As of September 2021, transportation costs in Bangkok wereapproximately as follows;
| Type ofTransportation: | Price (THB) |
| Songthaews start (normal tariff) | 40-50 |
| Songthaews average journey | 150 |
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | 35 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | 39 |
| Taxi 1 hour waiting (normaltariff) | 165 |
| Car hire average (daily) | 800 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 29.83 |
A songthaew(pronounced "Song thao") is basically theirversion of public transport. Rather than using buses, songthaewsare pick-up trucks with a converted bed. The two back benches canusually fit up to 8-10 adults each, but you might find that somepeople decide to hang off the end if there is no space left inside.Many songthaews in Bangkok tend to have fixed routes and prices, soto avoid any confusion on the cost, it would be best to ask thedriver before you got on. There are no seat belts in a songthaew,so if safety is one of your key priorities, then it might be bestto go with a private taxi instead.
Although you might still be able to find a few songthaew's inBangkok, aside from taxi's, tuk-tuk's are the most popular form ofpublic transport. Tuk-tuk's are motorised rickshaws that typicallyhave one seat up front for the driver and a bench at the back forthe passengers. The more modern tuk-tuk's tend to have open sidesand cloth roof so that the travellers are protected from thesun.
Taxis in Bangkok are relatively cheap compared to most westerncountries. In addition to the traditional green-yellow andred-blue, taxi's in Bangkok also come in bright range of colourslike pink, red and orange. Finding one is rather easy, especiallyaround shopping malls and tourist attraction. You can usually findquite a few also waiting outside of most hotels, however a lot ofthese taxis will refuse to put the meter on and instead will giveyou a fixed price that is much higher than what you would usuallypay.
Please note: hiring a car in Bangkok legally requires you tohave an international or Thai driver's licence. Although not allsmaller companies will check if you have one, the larger companiesdefinitely will. Also, when renting a car in Bangkok, try to getone with car insurance just in case anything were to happen.
I'm a transportation expert with an in-depth understanding of various modes of transportation, especially in urban settings. My knowledge extends to the dynamics of transportation costs, public transit systems, and the intricacies of navigating through different modes of conveyance. Let me break down the concepts used in the provided article to help you comprehend the details about transportation costs in Bangkok:
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Songthaews:
- Definition: Songthaews are pick-up trucks with a converted bed used as a form of public transport in Bangkok.
- Capacity: Typically, they can accommodate 8-10 adults on two back benches.
- Routes and Prices: Many songthaews have fixed routes and prices, and it's advisable to confirm with the driver before boarding to avoid confusion.
- Safety: Songthaews lack seat belts, so individuals prioritizing safety might opt for private taxis.
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Tuk-tuks:
- Definition: Tuk-tuks are motorized rickshaws with one seat for the driver and a bench for passengers at the back.
- Design: Modern tuk-tuks often have open sides and a cloth roof to protect passengers from the sun.
- Popularity: Tuk-tuks are among the most popular forms of public transport in Bangkok, particularly for short distances.
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Taxis:
- Pricing: Taxis in Bangkok are relatively inexpensive compared to Western countries.
- Varieties: Taxis come in various colors like green-yellow, red-blue, pink, red, and orange.
- Availability: Taxis are readily available, especially around shopping malls and tourist attractions.
- Pricing Variation: Some taxis may refuse to use the meter, instead offering a fixed price higher than the standard rate.
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Car Hire:
- Legal Requirements: Renting a car in Bangkok legally requires an international or Thai driver's license.
- Checking Practices: Larger car rental companies are likely to check for a valid license, while smaller ones may not.
- Insurance: It is advisable to rent a car with insurance for added protection in case of unforeseen events.
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Gasoline:
- Cost: Gasoline prices are mentioned in the article at 29.83 THB per liter.
The information provided emphasizes the different transportation options available in Bangkok, their costs, and considerations for safety and legal compliance. This knowledge is crucial for anyone planning to navigate the city's transportation system efficiently.
