Claims to be the cheapest; is the cheapest if our math skills are anything to go by. Rates start at B25 on top of a meter rate of B4.5/km and B1.5/min in traffic. That comes to just B90. And that same rate goes whatever time of the day you choose to ride. www.uber.com
The rate starts at B35 and adds up every B5.5/km and B2/min in traffic, making a total of B130. Factor in the three rejections on a drizzly day, and the good ol’ Bangkok cab doesn’t look so attractive.
Though this service only offers plain-old Bangkok taxis, in reality, you can at least be guaranteed a ride from a nearby car. What's more, until the end of the year, they're waiving the B25 calling charge, meaning rates are identical to street cabs: B35 plus B5.5/km and B2/min in traffic, coming out a total of B130. (From next year onwards, B155 total.) grabtaxi.com
Instead of joining with normal taxis, Nakhonchai Air just came up with its own taxis and service app. The app charges B20 for service and a standard rate of B35, but then goes up at exactly the rate of regular street cabs at B5.5/km and B2/min of traffic. The total is a middling B150, but don’t you just love those yellow Prius cabs? www.allthaitaxi.com
Taking the off-peak (8pm-5pm) economy service starting rate of B50, GrabCar makes a smart choice. The meter goes up at B10/km, but there’s no additional charge for minutes stuck in traffic. On our little journey, that makes a total cost of B150. Travel between 5-8pm and it goes up by B25 to B175. Heading from Thonglor to Rattanakosin? We know what we’d take. grabtaxi.com/grabcar
Traveling in a Toyota Camry comes at a price. Uber Black's rates start at B45 and go up by B9.2/km and B2.5/min of traffic. The total: B187. But with no cash changing hands, the rate never feels that bad. In fact the total often seems like a pleasant surprise. www.uber.com
