Is There Uber In Thailand In 2024? (Uber In Bangkok and Beyond)

Are you planning a trip to Thailand? If so, you might be wondering “is there Uber in Thailand” in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai…or any of the tourist hotspots?

So, the answer to your question is no. There is no Uber in Thailand in 2023, and Uber has not been present here since it was taken over by Grab – its Southeast Asian counterpart – back in 2018.

Fortunately, Thailand provides a variety of ride-sharing apps and transportation options other than Uber. Discover how to explore the country, particularly its renowned tourist spots such as Bangkok and the rest of Thailand in this article!

Are There Alternative Ride-Sharing Companies Available In Thailand?

Thankfully, yes. In Thailand, the best alternative to Uber is to use leading ride-sharing companies, Grab and Bolt. Thailand has its own home-grown app, NaviGo. And finally, there’s another lesser-used unique option called InDriver. 

• Grab (IOS/Android) – the Uber app of Southeast Asia (where Uber has a majority stake)
• Bolt (IOS/Android) – Estonian company operating in 45 countries around the world
• NaviGo – Thai ride-sharing app
• InDriver (IOS) – allows you to negotiate fares with your driver

In mainland Thailand, drivers are available in most populated areas and can usually come within minutes in most parts of the country where tourists would be in. On smaller islands however, transportation options become more limited; apps may not work or there simply aren’t enough drivers available. In such cases, it is more efficient to use public transport or enlist a local driver for your journey.

These ride-hailing services are swiftly extending their reach to even the farthest reaches of rural areas, offering an array of transportation choices from motorbikes to cars and lifestyle amenities such as food delivery, medication distribution, and buying groceries. (Although unfortunately, the Grabfood platform is only in Thai and is extremely overwhelming.)

Having been in Thailand for so many months, the ride-sharing apps seem to have been accepted as a way of life by regular taxis (unlike the ride-share harassment in Indonesia), and there doesn’t seem to be any ill will from the local taxi drivers towards grab drivers.

Where Do Ride-Hailing Apps Operate In Thailand?

Check to see if Thailand’s available ride-hailing apps operate in the city, island, or town you will visit by checking out their official website: Grab.

Unfortunately, I can’t find a neat list for the other apps. If you’re unsure, open the app when you reach your destination and it will inform you whether coverage is available.

How Can you Pay on Thai Ride-Hailing Apps?

Just like how Uber services online payment on the mobile app, you can use your credit card or debit card to make payments quickly and easily. If no cards are saved, however, you always have the option of paying in cash.

---

Is There Uber In Bangkok, Thailand?

While Uber is absent from Bangkok, don’t worry – there’s no shortage of transportation options to get around this vast Thai capital city! From cost-efficient local transportation to more expensive fares, Bangkok is incredibly well-connected.

Here are your choices for navigating this massive city:

Ride-Hailing Apps In Bangkok

All ride-hailing apps work in Bangkok. You just need to download the app and pretty much from anywhere in the city, you shouldn’t need to wait more than a few minutes.

However, ride-hailing apps in Bangkok are probably the most expensive way to travel within the city, usually even more so than the traditional metered taxis on the street.

Traditional Taxis in Bangkok

Taxi service galore in Bangkok, Thailand. Stop at a street corner, wave your hand, and within minutes an empty taxicab will pull off the road to service you.

Tip! If there is a red word in the corner of the taxi’s front windshield, it signals that they are unavailable.

While most taxicabs are metered, it’s always a good idea to double-check before your ride. Confirm with the driver that they will turn on the meter as soon as you enter their cab. At the base fare, meters start at 35 baht per trip and increase based on time and distance traveled – yet I have found them surprisingly cheap!

Motorbike Taxis and Tuk-tuks in Bangkok, Thailand

If you’re in a hurry or just looking for a fun and unique way to get around the city, Bangkok’s motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks are there to the rescue. Drivers often congregate in groups near crossroads or shopping centers. Since motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks do not have meters, negotiate a price prior to entering.

Tuk-Tuks: The famous Thailand form of transportation for short distances is the tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are motorized tricycles that can be hailed on the street or at train/bus stations.

Motorcycle taxis: They are usually identified by their brightly colored vests and helmets, generally in the same colors.

Innercity Train & Metros in Bangkok

Bangkok’s public transport system is nothing short of impressive: it’s fast, dependable, and relatively cheap, especially if you are going long distances.

With the underground Metro trains, overground BTS Sky Train routes, MRT lines, and Airport Rail Link services at your disposal – you can easily access every corner of this crazy city! For the majority of commuters, you won’t have to wait long for your train- usually no more than a few minutes!

Innercity Local Buses in Bangkok

For tourists, Bangkok’s local bus system is probably the least preferable transportation option. Routes are complicated, you get stuck in Bangkok traffic, and it can be extremely crowded during peak hours.

However, it is the cheapest way to get around with most fees only costing 8 baht. The most I got charged was 13 baht to go to Mochit Bus Terminal.

The buses are easily identifiable due to the numbering and color-coding based on their route, so you can use the Moovit app to find out when the next one is arriving. I found that Google Maps was useful in locating which bus stop to take but not as precise with regard to estimating bus arrival times.

Renting A Car Or Scooter in Bangkok, Thailand

Exploring Bangkok by taxi or public transportation comes with its drawbacks. You are restricted to a set route and may have to do some walking, or if you have to take more than two private transports in one day your bill could quickly add up.

Scooter Rentals in Bangkok

I love riding scooters, but I’m not sold on renting one in Bangkok. The roads around the city are extremely congested and chaotic. I would suggest that you only consider renting a scooter if you have at least some experience with riding on busy streets, staying in the city for a time, or have to cover further distances.

Related Post: Check out the full details on renting a scooter in Thailand.

Car Rentals in Bangkok

Renting a car is a great option for those who plan on leaving the city to travel long distances and traveling with a group. While there are plenty of car rental options to choose from in Bangkok, I would advise against it if most of your stay will be spent within the city limits.

To book your rental car, go to RentalCars.com by clicking here. With RentalCars.com, you’ll get the widest aggregate of available cars in Bangkok.

---

Is there Uber in the Rest of Thailand?

As we’ve established, no, unfortunately, there is no Uber in the rest of Thailand, but ride-hailing apps are ubiquitous all over the nation. But only in populated areas and some larger islands.

Once you get to lesser-visited areas, the apps may still operate but will not show you any drivers nearby or just say that it has not yet come to your region.

Innercity Transportation Options in the Rest of Thailand

In contrast to the rest of Thailand, Bangkok stands out as the exception. It offers a range of transportation options that other places in the country can’t compete with; Chiang Mai, for example — the third largest city in Thailand– lacks both innercity train and even any official bus routes.

So how does one get around in the rest of Thailand?

Taxis, Motorbike taxis & Tuktuks in the Rest of Thailand

Everywhere in Thailand, there are always plenty of taxis and tuk-tuk drivers available in the heavily trafficked areas. Bear in mind that outside Bangkok, meters largely are not a thing, so all price negotiations should happen prior to starting your journey.

Songthaew (Local Mini Bus)

Songthaews are converted trucks or pickup trucks with benches on either side, a hard cover roof, and panels for when it rains. They can be red, yellow, or white depending on where you are in the country. With their low cost and prevalence, songthaews are the preferred form of transportation for those staying in areas without official buses.

Songthaews usually run on a set route with a displayed final destination, but people can hop on and off the vehicles anywhere along the route. In the evenings, many songthaews operate like private taxis, where you’ll negotiate the price.

Renting A Scooter or Car in Thailand

Scooter Rentals in the Rest of Thailand

When I’m exploring outside of Bangkok, there’s nothing more convenient than renting a scooter. Plus, the longer you rent for, the better deal you get – sometimes as low as 100 baht per day!

In most cities throughout Thailand, daily rates are typically between 200-250 baht; however, in some places, it’s possible to find even lower prices at only 150 per day.

Car Rentals in the Rest of Thailand

Planning a cross-country journey? Make life easier for yourself by renting a car! With your own set of wheels, you’ll be able to explore Thailand’s beauty away from the hustle and bustle of cities.

Take on popular road trips like Chiang Mai to Pai, the Samoeng Loop, the Mae Son Loop, or even make it all the way to the Golden Triangle Thai Laos border area.

Tips For Driving Around Thailand

• Thailand Driving Side: Thais drive on the left side of the road, opposite the US side.
• Honking: Unlike in other Southeast Asian countries, people barely honk here at all, except on some tight mountain curves.
• Roads in Thailand: Although Thailand has traffic within its cities, the quality of the highways and roadways is excellent. You can easily drive 90+ km/hour on a 125cc scooter and still feel safe nearly everywhere in the country.

Do I Need An International Driver’s License In Thailand?

Officially, you are supposed to, but literally, no one except in Pattaya asked. In Thailand, most places will ask you for a deposit of a few thousand baht or your passport.

Having an international driver’s license will only be important if the police stop you for any reason, and you will get a ticket if they see that you don’t. So that is a risk that you must consider.

In any case, make sure you bring your passport and your driver’s license. Rental cars will accept credit cards. Unless otherwise pre-booked, expect to pay scooter rentals in cash.

---

Intercity Travel in Thailand

Trains in Thailand

For long-distance travel, riding the train is a popular and cheap option. Trains are safe, comfortable, and relatively fast. To book your train ticket online use 12Go Asia or show up at the station in-person.

If you’re traveling by train, it’s important to consider the class fares available. 2nd Class sleepers may cost more than a bus ticket, but they provide unbeatable comfort and are worth every penny. Conversely, 3rd Class seats are less expensive than those of busses yet offer an unpleasant experience, think 90 degree seat backs and hard seats.

Tip! Popular train routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai 2nd class sleepers may be sold out weeks in advance. If you know the date of your travel, book it on 12Go Asia beforehand.

Busses in Thailand

Intercity buses are an excellent way to get around Thailand. Although they can’t be compared to how amazing Vietnam’s sleeper busses are, the fares are cheap enough, reliable, plentiful, more flexible, and have onboard A/C and toilets on board. For longer rides, buses will always stop at least once for a food break.

You can book your bus tickets online at 12Go Asia or just show up at the ticketing booth, and usually, there will be tickets available the day of (unless there is a special event).

Ferries & Boats in Thailand

When traveling to islands or cities isolated by water, ferries and boats can be your best bet. You have two choices: the slow boat or the express boats which are much faster but costlier.

Depending on the route, you may be able to purchase tickets online, again on 12Go Asia. Or you can just go to the pier and buy your ticket at the counter (or kiosk) a few hours before departure.

Domestic Flights

If you don’t have time to burn, the best way to travel between cities is by plane. For domestic flights in Thailand, VietJet, Air Asia and Nok Air are the most popular budget airlines with prices starting from a few hundred baht per flight. Thai Airlines tends to be pricier.

Ahead of your travels, make sure to explore the domestic flight options in Thailand. Not only are they incredibly affordable (e.g., $25 USD between Bangkok and Chiang Mai!), but also well-connected with major cities, meaning it’ll be a quick journey!

---

Conclusion: Is There Uber in Thailand?

Although there is no Uber in Thailand, there are plenty of other ways to get around the country. Download other Uber-like transportation apps like Grab, Bolt, Navigo, or InDriver to see if they are servicing the town you are in.

Local taxis, motor taxis, tuk-tuks, and buses are widely available for within a city, and renting a scooter or car is a great option for those who want to explore independently. To connect to other places around the country, look for inter-intercity buses and the Thai railway system, or cheap domestic flights.

I hope this guide helped answer your questions about Uber and transportation options in Thailand.