Is There Uber in Thailand? A Guide to Transportation

When traveling to another country, ride-hailing apps are easily the most efficient way to get around. For one, there’s no need to be able to speak the local language, and you don’t have haggle with over prices, either. In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not Uber is available in Thailand, what right-hailing apps are popular there, and other transportation options within the country.

So, is Uber Available in Thailand?

No, Uber is no longer operational in Thailand as of 2018. In a significant business move, Uber merged with Grab in Southeast Asia to avoid fierce competition in the region. While this marked the end of Uber in Thailand, it paved the way for other ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt to become popular among locals and tourists.

Alternative Ride-Hailing Apps in Thailand

Despite Uber’s departure, several user-friendly ride-hailing apps are available in Thailand. These apps provide the same convenience and functionality, ensuring a smooth travel experience for both locals and tourists.

Grab

Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Thailand. Its popularity stems from its reliability, user-friendly interface, and variety of services.

• Pricing transparency: With Grab, you see the fare upfront, helping avoid disputes often encountered with metered taxis.
• Service options: Choose from GrabTaxi (metered taxis), GrabCar (private cars), or GrabBike (motorcycle taxis). If you’re in a rush, JustGrab connects you to the nearest available ride.
• Availability: Grab is accessible in most major cities and tourist hubs, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.

Although slightly more expensive than metered taxis, Grab’s convenience makes it a preferred choice for many travelers.

Bolt

Bolt is another popular ride-hailing app, offering fares that are often slightly cheaper than Grab’s. However, it has a smaller network of drivers, which can make finding rides challenging during peak hours.

• Availability: Bolt operates in select cities, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
• Reliability: While reliable, Bolt’s limited coverage means it may not be as readily available as Grab in less populated areas.

Pro tip: Use Bolt when Grab’s prices surge due to high demand.

Other Transportation Options

If you’re feeling more adventurous, or if you don’t have cell phone data or WiFi, there are plenty of other transportation methods. Let’s go through some of the most common.

Taxis

Taxis are brightly colored and easy to spot in major cities. However, always ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Tip: Avoid taxis parked near tourist attractions, as they often refuse to use the meter. Instead, hail one on the street or use GrabTaxi.

Motorcycle Taxis

Motorcycle taxis are convenient for short distances, especially in congested cities like Bangkok. However, they can be risky due to Thailand’s high rate of traffic accidents.

Tip: Look for licensed motorcycle taxi drivers wearing numbered vests to ensure safety.

Tuk-Tuks

Tuk-tuks are a quintessential Thai experience. While they aren’t the most practical option, they offer an exhilarating ride through city streets.

Fun fact: Some tuk-tuks allow you to connect your phone via Bluetooth to play music during your ride—just ask the driver!

Songthaews

These shared, open-air trucks are a cheap and local way to travel short distances, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.

Tip: Look for songthaews in places like Chiang Mai or islands like Koh Samui, where they serve as the primary form of transportation.

Scooter Rental

Renting a scooter is a popular choice for tourists exploring Thailand’s countryside or islands.

Caution: You need an international driver’s permit (IDP) that covers motorcycles to drive legally. Police may fine tourists without one.

Car Rental

Renting a car is ideal for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Prices start at around 550 baht (~$15 USD) per day, but be sure to factor in insurance costs.

Vans

Vans are affordable for moderate distances and are commonly used to travel between cities or across large metropolitan areas like Bangkok. They usually seat about eight people and cost around 30-40 baht (~$1 USD) for city travel.

Local Buses

Thailand’s buses range from traditional red ones without AC to modern air-conditioned vehicles.

Tip: Use the larger, air-conditioned buses for a more comfortable ride in Bangkok.

Urban Rail Transit Networks (Bangkok Only)

Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, and Airport Link offer a fast, efficient way to navigate the city.

Highlight: All signs are in English, making it easy for tourists to use.

Boat (Bangkok Only)

Finally, there are boats. This method of transportation probably isn’t necessary, but it’s still fun to try.

These boats run every 30 minutes or so along the San Saeb canal in Bangkok. Locals use these to commute home or to work. It’s a great way to beat the rush hour traffic of the city, if you know where you’re going.

A few of the most famous stations are at Asoke, Pratunam, and Phanfa Bridge, but there are many more throughout the canal. Keep a look out on the water to see the boats and where you can hop on one.

This type of boat costs less than a dollar, usually around 10 or 20 baht. If you’re looking for a quick adventure, you should give it a shot.

Tips for Using Transportation Services in Thailand

• Familiarize yourself with currency: It’s easy to mistake 1,000 baht notes for smaller denominations.
• Use Google Maps: To track routes and ensure drivers are taking the most efficient path.
• Safety first: Avoid risky options like unlicensed motorcycle taxis if you’re unfamiliar with Thai traffic conditions.

The Bottom Line

While Uber is no longer available in Thailand, ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt provide efficient alternatives. For those seeking more traditional or adventurous experiences, taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews offer plenty of options. Whatever your travel style, Thailand’s transportation system ensures you’ll have no trouble getting around.

FAQs

1. Why is Uber not in Thailand?

It merged with Grab in Southeast Asia, which ended its independent operations. This move was made because of fierce competition with Grab, and they decided to focus their attention on other locations. (It was also declared illegal.)

2. How do tourists typically get around?

Tourists rely on a mix of Grab, local taxis, and tuk-tuks. Tourists rarely take motorcycle taxis or songthaews.

3. Are there any safety concerns with using local taxis or ride-hailing apps?

While taxis are generally safe, it’s recommended to use ride-hailing apps because the details can be tracked and shared; also, with the apps, prices are agreed upon automatically.

You may also want to consider the fact that many local women will not take a taxi alone after a certain hour. Personally, as a man, I’ve always felt safe, but it’s still something to take a mental note of. To address this concern, Grab has an option called GrabCar for Ladies that allows women to get a female driver.

Also, you may get a bad driver, or one who is under the influence. Be on the lookout to see if your driver is acting strangely, and as always, use your best judgment.

4. Can you pre-book transportation services like Grab?

Yes, Grab allows users to book rides in advance.

5. What is the most cost-effective way to travel around Thailand?

Songthaews and public buses are the cheapest options for short distances, while vans, trains, and air travel are recommended for longer distances. Air travel is surprisingly cheap. The time of the year that you come to Thailand will also affect prices.

6. How do language barriers affect using transportation services?

There may be some situations where language barriers will cause confusion. As we mentioned before, taxis in tourist areas will speak some English, as they will have a lot of experience in dealing with them. The “less touristy” the transportation option, the more likely you will have communication issues. For example, on the red buses (the ones without AC) in Bangkok, there is an attendant who walks around and collects money for tickets. They usually do not speak any English, and you are supposed to tell them where you’re going so that they can charge you the correct fare. In situations like these, you may need to have Google Translate or another translation app ready.