Bangkok has two commercial airports, and both are a long way from the places most visitors stay. The best option depends on which airport you use, what time you land and where you are staying. This guide compares the main choices with approximate prices and travel times. For hotel choices, see where to stay in Bangkok, and for the larger picture, the Bangkok hub.
Which airport are you using?
| Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Don Mueang (DMK) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | About 30 km east of the centre | About 25 km north of the centre |
| Typical flights | Most international and full-service airlines | Many low-cost and domestic flights |
| Rail | Airport Rail Link to Makkasan and Phaya Thai | Rail link via the nearby Don Mueang station (check current services) |
| Road | Expressways and taxis | Expressways and taxis |
Check which airport your ticket uses before you book hotels or transfers. Official airport sites list the latest transport links: Airports of Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi (BKK): options
Airport Rail Link
The Airport Rail Link runs from a station under the terminal to the city. The City Line stops at several stations and ends at Phaya Thai, where you can change to the BTS Skytrain; it also stops at Makkasan, which has an interchange with the MRT at Phetchaburi. The ride to Phaya Thai takes roughly 25-30 minutes. Fares are low, roughly THB 15-45 depending on distance (approx., as of 2026, check the operator for current fares). Operating hours generally run from morning until around midnight; confirm on the official page.
This is the best choice for travellers staying near the BTS or MRT lines, particularly at Siam, Ratchathewi, Phaya Thai and along Sukhumvit.
Tips:
- Carry some Thai cash or use the ticket machines for tokens.
- Peak commuter hours can be crowded, so luggage space is limited.
- If your hotel is far from a station, plan a short taxi from Phaya Thai or Makkasan.
Taxi
Public taxis wait at official stands on the arrival level. Use the meter; do not accept fixed offers from touts inside the terminal. Typical metered fares to central districts are roughly THB 300-500, plus an airport surcharge of about THB 50 and expressway tolls you pay in cash (approx., as of 2026). Journey time is 35-60 minutes, longer in rush hour.
Have small notes ready for tolls, and check that the meter is switched on. If you take a taxi, ask the driver to use the expressway and pay the toll as it comes up.
Ride-hailing apps
Apps such as Grab and Bolt operate at the airport, with pickup zones that change from time to time; the airport's signs and the apps show the current meeting point. Fares are shown before you book, and are often similar to taxis; surcharges may apply at peak times. You will need mobile data. See car rental and eSIM.
Public bus and shuttle
Airport buses connect with the Mo Chit and Ekkamai areas and other parts of the city. Services and routes change; find the current list on the official airport website. Buses are cheaper than a taxi but slower and harder with a lot of luggage.
Private transfer
Hotels and booking marketplaces offer pre-booked cars. These cost more than a metered taxi, but you get a fixed fare and a driver waiting at arrivals. This can be sensible after a long flight or for a group.
Don Mueang (DMK): options
Train and Dark Red Line
Don Mueang is linked by a walkway to Don Mueang railway station. Commuter and intercity trains run from there, and the Dark Red Line (SRT) runs toward Bang Sue Grand Station (Krung Thep Aphiwat), where you can change to the MRT. Check the State Railway of Thailand website for the latest timetable and fares: railway.co.th. The timetable can change, and some services are infrequent.
Airport buses
Public bus routes connect Don Mueang with Mo Chit BTS and MRT stations and other parts of the city, including the A1 and A2 airport buses (verify the current routes and fares on the airport website). Bus fares are generally much lower than taxis (approx., as of 2026).
Taxi and ride-hailing
Metered taxis typically cost roughly THB 250-450 to central areas plus an airport surcharge and tolls (approx., as of 2026). Ride-hailing apps work similarly to Suvarnabhumi. Travel time is often 30-60 minutes.
Comparison table
| Option | Approx. cost | Time to central Bangkok | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Rail Link (BKK) | THB 15-45 | 25-30 min to Phaya Thai | Solo, couples, light luggage | Limited late hours |
| Metered taxi | THB 300-600 + fees | 35-60+ min | Groups, heavy luggage | Traffic, tolls, touts |
| Ride-hailing app | Similar to taxi | 35-60+ min | Door-to-door | Data needed, surcharges |
| Airport bus | Low (check) | 45-90 min | Budget | Slower, route changes |
| Private transfer | Higher, fixed | 35-60+ min | Groups, late arrivals | Check what is included |
| Train from DMK | Low (check) | Varies | Budget, rail-minded | Infrequent trains |
All figures are approximate, as of 2026; check current prices on each operator's own page.
Late-night arrivals
Rail and buses stop running late in the night. If you land after midnight, plan on a taxi or ride-hailing app, or book a hotel with a pick-up. If your flight is very late, consider booking the first night near the airport and moving in the morning. This avoids paying for a hotel you cannot check into smoothly. Ask the hotel about late check-in before arrival.
Ignore touts who approach you in the arrivals hall offering a "special" taxi, or who say your hotel is closed or full. Go to the official taxi queue, use the meter, or book through an app.
Leaving Bangkok
On departure, leave extra time for traffic and queues. Aim to be at the airport about three hours before an international flight. The Airport Rail Link is the safest bet during rush hour. If you take a taxi to Suvarnabhumi in the evening, allow more time. For onward travel inside Thailand, see intercity transport.
Arrival checklist
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) if required, before you travel. See the entry requirements guide.
- Get a local SIM or eSIM; see eSIM versus SIM.
- Withdraw a small amount of baht or exchange some at the airport; rates in the city are often better.
- Decide your transport option before you leave the terminal.
- Save your hotel name and address in Thai on your phone to show a driver.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way from Suvarnabhumi to the city?
The Airport Rail Link is usually the lowest-cost and most predictable option, with fares of a few tens of baht (approx., as of 2026).
How long does a taxi take from the airport?
Typically 35-60 minutes to central areas, longer during rush hours or in heavy rain.
Is Grab available at the airport?
Yes, apps operate at both airports, though pickup points may change. Check the signs and app instructions.
Do I need Thai cash for the airport taxi?
Yes. Expressway tolls and the airport fee are normally paid in cash, so carry small notes.
Can I take the train from Don Mueang?
Yes, the railway station is linked to the terminal. Check current timetables and the Dark Red Line connections before relying on them.
Where do I get the City Line in Bangkok?
Follow the signs for the Airport Rail Link at the lower level of the Suvarnabhumi terminal. Phaya Thai is the interchange for the BTS; Makkasan connects to the MRT.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
