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Transport to and from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Transport between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is the best known but also the newest of the city's two airports. Opened in 2006, it replaced Don Muang Airport for most international flights to Thailand, and it handles the domestic flights of Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and VietJetAir. It is connected to central Bangkok by a dedicated rail line, the Airport Rail Link, which is very convenient to avoid traffic jams, by several bus services to downtown Bangkok and some provinces (see below) and, of course, by taxis. Here are all the options in detail.

Airport Rail Link (ARL)

This dedicated rail line between Suvarnabhumi and downtown Bangkok has made life much easier for travelers: it is fast, air-conditioned and connects the airport with the city in just over half an hour. The ARL also connects with Bangkok's two other metro networks, the BTS Skytrain and the MRT, and even makes it easy to catch the Khlong Saen Saep boats.

Detailed information, map, fares and timetables on the page about the Bangkok Airport Rail Link

Free shuttle bus between Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang

Travelers in transit who can show a ticket for a flight from Don Muang, Bangkok's other airport, can board the free white buses that run between the two airports.

Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to get to Don Muang Airport.

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

S1 bus between Khao San and Suvarnabhumi

This bus line connects Suvarnabhumi Airport with the Khao San Road area and terminates at Sanam Luang, the large esplanade in front of Bangkok's Grand Palace.

The service is convenient, but the journey time varies a lot depending on traffic: it can take anywhere from 50 minutes to more than 1 hour 30 minutes.

Detailed information, timetables and fares on the page about the S1 bus Suvarnabhumi - Khao San

Airport Limo Buses

More expensive and more comfortable, these buses claim to be faster. They also serve 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

Bangkok taxis

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, the taxi stands are on the 1st floor, with one lane for regular taxis and one for large taxis that can take more passengers (I'd say no more than 5 if you have large luggage). You get a ticket from a machine, which tells you where to find the taxi waiting for you. Note that a 50 THB airport surcharge, plus the expressway tolls if you take it (which I strongly recommend so as not to spend too long in traffic jams), will be added to the fare shown on the meter. These taxis normally switch on the meter automatically, but if they don't, insist. A taxi ride between Suvarnabhumi and central Bangkok, including the surcharge and tolls, costs around 400-500 THB.

Note that since the end of March 2024, there has been a Grab service center at Suvarnabhumi Airport. It offers passengers and Grab users information, assistance and a pick-up point. Located on the 1st floor of the passenger terminal, at Gate 4, it is open 24 hours a day. Passengers can book a Grab taxi, GrabCar or JustGrab in the app and then go to the designated pick-up point to meet their vehicle.

More information on the page about Bangkok taxis

Long-distance transport from Suvarnabhumi

If, once you have landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you want to go straight to Isan (northeastern Thailand) or to some destinations further south, there are several bus services, as well as private transport with a driver, including minivans if you are traveling as a group or family. Taxis are also an option.

Long-distance buses

Also on the 1st floor of the airport, just before the Food Court, there are counters selling tickets for direct buses to Pattaya and Hua Hin, and minivans to Koh Chang and some cities in northeastern Thailand (Isan). This can be convenient if the timetable fits your arrival time. Allow at least 2 hours 30 minutes between your landing time and the bus departure if you book your ticket in advance. Buses to Pattaya and Hua Hin are very frequent.

Available routes (click to see timetables and fares and book your tickets):

Private minivans with driver

Another way to get to your next destination directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport is a private minivan with a driver, which can take you straight to another province. Several companies offer this service, but you have to book in advance.

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

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