
Depends on what time you get there, and how much luggage you have. If do not have lots of luggage. Take the train to the city, then get a taxi.
Johan ********
Grab or Bolt could be cheaper but a taxi using meter is also ok.
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