Bangkok Airport Options: Where To Land And Why

which airport to land in bangkok

Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi is Bangkok's largest and newest airport, serving almost all international and a large number of domestic flights. It is the main airport in Bangkok and the most important travel hub in Thailand. Don Mueang is Bangkok's second airport, the oldest in the city, and the largest low-cost carrier airport in the world. It is now the hub for low-cost airlines in Bangkok.

Characteristics Values
Number of airports in Bangkok 2
Names of the airports Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
Distance from Bangkok City Suvarnabhumi Airport: 30-32 kilometres, Don Mueang Airport: 24-26 kilometres
Transport options Airport rail link, taxi, shuttle bus, public bus, private limousine transfer
Time taken to reach the city Suvarnabhumi Airport: 20 minutes (rail link), 55 minutes (bus), 18 minutes (taxi/private transfer), Don Mueang Airport: 55 minutes (bus), 58 minutes (train), 18 minutes (taxi)
Main airlines operating from Suvarnabhumi Airport British Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, Air China, Air France, ANA, Bangkok Airways, Lufthansa
Main airlines operating from Don Mueang Airport AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, Tiger Air, JC International Airlines, Indonesia AirAsia, Malindo Air, New Gen Airways, NokScoot, Philippines AirAsia, Scoot, Thai AirAsia
Other facilities at Suvarnabhumi Airport Duty-free shops, hotels, fast-food outlets

shunhotel

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Suvarnabhumi is Bangkok's main airport and the most important travel hub in Thailand. It is mostly used for long-haul and full-service flights to Bangkok. If you are travelling to Bangkok from Europe, the USA, or any other distant destination, Suvarnabhumi Airport will likely be your only reasonable choice. The airport is served by Southeast Asian national carriers such as Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and other national airlines in the region. It also serves as a regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers connecting to Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa.

The airport features an impressive terminal building designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn Architects, with each floor decorated differently to showcase Thai art and culture. The airport also had the world's tallest freestanding control tower from 2006 to 2014, standing at 132.2 metres (434 feet).

Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-connected to the city, with an airport rail link train departing every fifteen minutes from the basement level of the airport to Phaya Thai BTS station. From there, passengers can change to the Skytrain to reach their destination. There are also public taxis available on Level 1 of the airport, as well as a shuttle bus service to the bus terminal, where passengers can catch a public bus into Bangkok.

shunhotel

Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Don Mueang Airport is Bangkok's oldest airport, and the second busiest airport in Thailand. It is also the world's largest low-cost carrier airport, with most low-cost airlines that serve Thailand operating from here.

Don Mueang Airport is significantly smaller and less modern than Suvarnabhumi Airport, but it still has all the usual comforts and facilities you would expect from an international airport. It was closed in September 2006 when Suvarnabhumi Airport opened, but it reopened in March 2007 after renovations. It is now a regional commuter flight hub and the de facto low-cost airline hub.

Don Mueang Airport is served by 15 airlines, including AirAsia, Nok Air, Scoot Airlines, Milindo Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile and Tiger Air. Most private flights into and out of Bangkok are based at Don Mueang Airport.

If you are travelling to or from Don Mueang Airport, there are various transport options. The airport offers car rental services on the first floor, and there is also a public bus service from the airport to various points in the city. You can also travel to and from the airport by taxi or private car, and there is a free shuttle bus between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

shunhotel

Distance to Bangkok city centre

Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok's largest and newest international airport, located around 30km from Bangkok city centre. It is the main airport in Bangkok and the most important travel hub in Thailand. It is mostly used for long-haul and full-service international flights to and from Thailand, as well as a selection of short-haul domestic and international flights.

To get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city centre, you can take a taxi, which will take around 20-30 minutes and cost about 350 baht. Alternatively, you can take the Airport Rail Link train from the basement level of the airport to Phaya Thai BTS station, and then change to the Skytrain. This option will also take around 20-30 minutes and costs 24-35 baht. There is also a bus that goes directly from the airport to Phaya Thai BTS station, which takes 51 minutes and costs 150 baht.

Don Mueang Airport is Bangkok's second airport, which is significantly smaller and older than Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is the hub for low-cost airlines in Bangkok and handles some international flights and a high volume of domestic flights. To get from Don Mueang Airport to the city centre, you can take a taxi, which costs about 400 baht. You can also take a bus, which is cheaper and easy but will take longer.

Explore related products

shunhotel

Transport options

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). The distance from both airports to the city centre is quite similar, and both are well-connected to the city. Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok's largest and newest international airport, handling most long-haul international flights and a selection of short-haul domestic and international flights. Don Mueang Airport is the smaller and older of the two airports, catering to low-cost domestic and international flights.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

  • Airport Rail Link (ARL): The ARL train service connects the airport to the city in less than 30 minutes. The train departs every 15 minutes from the basement level of the airport to Phaya Thai BTS station, where you can change to the Skytrain to reach your destination.
  • Public Bus: Take a shuttle bus from the airport terminal to the bus terminal, and then catch a public bus into Bangkok.
  • Public Taxi: Join the taxi queue on Level 1 of the airport, take a ticket, and proceed to the designated lane when your taxi becomes available.
  • Private Taxi: Book a private taxi transfer before your arrival, and the driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area with your name on a placard.
  • Rental Car: Renting a car is a good option if you want to move through the city at your own pace. You can choose from a variety of car types, depending on your needs.

Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

  • Red Line Train: The Red Line Train Service, which started in 2022, connects Don Mueang Airport to the Krungthep Apiwat Station north of the city centre.
  • Airport Bus: The airport bus leaves every 20 to 30 minutes, with four routes to the Bangkok city centre: A1, A2, A3, and A4. The fare is THB 30, paid upon boarding.
  • Public Taxi: Metered taxis are available in front of the Arrival Halls of both the International and Domestic Passenger Terminals.

shunhotel

Facilities

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Both airports have good public transport services for passengers travelling into the city centre.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok's largest and newest international airport, handling most long-haul international flights to and from Thailand, as well as a large number of domestic flights. It is located 30 kilometres from Bangkok city.

The airport has a variety of facilities, including:

  • An airport rail link with a train scheduled every 15 minutes. This is the fastest mode of transport into the city, taking approximately 20 minutes.
  • Shuttle buses that take passengers to the public bus transportation stop, from where they can board a bus into the city.
  • Taxi services, which are more expensive than the rail link.
  • A range of shops, including duty-free shops that sell liquor, tobacco, and wine.
  • Food and beverage outlets, including fast-food restaurants like Burger King, Fuji, Subway, and Starbucks, located inside the terminal.

Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Don Mueang Airport is Bangkok's second airport and is the oldest operating airport in Asia. It is located 24-26 kilometres from Bangkok city and can be considered a better option for those wanting to visit the city's attractions faster. The airport mainly handles domestic flights and some international flights, with most low-cost airlines that serve Thailand based out of this airport.

The airport offers the following facilities:

  • A hotel, the Amari Don Muang Hotel, which is connected to the airport by an air-conditioned walkway. The hotel offers amenities such as a gym and a swimming pool.
  • Fast-food outlets like Burger King, Fuji, Subway, and Starbucks, located inside the terminal.
  • A rail link located 500 meters away, with trains departing to the city centre station (Hua Lamphong) every hour.
  • A bus service with a fast bus that takes 55 minutes to reach the city centre.
  • Taxi services that can get you to the city centre in just 18-20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi is the main airport in Bangkok and the most important travel hub in Thailand. It is the best option for travellers taking long-haul flights to Bangkok from Europe, the USA, or other distant locations. It is served by major airlines such as Air China, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Don Mueang is Bangkok's second airport and is the hub for low-cost airlines. It is served by AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and other Southeast Asian low-cost airlines.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is located about 30 kilometres from Bangkok city centre. Transport options to the city include:

- Airport rail link: The fastest mode of transport, with trains scheduled every 15 minutes and taking approximately 20 minutes to get into the city.

- Taxi: A more expensive option with an additional expressway toll cost.

- Shuttle bus: Takes you to the public bus transportation stop, from where you can board a bus to the city.

- Private taxi transfer: You can book a private taxi to your hotel in advance.

Don Mueang Airport is closer to central Bangkok, located about 24- 26 kilometres away. Transport options to the city include:

- Taxi: The fastest option, taking about 18-20 minutes to get to the city centre.

- Train: Takes about 55-58 minutes to get to the city centre.

- Fast bus: Takes about 55 minutes to the city centre.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment