Taxi time from Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit or Silom

[scwappy]

Hi
A quick question, have an overnighter in Bangkok coming up next year and have the choice of hotels in Sukhumvit or Silom. Is any destination much quicker by taxi from the airport than the other?

Thanks
Scwappz

 

[Fantic125]

The few times I've been to Bangkok, to get to Silom from the airport the taxi's usually go near Sukhumvit, with Silom only a couple of more km's further.

It depends on the time you're arriving though. If you hit peak hour traffic (around 5 ~ 7pm) those last couple of km's can take up to another 45~50 mins. At other times in the evening it's generally not too bad - maybe 10/15 mins.

There's a few Bangkok residents/frequent visitors on here who would be able to give you more accurate info, I'm sure.

 

[Postcode]

If it's just overnight and you've been to Bangkok before investigate a hotel near the airport. Silom and Sukhumvit travel times are not that different depending on traffic and what back streets the taxi driver knows. Have stayed in both areas and happy with both. Travel time depends very much on local traffic.

At the airport there is a 'taxi service'. Use this and avoid the touts. You will be given a piece of paper when you have booked your taxi. Hang on to this. If your taxi driver turns off the meter as soon as you leave the airport, start taking down the driver's details which are on the windscreen on the passenger side. They hate it when you do that. You can mail the paper with the complaint but dunno if it gets far. I suspect not.

 

[BensAdventures]

I stayed in Silom last month and I'll be in the Sukhumvit area next week, and I agree if you are there for just one night, staying at the airport would be easier.

If you were going to choose between Silom and Sukhumvit, I prefer Sukhumvit. There's plenty around, it's easy to find places to eat, shop and have a good time.

 

[moa999]

Believe the airport train has now opened as well

 

[serfty]

Of course, there's the recently opened (Finally) rail service that connects with the BTS. It is likely to be faster during peak times ...

See here on FT: BKK-Bangkok Airport Rail Link [Merged Threads] - Page 3 - FlyerTalk Forums

Also: Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited.

 

[sacolman]

Frankly, you should not care.... Taxi fares in Bangkok are regulated and are uniform to either the Silom or other areas. I believe the cost 400 Bahts + tolls, which you are to pay and since the majority of the travel is on the magnificent motorway the difference in travel to any hotel area is miniscule.

 

[timster]

The issue will be if you have an early weekday flight next day. Getting onto a fast moving section of the motorway during morning or evening peak can take an hour or more. Once you're moving it's OK. But if your taxi driver makes the wrong choice of the several options, it can be nerve-wracking. If I had an early flight I'd stay near the airport. But look closely at the hotels that call themselves 'airport' hotels - some are as far as Sukhumvit. Something no further than Seacon Square is a good bet. And the only one actually AT the airport is expensive.

 

[wtolmie]

IMHO cant beat the Novotel at the airport.. Free shuttle and dinner buffett is always very good..

 

[Grooba]

IMHO cant beat the Novotel at the airport.. Free shuttle and dinner buffett is always very good..

+1. New hotel, nice amenities and rooms, free shuttle back and forth. Perfect for an overnighter if you don't want to head into the city.

 

[scwappy]

Thanks for all your replies
Shall check out Silom. Would have checked out the Novotel but the price I could find at AUD250 was much more than Le Meridian at US45 +2800 points.

Cheers
Scwappz

 

[serfty]

Frankly, you should not care.... Taxi fares in Bangkok are regulated and are uniform to either the Silom or other areas. I believe the cost 400 Bahts + tolls, which you are to pay and since the majority of the travel is on the magnificent motorway the difference in travel to any hotel area is miniscule.

THB400+tolls with the meter on should get one to Silom and back to the airport!

Even to the Millennium Hilton on the other side of the river, the metered fare is only about 270THB, add the THB50 airport levy and the tolls and you may get to THB400.