Getting to the Grand Palace at a glance
The palace stands on Na Phra Lan Road in the old royal quarter of Rattanakosin. There is no station right at the gate, so every route ends with a walk. The two simplest are the MRT to Sanam Chai and the river boat to Tha Chang.
Whichever way you come, you enter through the Mani Nopparat Gate. Allow time for the security check and the walk from the station or pier. If you would rather not plan the route, a guided visit with a fixed meeting point makes it easier: see our Grand Palace tours.
Routes compared
Fares and details for 2026. Check the current timetable on the day.
| Route | Start | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRT Blue Line | Any MRT station | THB 17 to 44 | Get off at Sanam Chai, exit 1, then walk |
| BTS plus river boat | BTS Saphan Taksin, exit 2 | THB 19 on the boat | Orange line from Sathorn Pier to Tha Chang, N9 |
| Taxi or Grab | Your hotel | Fare shown before booking with JustGrab | No fixed palace fare |
| Bus | Along the old town | – | Lines 3, 9, 44, 47, 53 and 82 run from Sanam Chai |
| Tuk-tuk | Anywhere | Agree before you go | Can cost more than a taxi |
For most visitors, the MRT to Sanam Chai is the easiest route, and the boat from Sathorn is the scenic alternative for a day with good weather.
Our pick: picked up at your hotel
If you would rather skip boats and taxis, this private day starts at your hotel.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Grand Palace tours with a set meeting point
Guided visits that start at a fixed place, with live prices and availability.
By MRT to Sanam Chai
The Blue Line stops at Sanam Chai, and exit 1 is the one for the palace. The fare on the Blue Line is THB 17 to 44 since 3 July 2026, depending on the distance. Several bus lines connect at the station: 3, 9, 44, 47, 53 and 82. Check that the routes still run before you rely on one.
From the station, plan on about 15 to 20 minutes on foot, depending on the gate, detours and the security check. Wat Pho is closer, around 5 minutes from Sanam Chai, so do not use that time for the palace. Pak Khlong Talat flower market is near exit 4 and fits a stop on the way. Our page on things to do near the palace has more.
By BTS and river boat
This route combines rail and water. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and leave by exit 2. From there you reach Sathorn Pier, where the orange line boat to Tha Chang, pier N9, starts. The boat fare is THB 19. Our guide to Chao Phraya boats compares the other lines.
The boat gives you a view of the river that the MRT cannot. Piers can close for works, and weekend service is not certain, so look at the current timetable before you plan around it.
Taxi, Grab and parking
If you come by road.
Taxi and Grab
JustGrab shows the fare before you book. If a taxi is assigned, JustGrab remains a fixed price product and is different from GrabTaxi. There is no fixed palace fare, so ask for the meter or the price before you start.
Tuk-tuk
Agree the price before you get in. A tuk-tuk can be more expensive than a taxi. If someone tells you the palace is closed and offers a tour, read our page on the closed-palace scam.
Parking near the palace
Parking areas include Wat Mahathat, Tha Maharaj, the City Pillar Shrine, Rajadamnern Road and Soi Wat Pho. Check the rate at the lot.
Parking at Museum Siam
The first 15 minutes are free, then THB 30 per started hour. A visit to the museum or a qualifying purchase gives 3 hours of free parking with validation. This applies there, not to the palace.
Walking from Wat Pho
The palace and Wat Pho are neighbours. See the sister guide for getting to Wat Pho if you start your day there.
Plan the rest of your visit
Before and after the trip.
Getting to the Grand Palace: frequently asked questions
What is the nearest MRT station to the Grand Palace?
Sanam Chai on the Blue Line, exit 1. Count on roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot to the gate.
Which boat pier is closest?
Tha Chang, pier N9. You can board the orange line at Sathorn Pier, which links to the BTS at Saphan Taksin, exit 2.
How much is the MRT to the Grand Palace?
The Blue Line fare is THB 17 to 44 since 3 July 2026. The price depends on where you start.
Is there a fixed taxi fare to the palace?
No. Use the meter or book with JustGrab, which shows the fare before you confirm.
Is this the official Grand Palace website?
No. This is an independent visitor guide. It is not run by the palace, the Bureau of the Royal Household, the Tourism Authority of Thailand or any transport operator.