Pauline

January 27, 2026

#ASIA #THAILAND #TRANSPORT

Grab vs Bolt: Best Transport App in Thailand

Travel Asia with 12Go

Book trains, ferries, buses and transfers across Asia with the best prices.

5% OFF

Book Transport

Coming to Thailand for the first time and not sure which app to use to get around? For speed and price, you’ll almost certainly need one of these two apps. Here’s a complete comparison to help you choose the best one or even use both.

Why do you need a transport app in Thailand?

Getting around Thailand, especially in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket, can be tricky if you don’t speak Thai. Traditional taxis don’t always use the meter and negotiating prices can be frustrating. Transport apps solve this problem with fixed prices, digital payments and greater security.

Grab: The most popular app

Grab advantages

✔ Most used app in Thailand - More drivers available in all cities
✔ Fast rides - Generally short waiting times
✔ Multiple services - Transport + food delivery (GrabFood)
✔ Good security system - Verified drivers and real-time tracking
✔ Available throughout Thailand - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi

Grab disadvantages

✖ More expensive - Prices 15-30% higher than Bolt
✖ Additional charges - Sometimes small surcharges appear → always check your payments
✖ Dynamic pricing - During peak hours prices rise considerably

Bolt: The budget-friendly alternative

Use code PAULINEN4Z when signing up on the Bolt app to take advantage of the offer (up to €10 discount per ride).

ℹ️ The discount amount may vary by city.

Bolt advantages

✔ 15 to 30% cheaper - Significant savings on every ride
✔ Simple and clear app - Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
✔ No hidden charges - Transparent final price from the start
✔ Good customer service - Quick support in case of problems

Bolt disadvantages

✖ Fewer drivers available - Especially outside Bangkok
✖ Longer waiting times - In some areas and times
✖ Lower coverage - Mainly in large cities

Grab vs Bolt comparison

Real price examples

To give you an idea of potential savings, here are some common route examples:

Bangkok

• Suvarnabhumi Airport → Khao San Road (30 km)

  • Grab: ฿350-450 (~$9-12 / €9-12)
  • Bolt: ฿280-350 (~$7-9 / €7-9)
  • Savings with Bolt: ~25%

• Sukhumvit → Chatuchak Market (12 km)

  • Grab: ฿150-200 (~$4-5 / €4-5)
  • Bolt: ฿120-160 (~$3-4 / €3-4)
  • Savings with Bolt: ~20%

Chiang Mai

• Airport → Old City (5 km)
  • Grab: ฿120-150 (~$3-4 / €3-4)
  • Bolt: ฿90-120 (~$2-3 / €2-3)
  • Savings with Bolt: ~25%

Note: Prices may vary depending on time of day, demand and traffic conditions.

Which to choose depending on the situation?

Choose Grab if:

• You’re in a less touristy area or small town
• You need a driver quickly (urgency)
• You also want to use the food delivery service
• You’re traveling during rush hour and need guaranteed availability
• You prefer the most well-known app with more vehicle options

Choose Bolt if:

• Your priority is saving money
• You’re in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket
• You can wait a few extra minutes
• You’re taking many trips and want to optimize your budget
• It’s your first time and you want to take advantage of the 30% discount

My recommendation: use both

👉 The best strategy is to install both apps.

Why? Because you can:

1. Compare prices in real time - See which offers the best rate for your specific route
2. Compare waiting times - Choose the one with a driver closer to you
3. Have a backup plan - If one isn’t available, use the other
4. Take advantage of promotions - Both offer discounts and promotional codes periodically

How I use both apps

My personal strategy when traveling in Thailand:

1. Open Bolt first - To see the base price (usually cheaper)
2. Compare with Grab - Check price and waiting time
3. Choose based on situation:
   • If difference is less than 50 baht and Grab arrives 5 min earlier → Grab
   • If Bolt is significantly cheaper and I can wait → Bolt
   • In less central areas where Bolt has no drivers → Grab

Tips for using Grab and Bolt in Thailand

Safety

• ✅ Always verify the license plate before getting in
• ✅ Share your trip with a friend/family member from the app
• ✅ Sit in the back seat
• ✅ Follow the route on the map during the trip
• ✅ If the driver takes a strange route, mention it politely

Savings

• 💰 Use available promotional codes
• 💰 Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) when prices rise
• 💰 For groups, compare the price of a regular car vs large taxi
• 💰 Share rides with other travelers when possible
• 💰 For short distances (2 km), sometimes street tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi can be cheaper

Communication

• 📱 Have destination address in Thai (Google Maps screenshot)
• 📱 Use the app chat to communicate with the driver
• 📱 Download Google Translate with offline Thai language pack
• 📱 Save addresses of your frequent places in the app

Conclusion: Grab or Bolt in Thailand?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on your situation, location and priorities:

• If you value speed and availability → Grab
• If you prioritize price and savings → Bolt
• If you want the best of both → Install both ✅

My final advice: download both apps before your trip, register your payment methods, and use them according to the situation. Within 2-3 days of use you’ll understand which suits you best based on your needs and where you’re traveling.

Have a great trip to Thailand! 🇹🇭✨

Agoda Best Price Deals

Discover exclusive prices, amazing discounts, and last-minute deals on thousands of hotels.

20% OFF

Book with Agoda