How much does a taxi cost in Bangkok?

A typical 10 km ride in Bangkok costs 80-100 THB by meter. The flag drop is 35 THB for the first km, then 5.50 THB/km up to 10 km. Add 2 THB/minute for traffic jams.

Is it cheaper to take a taxi or Grab in Thailand?

Metered taxis are 30-50% cheaper than Grab/Bolt for most rides. However, Grab offers fixed pricing and no refusal issues, which many expats prefer despite the premium.

Do Thai taxis charge extra from the airport?

Yes, taxis from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports add a 50 THB surcharge on top of the metered fare. You also pay expressway tolls (50-75 THB per toll gate).

Should I tip taxi drivers in Thailand?

Tipping is not required but appreciated. Rounding up to the nearest 10-20 THB is common practice. For airport runs or helpful drivers, 50-100 THB tip is generous.

June 20, 2026 5 min read By Kamnuan

Thailand Taxi Meter Rates 2025 — Complete Fare Table + Calculator

Official Thai taxi meter rates per the Department of Land Transport: 35 THB flag drop, progressive per-km rates 5.50-10.50 THB, idle charges, airport surcharges, and tips for expats.

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Thailand Taxi Meter Rates — Official 2025 Fare Structure

Thai taxi fares are regulated by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) and use a progressive per-kilometre rate structure. Here’s the complete breakdown for expats and visitors:

Distance-Based Fare Table

Distance	Rate (THB/km)	Notes
0–1 km	—	35 THB flag drop (covers first km)
1–10 km	5.50	Standard city distance
10–20 km	6.50	Cross-district trips
20–40 km	7.50	Suburban areas
40–60 km	8.00	Long-distance
60–80 km	9.00	Inter-province
Over 80 km	10.50	Very long distance

Additional Charges

Item	Cost
Traffic jam (speed < 6 km/h)	2 THB per minute
Airport surcharge (Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang)	50 THB
Phone/app booking	20 THB
Large taxi (van)	+25% of meter fare
Expressway tolls	Actual cost (passenger pays)

Sample Fares for Popular Routes

Route	Distance	Fare (no traffic)	Fare (15 min traffic)
Suvarnabhumi → Siam	30 km	~295 THB	~325 THB
Don Mueang → Asoke	25 km	~250 THB	~280 THB
Sathorn → Muang Thong	20 km	~195 THB	~225 THB
Silom → Ekkamai	8 km	~80 THB	~110 THB
Sukhumvit → MBK	5 km	~60 THB	~90 THB

Does not include expressway tolls or airport surcharge

Taxi vs Grab vs Bolt — Price Comparison

Factor	Metered Taxi	Grab/Bolt
10 km fare	~85 THB	100–150 THB
30 km fare	~250 THB	300–450 THB
Surge pricing	None (fixed rates)	Yes (1.5–3x during rush hour)
Price known upfront	No (meter)	Yes (fixed quote)
Driver refusal	Common issue	No (auto-matching)
Cash payment	Always accepted	Varies by service
Receipt	Ask driver	Automatic in-app

Bottom line: Metered taxis are significantly cheaper but Grab/Bolt offer convenience, fixed pricing, and GPS tracking that many expats prefer.

Tips for Expats Taking Taxis in Thailand

Always use the meter — It’s illegal for drivers to refuse. Say “meter, please” (มิเตอร์ด้วย / mi-ter duay)
Have small bills — Drivers often can’t break 1,000 THB notes
Know your expressway tolls — Typically 50-75 THB per toll gate; you pay directly at the booth
Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM, 5-7:30 PM) — Traffic idle charges add up fast
Screenshot your route — Show the driver Google Maps if they don’t know the destination
Report refusals — Call DLT hotline 1584 if a driver refuses to use the meter
Airport taxi queue — Use the official taxi stand (level 1, door 4/7 at Suvarnabhumi); ignore touts upstairs

When Are Taxi Rates Expected to Increase?

The DLT is considering a rate adjustment for 2025-2026 due to rising fuel costs. The proposed changes include increasing the flag drop from 35 to 40 THB. No official date has been confirmed — check dlt.go.th for updates.