How to Get to Khao San Road

Knowing how to get to Khao San Road is essential for those staying in the Old Town area, or for those wanting to visit the bars & food scene.

Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand, is a legendary backpacker street, brimming with street food, quirky bars, budget accommodations, tattoo parlors, and colorful night markets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Bangkok or a returning traveler, figuring out how to get to Khao San Road can be confusing due to its lack of direct access by train.

This comprehensive guide explores all the possible ways to reach Khao San Road, including by train, boat, bus, taxi, tuk-tuk, motorbike taxi, airport links, and ride-sharing services.

How to Get to Khao San Road

Where is Khao San Road?

Khao San Road is located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, close to several iconic landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (across the river), and the Chao Phraya River.

• Address: Khao San Road, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Nearby Streets: Rambuttri Alley (quieter alternative), Chakrabongse Road, Phra Athit Road
• Landmarks Nearby: Democracy Monument, National Gallery, Banglamphu Market

Best Routes to Khao San Road

From	Best Option
Suvarnabhumi Airport	Airport Rail Link + Taxi or Bus
Don Mueang Airport	A4 Airport Bus or Taxi
BTS Skytrain (Siam/Asok)	BTS + MRT + Taxi, or BTS + Boat
Chatuchak Weekend Market	MRT + Taxi or Boat
Hua Lamphong Train Station	Taxi or Bus (47 or 53)
Chinatown	Bus (1, 53) or Taxi
Riverside Hotels	Chao Phraya Express Boat + short walk
Grand Palace	Walk (~15 min) or tuk-tuk

Getting to Khao San Road via BTS & MRT

There is no direct BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (subway) station near Khao San Road. The closest stations are still several kilometers away, so you’ll need to combine your train ride with a taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus.

Closest BTS & MRT Stations:

Station	Line	Distance to Khao San	What to do next
National Stadium	BTS Silom Line	~4.5 km	Take taxi/tuk-tuk from MBK (around 70 THB)
Siam	BTS Siam Line	~5 km	Take taxi or transfer to MRT via Silom Line
Saphan Taksin	BTS Silom Line	~5.5 km	Transfer to Chao Phraya Express Boat
Sanam Chai	MRT Blue Line	~2.5 km	Tuk-tuk or walk through Rattanakosin area

Chao Phraya Express Boat + Walk or Tuk-Tuk

One of the most scenic and affordable ways to reach Khao San Road is by boat via the Chao Phraya River.

Closest Pier to Khao San Road:

• Phra Arthit Pier (N13) – Just a 10-minute walk to Khao San Road
• Tha Chang (N9) – Closer to the Grand Palace; tuk-tuk to Khao San (~50 THB)

How to Use This Route:

1. From Saphan Taksin BTS Station, exit to Sathorn Pier.
2. Board the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Orange Flag is most common).
3. Get off at Phra Arthit Pier.
4. Walk via Phra Athit Road or Rambuttri Alley to reach Khao San.

Cost:

• Boat fare: 15–30 THB depending on the flag and distance
• Tuk-tuk or taxi from pier (if needed): ~40–60 THB

This route is ideal if you’re traveling during rush hour when road traffic is heavy.

By Bus: Cheap but Slower

Khao San Road is a major hub in the Bangkok bus network, and several buses pass nearby. The bus is a budget-friendly but slow option, especially in traffic.

Buses That Stop Near Khao San Road:

Bus No.	Type	Route Highlights
15	Regular	Silom, Victory Monument, Samsen
47	Regular	Hua Lamphong, Democracy Monument
503	Air-Conditioned	Mo Chit (Chatuchak) to Sanam Luang
3	Regular	Ekkamai (Sukhumvit) to Phra Nakhon
511	Air-Conditioned	South Bus Terminal to Paknam, via Chinatown
A4	Airport Bus	Don Mueang Airport to Sanam Luang (stop here)

Where to Get Off:

• Democracy Monument stop
• Banglamphu Market
• Phra Athit Pier

Bus signs are in Thai, but many have English translations too. Google Maps is very helpful for tracking live bus locations in Bangkok.

Taxi: Easy, Direct, and Affordable (Off-Peak)

Taxis are a simple and direct way to get to Khao San Road. They’re air-conditioned and metered.

Tips for Taking a Taxi:

• Always insist on the meter (“Meter dai mai?” = Can you use the meter?)
• Avoid taxis refusing to turn on the meter – walk away.
• During rush hours (7:00–10:00 & 16:00–20:00), traffic can be very slow.
• Use Grab (ride-sharing app) to avoid negotiation.

Estimated Taxi Fares:

From	Fare (THB)	Time (No Traffic)
Suvarnabhumi Airport	300–450 THB	~45–60 mins
Don Mueang Airport	200–300 THB	~30–45 mins
Siam / Asok	100–150 THB	~25–35 mins
Chatuchak	150–200 THB	~35–40 mins
Chinatown	70–100 THB	~20–30 mins

Grab and Bolt (Ride-Sharing Apps)

Apps like Grab and Bolt offer transparent pricing and convenience.

• Use GrabCar for a comfortable ride
• Use GrabBike or BoltBike for faster travel during jams
• Payment: Cash or Credit Card
• You can set Khao San Road or Rambuttri Road as the drop-off

These are especially helpful if you don’t speak Thai or want to avoid taxi scams.

How to get to Khao San Road from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

There’s no direct BTS or MRT from the airport to Khao San Road, but you have a few good options.

Option 1: Airport Rail Link + Taxi

1. Take Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station (45 THB).
2. From Phaya Thai, take a taxi or Grab to Khao San (~100 THB).

Total Cost: ~150 THB
Total Time: ~45–60 minutes

Option 2: Public Bus

• Airport Bus S1 used to operate directly to Khao San Road, but it may be suspended. Check at the public transportation counter.

Option 3: Taxi

• Take a metered taxi from the taxi rank on the ground floor.
• Expect a 50 THB airport surcharge.
• Total fare: 350–450 THB, depending on traffic and tolls.

How to get to Khao San Road from from Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Option 1: A4 Airport Bus (Best Option)

• Direct bus from Don Mueang Airport to Sanam Luang, near Khao San Road.
• Runs every 30 minutes from 7 AM to 11 PM.

Cost: 50 THB
Time: ~45 minutes
Stop: Get off at Khao San Road / Democracy Monument

Option 2: Taxi

• Expect to pay 200–300 THB including airport surcharge and tolls.
• 30–40 minutes in normal traffic.

Can You Walk to Khao San Road?

If you’re staying nearby (e.g., near the Grand Palace, Rattanakosin Island, or Chinatown), walking to Khao San Road is possible and enjoyable:

• From Grand Palace: 15–20 min walk
• From Sanam Luang: 10 min walk
• From Phra Arthit Pier: 10 min walk

Just beware of heat and humidity – carry water and wear light clothes.

What to Know When Arriving at Khao San Road

• Drop-Off Point: The actual road is pedestrian-only at night, so taxis/tuk-tuks drop you at Chakrabongse Road or Rambuttri Road.
• Walking Map: Navigate by Google Maps or ask locals – most know Khao San!
• Alternative Route: If it’s crowded, walk down Rambuttri Alley, the calmer, more charming twin of Khao San.

Reasons to visit Khao San Road?

Once you arrive, you’re in the middle of everything. Here’s what’s nearby:

• Street Food: Pad Thai, banana pancakes, spring rolls, mango sticky rice
• Bars & Nightlife: Live music, rooftop bars, cocktail buckets
• Shopping: Clothes, souvenirs, fake IDs (just for fun), sunglasses
• Temples: Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Chana Songkhram
• River Access: Phra Athit Pier for boat rides

Pro Tips for Getting to Khao San Road

• Avoid arriving in evening rush hour (4–7 PM) due to heavy traffic
• Use boats or MRT to avoid jams
• Download Grab or Google Translate for smoother travel
• Have your destination written in Thai if using local taxis
• Look for Rambuttri Road if you want a quieter arrival

Khao San Road might not be on the BTS or MRT grid, but there are many ways to reach it easily, whether you’re coming from Bangkok’s airports, malls, train stations, or riverside hotels. For the most scenic route, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat. For the quickest airport connection, use the A4 Bus or Airport Rail Link + Taxi. And for full flexibility, a Grab car or taxi works well off-peak.

Once you’re there, let the madness begin – massage chairs, pad Thai, reggae bars, and all-night dancing await. Welcome to Bangkok’s most famous traveler playground.