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SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Address: 999 Moo 1 Tambon Racha Thewa, Amphoe Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Ranked as the tenth busiest airport in the world, the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), or Bangkok International Airport, is one of Thailand’s two international airports (the other one is Don Mueang).
BKK can accommodate 45 million passengers every year, and in 2012, the airport even managed 53 million passengers (surprisingly, in the same year, BKK was also one of the most photographed locations posted on Instagram.)
Since it opened its doors to several domestic and international commercial flights in September of 2006, BKK has been the hub for Asia Atlantic Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Business Air, Jet Asia Airways, Orient Thai Airlines, Thai Airways International, and Thai Smile.
Getting to BKK is easy, especially with the very convenient Airport Rail Way link (ARL). The entrance to the ARL is on the first floor of the airport.
Here, we give you directions on how to get to BKK from other Thai airports, in various modes of transportation:
AIRPORT RAILWAY LINK or ARL (BANGKOK)
The Airport Railway Link (ARL) is an express commuter train linking Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city. ARL, which began its operation in 2010, travels between Phaya Thai Station and Suvarnabhumi Airport and stops at 6 stations on the way: Rajaprarop Station, Makkasan Station, Ramkhanhaeng Station, Hua Maak Station, Baan Tubchang Station and Lardkrabang Station. The train travels 15 minutes from Makkasan, and 18 minutes from Phaya Thai.
HOW TO GET TO BKK FROM OTHER THAI AIRPORTS
A. From Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to BKK:
1. Shuttle Bus/ Service
You can take the free shuttle bus/ service at the airport, which operates every day from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 m.n. The shuttle bus lane is located outside Gate 5 of DMK, and you just have to present your plane ticket from BKK (same rule applies to BKK to DMK shuttle). The bus will drop you at the airport. No pit stops. Estimated journey time: 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic
2. Public Bus
Take the public bus # 555, which travels between DMK and BKK between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. daily, departing every 30 minutes. The bus makes 5 stops along the way and estimated travelling time is 1 hour or more, depending on the traffic.
The disadvantage, of course, is if you’re travelling during rush hour or the rainy season— and the pit stops would make the travelling more stressful.
The fee for the bus costs around 36 baht.
3. Taxi
Naturally, the taxi is your best option if the public bus/ free shuttle service options are not available or suitable due to their limits. Just tell your cab driver to drop you off at “Suvarnabhumi Airport” or “Bangkok International Airport.”
The taxi fare ranges from 300 to 350 baht plus toll/ expressway fees. (Note: Beware of scam drivers. The taxi rate should not go over 400 baht, excluding toll/ expressway fees.) Estimated travelling time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic.
B. From Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to BKK:
1. Plane
Chiang Mai International Airport or CNX, located at the heart of the Chiang Mai Province in the northern part of Thailand, has flights going directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Airline carriers like Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile Airways, and Thai Airways service flights to BKK, and airfare ranges between $72 and $99, or 2,620 to 3,470 baht. Estimated travelling time: The 436 miles trip takes 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
2. Train
Take the Chiang Mai Train Service. The Chiang Mai Rail Station is located 2 kilometres east of the city centre, near the post office. This is highly recommended if you desire a romantic and scenic view of Thailand. It is affordable, environmentally friendly, and the journey is as culturally rich as your destination.
Travel time from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes 12 to 14 hours (more info here). Get off at Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station, then take a 2-minute walk to the MRT Subway (Petchaburi Station). Then walk around 5 minutes to the Airport Rail Link, or ARL, at Makkasan Station (City Air Terminal). The ARL will take you directly to BKK.
Of course, a taxi from Hualamphong Station to BKK is more ideal if you are in a hurry and have no interest in experiencing the MRT and ARL.
C. From Phuket International Airport (HKT) to BKK:
1. Plane
Phuket International Airport, or HKT, which services the famous Phuket Province of Thailand, is the third busiest airport in the country. The airport is 20 miles from the city centre and is located north of Phuket Island.
Airline carriers like Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways service flights directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Flight rates ranges from $79 to $88, or 2,760 to 3,080 baht.
Estimated travelling time: The 847-mile trip takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes.
2. Bus + Train
From Phuket, take a 5-hour bus to Surat Thani Railway Station, then take the sleeper train station to Bangkok. The fare for the bus and train combined ranges from $34 to $53, or 1,020 to 1, 590 baht.
From Bangkok Hualamphong Station, take a 2-minute walk to the MRT Subway (Petchaburi Station). Then walk around 5 minutes to the Airport Rail Link, or ARL, at Makkasan Station (City Air Terminal). The ARL will take you directly to BKK. Or take the taxi.
D. From Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) to BKK:
1. Plane
Hat Yai International Airport, or HDY, is a popular airport for Muslims from Mecca pilgrimages and home to major southern Thailand flights.
Airline carriers like Thai Smile Airways, Thai Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai Airways service non-stop flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Flight rate ranges from $84 to $105, or 2,974 to 5,290 baht.
Estimated travelling time: The 972-mile trip takes 1 hour, 25 minutes to 1 hour, 30 minutes.
2. Train
There is a train ride linking Bangkok to the southern cities/ provinces of Thailand. From the Hat Yai Station, trains will take you directly to Bangkok. Train fare ranges from $11 to $53, or 340 to 1,590baht. Estimated travelling time: 15 to 16 hours.
E. From Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) to BKK:
1. Plane
Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, or CEI, is located at the city of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, 10 kilometres from the city centre. Airline carriers like Thai Smile Airways and Bangkok Airways offer direct flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Flight rates ranges from $75 to $85, or 2,620to 2,970baht. Estimated travelling time: The 808 miles trip takes 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1 hour, 30 minutes.
2. Train
From the Chiang Mai Railway Station, which is located east of the city on Charoen Mueang Road, take the comfortable night train. But since trains crowd quickly, it is wise to book way in advance. From Bangkok, you can take the taxi to BKK.
Many travellers prefer the second-class sleeper trains —also air-conditioned, with rows of bunks with curtains for your privacy.
3. Bus
From the airport, go to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. This is a cheap way to get to Bangkok, but you can’t, of course, expect some leg space. A ticket to these double-decker buses usually cost 350 to 500 baht, and they normally depart at 6:30 in the evening and arrive at 7:00 a.m. in Bangkok. From Bangkok, you can take the taxi to BKK.
SHOPPING DESTINATIONS AROUND SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
1. Paseo Mall
318 LatKrabang Rd, LatKrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
Located at the Lat Krabang Road, Paseo Mall is close to Suvarnabhumi International Airport Bangkok. Getting there from the airport only takes a 10-minute drive. You can even walk to the mall if you have the time.
The mall opens at 10:00 in the morning and closes at midnight. The Paseo Mall Night Market, however, is open only on Wednesdays to Mondays, starting at 4:00 PM.
At Paseo Mall, you can find plenty of restaurants and eateries, a massage parlour, and bargain goods.
2. Mega Bangna
39 Moo 6 Bangna-Trad Rd BangpleeSamutPrakan, Thailand
Widely regarded as the “mall for the many,” Mega Bangna is indeed a mega mall! This colossal low-rise shopping mall located halfway between BKK and the city centre of Bangkok measures up to 35,000 square.
The mall is so big that the parking lot can accommodate up to 8,000 vehicles. The mall has 450 brand shops, a giant ice rink, a food court, a big cineplex, a 24-hour bowling alley—and is the home of IKEA. This is the reason why lots of interior design and DIY enthusiasts flock to Mega Bangna.
3. Paradise Park Bangkok
61 Srinakarin Road, Nongbon, Prawet, Bangkok, Thailand
Located on Srinakarin Road, the 5-story Paradise Park Bangkok is distinctly modern—the futuristic architecture indeed sets it apart from other malls.
This shopping mall has everything, from lifestyle and entertainment, IT and gadgets, branded shops, appliances, spas, salons, a fitness center, even Thai and international cuisines.
Perfectly balanced, Paradise Park Bangkok is a convenient shopping center if you need last-minute shopping on your way to Suvarnabhumi Aiport.
4. Seacon Square
Srinakarin Road, Prawet District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is near the Dusit Princess Hotel and Paradise Park Shopping Center
Asia’s “largest shopping mall,” the famous Seacon Square measures up to 1.9-Msq ft—equivalent to 96 football fields! So colossal this mall is, it even features a mini-golf course, a 10,000-sqm indoor amusement park, and 14-theatre Cineplex!
Just 14km from BKK, Seacon Square is just a great place to unwind before your long flight.
5. Central World
999/9 Rama I Road Pathumwan Bangkok
Central World is the 6th largest shopping complex in the world! The complex houses an office building and a hotel, while the mall proper includes an ice rink, a 15-theatre Cineplex, two anchor department stores, learning center for kids, and a wide-range of shopping stalls (over 500 stores, and 100 restaurants)!
HOTELS NEAR SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
1. Novotel Bangkok
Address: 220 Petchaburi Road, Ratchatevee, Bangkok, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 209 1700
This hotel offers genuinely luxurious experience and comfort to its clientele. Novotel features a fitness center, swimming pool, a sauna, and a restaurant that offers a wide array of dishes. It is also a short distance to the Patpong Night Market, where you can get authentic Thai food and souvenirs.
The hotel also offers a free 30-minute drive to the airport. Room rate ranges from $90 to $100, or 3,150 to 4,200 baht.
2. Louise Tavern Transit Hotel
Address: 4th Floor, International Departures, Concourse G. of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Phone:+66 2 134 6567
If you badly need to plop down on a bed after a long flight and have zero energy left, then Louise Tavern Transit is the answer to your needs. You don’t even have to clear Immigration before you check-in.
Located just inside BKK, this highly convenient accommodation has everything you need for a very comfortable stay. There’s a barber shop, the popular Suvarnabhumi International Airport Bangkok Restaurant (open 24 hours), a massage spa, and sauna room are available inside the hotel.
Hotel rooms are inclusive of free Internet access, television set, mini-bar, telephone connection. It also offers monitoring of your flight information.
Room rate ranges from $37 to $45, or 1,300 to 1,600 baht.
3. Casa Narinya Hotel
Address: 70/12 Kingkaew 43 Road, Bangplee, 10540, Thailand
Phone:+66 2 738 3389
In the ideal and convenient location near Suvarnabhumi Aiport, Casa Narinya is also a great option. Their amenities are enough for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Their air-conditioned rooms have free wi-fi and room service.
The hotel has 24-hour security, non-smoking rooms, and upgraded rooms have balconies.
4. Queen’s Garden Resort
Address: 22 Soi 7, Suvarnabhumi, On Nuch Road, Suvarnabhumi, Thailand.
Phone:+66 2 172 6115
Located just 7 kilometres from the Suvarnabhumi Airport, Queen’s Garden Resort is a classic and charmingly modest hotel. It overlooks the Prawet Burirom Canal and is also a 9-minute sprint from the BTS Skytrain station of Lat Krabang.
With modern rooms in muted tones and hardwood floors, the hotel also features sofa beds, flat screen TVs, mini fridges, and free wi-fi. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals and a 24-hour airport shuttle service.
Get your breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant.
5. The Phoenix Hotel
Address: 88 Ladkrabang 7, Ladkrabang Road
Phone:+66 2 737 1446
This unpretentiously designed hotel is just 4 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi International Airport Bangkok, occupying two linked buildings in the district of Lat Krabang. It’s also just an 11-minute walk from the nearest subway station.
The modest rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-makers, and free wifi. Upgrade to a higher-priced room and you can also enjoy a balcony. If you go for a hotel suite, you also get a separate living room.
Room service is available, and breakfast is free. You can also enjoy their restaurant and café.
They also provide a free airport shuttle.
Helpful articles and blog posts on Suvarnabhumi Airport and:
We only recommend writers and blogs that we read regularly and believe will deliver substantial value to our readers. The following is our top picks of articles we think are worth reading for you to get an extensive knowledge of the airport and how to get into the city.
- “How to arrive into Bangkok International Airport Suvarnabhumi” – by the Longest Way Home
- “Arriving at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport Bangkok and Getting to the City” – by Uneven Sidewalks
- “Getting Around in Bangkok with Airport Rail Link, BTS, MRT, River Boat, Taxi & Tuk Tuk” – by Cuisine Paradise
- “The Bangkok airport rail link and more- Getting around Bangkok, Thailand” – by Caz and Craig of yTravel
If you’re a digital or creative nomad coming into Bangkok to work and you need a guide to resources, then you might want to check out Bangkok co-working spaces for digital and creative nomads.
Do you have an awesome link to a relevant well-written article that should be included here? If so, hit us up on Twitter by following and messaging us the link. Looking for the best budget stays in Bangkok? Check out our guide to Bangkok for further information.
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