Ridesharing in Thailand Grab and Bolt

[Lerxst]

I haven't been to Bangkok for a few year so when I arrived I took the usual taxi but it ended up costing 750 baht to Sukhumvit Soi 11.

So when I was looking to go from Bangkok to Pattaya I tried the Uber app and it kicked me over to Grab and even let me use the credit card I had on Uber.
I didn't book that way but then later just used the Grab app to book a car for cash.
A car was there in 8 minutes to take me to Pattaya from Bangkok for 1600 baht. Seems pretty reasonable with quick service.

Today on the way back from Pattaya to Bangkok I used Grab again and it was also 1600 baht and the driver was there in 3 minutes.

I have also used Grab twice to move hotels. In Pattaya it is great because there didn't used to be many regular taxis around.

Bolt is the other service and I see lots of them around.
We used Bolt to go to Rayong from Pattaya but returning our driver cancelled so we had to use Grab.

So far Grab is great and saves time hassle and worry.

[Escierto]

In the Philippines, my girlfriend always uses Grab and it has been very good.

[Rockheart]

That's great, it used to be a pain finding a car to go to Pattaya.
Then in Pattaya they had no real cabs so moving around town or going back to Bangkok you had to find a car again.
Sounds like Grab is very good.

[rxpharm]

Grab has definitely improved a lot over the years - also they expanded to food orders & delivery, package delivery, motorcycle taxi as well as car taxis. Bolt can be a bit less expensive, but has a smaller network of drivers. Some regular Bangkok taxis are also in the Grab system so don't be surprised if a regular taxi shows up - but it won't be on the meter.

Be aware that Grab has dynamic pricing so ordering a car/motorcycle during peak traffic times will be more pricey (as well as take longer). I think Bolt does the same thing.

[Escierto]

Grab has definitely improved a lot over the years - also they expanded to food orders & delivery, package delivery, motorcycle taxi as well as car taxis. Bolt can be a bit less expensive, but has a smaller network of drivers. Some regular Bangkok taxis are also in the Grab system so don't be surprised if a regular taxi shows up - but it won't be on the meter.

Be aware that Grab has dynamic pricing so ordering a car/motorcycle during peak traffic times will be more pricey (as well as take longer). I think Bolt does the same thing.

Everything you have mentioned above about Grab is also true in the Philippines, the food orders, package delivery, regular taxis and dynamic pricing. They really have a good thing going.

[Lerxst]

Most of the Grab drivers wanted my Whatsapp and offered me discount prices if I contact them directly.
The last one offered me 1500 from 'Bangkok to Pattaya and 500 to the airport.

[CecilR34]

I'm planning to use that all female driving service from the airport to Pattaya. I figure less chance of smoking, unneeded stops and chitchat. Rates for the cheapest car for comparison:

Pattaya to BKK Airport 1,000.
BKK Airport to Pattaya 1,000.
Pattaya to Sukhumvit area 1,300.
Sukhumvit area to Pattaya 1,300.

[Lerxst]

I'm planning to use that all female driving service from the airport to Pattaya. I figure less chance of smoking, unneeded stops and chitchat. Rates for the cheapest car for comparison:

Pattaya to BKK Airport 1,000.
BKK Airport to Pattaya 1,000.
Pattaya to Sukhumvit area 1,300.
Sukhumvit area to Pattaya 1,300.

Those look like decent prices.
I never been in a taxi or a car that was smoking.
Grab doesn't allow smoking.
Most of the drivers I've had were very professional. Most often you get a driver with a new car.
No stops other than a toilet break, if necessary, to Pattaya.

Plus if the car broke down an alternate could pick you up very quickly as there is so many choices.
They check your safety on every ride through the app and you can get reciepts the app and book in advance.
It may cost a bit more than booking a private car but its worth it