Thailand transportation guide
Getting to Thailand is simple with all modes of transport on offer including countless international flights, ferries, long-distance buses and trains. Bangkok is one of Asia’s main transport hubs with shiny new Suvarnabhumi International Airport offering non-stop connections to Europe, Africa, Australasia and beyond to the Americas.
There are a variety of overland routes as well which have long been the realm of cost-conscious backpackers, with a ‘Southeast Asia circuit’ typically taking in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia as well as the hedonistic party beaches of the Thai Gulf. And the standard of transportation in Thailand is generally superior to any of these neighbours.
 | Flights & airportsBangkok's new Suvarnabhumi International Airport remains one of Asia's main travel hubs, while there are also numerous low-cost regional departures to the four corners of the Kingdom...more |  | Driving & car rentalThailand is blessed with a far-reaching road network which is all of a very high standard. And with the many natural attractions on offer and cheap prices, renting a car is a wise choice...more |
 | RailAlthough the Thai rail network is somewhat out of date, getting around by train remains a much more comfortable mode of transport than even luxurious buses and is still popular...more |  | Bus & coachBy far the most popular way to get around Thailand on the cheap is utilising the enormous range of bus services on offer, with dedicated tourist minibuses as well...more |
 | FerriesSome of Thailand's most popular resorts are located on the pristine islands of the Thai Gulf and Andaman Coast, but taking ferries here is painless with cheap prices and comfortable vessels...more |  | Taxis & metroGetting around inside the cities, towns and beach resorts of Thailand is easy with a range of tuk-tuks, taxis and songthaews servicing the area. Plus there is the metro in Bangkok...more |
Getting to Thailand and around
Bangkok is situated at the centre of Thailand and is the nation’s transport hub, with most roads and rail lines emanating from here. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is where the majority of international travellers arrive, and is situated 45 minutes drive (or 20 minutes by express rail link) southeast of downtown. There are also direct buses from the airport to the party resort of Pattaya and Laem Ngop port for Koh Chang.
There is also the older Don Muang Airport in which is situated to the north of Bangkok and only really used for low-cost domestic airlines. Passengers arriving from abroad can also fly into international airports at Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Hat Yai, with budget airlines Air Asia, Nok Air and Firefly most prevalent.
The old Thai railway system has three prongs all connecting in the centre at Bangkok; with a northwestern line stretching to Chiang Mai, a northeastern line meandering through Isaan province to Udon Thani (by the Laos border) and a southern line stretching all through Malaysia to Singapore.
Luxury VIP buses remain the most popular and cost effective way of getting around Thailand, with Bangkok having three main bus stations – Mo Chit for northern destinations, Sai Tai Mai for the south and Ekkamai heading east – as well as private minibuses linking popular tourist hubs. Most towns in Thailand have one principle bus station so making onward connections is relatively simple, and VIP vehicles are cheap, comfortable, offering movies, snacks and toilets on board.