How to travel to Bangkok’s Grand Palace – An informative guide

Showcasing Thailand’s royal heritage, the Grand Palace in Bangkok is a popular attraction among tourists, locals and business travellers. Situated in the heart of the Thai capital, the Grand Palace is easily accessible via various public and private transport options. Discover which of Bangkok’s travel options will get you to the Grand Palace.

What is the Grand Palace?

Grand Palace Bangkok, Thailand | Image via Flickr

If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ve probably heard much about Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Constructed in 1782, the Grand Palace served as the royal residence of the Thai monarchy, beginning from King Rama I until King Rama V. Today, it is used solely for ceremonial purposes or to host foreign dignitaries. The Grand Palace comprises two main sections: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (also known as Wat Phra Kaew) and the royal residence, the latter further divided into the Outer Court, Middle Court and Inner Court. The buildings on the palace grounds are a stunning testament of Thai architecture with hints of Cambodian and European influences.

The Grand Palace opens its doors from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm daily. Tourists must pay 500 baht at the entrance while a strict dress code is observed at the palace.

The BTS (Skytrain)

The fastest way to get to the Grand Palace is via Bangkok’s BTS. The BTS is like an overground subway, elevated above Bangkok’s thoroughfare. Trains run from 6 am to midnight, while fares range between 16 to 50 baht. Alternatively, you can buy a day-pass for 140 baht, guaranteeing unlimited BTS travel for that day. If your chosen accommodation is a  Bangkok city hotel, the likes of Pathumwan Princess Hotel, then locating your nearest BTS station is a breeze. Travel to the Grand Palace via the BTS by taking the Silom Line and alight at the Saphan Taksin BTS Station. Take exit no. 2 and walk towards Sathorn Pier. Board the Chao Phraya Express Boat with the orange flag and get off at stop no. 9, Tha Chang Pier. Walk a few minutes to arrive at the entrance to the palace.

Chao Phraya Express Boat

The Chao Phraya Express Boat serves as the leading riverboat service along the Chao Phraya River. Boats typically operate from 6 am until 7 pm and begin their journey at Sathorn Pier. There are different types of express boats marked by coloured flags. The orange-flag boat is the most common calling at every pier along the route. The green flag and yellow flag boats skip a few piers. There is also a tourist boat denoted by a blue flag. This boat, which charges 60 baht, runs between 9.30 am to 5.30 pm from Sathorn Pier to Phra Athit/Banglamphu Pier. All express boats call at Tha Chang Pier, making it a convenient, relaxing, and traffic-free way to travel to the Grand Palace.

Other boat services

There are other boat options you can opt for if you want to travel to the Grand Palace. These include cross-river ferries, which charge 5 baht. You can also hire private long-tail boats generally available at Phra Athit Pier, Oriental Pier, or Tien Pier.

Four, three, and two-wheeled taxis

If travelling by boat or via the BTS isn’t your thing, then opt for a taxi. Car taxis are the most comfortable option and are generally cheaper than tuk-tuks. However, they tend to get stuck in Bangkok’s maddening traffic. Ensure you hail a taxi that is metered. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing apps such as Grab. Taxi fares begin at 35 baht. Tuk-tuks are not the ideal choice when travelling to the Grand Palace unless you crave that experience. They also charge nothing less than 100 baht, even for the shortest of trips.

You can also try the two-wheeled motorcycle taxis identified by their riders' coloured, numbered vests. These taxis make a frenzied dash to your destination despite heavy traffic, disregarding traffic rules and safety protocols in the process. If you fancy a daring thrill before visiting the Grand Palace, then hop on a motorcycle taxi. Fares range from 10-20 baht.

Bus

Operated by the Bangkok Mass Transport Authority, the bus system services the Grand Palace. Several bus routes, including routes 1, 3, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 80, 82, 91, 203, 503, 508 or 512, take you straight to the palace. Buses with air-conditioning are more expensive than those without, while fares range between 6-23 baht. Remember that buses do not call at bus stops unless you wave them down.







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