Being in Bangkok for the first time can be quite a stressful experience at times. Here are some practical things you should know about Bangkok’s two airports to make your arrival or departure easier.
Suvarnabhumi Airport:
Suvarnabhumi is the airport where most westerners land first, so let’s start with this one: Look here. Of the two airports, it is by far the more convenient. You have two options to get to Bangkok, where you are in Suvarnabhumi: Shuttles are easy to use and cheap. They connect the airport to major tourist attractions such as Khao San Road. For more information, see the full article: Shuttles between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports.
The airport rail link is the cheapest, fastest and most convenient way to travel from the airport to Bangkok. This S-Bahn runs all day. There are frequent trains, so you never have to wait long. The Airport Rail Link The train station is located in the basement of the airport. It serves several stations and the Phetchaburi MRT station and reaches the city centre in 30 minutes.
You can find the schedule here. You can also take a taxi, but it will cost you a few hundred baht. Please note that Bangkok taxis run on natural gas, not petrol. They keep the bottle in the car’s trunk, which means they only have a little space for luggage. If you are in a group of more than four people and have a lot of baggage, you should ask for a “limousine” taxi, which is a regular taxi, but more extensive and expensive.
Don Mueang Airport
This is the airport you must fly into when flying within Thailand or to neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, etc. With low-cost companies like AirAsia or Nok Air: The transfers are fast and cheap; some take you from the airport to the city centre or BTS stations.
An even cheaper option is to take the train. Next to the airport is Don Muang Station which has made a colony of rats it’s home… A small bridge crossing the highway will take you to the station. It’s easy to find, but only choose this option if you need to go to Hua Lampong train station (near Chinatown) and you’re prompt. Trains are pretty slow, sometimes late and not that frequent. There is always an option to take a taxi, but they can be a bit more expensive unless you are a group of people, in which case the price can be pretty low.
The trip from the airport to Mo Chit BTS station should cost between 130 and 150 baht, depending on traffic. See prices here. Finally, it’s also possible to rent a car at both airports, but driving in Bangkok for the first time can be an intense experience, given the size of the city and the hectic traffic. GPS is strongly recommended.
Difference between Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport
Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport are Bangkok’s international airports. While Suvarnabhumi is about 32 km east of Bangkok, Don Mueang is only 24 km north of the capital. While both airports handle domestic and international flights, Don Mueang handles most domestic connections, particularly those from low-cost airlines.
With good maintenance, sophistication and good connectivity from Bangkok’s two airports to the city centres, this city can guarantee a smooth flow of tourists. They are a boost for the tourism industry. Indeed, you won’t have any trouble travelling to and from Bangkok.
