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Home - City Guide - Bangkok - Getting Around | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Getting Around Getting Around Bangkok Public Transport The public transport system within Bangkok is plentiful and cheap, although most visitors use the taxis or the three-wheeled taxis called tuk tuks. An elevated railway system is being constructed along major thoroughfares and should ease congestion following its opening on the King's birthday, 5 December 1999. The Sukhumvit Line will run from Sukhumvit Soi 77 along Sukhumvit Road to Siam Square, Phaya Thai Road, Victory Monument and Mor Chit. The Silom Line will start at Sathorn Bridge and run through Silom's business area, Siam Square and end at the National Stadium. Work has begun on a subway system, which is scheduled for completion in 2002/3. The traffic jams in Bangkok are legendary and pollution extreme and this is aggravated by the construction work on the elevated railway and the roadworks preparing the tunnels and stations for the new subway. Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (tel: (02) 246 0973; web site: www.bmta.motc.go.th) has a comprehensive and highly complex bus system across the city (0500-2300) with fares on regular buses ranging from B3.50 to B5; air-conditioned buses from B6 to B16 and air-conditioned red and grey microbuses (operated by private operators) B30 for a single journey with a guaranteed seat. There is also a limited night service operating 2300-0500 with a fare of B5. Bus route maps are widely available in hotels and bookshops. Taxis Taxis can be hailed on the streets and if they are metered there is a taxi meter sign on the roof. Do check that the meter is turned on. The meter rate starts at B35 for the first three kilometres with B5 for each subsequent kilometre. There are also unmetered taxis where the fare must be agreed upon before leaving. Note that the passenger has to pay for any road tolls incurred. Many people arrange a taxi through the concierge at their hotel where the rate is fixed and paid to the hotel before departure. It is also possible to rent a taxi for longer trips and a fare should be agreed in advance, even with metered taxis. Tuk Tuk These three-wheeled taxis ply the streets and are ideal for short journeys. Fares must be negotiated before getting in and range from B30 to B150. River Taxis Numerous river taxis operated by Chao Phraya Express River Taxi (tel: (02) 586 1616) travel upstream and downstream on the Chao Phraya River, acting more like buses than taxis. Fares range between B5 and B15 and the hours of operation are 0600-2000 daily. Other smaller boats just shuttle from one side of the river to the other. Motorcycle Taxis As a result of the gridlock experienced during the rush hour, motorcycle taxis are now available as they can manoeuvre between the cars to reach their destination. Fares range from B15 to B100 depending on distance. The wearing of helmets is compulsory and they are supplied by the driver. Drivers wear coloured tabards for identification and wait at road intersections. Limousines These can be provided by the main car hire companies (see the Car Hire section) or at the airport (tel: (02) 535 2801, terminal one or 535 5155, terminal two). Limousines to the city from the airport cost B550-680. Driving in the City Driving in Bangkok requires a great deal of patience and a certain stubbornness. Few visitors attempt to hire a car as a good knowledge of the city is required to be able to move around. The density of the traffic and the number of lanes means that drivers should know which lane to be in. Bangkok drivers, in particular taxis, buses and motorbikes, are very aggressive and unlikely to give way. Car Hire Many visitors to Thailand now choose to hire a car but few hire one within Bangkok because of the difficulties of moving through the constantly heavy traffic. Drivers must be at least 23 years old and have held a driving licence for two years. A national licence and International Driving Permit are required. It is compulsory to purchase Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection and these are generally included in the hire price. Payment must be made by credit card. Avis have an office at 2-23 Wireless Road (tel: (02) 255 5300) and Budget at 19/23 Royal City Avenue, New Petchburi Road (tel: (02) 203 0250). Hire of a standard saloon car costs from B1500 per day. |
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