Overview Compare Bus Taxi Train To Stay
Don Muang Airport (DMK) is considered to be one of the oldest international airports in the world. It is one of the two international airports in Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok. DMK Airport is a very busy airport and is a hub for Nok Air, NokScoot, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, and Thai Lion Air.
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How to travel from and to Don Muang Airport (Bangkok)
Don Muang Airport is located 25 km (15 miles) north of downtown Bangkok. In this post, we compare 3 options when travelling from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok city centre: by train (20-50 minutes), by bus (30-60 minutes), and by taxi (30-60 minutes). Fares range from 5 THB ($0.10) to 200 THB ($5.50).
3 ways to get from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok city centre
The quickest way to travel between Bangkok and Don Muang Airport is by train. The train stations are conveniently connected to the airport, and you won’t have to worry about traffic at all. Travel time and fare both depend on the train line you pick.
Taking the bus won’t take much longer than a taxi as both will depend on traffic. If you are staying in the Khao San Road area, you can take Airport Bus 4, which will take you directly to Don Muang Airport.
A taxi ride from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok centre will cost about 200 THB ($5.50). Keep in mind that this price does not include the airport surcharge and the toll fee if you choose to take the expressway. The drive to Bangkok will normally take around 30 minutes to 1 hour if you travel during off-peak hours.
Note that during peak hours, the journey can easily take over an hour by both taxi and bus.
PRO TIP: If you need to catch a connecting flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), there is an airport shuttle bus outside Gate 6 at Don Muang Airport. It’s free of charge if you show the staff your flight ticket and a valid ID. The bus trip between the two airports will take about 1 hour.
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.
Itinerary from and to Don Muang Airport (Bangkok)
Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre by Train
Don Muang Airport is accessible from Bangkok by train. You can choose between the SRT Dark Red Line train (new commuter train) and the Northern or Northeastern Line train (old ordinary train).
If you’re staying on Khao San Road, you can take either train to Hua Lamphong Railway Station. From this station, it’s a 15-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride to the backpacker district.
Both train stations are connected to the airport building, just a 5 to 10-minute walk. The walk involves sets of stairs, which is a hassle if you have luggage. But it definitely beats being stuck in Bangkok traffic, especially during peak hours.
– SRT Dark Red Line
The SRT Red Line is a new commuter train line in Bangkok. Its last stop is Bang Sue Station, the largest railway station in Southeast Asia. This station houses both the SRT line and the MRT line, which runs on a loop around Bangkok centre.
This train line is new and much faster than the ordinary train line. From Don Muang Airport, you can get to Bang Sue Station in just 20 minutes. Tickets range from 12 THB ($0.30) to 42 THB ($1.20).
Here’s the train schedule:
- Every 20 minutes from 05:30 to 24:00
- Every 12 minutes during peak hours (05:00-07:00 and 17:00-19:00)
Departure and arrival station
The airport is accessible from Don Mueang Train Station through the air-conditioned skywalk. It takes about 10 minutes by foot between the train station and Terminal 1.
This new train line operates between Bang Sue Station and Rangsit Station. The SRT line is on the 2nd floor of Bang Sue Station. You need to go to the underground level to take the MRT line that stops at Hua Lamphong station.
If you’re travelling from central Bangkok to Don Muang Airport, you can take the MRT to Bang Sue station first and then the SRT to the airport.
– SRT Northern or Northeastern Line
The trains on both the northern and northeastern lines make a stop at Don Muang Airport. Note that these lines use ordinary trains, so you can expect a very slow journey. They are available throughout the day, but some trains have a few hours intervals between them.
Between Bangkok and Don Muang Airport, the train ticket is extremely cheap at 5 THB ($0.10).
The train ride to Bangkok will take about 50 minutes, and you will likely need to take the MRT/BTS, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk to reach your accommodation.
Departure and arrival station
The Don Muang Train Station is connected to the airport building by a pedestrian bridge outside Terminal 1. Just follow the signs going to Amari Hotel or the Northern Line train station.
The northern train line runs between Hua Lamphong in Bangkok and Chiang Mai Railway Station in the north. Meanwhile, the northeastern line can get you to Nong Khai and Udon Ratchathani near the Laos border.
You can check the schedule between Hua Lamphong and Don Muang on 12GoAsia. Online booking is also available on the website.
Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre by Bus
When travelling from Don Muang Airport (DMK) to Bangkok centre, you can take an airport bus. The orange buses are the older buses, and the blue buses are the newer shuttles for this route.
There are four airport shuttles with different routes. For travellers staying around Khao San Road, the airport bus A4 will take you directly to the backpacker district.
Bus fares range between 30 THB ($0.80) and 50 THB ($1.40). There are several trips every hour from morning to late at night.
Departure at Don Muang Airport
The airport and shuttle buses are on the first level of Don Muang Airport, outside Gates 6 and 12. If you want to take a city bus, you need to go outside the airport grounds and wait along the main road.
Bus schedule from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok city centre
| Bus | Route | Fare | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Route | Airport – BTS Chatuchak – Chatuchak Bus Terminal (vice versa) | 30 THB ($0.80) | every 5 minutes between 6:15-0:30 |
| A2 Route | Airport – Victory Monument (vice versa) | 30 THB ($0.80) | every 15 minutes between 06:30-23:00 |
| A3 Route | Airport -Lumphini Park (vice versa) | 50 THB ($1.40) | every 30 minutes between 7:30-23:00 |
| A4 Route | Airport – Khaosan Road/City Centre (vice versa) | 50 THB ($1.40) | every 30 minutes between 7:30-23:00 |
There is no online booking or ticket station for these buses, and you can just pay your fare on board.
Bus stops of airport buses
To make it easy to find which bus stops near your accommodation, we created this map with all bus stops from each bus in different colours: Bus A1 (grey), A2 (red), A3 (green), and A4 (blue).
Prefer to have an overview with all stops in a list? Here you go:
- A1 – Central Lat Phrao Mall, BTS Mochit/MRT Chatuchak, Chatuchak Bus Terminal
- A2 – Kasetsart University, Central Lat Phrao Mall, BTS Mochit/MRT Chatuchak, Saphan Kwai, Ari, Sanam Pao, Victory Monument
- A3 – Din Daeng, Pratunam, Ratchaprasong, Ratchadamri, Lumphini Park
- A4 – Khao San Road, the Democracy Monument, Phanfa Bridge, Lan Luang Yommarat, Tha Prachan, Tha Chang
How to get from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi Airport
Don Muang Airport also offers free shuttle rides to Suvarnabhumi Airport daily. You just need to show the airport staff your flight ticket and a valid ID. Here’s an overview of the schedule:
- 05:00 – 08:00 (every 30 minutes)
- 08:00 – 11:00 (every 12 minutes)
- 11:00 – 00:00 (every 30 minutes)
Total travel time is about 1 hour. These shuttle buses can be found at the first level of the passenger terminal.
Bangkok city buses
There are also local buses going to the city that stop at Don Mueang Airport. They can be found outside along the main road.
- Route 29: Don Mueang Airport – Mochit BTS
- Route 59: Don Mueang Airport – Bang Khae
Both Routes 29 and 59 have a 24-hour service. Bus fares range between 5 THB ($0.10) and 20 THB ($0.50), depending on the distance.
Keep in mind these buses tend to be extremely crowded and rarely offer air conditioning. For more comfort, we suggest taking the buses from inside the airport area.
Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre by Taxi
Travelling between Don Muang Airport and Bangkok by taxi is the easiest way to go. Taxi fares start from 200 THB ($5.50) to Bangkok city centre (Siam Area).
We recommend that you check private transfers that you can book online in advance. You can find 3-passenger cars with rates from 585 THB ($16.50) on BookAway.
Check Private Transfers on BookAway
You can also book a Grab taxi for 230 THB ($6.50). Travel time takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic. Another convenient airport taxi service is offered by Klook with rates from 750 THB ($21.50).
Departure at Don Muang Airport
You can easily find taxis outside Gate 5 of Terminal 1 and Gate 12 of Terminal 2.
Note that during peak times, it will take to a while to get a taxi due to long queues.
City’s peak hours
If you need to catch a flight, it’s important to bear in mind the city’s peak hours. These hours are between 06:00-09:00 in the morning and between 16:00-20:00 in the evening.
Expect heavy traffic during these hours, and you may be charged more and have a longer travel time. It is not uncommon that you will be stuck in traffic for one hour during these peak hours!
To avoid a large part of the busy traffic, drivers will give you the option of taking the expressway for a small additional payment of 70 THB ($2). This charge is not included in the metered price, and you will have to shoulder the toll fee.
If you’re travelling during peak hours, we definitely suggest using the expressway to save 1-2 hours in traffic.
Additional airport surcharge
It is also important to know that there is a 50 THB ($1.40) surcharge when taking a taxi from the airport. This amount will be added to the metre rate at the end of your trip, so don’t be surprised when the driver asks for an amount higher than what the metre indicates.
Some taxi drivers may want to negotiate a flat rate, even though this is officially not allowed at the airports. To avoid being overcharged, make sure that the metre is running as soon as you leave the airport.
PRO TIP: Always make sure the metre is running to avoid paying more. You can find the metre in the front of the car, usually mounted on the dashboard.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Here Hostel
If you’re looking for a fun social atmosphere then Here Hostel is the place for you! Enjoy relaxing by the pool in the garden area or enjoying a drink with travelers from around the world. Why take the stairs when you can use the indoor slide to travel between floors, this place is full of fun, energy, and laughter. Located less than 1km from Khao San Road, this is the perfect hostel if you’re looking to have a great time in Bangkok!
Dorm rooms start at $16 per night
Hom Hostel & Cooking Club
Located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, between Nana and Ploen Chit BTS stations, this hostel is the perfect location in the Sukhumvit area. The hostel offers a garden area, a rooftop terrace and an on-site kitchen for guests to cook their own food or take part in the daily cooking classes. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site if you’d prefer someone else cook for you, as well as buffet breakfast included each day. Extremely clean and very friendly staff are top priorities for this hostel.
Single bed in dorm rooms start at $15 per night
Lamphuhouse Bangkok
If you’re looking to be near the excitement of Khao San Road but still enjoy some peace and quiet, this guesthouse is absolutely perfect. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay and the restaurant is open 24/7 for your convenience. A lovely garden area to relax in the afternoons and very comfortable beds in rooms will make for a great stay. Just 300m to Khao San road, this guest house is walking distance to many sights including the Grand Palace and the Golden Mountain Temple.
Rooms start at $19 per night
Mam’s House
Just 700m from Khao San road and sitting along the river is Mam’s House. The staff here will welcome you with open arms and help you in any way that they possibly can. The rooms are huge, the beds are comfortable and it’s extremely clean. There is a cafe on the ground floor of the hotel, street food along the riverbank and countless restaurants, bars and shops just steps away. Locally owned and operated by Mam, this hotel is all about customer service and making sure you have the best stay possible. Perfect location, great views and all the comforts you need!
Rooms start at $26 per night
Blue Chang House
Cozy, comfortable, and ideal location! This guest house is less than 1km from Khao San Road and offers all the comforts you need. It is within walking distance to numerous Temples, Wats and attractions throughout Old Town. On-site bar to enjoy a drink while taking in the sights from the terrace or a lovely garden area to enjoy to relax in if you need some quiet time. The staff is known to be exceptionally welcoming and happy to assist with all guest requests. Located in a quiet area so you will be sure to get a good night's rest after exploring the Capital City!
Rooms start at $40 per night
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
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Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
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Most popular routes in Thailand
About the author(s)
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.
Hola! Solo quería avisar a la gente que este trayecto no sirve a la inversa, desde el centro a Don Muang! Lo digo porque fui a Hua Lamphong y casi pierdo el vuelo. Hay uno pero cada mucho tiempo
Hi Clarisa, thanks for informing us about this. I’m glad you still made it to your flight. The direct trains from Hua Lamphong to Don Muang operate throughout the day, but some trains have few hours intervals based on this schedule on 12GoAsia.
If travelling in reverse via the newer SRT line, you need to go from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue station by MRT. Then on the 2nd floor of Bang Sue station, you can take the SRT to Don Muang.
We’ve clarified this info on the port to help future travellers on this route.
PS: Esta respuesta está escrita en inglés para ayudar a otros viajeros. Para ver este comentario en español, recomendamos usar Google Translate.