Best Alternatives to Uber in Bangkok: Getting Around in 2024

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Is There Uber in Bangkok, Thailand?

No, there is no Uber in Bangkok, Thailand!

Uber left Thailand, selling its Southeast Asia business to Grab in 2018. This move not only included ride-hailing but also brought Uber Eats under Grab’s umbrella. 

Grab continues to be Thailand’s #1 ride-hailing app. 

If you’ve used Uber before, you’ll find the Grab app refreshingly familiar. 

A few taps on your phone, and you’re on your way, with fare estimates provided upfront for a hassle-free experience. 

As a solo female traveler, I really appreciate being able to use an app like Grab to get around Bangkok. It’s easy and safe. I’m a big fan of the Grab Bike option – if you’re not afraid of getting on the back of a motorcycle, you’ll bypass a lot of Bangkok’s infamous car traffic.

While Grab is popular in Bangkok and Thailand, don’t overlook other players like Bolt and InDrive (supposedly coming to Bangkok soon). I’ll be honest – I rarely use anything but Grab in Bangkok, but they’re known to be cheaper than Grab.

Pro Tip: set up Grab before leaving home. International travelers often face hiccups receiving the necessary text message with a passcode abroad, so get it sorted in advance.

⭐️My pick for Best Bangkok Food Tour is this Bangkok Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk with a near-perfect 5-star Rating.

Alternatives to Uber in Bangkok Airport (Taxi, Metro, and Grab)

Chances are, you’re arriving in Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Here’s how to get from the Bangkok Airport to your accommodation.

The easiest way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to your accommodation in Bangkok is to take a metered taxi or to schedule an airport transfer in advance.

👉 Book one of these private airport transfers for a stress-free arrival at any airport in Thailand!

Taking a Taxi from Bangkok Airport (Recommended)

I don’t know about you, but after getting off a long flight to Thailand, the last thing I want to do is dive straight into public transport, especially if I have a lot of luggage. So, I’m likely splurging for a taxi from the airport to my accommodation. 

In Bangkok, taking a regular taxi from the airport is easier than ordering a car from a rideshare app.

Suvarnabhumi makes taking a taxi easy with user-friendly touchscreen kiosks. Follow the signs for “Taxi” to the taxi ticket machines. 

A few taps on the screen yield a paper slip directing you to your taxi’s parking spot. Show your driver your ticket, tell him where you’re going, and hop in —it’s straightforward and easy. 

Most taxis require a cash payment, so I usually take out money at the ATM inside the airport. If the ATM only gives me large bills, I’ll buy water at the airport for smaller bills for the taxi. 

The taxi meter should be running, starting at 35 baht (about $1 USD). Don’t be afraid to remind your driver to use the meter – it’s legally required.

You’ll also be charged an extra 50 baht ($1.40 USD) airport fee on top of your final fare. The Expressway tolls cost between 75-115 baht ($2.08-3.19 USD). 

Tipping taxi drivers isn’t custom in Thailand, but most people round up slightly when paying.

Taking Grab from Bangkok Airport

While Grab drivers aren’t allowed at official metered taxi pickup points, the app directs you to a designated meeting spot. 

However, a potential issue is the wait time, as drivers may not always be readily available, like metered taxis.

Another issue is that you’ll need to be connected to the internet or a local cellular network for the Grab app to work. 

For rides from the airport, anticipate covering the road toll—75 baht from Suvarnabhumi and 115 baht from Don Mueang—on top of your fare, a cost not initially shown in the Grab app.

However, unlike the metered taxis, you’ll know your fare upfront, and you can pay via credit card!

Public Transportation from Bangkok Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok has public transportation options: the Skytrain (BTS) and Subway (MRT). 

I recommend using Google Maps to see if these trains get you close enough to where you’re going – I found that they were only helpful for a few destinations during my visit.

Private Transfer from the Bangkok Airport (Recommended)

If you’re anxious about getting from the Bangkok airport to your accommodation, or if you want the easiest method, just book a pick-up in advance.

This highly-rated private transfer service is slightly more costly than a taxi but eliminates the queueing and the guesswork. 

👉 Book one of these private airport transfers for a stress-free arrival at any airport in Thailand!

Alternatives to Uber Eats in Bangkok 

After spending all day sightseeing or when it’s bucketing down rain, the last thing you want to do is go back out for food. Trust me, I get it!

No worries, though – even without UberEats in Bangkok, you’ve got plenty of other ways to get tasty meals delivered straight to you.

Food Panda and Grab Food are Thailand’s most popular food delivery apps. I often use Grab to have cases of water delivered to my apartment in Chiang Mai.

I haven’t used other food delivery apps, but I know many people who do. 

Line Man, an extension of the popular messaging app, adds convenience with its food delivery services, and 7-11 Delivery brings the convenience store to your doorstep, perfect for those late-night snack runs. 

Not to be overlooked, Robin Hood is a newer entry, championing local businesses with lower fees. 

Each of these services offers a unique blend of selections and deals, ensuring that even without Uber Eats, you can easily indulge in Thai cuisine right from the comfort of your accommodation.

Don’t forget to tip your driver!

👉 Pro Tip: Taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is a classic Thailand experience! I use this site to look up train and bus routes in Southeast Asia. Try to book at least a few days in advance because the trains do sell out, especially the lower beds. I recommend first or second-class sleeper cars that have air conditioning.

More About The Grab App (And Other Uber Alternatives)

Now you know that the Grab App is the equivalent of Uber in Bangkok – but you may still be wondering how to use Grab to get around the city. 

With a simple interface and multiple services offered, including car, taxi, motorbike, and even food delivery, Grab has become an essential tool for locals and tourists.

Let’s dive into the details of Grab and its alternatives, ensuring you’re well-prepped for your Thai adventures.

Is Grab Safe in Bangkok?

Absolutely. Grab’s professionalism and reliability make it a safe choice for travelers. 

It’s definitely safer than taking a regular taxi. Taxis in Bangkok are well known for overcharging tourists and sometimes even using rigged meters.

On the other hand, Grab has fixed rates and transparent pricing, ensuring you won’t be ripped off. Plus, all drivers are vetted and rated by passengers so that you can choose the most trustworthy ones.

Using Grab in Bangkok means no more haggling, getting lost, or language barrier woes. You’re less likely to encounter scams thanks to transparent pricing and secure, trackable rides.

I’m a solo female traveler who used Grab A LOT in Thailand. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but I’ve had excellent experiences.

Grab Prices in Bangkok

Grab fares are notably wallet-friendly in the heart of Bangkok, thanks to the abundance of drivers. 

Grab stands out for its affordability, even if it’s a tad pricier than its competitors, Bolt and InDrive. It’s also sometimes more expensive than regular taxis in Bangkok, but I still avoid taking them because tourists get ripped off often.

However, Grab prices can surge up to 30% during rush hour. 

Except for GrabBike, all rides incur an extra THB 2 per minute in heavy traffic, which GrabBikes usually avoid thanks to their agility.

Bolt: Thailand’s Second Most Popular Ride-hailing App

Bolt offers a service akin to Grab but usually at slightly lower prices. 

The catch? It’s cash only. 

While Bolt is in major Thai cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, it doesn’t match Grab’s ubiquity. You may have to wait a bit longer to find a driver. Still, it’s a solid, reliable option for getting around.

InDrive: Let Drivers Bid On Your Ride

InDrive shakes things up by letting you negotiate your fare before the ride. 

This app is making waves in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Krabi, though it’s yet to hit Bangkok streets, as far as I know (if you’re in Bangkok and use InDrive, let me know!). 

The bidding system is a win-win, giving you the power to choose your price while offering drivers a better deal with lower commissions. 

Remember that it’s cash only and might require a bit more patience due to fewer drivers.

Other Ways to Get Around Bangkok

Local Taxis: Bangkok’s taxis are colorful and ubiquitous, meant to use meters for fare calculation. However, tourists might find drivers eager to set a flat rate instead. Always insist on the meter, or if you prefer, use Grab as a benchmark for negotiating a similar fare minus the app’s cut. 

Be wary of the common scam where drivers detour to shops or restaurants unasked — a polite refusal works best. 

Carrying change can also save you the hassle of drivers not having enough to return.

BTS Skytrain: The BTS is an elevated train network whisking passengers across Bangkok’s modern districts. It’s efficient, cool, and offers scenic city views. Fares range from 20-50 baht, slightly pricier than buses but worth the convenience and comfort.

MRT: Bangkok’s underground counterpart to the BTS extends through much of the city. It’s just as modern and user-friendly, with 20-50 baht fares. It’s an excellent way to avoid street-level congestion.

Tuk-Tuks: These motorized rickshaws are iconic to Bangkok, offering a more local experience. Fares aren’t metered, requiring some haggling skills. For a ballpark figure, compare with Grab before negotiating. Remember, tuk-tuks are known for charging tourists extra (but they’re so fun!).

Boat: Traveling by boat along the Chao Phraya River offers a different perspective of Bangkok, connecting major sights like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. The Chao Phraya Express and Tourist Boat serve sightseers well, though the former covers more ground.

Local Buses: For those on a tight budget, local buses are the most affordable choice, with fares starting as low as 8 baht. The trade-off is comfort, as buses can be older and crowded, with signage primarily in Thai.

Tours: Opting for organized tours can ease the stress of planning and navigating, especially for first-time visitors or those wanting to delve deep into Bangkok’s culinary scene through food tours.

Renting a Scooter: While scooters are a fantastic way to explore smaller Thai cities, Bangkok’s chaotic traffic makes them less advisable. The risk of accidents, unfortunately, is high. I’ve been having so much fun on my scooter in Chiang Mai that I decided to get my motorcycle license!

Songthaew: Common in places like Chiang Mai or Phuket, these shared taxis or “red trucks” are less prevalent in Bangkok. They’re a fun, local way to get around smaller cities but not a go-to in the capital.

FAQs About Bangkok Uber