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How to get to and from Don Muang Airport?

Transport between Don Muang Airport and Bangkok

Don Muang Airport is the less famous of Bangkok's two airports, but it was there first: it welcomed its first commercial flight in 1924 and is one of the oldest operating airports in Asia. Today it mainly handles domestic flights in Thailand and flights to neighboring countries, and it has become the hub of low-cost airlines: the top 3 low-cost carriers in Thailand, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air, are based there. The airport can be reached by train (including the SRT Red Line) or by road, with several dedicated bus lines.

Don Muang railway station moved in early 2023: the old station at street level has closed, and the new one is now above the road, where the Red Line arrives. The elevated walkway connecting the station and the airport is at the end of Terminal 2 on the 3rd floor, the floor with the check-in counters for domestic departures, which makes it very convenient to connect a train with a domestic flight. Inside the airport, to get to the station, follow the Red Line signs: the walkway is at the end of Terminal 2 on the 3rd floor; walk past the 7-Eleven, then the car park, and at the end of the car park, take the footbridge on the right (don't go straight on).

Getting to Don Muang on the Red Line

Since 2021, the SRT Red Line, a suburban rail line operated by the State Railway of Thailand, has served Don Muang, connected to the airport by a walkway leading to the Terminal 2 check-in counters (domestic flights). Connected to the MRT at Bang Sue station (20 minutes to Don Muang), the Red Line is an alternative to the BTS or MRT + A1 or A2 bus to get to Bangkok's second airport.

More information on the Red Line

Arriving by train from Hua Lamphong

Not everyone knows it, but one of the cheapest ways to get to Don Muang Airport from Bangkok, or to reach the city from the airport, is to take the train from Hua Lamphong station. Don Muang station is connected to the airport by an elevated walkway leading to the Terminal 2 check-in counters (domestic flights). So if you are coming from northern Thailand by train with a connecting flight to the south from Don Muang, there's no need to go into Bangkok: get off at Don Mueang station and take your flight from there – you'll save time and money.

Here you will find the timetable of trains from Bangkok Hua Lamphong to Don Muang and here the timetable of trains from Don Muang to Bangkok Hua Lamphong

Free shuttle bus between Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi

Travelers in transit who can show a ticket for a flight from Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok's other airport, can take the free shuttle buses between the two airports.

Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to get from one airport to the other.

Information and timetables on the page about the free shuttle between Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang

Don Muang Airport buses A1 to A4

To get to downtown Bangkok, there are also several bus lines, A1 to A4, which connect Don Muang Airport with Khao San Road, Sanam Luang (the esplanade in front of the Grand Palace), BTS Mo Chit station, Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Lumphini Park and Victory Monument.

Information and timetables on the page about Don Muang airport buses

Airport Limo Buses

More expensive and more comfortable, these buses claim to be faster. They also connect Don Muang Airport with Khao San Road, as well as the Silom, Ratchadamri, Ploenchit and Pratunam BTS stations.

Detailed information, timetables and fares on the Airport Limo Bus page

Shared minivans

There are also shared minivan services, mainly between the Khao San Road area and Don Muang Airport, for around 150 THB per person. Personally, I'm not a big fan: they depend heavily on traffic (the A buses often have dedicated lanes that help them avoid much of the congestion) and they are not convenient with large luggage. I'd rather take the A4 bus.

Bangkok metered taxis

At Don Muang Airport, the taxi waiting area, with several queues, is at Gate 8 of Terminal 1. Unlike at Suvarnabhumi, there are no machines but counters with an attendant at the end of each queue, who asks where you want to go and gives you a ticket before a driver takes you to his taxi. Drivers usually switch on the meter automatically, but if they don't, insist. A 50 THB airport surcharge is added to the metered fare, plus the expressway tolls if you take it, which is recommended. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Bolt operate in Bangkok and can be used at the airport, but follow the signs to the designated pick-up points.

More information on the page about Bangkok taxis

Long-distance transport from Don Muang

If, once you have landed at Don Muang Airport, you want to go straight to another province, you can take a taxi or private transport with a driver, such as a minivan if you are traveling as a group or family. But there is no long-distance bus service at Don Muang like the one at Suvarnabhumi.

Private minivans with driver

Private minivans with a driver must be booked in advance. They will wait for you at a specific gate (usually not far from the taxi stand), which they will tell you. Several companies offer this service.

The most popular routes are (click on them if you want to book through my partner):

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