How to Get from Bangkok Airport to the City

Arriving in Thailand is always exciting, but the first big question every visitor faces is: how do I get from Bangkok airport to the city?

How to get from Bangkok Airport to the City Guide

Bangkok has two main airports – Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the larger international hub, and Don Mueang Airport (DMK), which mainly handles low-cost carriers and regional flights. Both are well connected to the city, but the options differ slightly.

This guide covers the best ways to reach central Bangkok, taking into account convenience, price, ease of use, and practical considerations.

Overview:
The Airport Rail Link (ARL) connects Suvarnabhumi International Airport to downtown Bangkok in just 25 – 30 minutes. Trains run from 6:00 a.m. until midnight, making it a reliable and fast option for many travelers. The ARL terminates at Phaya Thai Station, where you can transfer to the BTS Skytrain for further connections.

Price: Around 45 Baht (THB): just over US$1.

Pros:

  • Fast and avoids Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
  • Cheap compared to taxis or private transfers.
  • Easy to connect with the BTS Skytrain or MRT metro for further travel.

Cons:

  • Can be crowded during rush hours.
  • No direct service to hotels – requires a transfer to BTS/MRT or taxi.
  • Not suitable if you have heavy luggage or arrive very late at night.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, solo travelers, and those staying near a BTS or MRT station.

2. Public Taxi Service

Overview:
Taxis are the most common way to reach your hotel directly from the airport. Official taxi counters are clearly marked at both BKK and DMK airports. Drivers use the meter, and a small airport surcharge applies.

Price:

  • Suvarnabhumi to central Bangkok: 300 – 500 THB (US$8–14), including tolls and surcharge.
  • Don Mueang to central Bangkok: 200 – 400 THB (US$6–12).

Pros:

  • Direct, door-to-door service.
  • Available 24/7.
  • Comfortable, especially with luggage.

Cons:

  • Risk of traffic delays, especially during rush hours.
  • Some drivers may try to avoid the meter (insist on it).
  • Slightly more expensive than public transport.

Best for: Families, travelers with luggage, or those arriving late at night.

3. Private Transfer or Ride-Hailing Apps

Overview:
Private airport transfers can be pre-booked online, with a driver waiting for you at arrivals. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber) are widely used in Bangkok.

Price:

  • Pre-booked private transfer: 800 – 1,200 THB (US$20–30).
  • GrabCar: 400 – 800 THB (US$10 – 20), depending on distance and traffic.

Pros:

  • Stress-free arrival with meet-and-greet service.
  • Fixed price with no haggling.
  • Comfortable cars, good for groups.

Cons:

  • More expensive than taxis or trains.
  • Grab prices can surge during peak hours.

Best for: First-time visitors, business travelers, or anyone wanting maximum convenience.

4. Airport Buses

Overview:
From both airports, several bus routes connect to different parts of the city. At Suvarnabhumi, the S1 bus goes to Khao San Road (popular with backpackers), while other routes head to Victory Monument and Mo Chit. Don Mueang also has buses linking to the BTS and MRT.

Price: Around 30 – 60 THB (US$1 – 2).

Pros:

  • Very cheap.
  • Direct links to backpacker areas and transport hubs.

Cons:

  • Slower due to traffic.
  • Can be confusing for first-time visitors.
  • Limited luggage space.

Best for: Budget travelers and backpackers heading directly to areas like Khao San Road. For more details on the buses to Khao San Road, please see section 8 below.

5. Limousine Services

Overview:
Both airports offer official limousine counters, with higher-end cars and English-speaking drivers. This is the most comfortable – but priciest – option.

Price: 1,200 – 2,000 THB (US$30 – 55), depending on vehicle type.

Pros:

  • A reliable, premium and hassle-free service.
  • Ideal after long-haul flights as there is generally less waiting around.
  • Drivers will usually have good English language and customer service skills.

Cons:

  • Significantly more expensive than other options.

Best for: Luxury travelers, business visitors or anyone else who doesn’t mind paying a bit extra for the convenience. AOT limousine service can be booked on arrival.

6. Train + Taxi Combo (Don Mueang only)

Overview:
Don Mueang Airport now connects to Bangkok’s suburban rail line via the SRT Red Line. You can take the Red Line from Don Mueang to Bang Sue Grand Station (around 20 minutes), then connect to the MRT Blue Line to reach different parts of the city.

Price: Around 30 – 50 THB (US$1 – 1.50) for the train, plus onward metro or taxi fare.

Pros:

  • Cheap and avoids some traffic.
  • New, air-conditioned trains.

Cons:

  • Requires transfers, which may be inconvenient with luggage.
  • Not as straightforward as taxis.

Best for: Travelers familiar with Bangkok’s transport system or those staying near the MRT.

7. Things to Consider When Choosing Your Transport

  • Time of Arrival: Late-night arrivals may limit your choices – trains and buses stop around midnight, leaving taxis or private transfers as the only options.
  • Luggage: If you have large bags, taxis or private transfers will be more comfortable than public transport.
  • Budget: Trains and buses are very cheap, while taxis and Grab strike a balance. Private transfers and limousines are the most expensive but most comfortable.
  • Traffic: Bangkok traffic can be unpredictable – trains are the only option guaranteed to avoid jams.

8. Bangkok Airport to Khao San Road

If you’re staying in the Khao San Road area and don’t want to take a taxi or Grab ride, your best option from Suvarnabhumi Airport is to take the S1 Bus mentioned in section 4 above.

The S1 bus runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport every 30 minutes from 6am until 8pm and costs 60 Baht per person, payable in cash when you board. It departs from one of the bus bays outside of Entrance/Exit 7 on Level 1.

There’s plenty of room for luggage, the buses are air conditioned and reasonably modern. Depending on traffic, you can reckon on the journey taking between 60 and 90 minutes.

From Don Mueang Airport to Khao San Road you can take the air-conditioned A4 Bus which runs from around 6am until 11pm. It departs every 30 – 40 minutes, although less frequently later in the evening. The fare is 50 Baht and again, you are looking at a 60 – 90 minute ride depending on traffic.

A Note on Hotel Location

When choosing your hotel, it’s worth considering proximity to public transport. Staying near a BTS Skytrain or MRT metro station will make your stay in Bangkok far more convenient, not just for getting from the airport but also for exploring the city.

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, try to prioritize hotels with easy access to these lines. It will save you time, money and hassle, especially during rush hour. Check out our guide to Planning Your Trip to Bangkok.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” way to get from Bangkok’s airports to the city – it depends on your budget, luggage, time of arrival, and where you’re staying.

  • Fastest and cheapest: Airport Rail Link (Suvarnabhumi) or Red Line (Don Mueang).
  • Most convenient: Taxi or Grab for door-to-door service.
  • Most comfortable: Pre-booked private transfer or limousine.
  • Cheapest overall: Airport buses, though slower and less comfortable.

With a little planning – and by booking accommodation near public transport – you’ll find the journey from the airport to Bangkok city center straightforward and stress-free.

Bangkok Airport to City: Quick Comparison

Transport Option Price (THB) Time Pros Cons Best For
Airport Rail Link (BKK) 45 25–30 mins Fast, cheap, avoids traffic No door-to-door service, crowded at peak times Budget travelers, solo
Public Taxi 300–500 (BKK) / 200–400 (DMK) 30–60+ mins Door-to-door, 24/7, good with luggage Traffic delays, some drivers avoid meter Families, late arrivals
Grab / Private Transfer 400–1,200 30–60+ mins Comfortable, fixed price, pre-bookable More expensive, surge pricing (Grab) First-time visitors, groups
Airport Bus 30–60 45–90+ mins Very cheap, direct to Khao San and hubs Slow, limited luggage space Backpackers, budget-only
Limousine Service 1,200–2,000 30–60+ mins Premium cars, meet-and-greet Expensive Business, luxury
SRT Red Line (DMK) 30–50 20–30 mins (to Bang Sue) New trains, avoids traffic Requires transfer, less direct Experienced travelers, near MRT

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Don Mueang Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link

Grab App (like Uber for Thailand)

BTS Skytrain

Bangkok MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

AOT Limousine Service