Public Transportation

Skytrain
The Skytrain has 25 stations on two lines that intersect at Siam Square. Although it covers just a fraction of the capital (it bypasses the Old City and Dusit, it is surprisingly convenient.  If you are traveling between two points along the route, the Skytrain is by far the best way to go. The fare is B10 to B40, determined by the distance you travel. It runs from 5 AM to midnight. Although the Skytrain and subway are separate entities and use different fare and ticketing systems, the two connect at three points: Sala Daeng Station and Silom Station, Asok Station and Sukhumvit Station, and Mo Chit Station and Chatuchak Station. 

Subway
The subway stretches from Hua Lamphong Train Station to Bang Sue Train Station, stopping at 16 stations along the way. Although it only covers a small section of the city, the subway does make getting from city center out to the train stations a breeze. There are also convenient stops at Chatuchak, Queen Sirikit Convention Center, Thailand Cultural Center, Silom Road, and Sukhumvit Road.

The subway runs daily from 6 AM until midnight and passes every 5 minutes during rush hour and every 10 minutes during regular hours. Adult fares are B15 to B50. Fares for children and those older than 65 are 50% off the regular rates. Children whose height is less than 3 feet ride free of charge. If you plan on multiple journeys, there is also a Stored Value Card, which can be bought at ticket booths for a minimum of B100, plus a B50 deposit.

By Boat & Ferry
Ferries are common on the Chao Phraya River which flows through Bangkok. The fare for these express boats is based on the distance you travel; the price ranges from B2 to B25. At certain piers you must add a B1 jetty fee. You can get to the Grand Palace in about 10 minutes from most hotels along the river in the LCI Official Hotel block, or to the other side of Krungthon Bridge in about 15 minutes. Local line boats run from 6 AM to 6 PM.  These boats stop at every pier.

Longtail boats (so called for the extra-long propeller shaft that extends behind the stern) operate as taxis that you can hire. The standard rate is B600 for two hours, though better deals can often be struck. The best place to hire these boats is at the Central Pier on Sathorn Bridge. Longtails for hire often quit running at 6 PM.

By Taxi & Tuk-Tuk
Taxis are affordable transportation option in Bangkok. A typical journey of 5 km (3 mi) runs about B60. Most taxis have meters, so avoid those that lack one or claim that it is broken. The rate for the first 2 km (1 mi) is B35, with an additional baht for every 55 yards after that. If the speed drops to below 6 kph (4 mph), a surcharge of one baht per minute is added. Taxi drivers may take a fare without a clue as to where they are going, so having a concierge write the name of your destination and its cross streets in Thai is always a good idea, especially if you are visiting a place that is not a well-known landmark or buried in a labyrinthine neighborhood like Chinatown.

Tuk-tuks get their name from the sound the engine makes when it idles. A Tuk-tuk is a small motorcycle with a bench on the back. A tuk-tuk is really only a good option when traffic is light otherwise the fumes from the exhaust can be overwhelming.  Be careful to negotiate the fare before you get in the tuk-tuk. Also, make sure they do not take you to their "special shopping" areas, where friends of theirs have a discounts at jewelry stores. These are often scams and it is best to avoid them.