Exploring Bangkok: Miles To The Airport And Beyond

Bangkok is home to two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). These airports are located in different parts of the city and are separated by dozens of kilometres. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the larger of the two and is located about 16-18 miles east of downtown Bangkok. Don Mueang International Airport is about 15-18 miles north of the city centre.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is 16 miles from Bangkok

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is Bangkok's main international airport, located 16 miles from the city centre. It is a modern, sprawling hub, situated 30 minutes east of Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi is pronounced su-wan-na-poom or su-wanna-poom.

The airport is easily accessible from the city centre via the Airport Rail Link, which takes under 30 minutes. However, driving to the airport can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes in typical city traffic, and even longer during rush hour.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is known for its upscale shopping, lounge, and dining options, as well as its impressive artworks and sculptures. It hosts a variety of airlines, from low-cost to full-service carriers, catering to both domestic and international flights.

The airport has a well-organised taxi counter on the first floor, with a queue machine and numbered taxi bays. The average price for a taxi from the airport to the city is around THB 400-500, including the metered fare and airport fee, plus highway tolls.

Another option for getting to the city is the airport shuttle bus, which takes passengers to the main bus terminal. From there, passengers can transfer to regular buses to reach their specific destination.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is much larger and newer than Bangkok's other airport, Don Mueang Airport (DMK). DMK is located north of the city and is known for being one of Asia's oldest airports. It primarily serves low-cost and regional airlines.

When planning a trip to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport, it is important to consider the distance from the city centre and the potential for heavy traffic. The Airport Rail Link is a convenient option for those looking to avoid the city traffic.

Don Mueang Airport (DMK) is 15 miles from Bangkok

DMK is known for its budget-friendly options, with low-cost and budget carriers reigning supreme. Airlines such as AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Scoot operate from this airport, offering regional, domestic and international flights.

The airport is easily accessible by road, with dedicated taxi pickup areas at Terminals 1 and 2. The average price for a ride is about THB 300-400, plus an airport fee of THB 50 and highway toll.

If you prefer public transport, the Red Line Train Service connects DMK to the Krungthep Apiwat Station north of the city centre. From there, you can transfer to the MRT Blue Line to reach other parts of Bangkok. This option costs THB 33 and takes around 17 minutes, excluding the 5-minute walk from the airport exit to the station.

For those who prefer buses, there are four routes to the Bangkok city centre: A1, A2, A3, and A4. The A1 takes you to BTS Mo Chit Station, from which you can access other areas in Bangkok. The bus fare is THB 30, paid upon boarding.

DMK may be the older and smaller of Bangkok's two airports, but it is still a vital gateway, especially for travellers seeking budget-friendly options or those heading to northern Bangkok.

BKK is Bangkok's main international airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is Bangkok's main international airport. It is located about 16 miles east of downtown Bangkok, or 28km from the city centre. It is the newer and larger of Bangkok's two airports, handling many of the capital's international arrivals and plenty of domestic flights, too.

BKK is a modern, sprawling international hub, with an array of upscale shopping, lounge and dining options, as well as eye-catching artworks and sculptures. It is also home to famously luxurious lounges, including the Miracle Lounges, which offer made-to-order menus.

Over 100 airlines fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport, ranging from low-cost to full-service carriers. It is the main airport for full-service carriers catering to flights with higher fares, and is also the hub of national flag carrier Thai Airways.

The Airport Rail Link connects BKK to the city in under 30 minutes, bypassing traffic.

DMK is Bangkok's secondary hub

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). DMK is Bangkok's secondary hub, catering primarily to low-cost domestic and international flights, such as Air Asia and Nok Air.

DMK is one of the world's oldest international airports and one of Asia's oldest operating airports. It officially opened as a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base in 1914, with commercial flights beginning in 1924. The airport consists of Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights, connected by a unique glass exterior elevated walkway.

DMK is located about 15-18 miles north of downtown Bangkok. The distance from DMK to Siam Station, regarded as the centre of modern Bangkok, is 22km. However, it can take over an hour to reach the city centre from the airport by road due to Bangkok's notorious traffic. There is a direct route combining the SRT Red Line and the city's metro system, but this can also take up to an hour and is not easy to navigate.

If you are staying in the northern parts of central Bangkok, such as near Victory Monument, Chatuchak Market, Lat Phrao and the Rama IX areas, DMK may be a more convenient option than BKK. There are several transport options for reaching the city from DMK, including the Red Line Train Service, airport shuttle buses, metered taxis, and car rentals.

DMK is primarily served by low-cost airlines and only by airlines that are either Thai or are based in Southeast Asia. It has become a regional commuter flight hub and the de facto low-cost airline hub, becoming the world's largest low-cost carrier airport in 2015. It is currently the second-busiest airport in Thailand, serving as the main operating base for Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, and Thai Lion Air.

BKK is connected to the city via the Airport Rail Link

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is about 16 to 18 miles east of downtown Bangkok. The distance can be covered in 30 to 60 minutes by road, depending on the city traffic. However, the road journey can take up to two hours during peak hours.

The Airport Rail Link is also a good option for those who want to shop at the nearby Market Village shopping mall. The mall offers a more local shopping experience than the airport or other touristy malls in Bangkok, which tend to feature more Western brands.

The Airport Rail Link is not only faster and more convenient, but it also helps you avoid Bangkok's notorious traffic.

Frequently asked questions