By air: the majority of visitors to Thailand arrive by air at Bangkok International Airport. The new Suvarnbhumi International Airport, 18 miles east of the city, opened recently and provides domestic and international service to passengers from all over the world. There are a number of operators offering transfers from the airport to Bangkok including express bus, public bus, taxi and limousine services. Taxi service is readily available at the airport’s Transport Centre. Shuttle buses to the Transport Centre leave from Level 1 of the terminal building, and the short trip takes about 10 minutes. Although there shouldn’t be a problem, it is a good idea to check to make sure the meter is switched on as the taxi leaves the Transport Centre. Bus services, both express and regular, operate from the airport’s Transport Centre, linking the airport with the city according to frequent schedules with several routes available. Car hire companies are also represented at the airport, but you should be aware that driving in Bangkok can be stressful and sometimes even dangerous due to local driving habits. A hired car will be of more use to you if your destination is outside of Bangkok, and you are planning on exploring the countryside. Rail service is not yet available at the new airport, but is anticipated by late 2007, at which time Suvarnabhumi Airport will be linked by rail directly to the city and to the Skytrain and subway systems. By bus: buses are also numerous, arriving in the city from all corners of the country on an almost hourly basis, with the key points of arrival being Mo Chit Station in the north and the Southern Bus Terminal in the south. Other tourist services use the Khao San road as their base. VIP buses are quite comfortable, as is bus travel overnight. By rail: the rail service is generally only used by budget travellers, although some journeys can be quite ‘romantic’ - if a little long - such as the train to Chiang Mai. The sleeper services are quite comfortable and safe, and trains to northern destinations can be caught from Hualamphong Station. | 
