Headed to Bangkok for the first time? Save yourself the hassle of figuring out how to get to the city by planning the best transportation options from the airports in Bangkok!
From train rides to rental cars, this guide will provide all the airport transfer possibilities that fit your budget.
Navigating Bangkok's International Airports
One of Bangkok's international terminals is the Suvarnabhumi Airport. Credits: Kylle Pangan on Unsplash
Note that there are two international airports in Bangkok: the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and the Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), also known as Bangkok Airport, is the main international airport about 30 km east of downtown Bangkok. Don Mueang Airport (DMK) is Bangkok's secondary hub. It caters primarily to low-cost domestic and international flights, such as Air Asia and Nok Air.
Check which terminal your flight is arriving and departing for smooth airport transfers.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport Transportation Options
Suvarnabhumi Airport started operations in 2006. Credits: Markus Winkler on Pexels
Suvarnabhumi is one of Southeast Asia's most prominent terminals. It is the busier hub of the two airports in Bangkok, seeing over 50 million passenger transits in 2023. If you want to avoid the long lines at immigration, consider booking the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Immigration VIP Fast-Track Service.
Once you've passed immigration and collected your bags, it's time to start your Bangkok adventure! But before you head on to your ride, consider buying a Happy Tourist SIM Card for immediate online connectivity.
1. Suvarnabhumi Taxi Service
BKK airport has an organized taxi queue with corresponding numbered taxi bays. Credits: Dmitry Sumar on Unsplash
Taxis are a popular option if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a big group. What's great about BKK Airport is its organized taxi counter on the first floor.
You'll see a queue machine where you can get a ticket that also points you to a corresponding lane number where you'll wait for your ride. The average price for a Bangkok taxi service is about THB 350-500 for the metered fare, THB 50 for the airport fee, plus THB 100 for highway tolls.
2. Airport Shuttle Bus
Airport shuttle buses take you to a main bus terminal, where you can hop on another line to your destination. Credits: GOPBI on Flickr
Buses are another option to get to Bangkok's city center. Passengers must first take an airport shuttle bus to the main bus terminal. From there, you must transfer to one of the regular buses to get to your desired destination. Rates are varied and will depend on your stop.
3. Airport Rail Link (ARL)
The Airport Rail Link is your fastest way to the city, and is a surefire way to beat Bangkok traffic. Credits: John Chou on Flickr
The Airport Rail Link is your best bet for saving a few bucks. After collecting your luggage, take the elevator to the B1 floor to the ARL ticket office. The journey from the airport to the city terminal in Phaya Thai takes less than 30 minutes and costs THB 45. From here, you can transfer to the BTS Sukhumvit Line and reach different stations along downtown Bangkok.
If you'd like to free up your hands to enjoy your train ride, book the Airportels luggage delivery service that will take all your bags directly to your accommodation!
4. Private Airport Transfers
Start your Bangkok trip fuss-free with private airport transfers! Credits: Klook
If you're intimidated by public transport and want to avoid dealing with taxi drivers because you don't speak Thai, then a private airport transfer is for you!
With the TTS Private Airport Transfer Service, a professional driver will meet you at the pickup point and assist you with your luggage. All toll fees are included, so you can enjoy comfortable rides from Suvarnabhumi Airport to your hotel.
5. Car Rentals
Explore Bangkok at your own pace with a car rental! Credits: Art Markiv on Unsplash
If you'd like to move through the city on your terms, a car rental in Bangkok is the way to go.
With Klook, you'll find the best deals from different car rental companies! You can choose various car types, from a Toyota Yaris for compact mobility to a Hyundai Starex for group travel.
Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transportation Options
Don Mueang airport is dedicated to budget airlines like Lion Air. Credits: Nopparuj Lamaikul on Unsplash
When comparing the two airports in Bangkok, Don Mueang is relatively smaller and cozier, but it can still accommodate an average of 20 million passengers per year. DMK is about 25 km from downtown Bangkok and can be reached via several public transport options.
1. The Airport Red Line Train Service
The Red Line Train Service started operations in 2022 and connects DMK to the city. Credits: Yorkshire Flyer on Flickr
The Red Line Train connects Don Mueang Airport to the recently opened Krungthep Apiwat Station north of the city center. From Krungthep Apiwat, commuters can transfer to the MRT Blue Line to reach other parts of the city.
However, you must walk about 5 minutes from the airport exit to get to the station. The trip costs THB 33 and takes around 17 minutes.
2. Airport Bus
irport shuttles take you to different parts of the city. Credits: Vector Scalar on Flickr
If you're a schedule stickler, catching the airport bus is the best option. The buses leave DMK every twenty to thirty minutes, with four routes to Bangkok city center: A1, A2, A3, and A4. The A1 takes you to BTS Mo Chit Station; from this MRT line, you can go to various areas in Bangkok. The fare is THB 30, which you must pay upon boarding.
To avoid lugging your suitcases around while trying to catch the bus, why not use Luggage Services by LuggAgent? They offer same-day delivery from the airport to your hotel and include a luggage insurance policy.
3. Don Mueang Taxi Service
Metered taxis are available in front of the Arrival Halls of both International & Domestic Passenger Terminals. Credits: The Transport Enthusiast DC on Unsplash
Dedicated taxi pickup areas are in Terminals 1 and 2 of Don Mueang Airport. The billing method is the same as for taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport: a metered fee plus an airport fee of THB 50 and highway toll. Average price for a ride is about THB 300-400.
4. Car Rentals
Drive on your own from Don Mueang to Bangkok city with a car rental. Credits: Fred Moon on Unsplash
You can also get a car and van rental at Don Mueang. To do so, you'll have to approach one of the rental desk workers at the counters near the exit. You can get a Hertz car or choose other rental car companies like Chic Car Rent to compare car hire prices.
Or why not pre-book your rental car with Klook? You can choose from different payment options, plus enjoy free cancellation in case of travel hiccups.
Other Important Notes
Be mindful of Bangkok street congestion, especially during rush hour. Credits: Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Traffic can be notorious in the city, especially during rush hour, so consider this when planning your trip to and from the airports in Bangkok.
Arriving early at your departure terminal will ensure you catch your outgoing flight. You can comfortably spend time at Suvarnabhumi Airport by hanging out in the airport lounge.
You may also opt to stay at nearby airport accommodations before your flight. The Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel is a chic hotel 1 km from DMK.
Alternatively, consider booking a room at the Top High Airport Link Hotel. It's in the city center but only a short walk from Phaya Thai Airport Link Station.
Now that you're up to speed with Bangkok airports, it's time to start your Thai escapade!
