What to expect when visiting Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is considered the busiest airport in Thailand. This airport has a single huge terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
While domestic flights also operate from Don Muang, almost all international flights arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This includes Thai Airways, Thai Smile, as well as Bangkok Airways for its domestic and international operations.
4 ways to get from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
There are 4 ways to travel the distance of 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre by Airport bus (1 hour), Taxi (30 to 45 minutes), train (30 to 40 minutes) and City bus (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 15 THB (€0.40) for the train.Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre by Train
The Airport Rail Link is an easy way to reach Bangkok. Especially during peak hours, the train can be quicker than the bus or a taxi as you won’t get stuck in traffic.
The only disadvantage of taking the train is that you will likely need another transport from the last station to your hotel or the other way around. If you’re staying on Khao San Road, it’s still another 15 minutes taxi ride from the last train station.
Airport rail link route
The airport link, located at the basement level, is connected to the BTS via Phaya Thai station and to the MRT via Makkasan Station. This is the route for the airport Rail Link:
Suvarnabhumi Airport – Lat Krabang – Ban Thap Chang – Hua Mak – Ramkhamhaeng – Makkasan – Ratchaprarop – Phaya Thai
The trains operate daily from 06:00 to 24:00 and depart every 10 or 15 minutes:
- Every 10 minutes from 06:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 (peak hours)
- Every 15 minutes during non-peak hours
Prices start from 15 THB (€0.40), depending on your departure or arrival station. You can get to your destination in about 30 to 40 minutes.
Tickets are available at the train station at the basement level. Online booking is also available via Klook for 205 THB (€5.60). Note that the Klook airport counter at the basement level is open only from 8:00 to 23:00.
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre by City Bus
The public bus from and to Suvarnabhumi Airport is a cheap way to get to the centre of Bangkok, but it is one of the slowest options.
Departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport
The city buses depart from Suvarnabhumi Bus Terminal, and the airport provides free shuttle buses to this terminal. The express shuttle buses are available outside the arrival hall on the 2nd level. Note that this is a different bus from the airport bus discussed in the first option.
At the bus terminal, there are three city buses going to different areas across Bangkok. These buses operate 24 hours per day, which makes them a cheap alternative if the airport buses are not available.
City bus routes
- Bus #551: Airport – New Bangkok-Chonburi Expressway – Srirat Expressway – Asoke – Din Daeng Road – Ratchawithi Road – Victory Monument
- Bus #552 : Airport – Bangna-Bangpakong Road – Sukhumvit Road – On Nut BTS Station
- Bus #556: Airport – Yommarat – Democracy Monument – Thammasat University – Pata Department Store – Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal
City bus schedules from Suvarnabhumi Airport
Upon arriving at the station, you need to buy your ticket at the ticket counter.
Without traffic, the travel time from Bangkok Airport is about an hour to the final stop. During peak hours though, it can take 1.5 hours or more. Keep in mind that Bangkok has busy roads, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly especially if you are on a tight schedule.
Note that city buses do not provide separate luggage compartments, so you will have to carry your bags with you. This is not comfortable or convenient on a packed bus, which is why we do not recommend this option if you have a lot of luggage.
Also, carefully check the stops along each bus route to make sure your hotel is near one of them.
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre by Airport Bus
The Bangkok Bus Line S1 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok’s historical centre, with Khao San Road and Sanam Luang in central Bangkok being the last stops. These buses are normally orange-coloured, but they have recently added new blue buses for this route.
S1 buses are available from 6:00 to 20:00 at the airport and from 7:00 to 21:00 when coming from Khao San Road. The S1 airport bus has a standard fare of 60 THB (€1.60). Travel time is at least 1 hour, possibly longer depending on traffic, especially during peak hours.
Departure from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport
To find the S1 airport bus, go to the ground level and exit the arrival hall at Gate 7. Then pass the crosswalk and you will see the sign for Line S1.
See the bus route below:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport – Mission Hospital – Democracy Monument – National Gallery – Sanam Luang Bus Terminal (a few minutes walk to Khao San Road)
From Suvarnabhumi Airport, the bus will take the freeway and then the Sirirat Expressway into Bangkok. It will exit the overhead expressway and go along Lan Luang Road.
These airport buses are available every 30 minutes at the airport, and they stop only at designated stops along their route. It is still a great option if you’re staying in the Khao San Road area because the bus stops just 100 m from the famous backpacker street.
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre by Taxi
If you want comfort and convenience, then taking a taxi is your best option.
The public taxi stand is located at the ground level, near entrances 3, 4, 7, and 8. Here, you will line up and take a ticket from the machine. Simply head to the lane number written on the ticket and wait for your designated taxi.
For more convenience, you can check online and reserve one on 12GoAsia. Fare from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre starts from 730 THB (€20).
Expressway
Taxi fares from the airport to central Bangkok start from 300 THB (€8.20). Drivers often prefer to take the expressway to avoid traffic. They will still ask you if you want to take the expressway, and you will have to shoulder the toll fee of 70 THB (€1.90).
We recommend paying the extra couple of dollars to save up to an hour of travel time, especially during peak hours. If not, you will likely end up paying the same or possibly more as the meter continues running while you are sitting in traffic.
Note: Grab taxis are a convenient and cheap way of travelling, but are only allowed for drop-offs at the airport and not from the airport to the city centre.
Additional airport surcharge
All taxis leaving the airport are metered. Be aware that there is an additional 50 THB (€1.40) airport surcharge that will be added to the final amount shown on the meter. Do not be surprised when the driver asks you for more than what the metre states because this is simply the policy for all taxis departing from the airport.
Note that the additional surcharge is only for taxis departing from the airport. You don’t need to pay any additional fee when taking a taxi to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Best places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
What is the distance from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre?
The distance from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre is 30 kilometers (19 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre is by taxi and takes 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre is by train with ticket costs starting from 15 THB (€0.40).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Fantastic information on an easy to use site. I applaud you.