Landing in Bangkok to visit Thailand? Here’s how to get from Bangkok airport to the city center.
Located thirty-two kilometers from Bangkok city hall, Suvarnabhumi airport has been in operation since 2006. It is Thailand’s main terminal. In fact, it was built to replace the small and aging Don Muang airport. Its name comes from ancient Buddhist texts and means « Land of Gold ». It has an annual capacity of 45 million passengers. Nevertheless, it has now welcomed over 50 million since 2012 (with the exception of 2014). As a result, it regularly ranks in the world’s top 20 in terms of visitor numbers.
Bangkok City Hall is located in the Phra Nakhon district. This is the most interesting district for cultural and historical visits. However, it is not considered the center of Bangkok. The latter is much more modern. You’ll find many skyscrapers and shopping malls, and it’s called Phatum Wan. So, cab, metro or bus? Are these means of transport available to reach the heart of the city? How much do they cost and how fast are they? Here’s how to get from Bangkok airport to the city center.
The cheapest: public buses
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Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Fares: 20 to 60 baht
Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. for daytime buses, 24 hours a day for some lines with night buses.
Bangkok’s public buses are available from the airport’s Transport Center, which you can reach by free shuttle bus. You can choose between two bus lines to reach the center. However, you’ll need to supplement your journey with another means of locomotion, as neither goes to Pathum Wan. But don’t worry, you’ll still be close by.
Please note that if your luggage is too large, the driver may refuse you access to the vehicle.
Here are the lines to use:
- Line 551: operating 24 hours a day, this is the most convenient and fastest of the lines. It runs along the express way and terminates at Victory Monument. From there, you can take the BTS to Siam station.
- Line 552: runs along Thailand’s longest street, Sukhumvit Road. Get off at the Ekkamai stop, then take the BTS to Siam station.
- Bonus: The S1 line: this bus line, introduced in 2017, can be taken from level 1 and gate 7 of the airport. It doesn’t serve central Bangkok, but it’s still worth mentioning. But why? Simply because it’s the most convenient line to Khao San Road. So it’s useful if you’ve decided to stay on or near this festive, touristy street. It’s also the line that takes you to the Grand Palais and its most culturally and historically interesting district. Indeed, you’ll find Wat Pho, Wat Arun and many other sights to visit.
Most available: Taxis
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Time: between 25 minutes and 2 hours, in case of traffic jams, to reach the city center.
Fares: 250 to 400 baht depending on distance
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
A cab is the solution that combines simplicity, comfort and speed for a transfer between Bangkok airport and the city center.
Located on level 1, several reservation kiosks are available at gates 3, 4, 7 and 8. Take your ticket and wait in the line indicated. Cabs authorized to pick up passengers within the airport are required to use an electronic meter. The amount you pay will be based on the kilometers covered. Or by time, if you’re stuck in traffic. Your driver will ask you if you want to use the freeway, and it’s up to you to pay the various tolls.
For those in a hurry, you can also book your cab online, on platforms like TaxiTender. TaxiTender is an online booking platform for reliable and affordable airport transfers. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area, with a sign bearing your name. He or she will then take you to exactly where you want to go. Cancellation is free of charge. If you’ve booked an early morning flight to Beauvais airport, or if you simply prefer to take a cab to the airport, this platform is ideal for that purpose.
The most comfortable: Private transfer
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Time: between 25 minutes and 2 hours, in case of traffic jams, to reach the city center.
Fares: 400 to 1000 baht depending on vehicle type
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Would you prefer a comfortable means of transport for your transfer between Bangkok airport and the city center? Then opt for a private transfer. You’ll have a car with a driver, usually English-speaking. Several classes of vehicle are available, depending on your needs and expectations. Once you’re in the car, you won’t have to worry about a thing.
You can easily book this type of service online via an airport transfer booking website. There are also counters in the terminal if you haven’t booked your transfer in advance. This service is also available in the hotel-airport direction.
The fastest : Airport Link
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Duration: between 15 and 30 minutes
Prices: 45 to 200 baht
Hours: 6am to midnight
The Airport Link is the metro line that connects Suvarnabhumi airport with central Bangkok. To take it, simply go to the lowest level of the airport (level B). Here you’ll find the terminal’s two best exchange offices (Value Plus and Super Rich). If you’ve already got Thai coins, you can buy your ticket from an automatic machine. Otherwise, go to the Airport City Link counter and ask the cashier for the Phaya Thaï station.
There’s also a 2nd metro train, which takes the same route. However, it only stops at two stations (Makkasan and Phaya Thai). It’s called the Survanabhumi Express Airport and is also on level B. Once you’ve arrived at Phaya Thaï, simply take the overhead metro (BTS) to Siam station.
The alternative: rent a car near Bangkok airport
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Duration: between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on traffic
Prices: between €30 and €40
Hours: 6 a.m. to midnight
Would you like to have total freedom of movement and be able to go wherever you want to visit Bangkok? Then you can easily rent a car near Bangkok airport. Europcar, Chic Car Rent or Sixt Rent A Car will help you choose the vehicle you need. To rent a car online, visit Rentalcars. In this case, please allow a minimum of €30 per day.
Sleeping near Bangkok airport
Are you on a stopover and want to avoid a double transfer between Bangkok airport and the city center? Then sleep close to the airport. There are a multitude ofhotels offering services of varying standards, depending on the price. You’ll find hotels at every price point, from around ten euros a night to several hundred euros.