Bangkok Airport: Navigating Your Arrival And Departure

Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is about 19 miles from the city centre. There are several ways to get from the airport to the city, including taxi, train, local bus, public minivan, private airport shuttle, or a Bangkok Airport transfer. If you're looking for speed and comfort, a taxi or private transfer is the best option, but if you want to save money, the train or bus is a good choice.

Getting a taxi

Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is about 19 miles from the city centre. There are six ways to get from the airport to the city centre, including taxi, train, local bus, public minivan, private airport shuttle, or a Bangkok Airport transfer.

If you want to get a taxi, it's important to note that most airport taxis don't accept card payments, so make sure to carry small cash in Baht. Most taxi drivers don't carry much change, so it's a good idea to have the correct amount ready.

You can find a taxi at the airport's designated taxi ranks, which are usually clearly signposted. The taxi drivers will usually ask you where you're going and may offer you a fixed rate for the journey. It's a good idea to agree on a price before getting into the taxi to avoid any misunderstandings later.

The journey from the airport to the city centre by taxi usually takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is typically moderate, and you can expect to pay around 300-400 Baht for the journey.

Taking a taxi is a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with a group. It's also a good choice if you want to avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or if you're arriving late at night or early in the morning when public transport options may be limited.

Taking the train

The Airport Rail Link is the best value-for-money option to get from Bangkok Airport to the city. It's fast and provides convenient connections to other public transport options that can take you to your final destination. However, it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're travelling during peak hours, as the train is used by locals and airport staff, meaning it can get very crowded. If you're travelling with young children or carrying multiple pieces of luggage, another transportation option might be best. The eight stations of the Airport Rail Link are numbered from A1 to A8, starting with A1 from Bangkok Airport; that's an easy way to remember where you need to disembark.

The Red Line Train also connects Don Mueang Airport to the recently opened Krungthep Apiwat Station north of the city centre. From Krungthep Apiwat, commuters can transfer to the MRT Blue Line to reach other parts of the city. However, you must walk about five minutes from the airport exit to get to the station. The trip costs THB 33 and takes around 17 minutes.

Using the local bus

Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is about 35 km east of the city centre. There are six ways to get from Bangkok Airport to the city centre, including the local bus.

If you want to experience the city like a local and spend less money on transportation, the bus is a great option. From the arrivals hall, a shuttle (costing 35 baht) will take you to the transportation centre, where you can catch buses to various parts of Bangkok, including direct routes to Pattaya, Talad Rong Kluea, or NongKhai. This is a great option for those looking to explore beyond the city limits immediately.

The bus is the slowest option to reach the city centre, but once you're there, you can continue on foot, use the MRT or the BTS trains, or take another local bus line to reach your accommodation. If you're a stickler for schedules, the airport bus is the best option.

Getting a private airport shuttle

Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is about 19 miles from the city centre. There are six ways to get from the airport to the city centre: taxi, train, local bus, public minivan, private airport shuttle, or a Bangkok Airport transfer.

If you want to get a private airport shuttle, you can book this in advance online. You can also book a shuttle when you arrive at the airport. The shuttle will take you directly to your hotel or apartment. This is a good option if you value speed and comfort. It is also a good choice if you are travelling with a lot of luggage, as you won't have to worry about navigating public transport or fitting your bags into a taxi.

The shuttle will pick you up from the airport and take you to your destination. You can usually book a shuttle for a specific time, so you don't have to wait long at the airport. When you book, you will need to provide your flight details and destination address. You will also need to pay in advance. The shuttle will usually take you directly to your hotel, but you can also request to be dropped off at a different location, such as a restaurant or shopping centre.

It's important to note that private airport shuttles may be more expensive than other transport options. You should also be aware that they may not be available 24/7, so it's important to check the operating hours before booking.

Taking the Airport Rail Link

Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is about 19 miles from the city centre. The Airport Rail Link is the cheapest and fastest way to get from the airport to downtown Bangkok. It directly connects the airport to the city centre and stops at six stations before reaching Phaya Thai Station. The total trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

To get to the Airport Rail Link, you need to descend to the basement level to find the Kasikorn Bank booth, which is opposite the food court by the entrance to the train link.

Depending on your destination in Bangkok, you can disembark at Makkasan and head to the MRT Petchaburi Station or go all the way to Phaya Thai Station and switch to the BTS Sukhumvit Line. You can also get off at Phayathai station and then get to the BTS Skytrain, which will take you to Bangkok city centre.

Frequently asked questions