Most Congested Areas in Bangkok

Knowing the most congested areas of Bangkok can help visitors plan their day to minimise traffic headaches. Fortunately, traffic in Bangkok is very predictable. 

There is a morning rush hour, a 3:00 PM rush when school lets out, and an evening rush hour. However, some areas of the city fare better than others during peak hours; areas like Phra Nakton and Sukhumvit can get quite congested.

The easiest way to get around is with a car rental in Bangkok from Drive Car Rental! 

Bangkok’s Road Network

Unlike many older European cities with twisting streets and alleys, Bangkok is comparatively new. It was founded in 1782 in what is now the Phra Nakhon district. Shortly thereafter, the city adopted the 1800s-style grid system to make travel more convenient. 

As the city grew to what it is today, city planners kept the grid system based around major thoroughfares, with adjoining streets forming neighbourhoods. The only issue was that the city planners could never have imagined this would become a city of fourteen million people. 

Now, the streets in older areas of the city on the west side can be extremely narrow, which means many of the streets are one-ways to keep traffic flowing. Knowing which streets go in which direction can be a challenge, making Google Maps one of the essential apps for Bangkok drivers. 

Congested Districts

Areas where tourists congregate and popular markets have the heaviest traffic. These areas are navigable but should be avoided during the morning, afternoon, and evening rush hours. How Bangkok weather impacts traffic is also a factor, as traffic in these areas can slow down during heavy rains.  

Phra Nakhon

This is the original Bangkok, and it’s situated on the west side, near where the Chao Phraya River bends around the Grand Palace. 

Phra Nahkon is often crowded with tourists visiting sites like the Golden Buddha, the Reclining Buddha, the palace, and the flower market. Mornings are busiest here, as crowds rush to beat the afternoon heat and see the fresh flower deliveries from across Thailand. 

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is the central shopping and tourist hotel district. With no less than five mega malls and numerous restaurants and hotels, it’s easily the most popular district in Bangkok. 

The primary road through this area is Sukhumvit Road, which runs down the centre for the entire length. This road, in particular, is one of the most congested in Bangkok. Drivers are advised to take side streets around the area to avoid long waits.

Major Highways

Bangkok has numerous major highways, some of which are toll roads, and others that are free. These roads are excellent in mid-day traffic. Travellers can often get from one side of the city to the other or out of Bangkok entirely in twenty minutes or less. 

However, these are also the primary commuting arteries for those living in the suburbs. These highways should only be taken during rush hour if you’re going against the flow of traffic. 

Rangsit Road/Highway 37

Rangsit, also known as ‘Highway 37,’ is the primary north-south road for commuters coming from the north. It also provides access to Don Mueang Airport. This is a free road with no tolls. 

In the mornings, traffic heads south towards downtown; in the evenings, heavy traffic is northbound. Be sure to plan your routes in advance if you’re driving on this major thoroughfare. The exit lanes are short, and a missed exit can mean serious headaches.  

Rama IX Expressway

Named for the venerable King Bhumipol, also known as ‘Rama IX,’ this is the city’s expressway for commuters living in the far eastern suburbs. This road is a toll road with toll booths every five or ten kilometres. Be ready with a bit of change to pay the tolls. 

On this highway, traffic in the morning is heavy heading west towards downtown. In the evenings, traffic flows west toward the suburbs. 

Rama IX is also the main highway for accessing Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok’s largest airport. If you’re heading to the airport for an evening flight, build in extra time to account for heavy traffic. Fortunately, being a toll road, it’s less congested than Rangsit. 

Ride in Comfort with Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental has eight locations across greater Bangkok. Six locations are in the city proper, and one is at each of the two major airports. Guests can fly in and drive away effortlessly thanks to our simplified pick up process!

Drive Car Rental has a wide selection of vehicles, from SUVs and vans to sedans and modern electrics. For bigger discounts, ask about weekly rates. To save even more, we offer monthly and annual rentals for longstay tourists, business travellers, and expats.