Is there Uber in Thailand in 2024?
Traveling in Thailand is such a game changer; from indulging in their local food to exploring their tropical beaches and immersing in their culture, it’s an experience we will always look back to. If you’re planning your Thailand trip, you probably checked out hotels and tickets first; guilty traveler here too; because those are one of the first things I also check and book.
But when I tell you that you should map out your route and plan your way around the city, list all your options, you really should. Taxis, buses, trains, Uber, Grab…you can explore Thailand using these, and the list goes on.
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Is there Uber in Thailand?
Uber was launched in Thailand in 2014. When it was launched in Thailand, it became a popular way of transportation because it was safe and convenient. However, it shut down its services in 2018. So, no, there has been no uber in Thailand for 4 years now. But there is Grab, which is basically the same as Uber. During our 7-week stay, we used Grab and other modes of transportation instead.
Other Transportation Alternatives in Thailand
How did we explore Thailand, then? Thankfully, there are other transportation services you can take. Some of these are really convenient, some are not. Traveling in a different country that doesn’t speak your language makes it tougher to travel from point A to point B, especially if you have kids.
Some of the transport services we listed we already used a lot, but we don’t recommend all of these to families like us who want to explore Thailand. But you can consider these and trust your judgment when you’re there.
Book a Grab in Thailand
Uber is basically non-existent in Thailand anymore, but Grab is everywhere. It’s a booking service similar to Uber. Just download the app on your phone and enter the location where you’re going. This is a safe and comfy option, especially if you have just arrived in Thailand.
The fare is already computed, and you can’t be scammed by taxi drivers who usually rack up their charges. You can sit comfortably in the car while being transported to your drop-off point.
You can make an advanced booking, share your ride with a loved one (for added safety), press the emergency button if you don’t feel safe during your ride, save the past locations, and pay the estimated fare according to the app.
Reminder: Buy a sim card first before you explore Thailand. You will need a sim card to book your Grab rides.
If you prefer e-sim for more convenience, purchase it here.
If you have difficulty booking grab, there are other alternatives that have a similar system, such as AllThaiTaxi and LINE MAN Taxi. Just download these apps and input your destination. Both have pretty fair charges too.
Taxi is another good option
Grab sometimes take a while to find a driver when it’s very busy around the area you’re in. What you can find a lot outside hotels and airports are standard taxis. Booking a taxi is still a good option, but be wary of those who refuse to turn on the meter and insists on negotiating a fare.
Tourists have complained about how they were scammed and paid for waaay more, and they only traveled a short distance. For reference, a journey of 3 miles in Thailand usually costs around 55 Baht or $1.50, 6 miles is around 81 Baht or $2.30, and 14 miles is around $4-$5 depending on traffic. Legit taxis have these rates printed and hung inside their vehicles.
Reminder: There are extra charges depending on where you hire the taxi. If you’re at the airport taxi stand, the surcharge is 50 Baht. If you hire a taxi through Radio Communication Center, the surcharge is 20 Baht.
Another Reminder: You also pay the expressway toll!
Make your way around the city faster with a motorcycle taxi
If you’re in a rush and are a solo traveler, this could be a fun way to explore and even get through tight traffic. Personally, this is not really a safe option, especially during busy hours. Best for those who don’t mind extreme weather and don’t carry a load of luggage. As for us, a family of 4 with a kid and a toddler, motorcycle taxis are not on the top of our list.
Try out Thailand’s national emblem, the Tuk Tuks
You can’t be in Thailand without trying the most common and widely popular motorized tricycle called Tuk Tuk. A Tuk Tuk in Thailand is a unique and adventurous way of exploring the non-busy parts of the country. It doesn’t have an enclosure, so you get to smell the air as you hop from one destination to another.
It gives you that feeling of being immersed in Thai culture. But…just like motorcycles, it isn’t the safest when you are in a congested area, it is a really good option for short distances trips though. Personally, it could be a one-time thing (for experience), but if you compare its fare to taxis, it’s almost the same and sometimes even more than taxis.
For a safer Tuktuk experience, book a 4-hour Tuktuk Tour with an English-speaking guide
There are notorious snatchers around so keep your belongings between your legs. Still, if you want to experience the ride the local way, you can do so but just be careful on busy roads! (Bonus points if you have bargaining skills, you’ll need them as Tuk Tuk drivers charge more.)
We recommend, though, that if the tourist attraction you’re going to is a bit farther, book a Grab or taxi just like we did.
Rent a car or a scooter
If you’re used to driving on the opposite road, you can rent a car or scooter in Thailand. What we recommend is planning which destinations you’ll explore to strategize the routes you’re going to take and save on gas. This will make an efficient and stress-free trip; maybe even enjoy the road as you go and stop at interesting, quirky spots.
But if you’re exploring Bangkok, you might find yourself sitting in long hours of traffic. Plus, some drivers are notorious for driving recklessly. It wouldn’t be a stress-free trip then if you’re stuck in the middle of the city with potential accidents knocking around the corner.
Take the trains!
For families like us who love traveling, trains and buses are also good options for exploring Thailand. When we stayed in Bangkok, we were able to go to amusement parks, Buddhist temples, and a floating market via BTS Skytrain and MRT!
Trains saved us a lot from the grueling traffic! BTS Skytrain operates from 5 am to 12 midnight, Mondays to Fridays. It could get crowded, though, as expected, but it’s way better than being stuck in traffic. The Bangkok MRT Subway, also known as Blueline, has more trips going to other parts of Bangkok that Skytrain doesn’t cover.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus
If you want to explore popular attractions in Bangkok at your own pace, there is also a hop-on hop-off bus you can take that drops you off in different major tourist destinations.
Explore The Grand Palace. Check available tickets here.
Take the Tourist Boats
If you want a chill sightseeing day in Bangkok, you can take the boat that travels through the river and canal systems. You’ll be able to see Wat Arun, Tha Maharaj, and many more while enjoying your little cruise. These boats are called Khlong boats, and it costs 100 Baht to avail of the One-day River Pass. You can directly book your ticket with the ferry company or pre-book it online. This is another family-friendly way of seeing famous tourist spots without worrying about traffic and extra taxi charges.
Book your Bangkok Canal Tour here.
Visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
If you prefer touring the area by land, try out Bangkok City Culture Bicycle Ride
Sleeper Train for Multicity Itinerary
Thinking of going to Chiang Mai from Bangkok and vice versa? Take a sleeper train! It might be slower than taking a flight, but definitely cheaper (tickets are around $25!). The overnight train arrives 13 hours later at your destination, but there is a fast train too that could take you to the city in 11 hours.
Pro-tip When Traveling in Thailand
Prepare the route of your destinations
To avoid extra charges on your taxi fare, prepare your route ahead of time. A quick Google search will show you the fastest/alternative routes to where you’re going. You have to make sure that the driver is not taking the longest route to get more money from you.
If you don’t have the energy to prepare all the routes, book Grab (and other alternatives) whenever you can so you won’t get charged way more than you should. Plus, it saves you from the hassle of negotiating the fare.
Learn Basic Thai Phrases
English is not commonly spoken in Thailand. Doing regular transactions, like hailing a taxi or buying souvenirs, will require basic Thai vocabulary and phrases. Some of these are:
- Kawp Koon (kop-koon) – Thank You
- Chai (chai) – Yes
- Mai Chai (mai chai) – No
- Cha cha – Slowly
- Dtrong bpai – Go straight
- Líao sáai – Turn left
- Líao kwaa – Turn right
- Yut – Stop
- Bpai – To go
- Glai-glai – Nearby
- Hello. I Tîinîi – Here
- Chái meter mai – Do you use the meter?
- I would like to go to – Sa wa dee ka. Chan yak bai
- Do you know where it is? – roo mai wa man yuu tee nai?
- How much? – tao rai
Take note: Female speakers finish their sentences with kâ while male speakers finish theirs with kráp
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions, and we’ll try to answer them as best as we can:
Is There Grab in Thailand?
There is Grab in Thailand. After Uber ended its operations in Thailand, Grab became a popular ride-hailing service.
Which Taxi App is Used in Thailand?
Grab is the most used taxi-hailing app in Thailand, but you can also use AllThaiTaxi and LINE MAN taxi.
What is the Thai version of Uber?
Grab has the same mechanism as Uber. You book your ride in an app where the fair is pre-calculated just like you would in an Uber.
Is there LYFT in Thailand?
LYFT had a partnership with Grab in 2015. They stopped operating in Thailand in 2017.
What is the best way to get around Bangkok?
The best way really depends on what kind of traveller you are. Solo travelers can do all the options we listed, and even travelling couples can. However, for families like us, Grab, taxis, buses, and trains are our best options since we’re carrying bags with toddler essentials on them.
Do I need an international license to drive in Thailand?
By law, you need an international license to drive in Thailand. You also need to present your national driving license together with your passport.
Are taxis expensive in Bangkok?
Their charges are fair but as we said, be mindful of those who try to rack up the charges. Insist on turning on the meter and staying on route. Your basic Thai vocabulary will come in handy when negotiating the fare if you are in a situation where a fixed rate is the only option.
Do taxi drivers speak English?
Expect that they always don’t. That’s why we recommend that you familiarize yourselves with some basic vocabulary and phrases that are useful when making transactions and giving directions to drivers.
How Much is Grab in Thailand
The base fare of Grab in Thailand is 30 Baht, and per kilometre, the rate is 9 Baht. There are airport surcharges too. For instance, when travelling to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport and Don Muang (DMK) Airport, Grab’s surcharge for these trips is 150 Baht.
Wrap-up: Is there uber in Thailand?
Thailand is a great place to explore! So many cultural sites to visit, food to eat, and beaches to tour. The transportation could be overwhelming at first, but there are definitely stress-free ways to complete your itinerary without spending too much. There is no uber in Thailand, but there are lots of other alternatives like Grab, buses, taxis, trains, and many more!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of Mums on FlipFlops . She is absolutely crazy about traveling – especially together with her wife and kids. Babs loves animals, chocolate (what did you expect from a Belgian?), reading, and writing.
