Taxi from Bangkok BKK Suvarnabhumi to DMK Don Muang & Khao San Road
Posted by adammcintyre on 27/2/2014 at 03:16
The whole point of this thread: The price of taxis in Bangkok:
Last weekend, this is what I paid for taxis in Bangkok.
Note: due to the riots, our taxi from BKK to Khao San and Khao San to DMK had to take slightly longer police patrolled one way routes. The city was on lock.
- (DMK) Don Muang to >> (BKK) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, 4pm, 45 minutes, 317baht + 75baht toll
- (BKK) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to >> Khao San Road , 7pm = 375baht + 125 baht toll
- Khao San Road to >> (DMK) Don Muang 11am = 315 baht + 75baht toll
Between the 3 destinations, no matter which way you cut it, the taxi should be no more than 400baht excluding tolls: ten quid for us Brits, fourteen bucks for you yanks.
Before my trip to Bangkok last weekend, I searched Google (admittedly on my way out of the door) for the cost of taxis and didn't really yield anything valuable, so I'm making this thread to help anyone out who might be searching.
Also, if you want to take the train because it's cheaper - from personal experience it's a pain in the ass, get a taxi, it's much much much easier, especially if you have luggage. Bangkok is hot and busy.
The story of my rigged taxi meter journey in Bangkok:
I've travelled between Bangkok's airports and the Khao San Road in taxis, minibus transfers, on the train and in friend's cars several times; however I've always been with friends or family and never really taken much notice of how much it cost or the price on the meter.
The last time I was in Bangkok, I was on my own and needed to quickly transfer between BKK (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport) and DMK (Don Muang Airport). I picked up a ticket from the taxi counter at BKK, got in a cab and off we went. I was busy on my phone as we set off, but when I looked up the price on the meter was 350 baht before we'd even left the curved road that leads out of BKK.
I thought to myself "Damn that seems a high.. hmm I didn't see what it started at.. it must be ok.. ten bucks I guess"
A few minutes later, the meter was over 400 baht. I knew the transfer between BKK and DMK takes around an hour. I did the math and realised "Oh ****, this is going to be one expensive cab ride".
It was clear: The meter was rigged.
I asked the taxi driver "Has your day been busy?", he replied "No, no busy".
Ok, gotcha, you speak a little English.
So I ask him "Why is the meter going up so quickly? Why is it so expensive?" - he looks at me and chuckles nervously: suddenly he can no longer understand me or remember how to speak English.
The meter keeps ticking up, quickly.
I keep at him, "Why is the meter so expensive? Why is it going up so quickly? This meter (I point) - it is going up too fast, too expensive!"
Again he pretends he has no idea what I'm talking about.
"What is your name?" I ask him... and as I ask I notice his taxi license / registration card is not on display.
He stops looking at me in the mirror, stops replying or acknowledging anything I say. He picks up his phone and tries (or pretends) to call somebody, I guess so I quiet down and stop asking him questions.
So I switch to Thai.
I ask him (in Thai) for his name & why the meter is so expensive.
He pretends he doesn't understand what I'm saying, but a look of "Oh ****" starts washing across his face. "This guy knows the meter is rigged. He speaks Thai. He's not fresh off the boat" - so he makes ignoring me even more blatant.
Getting a little frustrated I start pointing at the meter "pang mak, pang mak mak".
He goes back to his phone, nervously smiling at me in the rear view mirror but trying his hardest not to interact with me.
I start worrying, thinking to myself "This guy could take me anywhere and call anyone.. don't get mad with him"
There's a huge rain cloud ahead of us. In Thai I mutter "It's going to rain, that's not good" trying to make a subtle point that I'm not new to Thailand and I know he's robbing me.
I give up and fall back into my seat.
As I do, I notice the meter has slowed down dramatically (to a normal rate). I keep watch on it for 5 minutes solid, it's clear that the meter has returned to the normal rate. So I go back to my phone to write a message to my girlfriend. I must have been looking down at my phone for 1 maybe 2 minutes - the meter JUMPS again.
I don't say anything. I don't let him know I realised what just happened. But I watch the meter and I notice the taxi driver keeps looking at me in the rear view mirror - When I'm looking at the meter, he slows it down. When I'm not looking, he speeds it up.
We get to Don Muang and the meter is close to 3,000 baht. I have a choice: Don't pay him, go to the police or airport security, end up struggling to translate what's happened, possibly get in trouble for not paying a taxi driver (as I have no proof of how long I've been in that taxi) and miss the flight that I have barely enough time to catch as it is. Or just pay him, cursing.
I also realise I don't know what the amount really should be. As stupid as it sounds, I've never taken notice before.
So painfully I pay him, vowing that the next time I'm in Bangkok I'll take careful notice of how much metered taxis between the airports really cost.
So how much is a taxi in Bangkok?
I was in Bangkok over the weekend to meet my sister as she passed through on her way to Australia.
I flew in from Chiang Mai to Bangkok Don Muang and took a taxi to Bangkok BKK Suvarnabhumi airport to meet her.
My sister had already booked a hotel on the Khao San Road (urgh), so we took a taxi from BKK to Khao San. After a couple of days exploring Bangkok, she travelled up north with me to Chiang Mai, meaning we took a taxi from Khao San Road to Don Muang Airport.
All bases covered.
- (DMK) Don Muang to >> (BKK) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, 4pm, 45 minutes, 317baht + 100baht toll
- (BKK) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to >> Khao San Road, 7pm = 375baht + 150 baht toll
- Khao San Road to >> (DMK) Don Muang 11am = 315 baht + 100baht toll
Scam taxis in Bangkok
As much as it pissed me off to get scammed, it was only £60/$100. Back in the UK, a taxi around London, or to the airports is more than double that (if you're lucky).
Likewise, things like this happen everywhere. I don't want to single Bangkok out as a place you ARE going to get scammed. Bangkok has nice and bad people just like any other city. If you're a tourist you're a target to be taken advantage of. You don't know the local area, the currency and how much things should cost. It happened to my Mum a few months ago in Norway, it's happened to me in France, it's even happened to me in the UK. Bangkok is no more prone to tourist scammers than anywhere else.
How to make sure you don't end up out of pocket?
Search Google for threads and pages like this and even post your own if no info exists and find out how much things cost before landing in a new and exciting destination 8-)
#1 adammcintyre has been a member since 4/7/2012. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 53
Posted by LeonardCohen1 on 27/2/2014 at 23:25
3000 baht lol 100 dollars
I would have given him 400 baht and walked away.
No crook like that will call the police esp when u can talk thai
Most ive paid for a cab is 400 baht.
I always look at the starting price and have never exp a dodgy meter
#3 LeonardCohen1 has been a member since 24/7/2012. Posts: 2,148
Posted by somtam2000 on 27/2/2014 at 23:32 admin
That's brutal.
Have made the post a sticky.
#4 somtam2000 has been a member since 21/1/2004. Location: Indonesia. Posts: 8,065
Posted by percyverance on 28/2/2014 at 02:40
Met two friends at Suvarnabhumi on 5 February and was conned on the 50 Baht exit charge payable by taxis, as the driver insisted it was 50 Baht per person not per vehicle. Driver had initially quoted us 600 Baht to take us to the River View guesthouse in Chinatown, but I insisted he used the meter that he'd not activated. He was reluctant to use the meter and told my Thai girlfriend that the fare on the meter was plus the taxes and I sought to confirm that there was a 75 Baht toll payable for using the Expressway and 50 Baht charge imposed on taxis by the airport authority. The driver became animated, insisted the 50 Baht levy was per person, and I disagreed, but my friends who had been travelling for over 24 hours didn't want 'hassle' over 150 baht (less than £3). So they paid the 425 Baht fare on the meter, 75 Baht at the toll-booth, and 200 Baht for the airport exit tax - 700 baht in total!
Yes, as my UK friends pointed out 150 Baht is less than £3 and the fare was a fraction what they'd pay in London, but when one considers that the official minimum daily wage for Thailand is 300 Baht (and lots work for less) then the taxi driver's con trick is a profitable deception at the expense of tired tourists.
My Thai girlfriend who was confused by the confident adamant taxi driver, and obviously doubted my research subsequently confirmed with a friend who was a flight attendant that the exit tax imposed on taxis by the Suvarnabhumi airport authority is 50 Baht. Her friend also told her that she'd once taken a taxi from the airport that had a a rigged meter as she took the same journey home on a regular basis and knew the price!
I must point out that this has been my only bad experience of a metered cab in Bangkok: they are incredibly cheap; their air-con a welcome respite from the city's heat...
#5 percyverance has been a member since 7/1/2012. Posts: 6
Posted by LeonardCohen1 on 28/2/2014 at 03:10
Best to confirm fees up front before u travel. If u dont like the driver get out and get the next cab. Thousands if them. Normally the passenger will pay the tolls by passing the money to them to pay.
#6 LeonardCohen1 has been a member since 24/7/2012. Posts: 2,148
Posted by adammcintyre on 28/2/2014 at 23:16
@LeonardCohen
Yep, you're right. And now I know the actual price of these trips I'm not open to getting screwed again.
I can speak a little basic Thai, enough to get myself around, but I can't clearly explain to a policeman why an irate taxi driver is claiming I've not paid my fare, quickly enough to catch my plane that leaves in 30 minutes, also whilst not knowing what the price really should've been >.<
It was a sticky situation, but knowing what I know now it won't be happening again.
And yes, passenger pays the tolls. when I was scammed (now I think about it) the taxi driver would take 100 baht notes from me for the tolls and I would never get the change back.. damn I got screwed!
@Percyverance, yeah it would seem a common thing then. The language barrier, the fact it's seemingly so cheap compared to western currencies, unknown surroundings.
As for your Thai girlfriend also being persuaded by him, I could be wrong in saying this but from what I've seen in Thailand with the age/respect culture, younger people are incredibly reluctant to argue with or question their peers... pi's
@Somtam2000, thanks! Hopefully this post helps others. It's stuffed with keywords, particularly the headline, so hopefully it'll catch the eyes of those who're also running a quick Google search as they leave the door!
Side note, my first week in Thailand, I was in BKK with friends and we got in a Taxi. We were fed up with the heat and constant mythering of cab drivers, tailors and tuk tuks on the Khao San trying to pry open our wallets. We got in a the first taxi that offered to take us by the meter. I can't remember where we were going, but we were new in town and overly-wary of scammers etc.
I made sure the taxi driver understood we wanted the meter - "On the meter OK? Yes? On the meter?" and the taxi driver assured us "Yes, yes, the meter!"
We set off in this cab and drove straight into traffic. We were moving slowly and I had my eye on the meter. I didn't see the meter move 1baht, even after a few minutes. Another couple minutes later I started (rather angrily as I thought he was going to scam us with a flat fee) talking to the driver, making sure he definitely understood that we wanted the meter.
"Why is the meter not going up? We said we want the meter. Why is the meter not running?"
The driver chuckled and assured us the meter was on. A few seconds later it jumped up a few baht.
Rest assured, I felt a little guilty for getting mad with this guy. I am so used to expensive cabs back home that I assumed this guy was scamming us because his meter wasn't rocketing up. In fact, he was an honest guy, doing an honest job and his meter was ticking up at the normal, incredibly cheap rate.
It's that same attitude of "This is so incredibly cheap" that I guess leaves tourist so open to being scammed (and unaware of it).
#7 adammcintyre has been a member since 4/7/2012. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 53
Posted by chopin on 1/3/2014 at 02:40
I just returned from a trip to Bangkok. On this Wednesday around noon time, I took a taxi meter from the Victory Monument to Don Mueng Airport, and the charge was just 140B. The starting fare was I think 35B, and the traffic was not heavy. I guess I was fortunate enough to have met an honest driver.
From your post, it is amazing that now their meter can vary their speed on the road! On another incident, I have another foreign friend also took a cab in Bangkok, the driver blatantly told him to pay a few hundred bahts extra, or else he was asked to just get out of the cab, in the middle of the toll road!
No doubt there are black dogs and white dogs everywhere. To minimize on the chance of being victimized, tourists might be better off using the train or the airport shuttle buses as much as possible, or ask the hotel to arrange for taxi services and find out the estimated fare beforehand.
#8 chopin has been a member since 28/4/2007. Posts: 156
Posted by MADMAC on 1/3/2014 at 03:54
OK related to honesty of drivers I have two points to make:
1. I forgot my camera on the seat when I was getting into Mo Chit bus terminal. I had several bags and was rushed. A miute after I went in, waiting at the ticket counter, the taxi driver came running up to me, camera in hand. He thrust it in my hands and ran out before I could even thank him. There are plenty of honest guys out there.
2. I've taken MANY taxis in Bangkok and never been ripped off. Once when coming in to Bangkok at oh dark thirty I asked for a price quote to get to Sukhumvite and the driver wanted 500 baht. I just walked away as that was absurd. But I've never really been cheated.
#9 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957
Posted by adammcintyre on 1/3/2014 at 05:19
@MADMAC damn that's awesome. Reminds me of Casey Neistat's vide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wglDXHRqVY0
#10 adammcintyre has been a member since 4/7/2012. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 53
Posted by MADMAC on 1/3/2014 at 06:13
It was pretty cool. But I felt bad I could not thank him.
#11 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957
Posted by DLuek on 1/3/2014 at 09:10 TF writer
I've heard many stories of taxi drivers scamming by not using the meter at all, but this is the first convincing one I've heard of a rigged meter. Previously I thought rigged meter in BKK was mostly folklore dreamed up by overly paranoid people. Thanks for providing some solid proof. Also nice job not getting too heated. It's a fair amount of cash but still not worth losing your cool over. Not sure I would have kept it so cool. I definitely would have at least bargained him down, but then, 30 minutes isn't much to catch a flight and fighting with a scammer is not fun. Never been scammed by a taxi myself -- many have tried and I've just slammed the door in their faces before getting in -- but I once argued for a while with a driver after he scammed some friends who were on their way from the airport to my apartment.
Couple things to add:
Similar to Mac's experience, my brother once left his backpack with cash, iPad etc. in the back of a taxi after we were dropped near KSR (we were catching the crack of dawn bus to Ko Tao). He didn't realize he'd left it for a good 20 minutes. We went back to the spot we'd been dropped off, and there's the gentle taxi driver standing outside with the backpack in hand. My bro hugged him and gave him 2,000 baht. So yeah, lots of honest cabbies out there.
Also, I'd have to say that the majority of Bangkok taxi scams I've heard are from taxis caught at the taxi stand at Suvarnabhumi. The "official" protocol is supposed to prevent scams, but if anything it might provoke scams because taxi drivers realize that not only are the travelers "off the boat", but they're also unlikely to suspect anything after going through an "official" system. In any case, the airport taxi stand attract loads of scammer taxis. I always avoid it by catching a taxi outside the 4th (arrivals) floor after they've just dropped people off. The drivers you find here are more "regular" drivers who've just come from some or other part of the city and don't normally feed on the taxi stand. This also allows you to avoid the 50 baht surcharge, and there's never a shortage of taxis up there.
#12 DLuek has been a member since 19/6/2008. Location: Thailand. Posts: 1,345
Posted by adammcintyre on 1/3/2014 at 09:54
"I always avoid it by catching a taxi outside the 4th (arrivals) floor after they've just dropped people off. The drivers you find here are more "regular" drivers who've just come from some or other part of the city"
Now that is solid advice. Thanks @DLuek!
#13 adammcintyre has been a member since 4/7/2012. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 53
Posted by MADMAC on 1/3/2014 at 12:37
Adam
Funny, I'm the opposite. I always go to the fourth floor. It avoids waits, the guy always gets me a meter rate, I'm never jerked off.
#14 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957
Posted by adammcintyre on 1/3/2014 at 19:53
@MADMAC, I think that's what he is saying :)
#15 adammcintyre has been a member since 4/7/2012. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 53
Posted by SBE on 1/3/2014 at 19:54
In any case, the airport taxi stand attract loads of scammer taxis. I always avoid it by catching a taxi outside the 4th (arrivals) floor after they've just dropped people off.
I always use taxis into town from there too, avoids having to pay the 50B airport fee and the drivers are happy to have a fare back into town, but you sometimes need to explain where you're going in Thai. But isn't it the flight departures floor?
Sorry you had that experience Adam but thanks for posting the heads up.
#16 SBE has been a member since 14/4/2008. Location: Global Village. Posts: 2,055
Posted by Grubert on 1/3/2014 at 20:26
Not entirely sure whether this has been covered on the main site or not, but a good phone number to memorise is 1808. Dialling it will connect you with FM Jor Sor Roi (จส 100), Bangkok's main traffic-monitoring radio station. The programme is listened to by tens of thousands of commuters and you'll often hear requests for missing relatives and belongings left in taxis. No less frequent are callers praising the kindness of taxi drivers who had returned their ipads, iphones, and said relatives.
From personal experience, there was this one time when an outbound Chinese friend arrived at Suvarnabhumi only to discover she'd left her handbag and travel documents in the cab. I forwarded descriptions of her handbag and present location (we'd agreed that she would wait by a particular entrance) to Jor Sor Roi, who promptly proceeded to broadcast the information. She subsequently received the missing items some 20 minutes later.
Posted by Grubert on 1/3/2014 at 20:33
I should also add that it always pays to notice (or better yet, photograph) the number plate of any taxi you happen to find yourself in. These you'll find plastered on the interior door panels.
Posted by MADMAC on 1/3/2014 at 22:30
Adam you're right. I missed the word "it" when reading. Sometimes I'm just a dumbass.
#19 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957
Posted by adammcintyre on 1/3/2014 at 22:34
In regards to what Grubert said, I'm not sure if there is a similar service in Thailand/Bangkok (or if the radio show serves as it), but in Malaysia/KL and Singapore, if a taxi driver tries to make you pay off the meter, you say the magic words "I'll call the hotline" and all of a sudden they turn on the meter and become the most pleasant taxi driver you've ever met (well, they pretend to be).
Singapore has a zero tolerance approach to taxi scams which is awesome.
#20 adammcintyre has been a member since 4/7/2012. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 53
Posted by Grubert on 2/3/2014 at 03:00
The Land Transport Department does operate a complaints centre (dial 1584), the mere mention of which will, according to my relatives, knock some sense into the driver. I didn't mention it because I have no idea whether the service is capable of helping a non-Thai speaker.
Posted by DLuek on 2/3/2014 at 08:41 TF writer
But isn't it the flight departures floor?
Yes, 4th floor -- Departures! Sorry I'm a bit dyslexic when it comes to opposites (it's my fault if "west" should be "east" somewhere on this site). ;)
#22 DLuek has been a member since 19/6/2008. Location: Thailand. Posts: 1,345
Posted by LeonardCohen1 on 2/3/2014 at 13:04
The standard quote price to swampy airport from the city is 500 baht but they will always accept 400 baht so if u dont want to go thru the circus of waiting for a metered cab due to time constraints do that and say it in Thai which is sirwannaphum tao rai? (How much to airport?) They say hah roy (500 baht) you say "see roy" (400 baht) ok done.
Meter plus tolls is about 350 baht anyway.
Don muang is cheaper, more like 150/180 baht plus tolls.
Try for meter first but if its not happening do a deal upfront.
Never have to pay more than 400 baht.
#23 LeonardCohen1 has been a member since 24/7/2012. Posts: 2,148
Posted by jenmi on 2/3/2014 at 16:52
Every time I visit BKK, i have NEVER user their taxi from the airport, EVER.
I use their BTS/MRT (forgot what is which), and it will take you from airport to downtown BKK. From there, you can then take a taxi, it should be much cheaper than taking taxi from airport since the airport itself is already out of the BKK skirt.
#24 jenmi has been a member since 24/12/2013. Posts: 4
Posted by MADMAC on 2/3/2014 at 22:06
But the BTS doesn't run from midnight until six, so that is a limiting factor for your otherwise good idea. Also, if you fly into Don Muang (internal flight) then it's not an option at all.
#25 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957
Posted by LeonardCohen1 on 3/3/2014 at 01:53
With luggage a train is a hassle and all to save 5 dollars forget it
#26 LeonardCohen1 has been a member since 24/7/2012. Posts: 2,148
Posted by adammcintyre on 3/3/2014 at 01:55
I'm with @LeonardCohen ^^
Especially if you're new to BKK and/or Thailand, just get a cab.
#27 adammcintyre has been a member since 4/7/2012. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 53
Posted by MADMAC on 3/3/2014 at 02:57
Well mid day I like the train because of traffic. Of course "luggage" for me is slung on my back.
#28 MADMAC has been a member since 6/6/2009. Posts: 6,957
Posted by DLuek on 3/3/2014 at 03:00 TF writer
I usually use the Airport Link when it's running (note that it's a different system from BTS skytrain and MRT subway). But as Mac says it shuts from midnight to 6:00 and it seems that I often depart/arrive between those hours. The trains can definitely be a pain with luggage but it's usually fine outside of rush hours, during which times it can be a nightmare even without luggage. I always plan flights so as to avoid commuting to the airports during rush hours.
#29 DLuek has been a member since 19/6/2008. Location: Thailand. Posts: 1,345
Posted by DLuek on 3/3/2014 at 03:06 TF writer
Should also note that I never take taxis when arriving at Don Muang -- I always take the "express bus" straight to Mo Chit BTS, which leaves regularly from right in front of the airport. To reach Don Muang (unless it's late night), I usually go to Mo Chit by skytrain then take a taxi the rest of the way. They're working again on the Don Muang rail link after first adding the massive concrete supports years ago then abandoning the project. Not confident that I'll be alive to see its completion though.
#30 DLuek has been a member since 19/6/2008. Location: Thailand. Posts: 1,345
Posted by LeonardCohen1 on 3/3/2014 at 03:16
Traffic to Don Muang before 4pm was fine last time I went. Only took about 25 mins from Pratunam and that was without toll roads. Its a better airport to fly thru. The domestic section has a 7/11 past the checkpoint as well with normal cheap prices. Out in the waiting area prices are high. So if flying domestic just go straight in and wait near the gate.
#31 LeonardCohen1 has been a member since 24/7/2012. Posts: 2,148
Posted by Grubert on 17/3/2014 at 20:54
Again, the radio programme can be occasionally effective. See here.
Posted by percyverance on 18/3/2014 at 01:37
I omitted to mention in my first post that the taxi driver from who took us from Suvarnabhumi on 5 February immediately snatched the customer's copy of the ticket - completed by the desk dispatcher on the first floor - from my friend's hand with a confident 'where you go'...
These tickets clearly state in English that the 'TAXI FARE IS CHARGED AS SHOWN ON THE METER PLUS 50 BAHT SURCHARGE (FOR TAXI DRIVER ONLY)' and
'PASSENGER HAS TO PAY FOR TOLL/EXPRESS WAY FEES'
It also shows the driver's name and license plate number. Plus the destination, date and time .
On Friday 14 March I had no problems with a taxi from Don Mueang. The taxi dispatcher's podiums are in front of 'Gate One': as you exit customs continue through the automatic sliding glass doors into the terminal and turn right.
Don't, as the Australian - who'd sat next to me on the flight - did, go to the large desk emblazoned 'TAXI SERVICE' that's immediately opposite the doors and the first thing to greet you. The Australian was quoted 800 Baht to be taken to a guesthouse off the Khao San Road that was bartered down to 750 Baht. Fortunately as he was about to get into a 'very nice car' sense prevailed and he located me at the taxi dispatcher's desk.
Cost of my taxi from Don Mueang to drop-off point on upper level of Mo Chit northern bus terminal - where the ticket offices are located - was 114 Baht, plus the 50 Baht surcharge. It was a late Friday afternoon and the normally busy Bangkok traffic was exacerbated by a convoy of the mob's (anti-government protestors) supporters.
In future I'll follow DLuek's excellent advice when at Suvarnabhumi and get a taxi - that's just dropped off passengers - from the 4th floor, Departures.
This tip would presumably also work at Don Mueang as I saw a long line of taxis dropping off passengers as I exited.
There's a photo of the Suvarnabhumi taxi ticket at
http://www.thaizer.com/arrival/how-to-catch-a-taxi-from-bangkok-airport/
#33 percyverance has been a member since 7/1/2012. Posts: 6
Posted by adammcintyre on 18/3/2014 at 01:54
That's a very good point @Percyverance
Those "TAXI" stands seem to be conveniently located at the arrival exits of all airports. Good business I guess, but equally good to know that they are a business preying on uninformed tourists.. best to avoid them.
#34 adammcintyre has been a member since 4/7/2012. Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 53
Posted by percyverance on 15/4/2014 at 01:25
DLuek, MADMAC and SBE
mention getting a taxi from the 4th floor departures at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport.
I was hoping to follow this excellent advice to avoid getting scammed, queues, and the 50B fee, but it would seem they're now using turnstiles to prevent this.
Has anyone recent experience?
I came across a blog by Richard Barrow
dated January 5, 2014
http://www.richardbarrow.com/2014/01/turnstiles-block-access-to-taxis-on-departure-level/
from which I quote:
"It's been a while now that they have installed the one-way turnstiles on the departure level at Suvarnabhumi Airport. But, they haven't been serious about using them. However, that has all changed now as you can see by this recent photo. Taxis can drop people off but these turnstiles are stopping people landing at the airport coming up to the departure level."
"I also saw an AOT vehicle with a loudspeaker telling the taxi drivers to move on. But then I saw this taxi driver at one of the turnstiles calling to a foreign tourist. What he did was swing the turnstile half way which left a small gap and then helped the tourist carry his suitcase. The security guard there did nothing to stop them.
So, you can still catch a taxi on departure level if you like but not if you have a lot of luggage."
He ends by repeating what DLuek, MADMAC and SBE have said
"Departure level has the advantage that you get to pick and choose your taxi and driver. However, for new people it is recommended that you use the official taxi rank on the lower level. Here they give you a piece of paper with the taxi license plate written on it if you need to make a complaint later.
But, the official taxi queue doesn't mean you won't be scammed. The only time I have been cheated at this airport was in the official taxi queue which is why I prefer to go upstairs."
January 2014 responses to the posting suggest it's still possible if adroit, and with the collusion/connivance/apathy of the security personnel.
"I squeezed through the barrier and lifted my suitcase over the top. The guard was not in the slightest bit interested."
"...a security guard on every turnstile. But a friend reported as well that he got through without problems."
"I have gone past the turnstiles twice Just turn it such that u can walk past thru it and drag your bag behind No one has stopped me And the taxi drivers are quite happy to take me to my destination with meter on."
#35 percyverance has been a member since 7/1/2012. Posts: 6
Posted by percyverance on 15/4/2014 at 02:22
I came across Richard Barrow 's blog that stated
"But, the official taxi queue doesn't mean you won't be scammed. The only time I have been cheated at this airport was in the official taxi queue which is why I prefer to go upstairs."
and intrigued I found this pertinent posting dated July 29, 2013
http://www.richardbarrow.com/2013/07/taxi-scam-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/
from which I quote:
"One of the taxi scams that you need to look out for is the fixed meter scam. Basically the meter has been tampered with to go up faster than it should so that you end up with a more expensive ride."
and he refers to an article in the Bangkok Post from July 29, 2013 in which the writer states
"...the driver turned the engine on and off as we went. About five minutes into the journey he asked for the white airport receipt from my partner and he handed it over. This aroused both our suspicions and I then began to look at the meter. I immediately noticed the meter was higher than normal and within 15 minutes before even getting to the first toll gate the meter rate was over 400 baht. I then asked for the receipt back calmly, and he handed it over.
And echoing LeonardCohe-n1's post
'I would have given him 400 baht and walked away. No crook like that will call the police esp when u can talk thai.'
the article continues
"I took more than 20 pictures of the meter without him noticing and by the time we reached my condo on Sathorn the meter showed 255 kilometres and a fare of 2,077 baht with zero waiting time. The fare to Sathorn is normally 270 to 300 baht plus the 50 baht surcharge. We arrived at my condo knowing full well there were several security guards on duty who know me quite well. The taxi stopped and we removed our luggage from the trunk and front seat and put it in the reception area and handed the taxi driver 300 baht and thanked him and walked away. He was taken aback and started to complain, but my partner said in Thai to him, "If you have a problem, call the police". He jumped into his taxi and took off. If I was a tourist I may well have paid this fare and not known better."
Corroboration of this scam came in this response dated July 29, 2013
"About a month ago I took a taxi from work back home- a trip I make 4-5 times a week. I noticed half way that the meter seemed to be about three times higher than usual. When I told the driver his meter seemed to be broken he quickly apologised and asked how much I wanted to pay? (Ummmm the correct fare, and today, not a satang more). Was only because I make the identical trip so often that I knew something was up- can see how many would not realise and get scammed."
and this response related to covering the meter with a towel
"Not had that one but had a situation where after departing the airport I noticed that I couldn't see the meter. Upon closer inspection I noticed he had covered it with a towel. Realising full well his intentions I let a few more Kms pass before asking him where the meter was. he said no meter. So I whipped off the towel revealing the meter with red lights indicating it was indeed working. I told him to put it on and he said 700 baht ok?. I said not ok put on the meter or I will pay you 35 baht and 50 for the airport surcharge. He then begrudgingly put it on and he received a total of 160 baht after reaching Silom. Cheapest taxi ride I ever took from the airport."
#36 percyverance has been a member since 7/1/2012. Posts: 6
Posted by DLuek on 29/9/2014 at 21:20 TF writer
I had missed the above comments by percyverence... If people want to avoid those turnstiles on the 4th floor (departures), simply walk out to the parking garage from the 2nd floor exit and take the elevator up to the 4th floor, then walk back towards the terminal and grab a taxi when they drop someone off. It's a bit roundabout but probably still faster than waiting in the official taxi queue down on the ground floor.
#37 DLuek has been a member since 19/6/2008. Location: Thailand. Posts: 1,345
Posted by thaiXplorer on 1/3/2015 at 05:48
Hello... I arrived at suvarnabhumi (why don't they call it New Bangkok International Airport) 4 month ago. I had to wait 4 hours for a flight to Chiang Mai and asked everybody where to get to the new train station to Bangkok (because I want to know...) - maybe some of you can tell me how to get there and what the fare is?
#38 thaiXplorer has been a member since 16/4/2012. Location: Germany. Posts: 37
Posted by thaiXplorer on 1/3/2015 at 12:09
Suvarnabhumi sounds like " S' yo wanna burme(se)?"... and that is sadly the truth - The Burmese build the houses, streets and are the servants for anyone... and if they make trouble (or you say they had) consent contract work finish... throw them out... :-(
#39 thaiXplorer has been a member since 16/4/2012. Location: Germany. Posts: 37
Posted by steveandrowan on 26/3/2015 at 21:52
Cheers for the future advise :)
#40 steveandrowan has been a member since 26/3/2015. Location: Earth. Posts: 7
Posted by Mike14 on 17/9/2015 at 05:02
Thanks for the thread.
Came in Bangkok few weeks ago and got 1250 baht taxi for 45 min from the airport , and I had to pay before entering the taxi.
Now I know better offcourse
#41 Mike14 has been a member since 17/9/2015. Posts: 3
Posted by newbietraveler on 23/1/2016 at 12:16
Hi, thank you so much for the tips. But I have one question, I checked using this one website to see how much it would cost for the taxi fare from Don Mueang to my hotel (M High Rise Impact Condo) in Bond St., near Impact Arena. It says around ?120 - ?140, so this means that regardless of how many people riding the taxi (we're 3 people in total), the amount that we should pay is still somewhere around that range, right? Or does the taxi charge the meter per person? Just wondering if it would be the case. Hope to hear from anyone soon. Thanks!
This is the website that I use anyway.
http://www.rome2rio.com/s/Bangkok-Don-Muang-Airport-DMK/Bond-St-Ban-Mai-Pak-Kret-District-Nonthaburi-11120-Thailand
#42 newbietraveler has been a member since 23/1/2016. Posts: 1
Posted by exacto on 23/1/2016 at 15:26
Hey newbie,
The taxi fare should be the same as what is shown on the meter no matter if it is one or three people. We crammed four people and a ridiculous amount of luggage into a taxi out of Mo Chit Bus Station before, and the Thai cabbie didn't even blink.
Having said that, you'll want to know a few things. First, Thai taxi drivers work very long hours and typically don't make much money, so a tip is appropriate and appreciated, just like you'd do with a taxi back home.
Second, the website you used says Don Muang Airport, which is much closer to Nonthaburi than the newer international airport. Do you know if you are actually arriving at Don Muang or Suvarnabhumi? If it is Suvarnabhumi, then I'd expect the fare on the meter to be at least double and possibly even more because of the extra distance.
Third, taxi departures from the airport typically include an additional surcharge, and the passenger is expected to pay any tolls on top of the fare as well. I hope that helps. Have a good trip. Cheers.
#43 exacto has been a member since 12/2/2006. Location: United States. Posts: 2,816
Posted by namachacha on 20/4/2016 at 23:54
I think finding a taxi is very challenging even for the local. I have some Thai friends who say cab drivers normally prefer tourists to local people. I guess maybe because of the tips or maybe they think they could get more from us - foreigners. Lol. However, taking the cab from the airport, if you patiently wait in the long line for registered taxi, there shouldn't be any problem. Those drivers are regulated and verified by the airport. The fares are as shown on meter. If you call the cab on the roadside, that's another story. Last time I went to Thailand in January, my Thai friend called a car from Uber, she said it was a lil more expexnsive, but more convenient. Just giving my 2 cents. Hope it helps. :)
#44 namachacha has been a member since 20/4/2016. Posts: 8
Posted by neharani on 23/11/2019 at 11:06
I like to visit Thailand next month and the information just you shared is just amazing and very helpful to me. Thank you very much.
#45 neharani has been a member since 23/2/2017. Posts: 55
Posted by jatintheexplorer on 5/1/2021 at 09:06
Ok since this post has no new data on taxi in Thailand, especially from Airport to Airport, I would like to share my experience of last 12 months of travelling to Thailand from Delhi, and then from Jaipur. So in April 2019, me & my partner booked Thai smile flight from Jaipur & reached BKK at 7 am. We were an hour earlier and so we booked a taxi from the shops inside the airport, just before the exit gates. They charged us 1500 Baht for BKK to Sukhmivit. When I reached my hotel, I came to know that if I had booked a meter taxi, I won't had to pay more than 500 Bhat.
Then next time I used the meter taxi where an excellent system is in place. 1st come out of the airport gates, you will be called by many taxi driver, just ignore them, and see for three likes on your right with boards mentioning "SHORT DISTANCE" "REGULAR TAXI" and "LARGE TAXI". We picked Regular taxi as again we had to travel to Sukhmivit, same hotel, and we paid 440 Baht and to get a drop at DMK airport, these taxi won;t charge above 450 Baht. This was October 2019 & time was like 2 am. So here you just need to walk in the Regular taxi line, and at the end just press a button and a slip will come out. The slip will have the parking space number & taxi number, and thats your ride. Though its nice to ask the fare first. Here is a video of the whole process. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl1hqbggHVk
And then in Jan'2020 we reach BKK from Delhi Airport India, and this time I was will guests (some corporates) so we pre-booked a private taxi from a vendors that offer a bit better car like we booked Fortuner. So here we paid 2000 Baht, and the best thing was that we got an English speaking driver. Believe my guys, Regular taxi drivers in Thailand, can understand English like they know how to use google Maps, but they can't speak good English. So I book a taxi from a local taxi vendor, here is the link https://rajputanacabs.in/th/.
Next time when ever I am in Thailand, I will definitely take a self drive car which is also available in Bangkok, Pattaya, and I am sure that its available in Phuket, not sure about Karabi. Plus if you are looking for cheap mode of transport like reaching DMK from BKK, then get the airport bus, its quite cheap like 120-140 Baht per person, or take the metro which will land you 6-7 km before the Airport (metro work is on from BKK to DMK) and then take a taxi or bus, both are available.
Plus I am eager to hear the transportation experience from some one why have travelled to Thailand in Dec'2020 or anytime is 2021, as I have heard that lots of things have changed.
#46 jatintheexplorer has been a member since 5/1/2021. Posts: 4
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