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Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is served by two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport, which means land of gold in Sanskrit, is Bangkok's main international airport. It is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and a regional aviation hub. It is also the busiest airport in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Suvarnabhumi Airport |
| IATA | BKK |
| ICAO | VTBS |
| Area Covered | 3,240 ha (32.4 km2; 8,000 acres) |
| Ranking | One of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia, the 21st busiest airport in the world, and the busiest in Thailand |
| Cargo Air Freight Hub Ranking | 20th busiest in 2019 |
| Year of Opening | 2006 |
| Airlines | Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai VietJet Air, Thai AirAsia, One-Two-GO, Orient Thai Airlines, Air Asia, IndiGo |
| Facilities | ATMs, currency exchange centres, rest zones, business-class lounges, luxury hotels, duty-free shopping zone, car rental services |
| Public Transport | Airport Rail Link (ARL), Airport Shuttle Bus, local bus, taxi, tuk-tuk |
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What You'll Learn
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok's main airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK, ICAO: VTBS) is Bangkok's main international airport. It is located mostly in the Racha Thewa subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) from downtown Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and a regional aviation hub. It is also a major Cargo Air Freight Hub, with a total of 95 airlines. The airport is the main hub for Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways, as well as the operating base for Thai VietJet Air and Thai AirAsia. It also serves as a regional gateway for various foreign carriers connecting to Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa.
The airport's name, Suvarnabhumi, means "land of gold" or "realm of gold" in Sanskrit. The name was chosen by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose name includes Bhūmi, referring to the Buddhist golden kingdom, thought to have been to the east of the Ganges, possibly somewhere in Southeast Asia. The site, formerly known as Cobra Swamp, was drained and named Suvarnabhumi.
Suvarnabhumi Airport replaced Don Mueang as Bangkok's main airport in 2006. It inherited the airport code BKK from Don Mueang when it ceased international commercial flights. The airport commenced operations on 15 September 2006, with limited domestic flight service. It officially opened for most domestic and all international commercial flights on 28 September 2006. Suvarnabhumi Airport is modern and operations usually run smoothly. The terminal building was designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn Architects and constructed primarily by ITO JV. It is the world's fourth-largest single-building airport terminal. The airport's Midfield Satellite 1 (SAT-1) has 28 contact gates, eight of which can accommodate Code F aircraft (e.g. A380 and B747-8), and 20 others for Code E aircraft.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport offers various transportation options for travellers. There is a free shuttle bus that takes passengers to the public transport terminal, from which public buses depart. The airport also has car rental services, with various car rental brands offering special prices and privileges through the Sawasdee by AOT Application.
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Airport's location and transport links
Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and the 21st busiest airport in the world. It is located about 2 miles (3 km) away from the public transport terminal. It is a modern airport with efficient operations and a website that provides real-time details of arrivals and departures. Suvarnabhumi Airport has a range of transport links to the city centre, including buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and the Airport Rail Link.
If you're on a budget or looking for a local experience, you can take the free shuttle bus from the airport to the public transport terminal. From there, you can take a local bus to the city centre. The most common bus routes are line 551 to BTS Victory Monument Station, which operates from 5 am to 10 pm and costs around US$0.59, and line S1 to Sanam Luang Passenger Terminal, which operates from 6 am to 5 pm and costs 60 Baht.
For a faster option, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk directly from the airport to your destination. Electric-powered taxis can be booked at the EV TAXI VIP counter outside Airport Terminal 1 Exit 3. These taxis offer added safety with GPS tracking and in-car surveillance cameras. The approximate travel time to the city centre is 30 minutes to 1 hour, and the fare can range from 300 to 800 Baht, depending on the toll roads used and the vehicle type.
If you prefer to use rail, the Airport Rail Link provides a convenient option. Take the train to Ploenchit Station and then transfer to a cab to reach your final destination. This option helps you avoid the often-congested road traffic in Bangkok.
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Airport facilities and amenities
Bangkok's main airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is the largest of the two airports in Bangkok and serves as the primary international airport. It is located in Samut Prakan Province, approximately 31 kilometres (19 miles) east of central Bangkok. The airport is easily accessible by motorway, rail, and public transport. Suvarnabhumi Airport is modern, with a single terminal that covers 563,000 square meters, making it one of the world's largest single-terminal buildings.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport offers a range of facilities and amenities for travellers. Here are some of the key features:
- Transportation: The airport is well-connected to the city centre and offers various transportation options, including buses, taxis, trains, and car rentals. The Airport Rail Link provides convenient rail transportation to the city.
- Shuttle Services: The airport provides a free shuttle bus service to the public transport terminal, located about 3 kilometres away, where public buses depart for the city centre.
- ATMs and Currency Exchange: ATMs are available throughout the airport, and fees may apply for international withdrawals. Currency exchange services are also available.
- Free Wi-Fi: Suvarnabhumi Airport offers free Wi-Fi for up to one hour, allowing travellers to stay connected during their layovers or waiting periods.
- Lounges: The airport features several first-class lounges, some with shower facilities, that economy-class passengers can access for a fee.
- Medical Facilities: The airport has 24/7 medical clinics located throughout the terminals, including a 24-hour medical centre on the 2nd floor in Concourse D.
- Pharmacies: Two Boots pharmacies are available for any last-minute pharmaceutical needs, located in the Domestic and International Terminals.
- Luggage Services: Luggage storage, lockers, and wrapping services are available to protect your bags from theft and damage.
- Prayer Rooms: Prayer rooms are provided for travellers who wish to observe their religious practices while at the airport.
- Transit Hotel: For travellers with long layovers or those seeking convenience, the airport offers a transit hotel.
- Information Desk: An information desk is available to provide assistance and address any queries travellers may have.
- Restaurants and Shops: Various shops and restaurants are located within the airport, offering a range of dining and shopping options for travellers.
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Airlines and destinations
The main airport serving Bangkok, Thailand, is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). It is one of the two international airports serving the city, the other being Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main hub for Thai Airways International and
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Airport history
Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK, ICAO: VTBS) is the main international airport serving Bangkok, Thailand. The airport is located mostly in the Racha Thewa subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province, approximately 31 kilometres (19 miles) east of central Bangkok. The name Suvarnabhumi is Sanskrit for "land of gold", chosen by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose name includes Bhūmi, referring to the Buddhist golden kingdom, thought to have been located east of the Ganges, possibly in Southeast Asia.
Suvarnabhumi 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. The airport is accessible by motorway, rail, and public transport. The Airport Rail Link (ARL) is a commuter rail line connecting the airport to the city centre, which opened for service on 23 August 2010. Suvarnabhumi Airport has a single main passenger terminal, Terminal 1, which handles both international and domestic flights. The terminal is divided into several concourses and offers various facilities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and transport connections.
The airport's main terminal roof is designed with structural elements and bays placed in a cantilevered, wavelike form, giving the appearance of "floating" over the concourse beneath. The new satellite terminal, SAT-1, has 28 gates, eight of which can accommodate Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 super jumbo jets. SAT-1 is connected to the Main Terminal Building (MTB) via a one-kilometre-long tunnel with eight tracks. The SAT-1 terminal was nominated as one of six airport terminals for the Prix Versailles World's Most Beautiful Airports Architectural Award for 2024.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major Cargo Air Freight Hub (ranked 20th busiest in 2019) and a regional hub for aviation. It is also the main hub for Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai VietJet Air, and Thai AirAsia. In 2023, the airport handled 51.7 million passengers, an 80% increase from the previous year, despite its passenger capacity of only 45 million per year. To address this, the Suvarnabhumi Airport Development Project Phase 2 was initiated, which includes the Midfield Satellite 1 (SAT-1), increasing the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to 60 million.
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Frequently asked questions
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is Bangkok's main airport, located mostly in the Racha Thewa subdistrict.
Suvarnabhumi is Sanskrit for "land of gold". The name was chosen by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose name includes Bhūmi, referring to the Buddhist golden kingdom.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is connected to Bangkok's city centre via the Airport Rail Link (ARL). The 28.6-kilometre journey begins from underground platforms within the airport and ends at Phaya Thai station.
There are various hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport, catering to those seeking convenience and comfort during layovers or early arrivals.
Suvarnabhumi Airport offers a range of facilities, including business-class lounges, luxury hotels, ATMs, currency exchange centres, rest zones, duty-free shopping, and car rental services.
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