On earlier trips to Bangkok, we happily used the car service recommended here on Fodors. (The name changed at some point.) Last visit (2014), we did not plan ahead. We just showed up and took a taxi. The taxi queue was very long and our driver was very tired and very angry so we had a quite unpleasant and uncomfortable arrival -- the worst ride in over 20 trips to Asia.

The Pen has a car service although on the pricey side. What do you recommend for two people and a moderate amount of luggage arriving at BKK weekday mid-morning (10:30 AM) and going to the Pen?

For years, I've just taken the AOT car service from the airport. I just arrived to Bangkok, day before yesterday, and took it. It was 1,200 baht and I buy it round trip, so 2,400 baht which was the same price as last year. My plane landed around 5:15PM and I arrived to my destination (Rajadamri BTS area) at around 7:40PM. Traffic.

There's an AOT counter right inside of baggage claim and usually no one in line as everyone tends to go to the AOT counter outside of the baggage claim area.

After I get to baggage claim, I just go over to the AOT counter first and pay for the car service and then wait for my luggage to arrive on the carousel. I grab my luggage and am out the door and then hand my paid slip to the AOT rep and someone takes me directly to my car and off I go. It can't be easier.

Happy Travels!

Thank you, Guenmai. That is what we will do. It sounds as though we are fine without an AOT reservation then?

You go back and forth so often that you perhaps have ample THB ready to hand? Do they take credit cards for a comparable rate?

For reference, the cheapest car quote from the Pen is 3,000 one-way or 5,500 RT, with additional more upmarket options

Apt quoted me 2700 for 1 way.

We just use a taxi but ask for a "big" taxi (SUV)... 700 B

I never remember having ever made an AOT pre-reservation and I've been going to Bangkok since the 90s. I usually don't like to be locked into such reservations as planes can arrive late, luggage can be lost, and other stuff can happen. I think maybe once or twice, way back in the day, I might have had some type of car service pre-reservation, but that was back before the new airport was built and it wasn't with AOT.

AOT takes credit cards. It's totally not necessary to book an expensive car through the Pen. Google AOT and there might be a price list to the Pen and it might be the same 1,200 baht that I paid to Rajadamri. I don't have my AOT receipt in front of me, with a possible website on it, as it's only 6:16AM here and I'm not up and about yet. I have stayed at the Pen in the past and took AOT to that area as I stayed both at the Pen and the Oriental Hotel one the same trip back in the day.

Happy Travels!

Thanks, Guenmai. WIshing that I had your BKK experrtise about local travel, lodgings, restaurants, etc. Something to aspire to!

Below is their website.

http://www.aot-limousine.com/web/index.html

I've just always asked for the least expensive car and all of the cars that I have had have been very comfortable and a lot more comfortable than a taxi. I don't remember if they charge per car or per person as I'm one person, but I've always found them less expensive than having a hotel send a car. Plus. I find it easier as they're right at the airport. Convenience and comfort are important to me after having flown for so long.

At home, I pay $88. (one way) for the private car service, to get me from Pasadena, CA to LAX. The pricing is per car, up to 3 people. It took only 30 minutes to get to LAX, when I left at 5:30AM on Dec 26th. So, 1,200 baht, in Bangkok, is a bargain for me as when I get back to LAX, the private car service will pick me up to drive me home and it'll be a lot more than 1,200 baht. Smiles.

The dollar exchange rate is strong in Thailand right now.

Happy Travels!

This is great and just what we will do, Guenmai.

Happy to learn of the strong exchange rate, of course.

Let me know if you will still be in BKK between 12-18 January and we can invite you over to the Pen for a drink to say thanks for the advice.

We just used AOT also, about 10 days ago. We made arrangements upon arrival at the counter by baggage. It took no time at all. The cost to get to Asok/Sukhumvit area was 1300 baht, for a large van. We were 3 with lots of luggage.

When the Pen first opened and had some very special rates, we ordered the Rolls pickup. Nothing will ever top that.

Thanks, Maryalice for the invite. I'll be in town until the 18th, however will be swamped with both Thai friend meet ups and fittings for my clothes as my first fitting isn't until the 10th. Plus, yesterday I took in 6 pairs of eyeglass frames to my optical place to have lenses put in and will need to go in at some time between the 14th and 16th. It's much cheaper to do such here as my clear, prescription lenses are only 800 baht and sunglass lenses 1,500 baht. At home it's around $150. (tax included) for clear ones with insurance.

If you're near either the Erawan Tearoom, Siam Anatara, or St. Regis Hotel and want to meet up, let me know as that's my neighborhood and it's easier to try to get back to to do meet ups. I eat a lot at the Erawan Tearoom as it's my major relaxation spot.

Happy Travels!