The buses go everywhere, but are slow, because of the congestion, and somewhat difficult to get to know, because there are so many routes. However, the ordinary buses, which tend to be hot and overcrowded, are so cheap that making a few mistakes hardly matters in terms of cost.

One of the priorities is to obtain a bus map. Such maps are sold by many shops in the travellers' areas, and by many hotels and guest houses. It is worth noting, however, that the TAT office also gives out a map which has bus numbers on it, and that that map is generally better, being more up to date, as well as free, of course.

Ordinary buses come in two principal hues. The blue bus (blue/yellow) is cheaper at 5 baht than the red bus (red/yellow) which costs 7 baht for a fixed price fare. When catching a bus, look at the sign in the front window. If the sign is blue, the bus is operating over the entire route. If it is red, it is operating over only part of the route, so consider where you want to go and whether the bus is likely to go that far. If the sign is yellow, the bus is operating as an express over part of the route, usually by taking the elevated expressway, so there will be no hope of alighting during that part of the journey.

Air-conditioned buses are of two types. The older ones are predominantly dark blue and the newer ones are predominantly orange or sky blue. Both types charge by distance, so, unlike with the ordinary buses, it is necessary to know where you are going. They cost a bit more than the buses mentioned above. When air-conditioned buses were first introduced, they were given their own set of numbers, but later many of the air-conditioned routes simply duplicated the ordinary routes and used the same numbering system. This anomaly has not been corrected, so some air-conditioned buses operate over completely different routes from ordinary buses with the same numbers. Be careful, therefore! For example, air-conditioned 4s travel to, from and via different places from ordinary 4s. It is possible to identify such deviants. Look at the route number. If the air-conditioned bus is travelling the same route as its ordinary counterpart, it will usually bear only the route number. If it has a different route, it will bear the route number preceded by two, and only two, Thai characters. Fortunately, though, when you want to travel from the airport to the city, you will find that air-conditioned 29s or 59s travel the same routes as ordinary 29s or 59s.

Micro buses that are often called purple buses have a fixed fare of 25 baht. They do not allow standing and provide a TV and reading material. They are a good way to cheaply explore the city. Do not be confused with the Green micro bus they are only 4 baht and are driven fast and can be very crowded.

Each bus has a conductor who deals with the fares. Do keep the ticket as it might be inspected. Be careful of pickpockets who are found on some buses. If you are confused just ask someone Thais will be very happy to help you become really lost then just leave the bus and switch to a taxi.