Cost of a tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok in 2025

Hi there!

I think the question’s in the title...

What price can I expect to pay in 2025 for a ride of about two kilometers in the tourist center?

Thanks😉

Too expensive, too dangerous, too smelly. With the recklessness of youth, why not?

That doesn’t answer the question...😇

Hi, For the trip I’ve done several times by tuk-tuk—French Embassy <--> MBK (3 to 4 km)—I paid 180-200 baht.

Thanks

Hi Agnès

Try entering your addresses into the Rome2Rio app—you’ll get a rough idea of the price.

Travel tip for getting around Asia: the GRAB app. It’s the local Uber, but for tuk-tuks. The upside? No more haggling, and no surprises at the end. Downside: you need a data connection...

Hey Bruno, 🙂

I downloaded Grab but I only see car taxis or motorcycle taxis. No tuk-tuks.

It’ll be useful for taxi rides, but I think I’ll have to figure out how to negotiate if we want to take a tuk-tuk!

Tell me, how do you pay on Grab? Directly through the app with a card, and Grab pays the driver?

I’ve only used ride-hailing apps in Las Vegas. It was LYFT there.

Hey Bruno, 🙂

I downloaded Grab but I only see car taxis or motorbike taxis. No tuk-tuks.

Honestly, I’ve only used it in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and you could select tuk-tuks there. Maybe you don’t have access to them in Thailand. Worth checking with the Thailand experts.

Tell me, I was wondering how you pay on Grab. Directly through the app with a card, and Grab pays the driver?

You pay through the app by registering a credit card. Just be careful to use a card that doesn’t charge you fees (like BoursoBank or Revolut) because you pay for each ride.

I found this on Google, not sure how accurate it is at all. For this kind of app, I use a "burner" credit card—a free online account with only about a hundred euros on it, so no nasty surprises if it gets hacked.



Watch out in BKK—according to friends who went last year, tuk-tuk rides can quickly become a nightmare between the heat and pollution in traffic jams. They preferred taxis.

Thanks for the details! 🙂

For the tuk-tuk, it’d just be for a single ride. I’ve already taken this kind of vehicle in Thailand and India, but my partner hasn’t!

Thanks for the details.🙂

For the tuk-tuk, it’d only be for a single ride. I’ve already taken this kind of vehicle in Thailand and India, but my partner hasn’t!

Oh, well if it’s just for fun, you’ve gotta pick the prettiest one!! [;)

I'm in Thailand right now and I can confirm that the Grab app lets you pay in cash directly to the driver. Unfortunately, Grab isn’t efficient everywhere—especially in places like Samui where the taxi mafia rules the roost... Also, watch out for the return trip. In January, the Hua Hin → Pranburi route was easy and cheap, but for the return trip in the late afternoon, no Grab driver accepted the ride...

Thanks for the details. 🙂

For the tuk-tuk, it’d just be for a single ride. I’ve already taken this kind of vehicle in Thailand and India, but my partner hasn’t!

Be careful when talking about a race: Three people were seriously injured when two tuk-tuks crashed while racing on a Bangkok road. The two speeding tuk-tuks collided on a street in Bangkok late Monday, March 3, police said.

Thanks so much for looking out for my safety!

(For now, the scariest mode of transport I’ve been in was a taxi in the United Arab Emirates. When I saw it going over 180 km/h, all I wanted was to get there... )

Unfortunately, the kind of race Agnes is talking about wouldn’t exactly fill the fridge…

That said, the upside is she can do this race without any competitors, so she’s automatically the winner!

And since it’s about bringing along her partner, no solo race here 😎

Thank you so much for looking out for my safety.

(So far, the scariest ride I’ve ever had was in a taxi in the United Arab Emirates. When I saw it was going over 110 mph, I just wanted to get there...)

That was the mistake! When he saw you were in a hurry to arrive, he sped up!! 😎😛

One of the (rare) times I’ve been scared in a mode of transport was the driver who took us from Kasane to Victoria Falls. I was in the passenger seat and the driver fell asleep twice while driving. I made him pull over and threatened to drive myself. The earful I gave him definitely woke him up for the rest of the trip

Tip for getting around in Asia: the GRAB app. The local Uber but for tuk-tuks. The advantage, no more haggling and no surprises at the end. Downside: you need a network connection...

Hi, Three times I tried to use Grab for a tuk-tuk or a songthaew, and when I got in touch with the driver, he asked for a much higher price than what Grab had shown—almost double. Then, when I protested, he started negotiating, haha! Of course, I refused the ride. The first time, I thought it was a one-off, but after three times... And I stopped using GRAB... But, well, that was in Tourist-City, also known as Chiang Mai

Tip for getting around in Asia: the GRAB app. The local Uber but for tuk-tuks. The advantage: no more negotiating and no surprises at the end. Downside: you need a network connection...

Hi, Three times I tried to use Grab for a tuk-tuk or a songthaew, and when I got in touch with the driver, he asked for a much higher price than what Grab had shown—almost double. Then, when I protested, he started negotiating, haha! Of course, I refused the ride. The first time, I thought it was a one-off, but after three times... And I stopped using GRAB... But anyway, this was in Tourist-City, also known as Chiang Mai

Well, the good news is you *can* book a tuk-tuk with Grab...

About what you mentioned, I had this discussion with a driver in Phnom Penh: The thing is, according to them, the app generates prices that are too low for rides (even though they’re based on averages). So drivers accept the rides on the app to "hook" the customer but refuse payment through the app so they can raise the price. Or they’re just nostalgic for the days of constant haggling... I refused rides outside Grab, sticking to the principle that the app connected us and I didn’t want to negotiate for a ride... Sometimes the driver agreed, sometimes he turned around—probably depending on how his day was going...

Thanks for the details. 🙂

For the tuk-tuk, it would only be for a single ride. I’ve already taken this kind of vehicle in Thailand and India, but my partner hasn’t!

So, why not the metro? I only used this mode of transport and loved it. Easy, comfortable... I didn’t do it to save money but for the convenience of being completely independent wherever I wanted to go. P.S.: Did you see my message about the café? On another thread...

The metro isn’t like Paris—there aren’t lines everywhere.

Okay, tuk-tuks are a lot of fun and they weave through traffic better than taxis, but you really do pay double or triple what you would for an air-conditioned taxi.

We took them sometimes at first, but we often ended up with drivers who drove *very* aggressively. And there’s zero protection in those things.

That was the mistake! When he saw you were in a hurry to get there, he sped up!! 😎😛

The worst part was that, since it was a layover paid for by Etihad between two flights, there was a return trip...

During the day, the driver was less speedy. But he must’ve still thought he was on a German autobahn with no speed limit...

Hey Jean-Marie,

I’ll only use taxis in Bangkok. For pretty much everything else, I’ll have a vehicle.

Okay, but why not the metro?

We’re only staying 2 nights in Bangkok and will go where all the tourists go. That area isn’t served by the metro.

City bus, taxi, boat, walking, and maybe tuk-tuk, then.

The metro isn’t like Paris—there aren’t lines everywhere.

Sorry, Joël, but the current lines, which keep getting extended (I already learned that during my stay), are more than enough for tourists and people just passing through who don’t need to go into local residential areas. Now, you can even take the metro to visit Chinatown, the Grand Palace, and everything around there. It’s not like what you experienced a few years ago when the boat was the best way to get to that area.

Okay, but why not the metro?

We’re only staying 2 nights in Bangkok and will be going where all the tourists go. This area isn’t served by the metro.

Sorry, Agnes, but that’s a myth spread by pre-COVID paper guides, travelers who haven’t been there in ages, and outdated online sites... And probably also by those who have a vested interest in taxis and river shuttles not losing their tourist clientele. That was the first thing my accommodation owner told me: "You can’t get to the tourist center by metro or bus. You’ll have to take a taxi!!!" And I replied: "Then I’ll go by boat!" I saw right through him, the guy with his taxi commission.

I can tell you there are two or three metro stations right in that area. And since there’s plenty to see around there anyway, you’ll have to walk. Unless you’re one of those people—like many Thais—who need a car or public transport just to cross the street.

And how far is the metro station from the Grand Palais?

And how far is the metro station from the Grand Palais?

I’ve completely forgotten all that—I’d need to check a map, and more importantly, I’d need to remember the name of that station. You just have to cross the street to enter—through a side entrance—into the whole complex, because if I remember correctly, everything is connected... . But I’d need to confirm that because it’s a distant memory, and I don’t want to say something silly. Anyway, no, it’s not far, except for those who’d want the metro station to be right in front of the entrance—or better yet, why not in the courtyard of the Grand Palais? Might as well suggest it to the authorities managing the site. 😉

Please give me some time—I’ve just arrived... I shouldn’t have jumped in on this thread, but it made me jump when I read that there’s no metro access in this area.

I’ve got too much to handle right now, not least a "drinking water" issue at home that’s forcing me to buy 2-liter bottles. I’ve been without drinking water at home since I got back. Great, India!

And how far is the metro station from the Grand Palace?

Now I think I remember. The entrance I’m talking about on the other side of the street, right across from the metro, is the temple of the so-called Emerald Buddha—though it’s actually made of jade. Why do the Thais lie about it? People visiting the Grand Palace, once inside the grounds, wander around on foot as far as I know... So starting with this temple and then going to the Grand Palace is basically the same thing, right? If I’m talking nonsense, let me know. Maybe my memory’s playing tricks on me?

And how far is the metro station from the Grand Palace?

Here’s what I found:

Sanam Chai station is located in the middle of Rattanakosin Island, or Bangkok’s old town, which is a conservation area with historical significance. It can be considered the only station in the inner Rattanakosin Island (around the Royal Grand Palace) and is recognized as one of the four MRT stations with the most beautiful design (along with Itsaraphap, Sanam Chai, Sam Yot, and Wat Mangkon stations). The interior is decorated with a theme from the early Rattanakosin era, designed by the Thai architecture expert and national artist Pinyo Suwankiri. The inside features Sadom pillars (main pillars), which are carved with tiles shaped like the Pikul flower, symbolizing prosperity. The edges of the pillars are adorned with lotus blossoms, with long curved petals leaning toward the center. The base of each large petal is carved with smaller petals and covered in gold leaf. The floor and walls resemble city walls, while the ceiling is painted with star-shaped stencils to evoke the atmosphere of a throne hall from the Rattanakosin era. The station has a higher ceiling than most MRT stations along the line because the ventilation system was installed on the side instead of directly above. Exit 1 was specially designed by CH.Karnchang PLC without a roof and with custom escalators to avoid obstructing the view of the Siam Museum located behind the exit. [3] [4] In addition to being in the heart of Rattanakosin Island, the station is also close to Wat Pho, Saranrom Park, Saranrom Palace, the Siam Museum, Pak Khlong Talat, Rajini School, Wat Ratchabopit, Wat Rajabopit School, Wat Ratchapradit, and more.

Thanks to the TravelHappy site for this info:

The MRT Sanam Chai station makes it easy for tourists to access Bangkok’s iconic attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Po Temple on the historic royal island of Rattanakosin, as well as the Bangkok riverside. Here’s a list of other Bangkok attractions near a BTS or MRT station:

Grand Palace | Wat Po – Sanam Chai MRT Wat Arun-Itsaraphap Station Jim Thompson House – National Stadium BTS Lebua State Tower (Sky Bar from *The Hangover*) – Saphan Taksin BTS Lumphini Park – Silom MRT Khao San Road – Sanam Chai MRT Sukhumvit 11 Party Street – Nana BTS Soi Cowboy – Asoke BTS and Sukhumvit MRT Soi Nana and Nana Plaza – Nana BTS Benjakiti Park – Asoke BTS or Sukhumvit MRT Siam Paragon and IMAX Cinema – Siam BTS Central World Mall – Chit Lom BTS Emporium | Emquartier | Emsphere Malls – Phrom Phong BTS Chatuchak Market – Mo Chit BTS and Chatuchak MRT Ari Neighborhood – Ari BTS River ferries and longtail boats for sightseeing – Saphan Taksin BTS

Thanks to the travelhappy site for this info

Oh really? No thanks to me? I’ve been hammering for two days that the metro lets you reach the main tourist sites, while it’s been said it’s not possible... Plus, I spent time researching because I was afraid I’d said something stupid

I should know by now that I need to be super specific when I write something on the forum. I’m aware of the metro extension. Besides, I didn’t even ask any questions about it...

But:

-The closest metro station to my local place is several kilometers away—further than the Grand Palace...

-The entrance to the Grand Palace is a kilometer from the metro exit.

Anyway, for me to get to the Grand Palace, there are 5 options:

-On foot: about 2 kilometers. Not too far, and that would be the chosen option if it weren’t 35°C in Bangkok while I’ll be leaving with almost snow here. I’d rather save my energy for the rest of the day...

-By boat: few rotations on Sundays and not early in the morning. Why not during the day? It’s usually my preferred mode of transport.

-By bus: not very practical. Quite long. Maybe.

-By taxi: door-to-door, air-conditioned, around 3 € for 2...

-By tuk-tuk: gotta find one, negotiate, no AC, more expensive than a taxi if you’re a poor negotiator. Basically, I’ll try it once but later.

There you go, now you know everything! !😉

Thanks to the travelhappy website for this info

Oh really? No thanks to me? Who’s been hammering you for two days that the metro gives access to the main tourist sites, while it’s said it’s not possible... Plus, I spent time researching because I was afraid I’d said something stupid

But yeah, it was you who just gave me the idea to look it up. And that info won’t be much use to me personally.

I’ll only use taxis in Bangkok. For pretty much everything else, I’ll have a vehicle.

Don’t forget to drive on the left. And watch out if you drive like a grandma like you would back home—here, they won’t hesitate to overtake on the right! 😎

Well, it won’t be much different from a lot of other countries...

(You decided to be VoyageForum’s babysitter? )

By now, I should know that you have to be super precise when writing something on the forum.

By now, I should know to keep quiet and not give my opinion when nobody asked for it on the forum.

I didn’t actually ask any questions about that...

That’s exactly what I thought at first. She asked for the price of a tuk-tuk ride—she didn’t ask which mode of transport to use. But when I saw all the other replies and things started going off the rails, I chimed in with my opinion. I shouldn’t have. Sorry. But I thought it might also interest others to know that you can get to the historic center by metro, contrary to what’s often said (that only taxis are possible!)

Yeah, someone who’s within metro range would definitely be happy to hear about the line extension to near the "historic" center. 😉

But I’m not sure that person would think to look for that info in a thread titled "Cost of a tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok in 2025."

I think to make the most of this useful info, you should start a new thread. Like: New metro station opening near Wat Pho

Yeah, someone who’s within metro range would definitely be happy to hear about the line extension to near the "historic" center. 😉

But I’m not sure that person would think to look for that info in a thread titled "Price of a tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok in 2025."

I think to make the most of this useful info, you should start a new thread. Like: New metro station opening near Wat Pho

I’m an old fart who doesn’t know how forums work... Thanks for reminding me. And thanks for the "Lesson." We’ll see what you’ll say, what you’ll do, what you’ll write when you’re my age—if you make it that far and are still energetic enough to keep traveling, and have to deal with new technologies, new social behaviors, new "codes" of conduct...

Safe travels!

What I'm wondering is whether this station was built recently or not.

Our big trips in Bangkok were between 2013 and 2018.

What I’m wondering is whether this station was built recently or not

Opened on July 29, 2019

So, I’ll have the honor and advantage of being no less than the 40th reply to a post about a 2km tuk-tuk ride. Not just a little proud!...

2-3

So I’ll have the honor and advantage of being no less than the 40th reply to a topic about a 2 km tuk-tuk ride. Not just a little proud!...

2-3

Unfortunately, Mariem beat you to it—you’ll only be the 41st! !

Thailand has always been an explosive destination...😄

I ended up paying 200 baht for about 6 kilometers from a back alley in Chinatown. (At night, with music included)

The starting price was 300.

Not necessarily representative—the guy barely spoke a word of English and wasn’t used to tourists.

Judging by his delighted look when we paid him, I think the real rate was probably lower. 😄

It was fun.

I ultimately recommend the boat. 😛

Super convenient, airy, an excursion in itself. Budget-friendly even in tourist mode (not much choice otherwise on a Sunday).

Plus, since the clientele has changed over the past 20 years, a Westerner might not even realize they're surrounded by other tourists...

Nowadays, 90% of the passengers are locals (in the broadest sense).

I’d recommend the staff at Tah Tian station to anyone who finds the service at French public office counters unpleasant...

I ended up paying 200 baht for about 6 kilometers from a back alley in Chinatown. (At night, with music included)

The starting price was 300.

Not necessarily representative—the guy barely spoke a word of English and wasn’t used to tourists.

Judging by his delighted face when we paid him, I think the real rate was probably lower.

It was fun.

200 baht is roughly half a day’s pay for a laborer in Thailand.

I get the feeling it’s become a really good job, ferrying people around in tuk-tuks.

Especially tourists!

Some drivers probably don’t even pick up locals anymore—it’s not profitable enough!

They’re often clustered in groups at the most famous spots, too.

Back in the day, it was a real mode of transport, not just something for fun...

Yeah, it’s been a long time since it became touristy. I can see why young people love it—it’s scorching hot, loud, colorful, totally exotic, and you’re out in the open. Those who’ve got the cash and are only there for two weeks squeezed between school or work years? Sure, why not. But man, it’s nice to take the journey in a well-air-conditioned taxi with tinted windows...

I’ve always seen locals using these tuk-tuks—they probably take whatever’s available and likely don’t pay the same fare.

For taxis, it's less fast...

In Cambodia, at Angkor, tuk-tuks arrived with the tourists. There weren’t any during my first trip. A ton of them by the second. Only for tourists.

The local transport there was moto-taxis. There are some in Bangkok too, by the way—I haven’t tried them. They seem to have replaced tuk-tuks for locals. It’s fast, cheap, and not overrun by tourists (though not entirely safe...).

Back to Cambodia. Becoming a driver for tourists was the most lucrative job. Educated people would start as moto-taxi drivers, then move up to tuk-tuk drivers with higher rates. The guy fresh from the countryside who didn’t speak English would ferry locals at local prices. The contrast was striking. With the first group, the base fare was in dollars; with the second, in riels. The drivers’ outfits were impeccable for some, patched and holey for others. Perfumed scent versus a whiff of sweat. A scowl if there was no tip, a big toothless grin if you handed over an Alain Delon after the ride...

Tourist tuk-tuks are spreading all over the world. You even find them in Europe now. 😮

And back to Thailand—I don’t remember them being like this 25 years ago. They were more like Indian rickshaws. Already without meters...

Avoid them if you hate negotiating. Or if you spend your vacation obsessively trying to pay the same price as locals. Or if you’re an ecotourist... (But would you even go to Thailand in that case? 😄)

I ended up paying 200 baht for about 6 kilometers from a back alley in Chinatown. (At night, with music included)

The starting price was 300.

Not necessarily representative—the guy barely spoke a word of English and wasn’t used to tourists.

Judging by his delighted face when we paid him, I think the real rate was probably lower.

It was fun.

200 baht is roughly half a day’s pay for a laborer in Thailand.

That’s true, but this kind driver still has expenses—fuel, buying and maintaining the tuk-tuk, the yellow license plate.... And the fair price is when both parties are happy.