How to Get from Bangkok Airport to the City Center
Airport Link Train
The cheapest, most predictable option time-wise, especially during rush hour when the road is jammed. Suits those traveling without too much luggage.
Official Taxi
More convenient with luggage, but subject to traffic jams โ worth making sure the driver uses the meter or agreeing on a price in advance.
Hotel Shuttle
Many hotels offer a paid or free pickup service โ worth checking in advance when booking if it's included.
Two Airports, Two Ways
Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), the main one for international flights, and Don Mueang (DMK), where mainly low-cost airlines land. From Suvarnabhumi the Airport Rail Link runs into the city, connecting to the elevated trains and subways. From Don Mueang there is no equivalent direct train to the center, so you use a bus, a taxi or a regional train. Before landing, check which airport you're flying into, because it changes the plan.
Taxi, App and Rush Hours
For an official taxi you'll find an organized queue near the exit. Ask them to turn on the meter, and have small cash ready for road tolls and the airport surcharge. Apps like Grab operate from the airports too, and show a price in advance โ more in the Grab and Bolt guide. In rush hours, in the morning and late afternoon, the road is congested and the trip takes much longer, so the train is more reliable at those times.
If you land late at night, check when the train stops running, because it usually doesn't operate all night. In that case a taxi or a hotel shuttle is the solution.
How to Choose by Hotel and Luggage
The most convenient way depends on where the hotel is. If the hotel is near a train station, the train is fast and cheap. If the hotel is far away, or if you have a lot of luggage and children, a taxi is more convenient. It's worth checking the area in advance in the guide to where to stay in Bangkok, to understand where to sleep relative to the stations. And for anyone planning two days in the city, see the two-day Bangkok itinerary. You can see hotels on the Bangkok page.
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท AgodaTips Before Landing and Before Returning
On arrival, make sure you have your hotel's address in writing and in English, to show the driver. Avoid taxi touts inside the arrivals hall who ask a high price, and prefer the official queue. The wait at passport control can be long, so don't schedule a meeting or a tight transfer right away.
On your last day in the city you can leave your bags in the hotel lobby and go for a final meal or some last shopping, and collect them just before the ride. It's best to arrange this with reception in advance. On the way back to the airport, leave in time: because of traffic it's worth leaving early, and arriving at the airport about three hours before an international flight. If you have a quick transfer from the hotel, it's worth booking the ride in advance. And anyone planning to return to the airport from another city should read about domestic flights and leave a margin.
Keep reading
Beating jet lag on the way to Thailand: how to start the trip fresh.
Was this guide helpful?