Thailand is a country that looks vast on the map but is surprisingly easy to move around once you understand the transport options. From modern metro systems and long-distance trains to overnight buses, island ferries and app-based taxis, getting around Thailand is generally affordable, flexible and well set up for travellers. The key is knowing which option suits each journey best and planning around heat, timing and comfort.
What Makes Getting Around Thailand So Easy?
Thailand has spent decades building a transport system that caters not only to locals but also to international travellers. Clear signage, online booking platforms, widespread use of transport apps and competitive pricing make moving around the country far less stressful than many first-time visitors expect. Whether you are hopping between neighbourhoods in Bangkok or travelling long distances between cities and islands, there is usually more than one good option available.
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🚕 Transport Apps in Thailand
12Go Asia is our go-to app for getting around Thailand, and where possible we always start our planning there. It’s the first place we look when moving from one destination to another, and we’ll link our affiliate directly in this section.
When booking transport, departure and arrival times matter most to us. We like to arrive with enough time to check in, freshen up and head straight out to explore rather than feeling rushed or arriving late in the evening. That timing balance is something 12Go Asia makes incredibly easy to compare.
What we love about 12Go Asia:
- It shows every available option in one place
- Trains, buses, vans and flights are easy to compare
- Departure and arrival times are clear and reliable
- The booking process is simple from start to finish
We travelled around Thailand by train, bus, van and plane, all booked through 12Go Asia, and everything genuinely worked out seamlessly for us. No confusion, no missed connections and no surprises on arrival.
🚖 Grab & Getting Around on Arrival
Once we arrive at a destination, Grab is our first choice where it’s available. It removes the stress of negotiating prices, figuring out directions or dealing with language barriers after a long travel day.
Grab currently works well in:
- Bangkok
- Phuket
- Chiang Mai
- Pattaya
- Krabi
- Koh Samui
In these places, Grab made arrivals far smoother, especially when travelling with luggage or arriving at busy terminals. Outside of these areas, taxis, songthaews and local transport take over, but when Grab is an option, we always use it.
🚆 BTS & MRT in Bangkok
Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are fast, air-conditioned and extremely efficient.
Why we recommend them:
- Avoids traffic completely. We got a grab to the market one night, it took 45mins and caught the train back and took 15 mins. Such an easy process. When in doubt. Ask.
- Affordable and predictable pricing. Ticket prices are clear and consistent. Tell staff exactly where you want to go and they’ll let you know which station to get off at. We found them incredibly helpful.
- Stations are clearly signposted in English
- Trains run frequently
They are ideal during peak hours or when the heat is intense. We often planned sightseeing around BTS lines
🛣️ Long-Distance Travel Between Cities
Thailand offers several solid options for travelling between cities:
- Trains
- Long-distance buses
- Minivans
- Domestic flights
For trips like Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, or Bangkok to the islands, booking ahead via 12Go Asia made everything simple.
One thing we noticed: departure times can be flexible. If you arrive early and there’s a van leaving sooner with spare seats, you may be moved onto it without issue.
🚆 Travelling by Train in Thailand
Trains are comfortable and scenic, especially for longer journeys.
What to know:
- First and second class seats are worth it for longer trips
- Overnight sleeper trains are popular and sell out
- Stations are busy but well organised
Train travel is slower than flying but offers a relaxed way to see the countryside.
🚐 Buses & Minivans
Minivans are one of the cheapest and fastest ways to travel medium distances.
Pros:
- Frequent departures – We loved how relaxed the system is. If you want to change your departure time, just ask and they’ll usually fit you in where they can. Their goal is simply to fill the van.
- Affordable pricing – Travelling around Thailand is incredibly cheap. 12Go Asia shows all available price options in one place, making it easy to compare. Always double-check departure and arrival terminals, as they can be on opposite sides of the city. It may feel chaotic at first, but staff at any counter are usually happy to point you in the right direction.
- Direct routes – While routes are generally direct, don’t be surprised if the van makes short detours for fuel, parcel drop-offs or to let a local off closer to home. It happens and is simply part of the journey.
Cons:
- Limited luggage space – Larger bags or multiple bags may incur an extra fee. If luggage cannot be stored properly, it is often placed in the aisle, which can restrict movement during the journey.
- Can feel cramped on longer journeys
We used vans for short trips and found them efficient as long as we travelled light.
⛴️ Ferries & Island Transport
Island travel relies heavily on ferries and speedboats – Terminals can feel chaotic, and it’s not always clear where to stand or which ferry is yours. Don’t be afraid to ask staff or locals for help. Ferries fill up quickly, and if you have the choice, sitting toward the back can be more comfortable.
Key tips:
- Always check weather conditions – We once sailed during a storm and it was rough. Around 300 passengers, heavy seas, overflowing sick bags and no air conditioning. It’s not pleasant. We now always check the weather forecast before booking because it genuinely matters.
- Book morning crossings where possible – Seas are often calmer earlier in the day. If you’re travelling to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, keep an eye on the moon cycle. Full Moon Parties are very real and attract thousands of travellers from all over the world, which can significantly affect ferry availability and accommodation.
- Ferry types & comfort levels – There are many different ferry types in Thailand, and comfort varies. In general, the bigger the ferry, the more comfortable the ride. On smaller, single-level ferries, avoid sitting right at the front if you can. The back is often better, as it allows access to fresh air when needed. Inside can become very hot and stuffy, with only a few fans scattered around.
- Luggage on ferries – Try not to be precious about your luggage. Bags are often stacked quickly and without much care, sometimes buried under hundreds of other bags. Pack light where possible and keep essentials in a small daypack with you. You’ll understand why once you see the loading process.
Major islands like Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi are well connected, but schedules can change with little notice.
🛵 Getting Around Islands & Smaller Towns
On islands and in smaller towns, transport options are simpler:
- Songthaews (shared trucks), simply wave these guys down and have small change on you. Its a great way to get around Thailand.
- Scooters and motorbikes.You can hail a ride very cheaply or rent a bike yourself. Use common sense and always wear a helmet. We’ve ridden motorcycles all over Thailand, and traffic can be intense. You need to stay alert at all times, as cars, buses, trucks and bikes can come from every direction. Many tourist injuries involve motorbikes, so awareness is key.
- Tuk Tuk We didn’t have the best experience, but awareness makes all the difference. If a price sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Tuk-tuks work best when used like a taxi for short trips rather than tours. Always agree on a firm price before hopping in. And really, it wouldn’t be Thailand without at least one tuk-tuk ride.
- Taxis with fixed prices – This can be tricky, as pricing varies by area. Always agree on a fare or get an estimate before getting in. Some drivers will try to increase the price, but there are also many genuine drivers. Clear communication upfront makes all the difference.
- A note on using Grab – Most Grab drivers use their own cars, though many regular taxis also operate as Grab vehicles. Toll roads may be used on some routes. Drivers will usually ask first. In taxis, toll fees are typically paid separately by the passenger, while private Grab cars often pay the toll upfront and add it to the final fare. We usually offer to pay the tolls to keep things simple.
If you’re not confident riding a scooter, don’t feel pressured. Songthaews and short taxi rides are usually inexpensive.
🧭 Helpful Transport Tips for Thailand
- Start early to avoid heat and crowds
- Carry small cash for local transport
- Confirm pickup points on apps
- Allow buffer time for connections
- Don’t overplan transport days
Thailand travel works best when you leave a little room for flexibility.
✨ Final Thoughts
Getting around Thailand is far easier than many travellers expect. With the right mix of apps, local transport and realistic planning around heat and timing, moving between places becomes part of the adventure rather than a stress point.
🔗 More Thailand Travel Guides
Want more Thailand Inspiration?
Explore all our Thailand blogs in one place – from laid-back islands and beaches to local towns and the energy of Bangkok.
👉 Read all our Thailand Destination Guides & Thailand Travel Essentials Guides Here
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
“The journey becomes lighter when you trust the road to show you the way.”