Bangkok's Airport Options: A Guide To The City's 2 Hubs

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is served by two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the larger of the two, spread across 8,000 acres, with three terminals serving international and domestic flights. Don Mueang International Airport, which was Bangkok's main airport until 2006, now serves as a hub for low-cost airlines and has two terminals for international and domestic flights.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport

The airport was officially opened for limited domestic flight service on 15 September 2006, and for most domestic and all international commercial flights on 28 September 2006. It is currently the main hub for Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways, and the operating base for Thai VietJet Air and Thai AirAsia. It serves as a regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers connecting to Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa.

The airport has two parallel runways and two parallel taxiways to accommodate simultaneous departures and arrivals. It has a total of 120 parking bays, with five capable of accommodating the Airbus A380. Suvarnabhumi Airport has 72 jet bridges and 69 non-jet bridges. The airport's two runways can accommodate 64 flights per hour, with a peak average of 63 flights.

The airport's main terminal building co-locates the international and domestic terminals. It was designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn Architects and constructed primarily by ITO JV. The terminal building was, at the time of construction, the world's largest passenger terminal ever constructed in one phase at 563,000 square metres (6,060,000 sq ft).

The airport provides various transport facilities for passengers, including an airport rail link, shuttle services, taxis, and car rental services. It also offers a range of other facilities, such as VAT offices, foreign currency exchange services, ATMs, SIM card purchases, car rental services, hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas.

Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang opened as a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base in 1914, with commercial flights beginning in 1924. It was known as Bangkok International Airport before 2006, when it was closed and replaced by Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, due to issues with the new airport, Don Mueang reopened in 2007 after renovations, becoming a hub for low-cost airlines. It is now the world's largest low-cost carrier airport and the second-busiest airport in Thailand.

The airport is located 1-1.5 hours from Suvarnabhumi Airport by rail or bus, with a direct shuttle bus service operating between the two. It has two main access routes: the Don Mueang Tollway and the Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, which run parallel to each other. There are four bus routes servicing the airport, connecting it to various points in Bangkok.

Don Mueang offers various facilities and services, including car rental, currency exchange, and ATMs. It also features a variety of shops and restaurants, including fast-food outlets like Burger King and Starbucks. The Amari Don Muang Hotel is connected to the airport via an air-conditioned walkway.

The airport has a rich history, including serving as an RTAF base during World War II and being occupied by the RAF during the British occupation of Thailand after the war. It was the scene of heavy fighting between royalists and government forces during the 1933 Boworadet Rebellion.

Don Mueang has experienced several incidents and accidents over the years. In 1976, an EgyptAir Flight bound for Bangkok from Cairo crashed during a landing attempt, killing all 53 on board. In 1991, a Lauda Air Flight suffered an in-flight explosion after taking off from Don Mueang, resulting in the deaths of all 223 people on board. More recently, in 2023, a woman's leg was amputated after her bag became trapped in a moving walkway, leading to an investigation that revealed negligence in the maintenance of the walkways.

Transport options to/from the airports

Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Suvarnabhumi Airport is about 30km east of downtown Bangkok. It is the busier of the two airports, serving almost all international and a large number of domestic flights.

Transport options to and from the airport include:

• Taxi: An organised taxi queue with numbered bays is available at the airport. The average price for a Bangkok taxi is about THB 350-500 for the metered fare, plus THB 50 for the airport fee and THB 100 for highway tolls.
• Airport Shuttle Bus: Passengers must first take an airport shuttle bus to the main bus terminal, and from there, transfer to one of the regular buses to their destination.
• Airport Rail Link (ARL): The Airport Rail Link takes less than 30 minutes and costs THB 45. From the city terminal in Phaya Thai, you can transfer to the BTS Sukhumvit Line to reach downtown Bangkok.
• Private Airport Transfers: A private airport transfer service is also available, where a professional driver will meet you at the pickup point and assist with your luggage.
• Car Rental: Cars can be rented at the airport.

Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Don Mueang Airport is Bangkok's secondary hub, catering primarily to low-cost domestic and international flights. It is about 25km from downtown Bangkok.

Transport options to and from the airport include:

• The Airport Red Line Train Service: The Red Line Train connects Don Mueang Airport to the Krungthep Apiwat Station north of the city centre. From there, commuters can transfer to the MRT Blue Line to reach other parts of the city. The trip costs THB 33 and takes around 17 minutes.
• Airport Shuttle Bus: The airport shuttle buses have four routes to the Bangkok city centre: A1, A2, A3, and A4. The fare is THB 30, paid upon boarding.
• Don Mueang Taxi Service: Metered taxis are available at Terminals 1 and 2. The average price for a ride is about THB 300-400, plus the airport fee of THB 50 and highway toll.
• Car Rental: Car and van rentals are available at the exit counters.

General Notes

Bangkok is notorious for its traffic, especially during rush hour, so it is important to consider this when planning your trip to and from the airports.

Additionally, both airports offer a variety of facilities, including ATMs, currency exchange booths, car rental services, duty-free shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Facilities at the airports

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport

This airport is known for its magnificent architecture and is the largest airport in Bangkok, serving almost all international and a large number of domestic flights. It is considered the busiest airport in Thailand and Asia. Major airlines that operate here include British Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Air China, Japan, Bangkok Airways, and Lufthansa.

The airport has one domestic and two international arrival areas. It is located about 25 km from the city centre and offers various transport facilities for passengers. There is an airport rail link with a train scheduled every fifteen minutes, which is the fastest and most convenient mode of transport. Travelling by taxi can be expensive, and there may be additional expressway toll costs. Shuttle services are also available, taking passengers to the public bus transportation stop, from where they can board a bus to the city, which takes approximately an hour.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport offers a range of facilities to assist passengers. There is a dedicated 24/7 VAT office in the departure section, and passengers can claim VAT refunds for purchases worth 2000 Baht or more. The airport has efficient bank branches offering foreign currency exchange services, and several ATMs are accessible at all times.

For communication needs, free SIM cards from renowned telephone carriers are available on Level 2 of the terminal, allowing passengers to make calls and access the internet at a lower cost. Car rental services are also available on Level 2, but an international driving license is required.

Accommodation is available at the airport, with two hotels to choose from. Novotel is a luxurious hotel with spacious rooms and high-end amenities like a spa and swimming pool. The other option is Louis' Tavern Transit Hotel, which is smaller and located on the fourth floor of the international departure area.

The airport offers a variety of dining options, with restaurants located on the third and fourth floors, serving delicacies prepared by fine cooks. Fast-food joints can also be found near the Airport Rail Link Station.

Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the wide range of shops at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, including a massive duty-free store area known as King Power Duty-Free, featuring brands like Bulgari, Swarovski, Hugo Boss, and Cartier. Liquor and alcohol are available at duty-free shops at discounted prices. Souvenir stores, accessory shops, and pharmaceutical stores can be found after the immigration section.

Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang International Airport is the older and smaller of the two airports in Bangkok. It serves several international and domestic flights, mainly catering to low-cost airlines. About 15 airlines use this airport, and it is also home to many private jets.

The airport is located about 24 km from the city centre and offers various transport options. The airport rail link, about 500 metres away, is the most convenient and cheapest mode of transport. It takes about an hour to reach the City Centre Station from the Don Muang Train Station. Shuttle services are also available, taking passengers to the Mo Chit Skytrain Station in about 20 minutes, from where they can connect to the Central Railway Station. Taxis are available but are more expensive due to additional expressway costs.

Don Mueang International Airport provides essential facilities for its passengers. There are ATMs and currency exchange booths located between terminals 7 and 11. Car rental services are available in the arrival areas, but an international driving license is required.

For shoppers, the airport features a King Power duty-free shop and various other stores offering a range of commodities. Tobacco, wine, and liquor can be purchased at duty-free shops at competitive prices.

Accommodation is available at the Amari Don Muang Hotel, which is well connected to the airport by an air-conditioned walkway. It is a 4-star hotel offering amenities such as a gym and a swimming pool.

When it comes to dining, fast-food outlets like Burger King, Fuji, Starbucks, and Subway are conveniently located within the terminal and are accessible around the clock.

In summary, both airports in Bangkok offer a range of facilities to cater to the needs of travellers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.

Hotels at the airports

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. Here are some hotel options near each airport:

Suvarnabhumi International Airport

• Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is just 0.2 miles (0.4 km) from the airport and offers direct access, free parking, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle.
• Siam Mandarina Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away and offers free parking, free WiFi, and two restaurants.
• Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel is 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away and offers free parking, free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and attentive staff.
• Boxtel @ Suvarnabhumi Airport is located within the airport and provides small private rooms with free WiFi access.
• Avagard Capsule Hotel is located in Suvarnabhumi Airport and offers direct access to check-in counters and other airport facilities. All sleeping pods include free WiFi.
• The Cottage Suvarnabhumi is a popular hotel located in Lat Krabang, just a 7-minute drive from the airport.
• Siam Mandarina Hotel offers a free BKK Airport Shuttle and is located in Lat Krabang, a 10-minute drive from the airport.
• At Residence Suvarnabhumi Hotel offers comfortable rooms with elevator access and a laundry service. It is located in Lat Krabang, a 10-minute drive from the airport.
• The Phoenix Hotel Bangkok is a 7-minute drive from the airport and offers non-smoking rooms with free WiFi. A shuttle service is also available.

Don Mueang International Airport

• Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok is a highly popular venue for meetings and events, located just 0.2 miles from the airport with a direct walkway connection. It offers free WiFi and spacious, comfortable rooms.
• The Alex is located in Ban Don Muang, 0.2 miles from the airport, offering excellent service, clean rooms, and a great location close to the airport.
• PD Hostel is located in Ban Don Muang, 0.2 miles from the airport, offering free WiFi throughout the property.
• Dragon XIV is located in Bangkok, 0.2 miles from the airport, with air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms. The staff are very kind and accommodating.
• Tuscany Land Resort Donmuang is located in Bangkok, 0.2 miles from the airport, offering a shared lounge, free private parking, and a terrace.
• Moji Don Mueang Airport Hotel is located in Bangkok, 0.6 miles from the airport, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a restaurant.
• Mida Hotel Don Mueang Airport is a 15-minute walk from the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, offering an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, and free WiFi.
• The Prima Residence features a fitness centre, garden, shared lounge, and terrace. It is located just 0.5 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions