Exploring Bangkok's Bus Payment Methods: A Traveler's Guide

Bangkok's bus system can be a cheap and fun way to get around the city, but it can also be confusing and time-consuming. Buses are plentiful and extensive, with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) covering over 100 routes and operating more than 3,000 buses, including regular and air-conditioned buses, as well as privately-owned buses and minibuses. Fares are affordable, ranging from 8 to 32 baht, depending on the type of bus and distance travelled. You can buy a ticket on board from a conductor, who will come to you to collect the fare. It's important to have small change, as conductors may only be able to change a 100 baht note, and larger notes are not recommended.

Fares range from 8-32 baht, with non-air-conditioned buses at the cheaper end of the spectrum

Bangkok's bus network is extensive, with over 100 routes and 3,000 buses operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). The BMTA provides services in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Pathom.

Bus fares in Bangkok range from 8-32 baht, with non-air-conditioned buses at the cheaper end of the spectrum. The base fare for BMTA-operated regular buses (usually red, but sometimes red and cream) is 8 baht, increasing to 9.5 baht at night, between 23:00 and 05:00. The most common regular bus fare is 10 baht, which is charged by BMTA buses using the expressway and by private service providers using fan buses of colours other than red and cream.

Non-air-conditioned buses can also be blue, white, pink, or orange. These buses cost 10 baht.

Air-conditioned buses are more expensive, with fares ranging from 11-32 baht depending on the distance travelled. There are four types of air-conditioned buses:

• White and blue: 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20 baht, depending on the distance travelled.
• Euro 2, yellow and orange: 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, or 25 baht, depending on the distance travelled.
• PCB, white: 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, or 25 baht, depending on the distance travelled.
• NGV, blue: 15, 20, or 25 baht, depending on the distance travelled.

You can buy a ticket from the conductor on board, but don't try to pay with large notes

Bangkok's bus system can be a cheap and fun way to get around the city and experience Bangkok like a local. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) provides bus services to people living and working in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces.

If you're travelling by air-conditioned bus, you'll need to know the name of your destination, as the fare varies depending on the distance travelled. Tell the bus conductor where you wish to get off, and they'll tell you how much the journey will cost. The fare is usually fixed for regular buses.

Bangkok's bus system can be confusing, especially for first-timers. It's a good idea to carry an MBTA map, which is available at most bus terminals. When in doubt, you can ask a local or policeman, or call the BMTA hotline for assistance.

• Destinations on the city's buses are written in Thai, so it's best to memorise the bus number and colour.
• Make sure to stick to the numbers that match the colours, as buses with the same number but different colours might not share the same route.
• Be courteous and offer seats to small children, monks, the elderly, and pregnant women.
• Once on the bus, keep walking inside. Don't stand at the door or in the middle of the bus.
• Hold on to the rail at all times.
• Alert the driver that you want to get off by pressing a buzzer before your stop.
• If you're unsure where to get off, ask the bus conductor for help.
• Always keep the name and address of your destination, preferably in Thai, with you.
• EURO II (yellow-orange) buses are the city's most efficient and spacious option.

You can pay with cash, card, or mobile payment

Bangkok's bus system is extensive, with over 3,000 buses covering more than 100 routes. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) operates most buses, with some routes licensed to private operators. The BMTA covers Bangkok and nearby provinces, including Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Pathom.

Fares for buses in Bangkok are affordable, ranging from 8 to 32 baht, depending on the type of bus and distance travelled. You can pay with cash, card, or mobile payment.

When paying with cash, it is best to have small change or lower-denomination banknotes. While conductors can usually change a 100 baht note, it is not recommended to try paying with 500 or 1,000 baht notes as they may not have sufficient change. For air-conditioned buses, you need to inform the conductor of your destination, as the fare varies based on distance. Regular buses typically have a fixed fare.

Certain buses, mainly those operated by BMTA, now accept mobile payments and contactless card payments. However, as this is a relatively new system, it may not always work properly, so cash remains the most reliable payment method.

You can buy your ticket directly from the conductor on board the bus. They will usually approach you after you have found a seat. It is important to keep your ticket, as inspectors may board the bus to check them.

Buses are operated by both the BMTA and private companies

Buses in Bangkok are operated by both the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and private companies. The BMTA covers over 100 routes and has more than 3,000 buses, including regular and air-conditioned buses, as well as privately-owned buses and minibuses.

The BMTA provides bus services to people living and working in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, such as Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Pathom. The BMTA bus network is extensive, and most buses run between 5 am and 11 pm daily. The fare for regular BMTA buses is usually fixed at around 8 baht, while expressway buses cost from 10 baht.

Private companies also operate bus routes in Bangkok, and some routes are licensed only to these private operators. These private companies often provide VIP buses, which offer more comfort and better service than regular buses. The quality of service on these VIP buses can vary, and it is recommended to book tickets in person at the bus terminal to ensure you get a reputable company.

The BMTA and private companies together form an extensive bus network in Bangkok, providing affordable and accessible transportation options for locals and tourists alike.

The BMTA covers over 100 routes and has more than 3,000 buses

Bangkok's bus network is extensive, with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) covering over 100 routes and operating more than 3,000 buses. The BMTA provides bus services to Bangkok and the surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Pathom.

The BMTA's fleet includes regular and air-conditioned buses, as well as privately-owned buses and minibuses. The buses come in various colours, with destinations written in Thai, so it's essential to memorise the bus number and colour combination to ensure you board the correct bus.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of buses operated by the BMTA:

• Regular buses: These buses are typically red or cream in colour and are non-air-conditioned. They cost around 8 baht for a ride, although the fare may increase to 9.5 baht during the night.
• Expressway buses: These buses serve express routes and usually cost 10 baht.
• Air-conditioned buses: These buses are identified by their cream and blue colours. The fare for these buses depends on the distance travelled, starting from 12 baht.
• All-night buses: Operating 24 hours, these buses are cream and red and cost around 9.50 baht.
• EURO II buses: The most spacious and efficient buses in the fleet, they are yellow and orange and cost between 13 to 25 baht, depending on the distance travelled.

To pay for your bus ride in Bangkok, you purchase your ticket from the conductor on board. Fares vary based on the type of bus and the distance travelled. It is advisable to have small change or lower-denomination banknotes, as conductors may not be able to accept large notes, especially on regular or smaller buses.

In addition to the BMTA buses, Bangkok also has a rapid bus service (BRT) that runs on a dedicated lane. This service only operates on one route and shares a ticketing system with the BTS SkyTrain.

Frequently asked questions