Thailand with Kids: Getting Around – Flights, Ferries, Taxis & Trains

Thailand with Kids: Getting Around – Flights, Ferries, Taxis & Trains

One of the things I love about travelling through Thailand with kids is that getting from A to B is usually much easier than you might expect.

Thailand has a huge variety of transport options. You can fly between regions, take an overnight train, hop on a ferry to an island, jump into a tuk-tuk for a short ride or use a taxi or Grab to get around town. Thailand’s official tourism information confirms that the country has extensive options by air, road and water.

The trick is knowing which option works best for your family and your route.

When we planned our Thailand trip, we quickly realised that transportation wasn’t just about getting somewhere. Sometimes the journey itself became part of the adventure.

So, if you’re planning a family trip and wondering how to get around Thailand with kids, here’s everything you need to know.

Getting Around Thailand with Kids

Thailand is a big country, and distances can be deceiving when you’re looking at a map.

You might look at Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the southern islands and think you can easily squeeze them all into a two-week holiday. Technically, you can. But once you add airport transfers, check-in times, ferry crossings and travelling with children, you can quickly spend a lot of your holiday moving from one place to another.

That’s why I always recommend looking at transport before finalising your itinerary.

If you’re still deciding which destinations to combine, our [Thailand With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide] is a great place to start. We look at the different regions and what each one offers families, before you start booking transport between them.

And if you already know you want to explore several destinations, take a look at [Our 2-Week Thailand Itinerary]. It gives you a realistic idea of how you can combine places without spending your entire holiday in transit.

Flying in Thailand with Kids

For longer distances, flying is often the easiest option for families.

Thailand has a well-developed domestic flight network connecting Bangkok with many of the country’s major destinations. Bangkok has two main airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

You’ll find domestic flights to destinations such as:

• Chiang Mai
• Phuket
• Krabi
• Koh Samui
• Surat Thani
• Chiang Rai
• Hat Yai

For families, flying can save a huge amount of time.

For example, if you’re travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you could spend most of a day on the train. A flight gets you there much faster.

But there’s another side to flying with kids: airports take time.

You need to get to the airport, check in, go through security, wait at the gate, collect your luggage and then get from the airport to your hotel. So don’t only compare the flight time.

Don’t forget to check which Bangkok airport you are using

This is particularly important when booking connecting flights.

Bangkok’s two airports aren’t next door to each other, so don’t assume that changing airlines automatically means a quick transfer.

When planning your route, I would always check the airport carefully before booking.

And if Bangkok is your first stop, you’ll probably want to spend a few days exploring the city before heading elsewhere. Our [Bangkok with Kids] guide covers our favourite things to do, from temples and markets to shopping malls and rooftop views.

Taking the Train in Thailand

Travelling by train is one of those experiences I would definitely consider when travelling through Thailand with children.

It is slower than flying, but that’s part of the fun.

Instead of spending a couple of hours in an airport, you can sit back, watch the scenery go by and actually experience the journey.

Thailand’s railway network connects Bangkok with many destinations across the country. Long-distance trains now use Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok rather than the old Hua Lamphong station.

One of the classic routes is Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

There are currently several daily services between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, including daytime and overnight trains.

Should you take the overnight train with kids?

This can be a fantastic family experience.

Instead of losing an entire day to travelling, you leave Bangkok in the evening and wake up in northern Thailand.

The sleeper trains are particularly popular with families because the children can turn the journey into an adventure.

That said, think about your children before booking.

If they are light sleepers, struggle to sleep somewhere unfamiliar or don’t enjoy long journeys, a flight might be much easier.

If they love trains and adventure, however, the overnight train could become one of the highlights of your Thailand trip.

And once you arrive in Chiang Mai, you’re in a completely different part of the country.

We loved the contrast between the energy of Bangkok and the much more relaxed atmosphere of the north, which you can read about in [Chiang Mai with Kids].

Travelling by Bus or Minivan

Not every journey requires a plane or train.

For shorter and medium-distance journeys, buses and minivans can be very practical. Thailand has an extensive road network, with buses, vans and minibuses operating between towns and tourist destinations.

The advantage?

They’re often affordable and can take you directly to places that don’t have a train station or airport.

The disadvantage?

Space.

If you’re travelling with children and a lot of luggage, a minivan can feel considerably less comfortable than a train.

For longer journeys, I would personally look at the total travel time and comfort rather than automatically choosing the cheapest option.

Sometimes paying a little more for a flight or private transfer is worth it when you’re travelling as a family.

Ferries and Speedboats to the Islands

If your Thailand itinerary includes islands, sooner or later you’ll be getting on a boat.

And honestly? That’s part of the fun.

Thailand has two long coastlines, the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Coast, with ferries and boats connecting many of the islands.

Depending on your destination, you might travel by:

• large ferry
• high-speed ferry
• speedboat
• longtail boat
• private boat transfer

The best option depends entirely on your route.

For example, travelling to an island isn’t always as simple as booking a ferry directly from Bangkok. You may first need to fly or travel overland to a mainland pier and continue from there by boat.

This is why I recommend planning the complete journey, rather than looking at each transport connection separately.

Travelling to Thailand’s Islands with Kids

If you’re heading south, you’ll probably find yourself choosing between destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and the smaller islands.

Each has a slightly different transport setup.

For example, if you’re planning to visit Phuket with your family, our [Phuket with Kids] guide is a useful starting point for deciding what to do once you arrive.

And if you’re looking for a quieter island experience, don’t forget that getting there can sometimes involve several transport changes.

With young children, I wouldn’t automatically choose the route with the lowest price. A slightly more expensive direct connection can save you hours of waiting and make the journey much easier.

Taxis and Grab in Thailand

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, taxis are usually one of the easiest ways to get around.

You’ll find taxis in Bangkok and many of Thailand’s larger cities and tourist areas. Metered taxis are common, particularly in Bangkok.

For families, taxis are particularly useful when:

• it’s very hot
• you’ve got tired children
• you’re carrying luggage
• your destination isn’t close to public transport
• you’re travelling in the evening

Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are another convenient option in many tourist destinations.

I particularly like having the option to order a car rather than standing on the street trying to find a taxi.

What About Tuk-Tuks?

Of course, you can’t visit Thailand with kids without being tempted by a tuk-tuk.

They’re one of the most recognisable forms of transport in Thailand and are particularly common in Bangkok and other tourist areas.

For children, taking a tuk-tuk is often an experience in itself. For mum’s like me, your life can flash before your eyes….

I wouldn’t necessarily use one for every journey.

They’re open to the elements, can be noisy and don’t offer the same protection as a car. For longer journeys, particularly with younger children, I’d choose a taxi or private car instead.

For a short ride through town, though?

Absolutely.

Sometimes it’s the little things your children remember most.

Getting Around Bangkok with Kids

Bangkok is one destination where you don’t need a car.

The city has the BTS Skytrain and MRT, and these can be excellent ways to avoid Bangkok’s traffic. Thailand’s tourism information also lists BTS, MRT, buses, taxis, tuk-tuks and boats among the city’s transport options.

We found that combining public transport with taxis worked particularly well.

You don’t have to choose one transport method for your entire trip.

Take the BTS when it’s convenient, jump into a taxi when the children are tired and use a boat when you want to turn the journey into part of the experience.

And if you’re planning your Bangkok days, don’t forget to read our main [Bangkok with Kids] guide.

Boats in Bangkok

Boats aren’t only for travelling to the islands.

Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is also an important transport route, with boats connecting different parts of the city. There are also canal boats and sightseeing options.

For families, taking a boat can be a great way to break up a busy sightseeing day.

Instead of walking through another hot, busy street, you can sit on the water and watch Bangkok pass by.

And that’s one of my favourite things about travelling around Thailand: transport doesn’t always have to feel like transport.

Songthaews and Local Transport

Outside Bangkok, you’ll come across another useful form of transport: the songthaew.

These are small pickup trucks with benches in the back and are commonly used for short journeys in towns and tourist areas.

They’re cheap and a fun way to experience local life, although the system can take a little getting used to.

You may also find local buses, shared vans and motorcycle taxis depending on where you are. Thailand’s tourism authorities list all of these among the country’s local transport options.

With children, I’d simply use your judgement.

For a quick ride around town, a songthaew can be great fun. For a longer journey with luggage and tired children, I’d probably choose a private car.

Should You Rent a Car in Thailand?

You can rent a car in Thailand, and for some family trips it can make sense.

A rental car gives you freedom to stop when you want, explore places away from the main tourist routes and avoid relying on public transport.

But I wouldn’t automatically recommend one for your entire Thailand trip.

In Bangkok, for example, having a car can be more of a headache than a help because of the traffic.

For a first family trip, I’d usually combine different forms of transport instead:

Fly between distant regions → train for an experience → ferry to the islands → taxi or Grab locally.

That gives you flexibility without spending your holiday behind the wheel.

What Is the Best Way to Travel Around Thailand with Kids?

There isn’t one answer.

It depends on your itinerary, the ages of your children and how much time you have.

The most important thing is not trying to cram too much into your itinerary.

Thailand is enormous, and travelling with children naturally takes a little longer. If you want to see Bangkok, Chiang Mai and several islands in two weeks, you can do it, but you’ll need to accept a few travel days.

That’s why our [Thailand with Kids: How Much Does a Family Trip Cost?] can also be useful when planning. Your transport choices can make a surprisingly big difference to your overall budget.

Our Tips for Travelling Around Thailand with Kids

After planning a family trip to Thailand, these are the things I’d keep in mind:

1. Don’t underestimate travel days

A two-hour flight isn’t really a two-hour journey once you include airport transfers, waiting and luggage.

2. Look at the complete route

Don’t just book Bangkok → Phuket.

Look at hotel → airport → flight → airport → transfer → ferry → hotel.

That’s the journey your children will actually experience.

3. Mix transport options

You don’t have to choose between flying and trains.

Use whichever makes sense for each part of your itinerary.

4. Build in some flexibility

Thailand is generally easy to travel around, but delays and changes can happen. Don’t schedule a major activity immediately after a long travel day.

5. Book the important journeys ahead

For popular trains, flights and ferries, especially during busy periods, I prefer having the important connections organised before we leave.

6. Keep some snacks handy

This may sound obvious, but travelling with hungry children is never fun.

A small bag with snacks, water, entertainment and a change of clothes can make a surprisingly big difference.

What Should You Pack for Travelling Around Thailand?

You don’t need to pack your entire house.

In fact, travelling light makes moving between hotels, airports, trains and ferries much easier.

Our [What to Pack for Thailand with Kids] covers the things I would actually put on your packing list, including the practical items that are easy to forget.

One thing that has made travelling with our girls much easier is using packing cubes in a colour system. Each of us has our own colour, so we can instantly see whose clothes are whose without having to dig through every suitcase. It sounds like a small thing, but when you’re constantly packing and unpacking, it saves so much time.

We use [packing cubes] to keep each suitcase organised, with a separate cube for each person’s clothes. It also makes it much easier to grab what you need when you’re only staying somewhere for one or two nights.

And because Thailand can be hot, humid and rainy depending on where and when you’re travelling, it’s worth checking the weather for your specific route rather than packing based on one generic Thailand forecast.

Getting Around Is Part of the Thailand Adventure

One of the things I love about travelling around Thailand is that the journey itself can become part of the experience.

A flight gets you quickly from one region to another.

A train lets you watch the landscape change.

A ferry takes you out across the turquoise water.

A tuk-tuk ride makes the children laugh.

And sometimes a slightly chaotic taxi journey becomes one of those family stories you still talk about years later.

So don’t be afraid of Thailand’s different transport options.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you arrive. But having a good idea of how you’ll move between your destinations will make your family holiday much more relaxed.

And if you’re still putting your trip together, start with our [Thailand With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide], then use [Our 2-Week Thailand Itinerary] to see how the different destinations fit together.

From there, you can work out the best combination of flights, trains, ferries and local transport for your family.

Want Travelicious to plan your Thailand trip?

Not sure which destinations to combine, how many nights to spend in each place or how to make the transport work without constantly packing and unpacking?

Let Travelicious plan your itinerary.

Tell me where you’re going, when you’re travelling, who you’re travelling with and what you want to experience, and I’ll help turn your ideas into a practical, family-friendly Thailand itinerary including how to get from one place to the next.