Given the city's sheer size, it will be important to understand some of the main ways remote workers get around Bangkok. Indeed, chaotic traffic and the city’s high temperatures often makes it difficult to navigate the city by foot. Equally, the high number of pedestrians involved in traffic accidents makes the city less walkable on the whole. Having said that, the city does have an extensive public transport network with a couple of transportation options which make getting around the city a safe and convenient task. In general, you should keep in mind that the main rail networks in Bangkok (MRT and BTS) operate from 6am until midnight and, after that time, registered taxis are the most recommended option.
The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS Skytrain) is certainly the city’s most popular and useful transport method. It connects the city’s main districts as it run along the hugely congested and important Sukhumvit Road. Its two elevated train lines, Sukhumvit (Light Green on maps) and Silom (Dark Green on maps) converge on Siam Station, providing there an important public transport hub for getting practically anywhere in Bangkok. This will be the most useful method of transport for remote workers trying to get to the many nightlife venues, cafés or coworking spaces off the Sumhumvit Road boulevard. Fares for the BTS Skytrain are calculated in line with distance travelled but usually do not exceed 30 Baht. You can buy tickets for the BTS Skytrain at all stations with coins only, and you can also buy a rechargeable card here.
Just as important as the BTS Skytrain, the Metropolitan Rail Transit (MRT) system is also popular for remote workers to get around Bangkok. The Blue Line and Purple Line connect the main neighborhoods away from Sukhumvit Rd. as well as the northwestern neighborhoods. You can switch between MRT lines at Tao Poon Station, and also take the BTS Skytrain at at Sala Daeng, Asok, and Mo Chit but note will need a different ticket for each type of transport system. Tickets for the MRT cost around 15-60 Baht depending on distance and you can buy an RFID token at all stations which allow you to enter the platforms. To exit, you must deposit the token. The MRT has the same operational hours as the BTS Skytrain.
No remote worker guide to Bangkok’s public transport would be complete without mentioning the city’s River Taxis. At first, these may be a little intimidating since there are no set timetables and the embarkation process can be a little hectic (watch out for the whistles!), but remote workers will really appreciate the ability to skip the city’s traffic and congestion by taking the scenic route on the Chao Phraya River. The Blue Line easily reachable in the Sathorn Pier is the city’s main tourist line, but the Orange, Yellow and Green Flag Lines are all popular for navigating the city and regularly transport commuters through to Bangkok’s suburbs.
While most remote workers get around Bangkok using the methods above, there is also a bus system. But, while buses are common and have an extensive network across the city and beyond, they are too crowded and complicated to offer any tangible benefit to foreigners who can afford other public transport options. Taxis are also common across the city, but we recommend using a Grab (ride-share service) to avoid falling victim to the taxi mafia scams common in Bangkok. Whatever you do, always research your destination before setting off and have a map downloaded on your phone!
For more information about living in Bangkok as a remote worker, check out our complete Bangkok guide.