Best Ways to Get Around Bangkok with Kids
- Barry
- Aug 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 24
Planning a trip to Bangkok with your family? This city is exciting, colorful, and full of adventures—but figuring out the best ways to get around Bangkok with kids can feel overwhelming at first.
We’ve visited Bangkok multiple times with our two teenagers and tested everything—from the BTS Skytrain to river boats and tuk-tuks—so you don’t have to guess. In this Bangkok family transport guide, you’ll find the safest, most affordable, and most enjoyable ways to move around the city in 2025.
For a complete trip plan, also check our Bangkok Travel Guide and our Bangkok Travel Costs for Families breakdown.
Table of Contents
Why Bangkok Transport Feels Overwhelming (But Doesn’t Have to Be)
Bangkok is a vibrant mix of temples, street food stalls, and endless traffic. Between the honking tuk-tuks, busy intersections, and sudden tropical downpours, it’s easy to feel lost—especially if you’re visiting with kids.
We first arrived with our 11- and 13-year-olds in July 2024, slightly worried about safety, comfort, and budget. Within a few days, we found a system that made getting around Bangkok simple, safe, and even fun for the whole family.
BTS Skytrain – The Best Way to Get Around Bangkok with Kids
The BTS Skytrain is hands-down the best way for families to get around Bangkok. Elevated above the streets, it’s fast, air-conditioned, and avoids the city’s notorious traffic jams..
Great for: Teenagers, families, escaping traffic
Cost: 16–59 THB per trip (~$0.50–$2)
Operating hours: ~6:00 AM – midnight
Where it goes: Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom, Chatuchak, etc.
Kid-friendly tip: Stay near a BTS station like Siam or Mo Chit for easy access to shopping, parks, and markets.
MRT Subway – Easy for Long Distances
The MRT is Bangkok’s modern underground train system, perfect for reaching areas not served by the BTS. It’s quieter, less crowded, and ideal for families.
Cost: 16–42 THB (~$0.50–$1.25)
Best for: Chinatown, Terminal 21, and connections to the BTS
Pro tip: If you plan to explore multiple areas, combine the BTS and MRT for maximum coverage.
The BTS is one of the most efficient ways to see Bangkok’s top sights. In our Bangkok Travel Guide, we recommend staying near a BTS station
Taxis & Grab – Convenient, but Choose Wisely
Bangkok taxis are cheap, but drivers sometimes refuse to use the meter. Grab, Southeast Asia’s version of Uber, solves that problem by offering fixed prices and in-app payments.
Starting fare: 35 Bath ($1)
With traffic: Expect delays during rush hours (7–10 AM, 4–7 PM)
Apps: Grab (Thailand’s Uber) is reliable and kid-friendly
Always ask: “Meter, please?” before entering.
Tuk-Tuks – Fun Once, Pricey Always
Tuk-tuks are iconic three-wheeled taxis. Kids will love them, but they’re best for short distances or as a novelty ride
Good for: Short distances, tourist fun
Cost: 100–400 THB depending on distance (and negotiation skills!)
No seatbelts. For younger kids, skip this one. For teens: one fun ride is enough.
Chao Phraya River Boats – Our Teenagers’ Favorite
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is both scenic and practical. The express boats and hop-on/hop-off tourist boats are perfect for sightseeing days.
Orange flag boat fare: 15–20 THB
Tourist pass: 150 THB/day (~$4)
Top stops: Wat Arun, Grand Palace, Asiatique
We boarded from Sathorn Pier and cruised past temples with fresh breeze and zero crowds. Highly recommended!
Buses – Budget-Friendly but sometimes Challenging
Public buses in Bangkok are cheap (8–20 THB) but slow and tricky for first-time visitors. If you’re short on time, stick to BTS, MRT, or boats.
Pros: Dirt cheap (8–20 THB)
Cons: No English signage, no airco on some lines, slow
Not ideal if you're unfamiliar with the routes.
Walking – Only in Certain Areas
Walking in Bangkok is possible in areas like Siam, Lumphini Park, and the Old Town, but sidewalks can be uneven and the midday heat intense.
Best areas: Around Siam, Lumphini Park, and Old Town
Avoid walking during: Midday heat (12–3 PM)
Bring light shoes and UV-protective hats.
Getting To & From Bangkok’s Airports with Kids
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Airport Rail Link → Phaya Thai BTS
Don Mueang (DMK): Taxi or A1/A2 shuttle to Mo Chit BTS
Intercity travel: Book train/bus to Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, etc. via:
Transportation Tips for Families in Bangkok
Plan Your Day Around BTS/MRT Lines:
Map your route along BTS and MRT stations to save time and avoid long walks with kids.
Use Grab or Metered Taxis at Night:
For evening trips, book via Grab or ensure the taxi uses the meter.
Skip Tuk-Tuks During Rush Hour:
Avoid them between 07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00 to prevent delays.
Use River Boats for Sightseeing Days:
Enjoy scenic rides along the Chao Phraya River to reach temples and markets.
Stay Close to a BTS Station for Easy Access:
Choose accommodation within walking distance of a station.
Hydrate Often – Bangkok is Hot Year-Round:
Carry a refillable bottle and take cooling breaks in air-conditioned spots.
Plan Around Lines & Rush Hours:
Use Google Maps or Transit and travel outside peak times (07:00–10:00, 16:00–19:00).
Go Contactless When Possible:
Most stations accept contactless cards; if not, keep small cash for ticket machines.
Choose Elevator & Stroller-Friendly Routes:
Look for lift icons at stations; foldable strollers fit easily through gates.
Have a Rain Plan:
Keep ponchos in your day bag and switch to BTS/MRT during heavy downpours.
Stay Hydrated & Cool Down:
Bring water and cool off in malls like Siam or Terminal 21.
Board Safely with Kids:
Mind the gap between platform and train, and hold hands on busy platforms.
Pick the Right Pier for Boats:
Start at Sathorn (Central) Pier for clear signage and easy transfers.
Be Smart About Airports:
From BKK, take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai; from DMK, use a shuttle or Grab to Mo Chit BTS—avoid rush hour with luggage.
Final Thoughts: Our Favorite Way to Get Around Bangkok as a Family
After many visits to Bangkok, we found that mixing BTS + boats + Grab gave us the best balance of convenience, fun, and budget-friendliness. Our teens loved the river views (read shopping malls) and zipping through the city by Skytrain.
If you're traveling to Bangkok with your kids in 2025, don’t worry—there are plenty of safe, affordable, and kid-friendly ways to get around. You just need the right plan.
Want more tips for planning your family trip? Head over to our full Bangkok Travel Guide.
Practical Tools for Planning
FAQ TO GET AROUND BANGKOK WITH KIDS
What is the best way to get around Bangkok with kids?
The BTS Skytrain is generally the best way for families to get around Bangkok. It’s clean, air-conditioned, fast, and avoids traffic jams. For sightseeing, the Chao Phraya River boats are also fun and scenic—especially for teenagers.
How much does public transportation cost in Bangkok?
BTS/MRT: 16–59 THB ($0.50–$2)
River boats: 15–20 THB (local), ~150 THB (tourist day pass)
Taxis: Starting from 35 THB
Tuk-tuks: 100–400 THB (negotiable)
Is it safe to use public transportation with kids in Bangkok?
Yes, Bangkok’s public transportation is safe for families. The BTS and MRT have security, clear signage, and are used by locals and tourists alike. Tuk-tuks are fun but have no seatbelts—better suited for short rides with older kids.
Should we use taxis or Grab in Bangkok?
Grab is more reliable than street taxis because prices are fixed and you don’t have to argue about using the meter. Use it during off-peak hours to avoid delays.
What’s the best transport option during Bangkok’s rainy season?
During heavy rain, BTS and MRT are your best options. Avoid tuk-tuks or river boats when it's stormy. Always check the weather forecast in the morning and plan accordingly.
Can I get around Bangkok without speaking Thai?
Absolutely. Most transport systems have English signage, especially BTS, MRT, and tourist boat services. Apps like Google Maps and Grab work well in Bangkok and can help bridge any language gaps.
Can we rent bikes or scooters in Bangkok?
We don’t recommend it for families. Bangkok traffic can be hectic and sidewalks are not bike-friendly. For safety reasons, it’s best to stick with public transport or Grab.
Is it easy to get to/from the airport with kids?
Yes. The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to the city via the BTS. For Don Mueang (DMK), Grab or an airport shuttle bus to Mo Chit BTS is best. Pre-booking via 12Go Asia is a convenient option.
Why We Use Affiliate Links
This page contains affiliate links. That means we may earn a small commission if you book or buy something through one of our links — at no extra cost to you.
We only recommend things we truly believe in or use ourselves. These commissions help us grow YIM Travel and slowly build our dream: moving to Thailand and living a more intentional, location-independent life.
So if you found this guide helpful and choose to book through one of our links — thank you. 🙏 You’re directly helping make that dream a little more real.
