Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport to City (Rail Link Train, Bus, Taxi)
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Flying to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) soon and wondering how to reach your hotel in the city? We’ve created this detailed guide to help you reach your accommodation using the popular and cheap Bangkok Airport Rail Link train, plus other alternatives if you have lots of luggage to carry!
There are several ways to get to downtown Bangkok from the airport but the cheapest and most efficient route is the train, with fares costing as little as 45 THB one way from Bangkok airport (around £1 / $1.25 USD / 1.15 Euros).
So from ‘Grab-bing’ an airport taxi to letting the Bangkok Airport Rail Link take the strain, here is our ultimate guide on how to get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city with prices in 2024.
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Table of Contents
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the city?
The cheapest and fastest way to get from BKK / Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city is by Bangkok Airport Rail Link Train.
There are also buses from Bangkok Airport to the city but they take longer due to bad Bangkok traffic. These buses are more useful for backpackers who need to reach accommodation in the Khao San road area as there are no public transport options that go to this neighbourhood.
There are up to 6 Bangkok Airport Rail Link trains departing every hour from Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to Bangkok City (around 110 trains per day).
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How long does it take to get from Bangkok International Airport to the City?
It depends on mode of transport and traffic jams, but generally, the quickest way to get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok is via the Bangkok Airport Rail Link train.
The train takes 26 minutes from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to the final stop in downtown Bangkok – Phaya Thai station.
The other modes of transport from Bangkok are all road based and usually take at least 45 minutes to an hour (much longer during rush hour and peak traffic times).
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Can I get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city 24 hours a day?
Yes. There are transportation options to reach downtown Bangkok 24 hours a day from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The Bangkok Airport Rail Link train runs from 5.30am until around midnight.
The shuttle bus runs from 6am until 8pm.
Outside of those hours you will need to reach downtown Bangkok by using a taxi or pre-arranging a private transfer.
Taxis and GRAB taxis depart from level 1 (“Public Transportation Hub”) of Bangkok Airport. This is around a 5 minute walk (via several escalators or an elevator) after clearing airport customs and immigration.
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How to get from Bangkok International Airport to the City – 4 transport methods
Once you’ve arrived at BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport, there are four main methods of transport to get from the airport to the city / downtown area of Bangkok:
- Grab taxi / regular taxi
- Private transfer
- Airport coach (shuttle bus)
- Bangkok Airport Rail Link Train (the cheapest and quickest way to travel from Bangkok Airport to the city)
We’ll go into more detail below but if you are feeling tired after a long international flight to Thailand you could also stay the night in one of these Bangkok airport hotels before making the journey in the morning.
Grab taxis, regular taxis and private transfers
If there are several of you travelling together with lots of luggage, the most efficient way to get directly to your hotel is to take either a:
- Grab taxi using the Grab app (like Uber)
- a metered taxi waiting outside the airport
- a private transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Book here with Viator)
Be sure to take a metered taxi from the official rank or you might overpay, a common Thailand tourist scam.
To use the Grab app you will need to have phone data. If you don’t have a Thailand SIM card before arriving at Bangkok airport, you can easily buy SIMs in the arrivals hall or by the luggage collection conveyor belts.
Alternatively, check out these Thai SIM card and portable Wifi devices in Thailand which you can book in advance with Klook.
A taxi or Grab taxi from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport to the city should cost between 350 THB to 500 THB (plus around 75 THB in express toll fees) – this will depend on the time of day and the location of your hotel.
If you are visiting Bangkok on a budget, are a lone traveller or there are just two or three of you with light luggage, the Airport Rail Link train works out cheaper than getting a metered taxi or GRAB taxi.
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Where is the GRAB / metered taxi pick up point at Bangkok Airport?
There are clear metered taxi ranks and pick-up points on level 1 of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – this is also where the shuttle buses depart from.
The Grab taxi pick up point is located outside gate 4 on level 1.
Read more about taking a Grab taxi from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport in our guide >
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Bangkok S1 shuttle bus to the city (Khao San Road)
The S1 shuttle bus runs from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok and costs 60 baht.
This is the best option if you are on a budget and need to reach your accommodation in the Khao San road area. They are air-conditioned and have plenty of space for luggage.
The buses run from 6am-8pm and depart from near gate 7 on level 1.
The journey takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions (it is slower during morning and evening rush hours).
The bus terminates at Sanamluang Bus Terminal, but most people will alight at bus stop Wat Chanasongkram – this is the stop you need to reach hotels on Khaosan road or Soi Rambuttri.
You can buy the tickets onboard in cash (coins or small notes) directly with the driver, or book in advance below.
Need to get to Don Muang Airport?
If you need to reach Don Muang Airport from Suvarnabhumi Airport, then you can take a free shuttle bus from Gate 3 on the second floor.
This service is only available to passengers who are on transit or transferring between flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. You will need to show your boarding pass, plus passport / ID card.
The shuttle bus journey takes between 1-2 hours and runs from 5am until midnight (1 bus per hour).
Bangkok Airport Rail Link Train
The quickest and cheapest mode of transport from Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the city is the Airport Rail Link train.
Most passengers and travellers taking the Bangkok Airport Rail Link train will be going to either of the final three stops:
- Makkasan station (35 THB one way)
- Ratchaprarop station (40 THB one way)
- Phaya Thai station (45 THB one way)
Makkasan station
Makkasan station is a short 200m walk away from Phetchaburi MRT subway station. This subway station line is convenient for travelling to hotels in the Sukhumvit, Silom and Chinatown neighbourhoods.
Ratchaprarop station
Ratchaprarop station is convenient for walking to hotels in the Pratunam neighbourhood.
Phaya Thai station
Phaya Thai station connects to Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain line (Sukhumvit Line) and is convenient for travelling to hotels in the Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Ari, Thonglor and Chatuchak neighbourhoods. You can also change trains at Siam station to the Silom Line for hotels in Silom, Sathorn and across the river.
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Bangkok Airport Rail Link Train Fares/ Prices and Station Stops
There are eight Bangkok Airport Rail Link train stations in total:
| Station name | Length of time from Suvarnabhumi | One way fare from Suvarnabhumi |
|---|---|---|
| A1 – Suvarnabhumi Airport | – | – |
| A2 – Lat Krabang | 5 minutes | 15 THB |
| A3 – Ban Thap Chang | 10 minutes | 15 THB |
| A4 – Hua Mark | 14 minutes | 20 THB |
| A5 – Ramkhamhaeng | 18 minutes | 25 THB |
| A6 – Makkasan | 22 minutes | 35 THB |
| A7 – Ratchaprarop | 25 minutes | 40 THB |
| A8 – Phaya Thai (final stop) | 26 minutes | 45 THB |
Please note all these Bangkok Airport Rail Link train prices are correct as of February 2024.
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Bangkok Airport Rail Link train 2024 timetables and schedules
The Bangkok Airport Rail Link train operates 7 days a week with departures approximately every 10 to 15 minutes Monday to Friday, and departures every 12 to 15 minutes at weekends and public holidays.
There are approximately 110 Bangkok Airport Rail Link trains departing Suvarnabhumi Airport every day (and vice versa, departing Phaya Thai station for Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport).
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First and last airport trains
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) station to Phaya Thai station
| Train direction | First train | Last train |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) station to Phaya Thai station | Approx 5.30am | Approx 12.05am |
Phaya Thai station to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) station
| Train direction | First train | Last train |
|---|---|---|
| Phaya Thai station to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) station | Approx 5.29am (5.30am on weekdays) | Approx 12.08am (0.06am on weekdays) |
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How to find the Bangkok Airport Rail Link Train station at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Once you’ve cleared Bangkok airport customs and immigration, follow the huge ‘Airport Rail Link’ signs (usually blue / red icons on a grey background) down to the basement level of the airport.
There are several travelators (moving walkways) that you need to navigate to get to the basement level or take a lift (but be prepared to queue to get a lift down at peak hours).
On the same level as the Bangkok Airport Rail Link ticketing machines, you’ll also find several cafes and restaurants, plus a 7-Eleven Thailand store. So if you are already craving a 7-Eleven toasted sandwich before you head into the city, go for it (we know that feeling very well)!
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Buying your Bangkok Airport Rail Link train tickets at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Once you’ve found the Bangkok Airport Rail Link station entrance, there are around 10 automated ticket machines or a manned ticket booth.
The Bangkok Airport Rail Link ticket machines have a language selection where you can choose English.
Pick your chosen station and insert your money to purchase a single trip token.
Note the ticket machines are cash only and they only accept coins and small notes (up to 100 THB). So if you only have large notes, our tip would be to go to 7-Eleven nearby (or whatever cafe / kiosk is open and break a 1,000 THB note).
The machines do not accept cards or mobile phone payments.
Once you’ve paid your Bangkok Airport Rail Link fare, grab your small plastic token from the tray below and use it to tap on the sensor panel on the turnstile gates to enter the station.
Keep hold of your token as you will need it to exit through the turnstile at your final destination (you place the token into the slot to exit).
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Getting aboard the Airport Rail Link train
Take the escalator down to the next level and check the boards / TV screens to see which platform the next Bangkok Airport Rail Link departs from.
Form a queue behind the yellow markings – once the train arrives, allow the passengers departing at the airport to get off.
Be aware the Bangkok Airport Rail Link security guards do a security sweep first of the train so you must not get on board until they finished their checks and blown their whistle.
Once aboard, enjoy the air-conditioning and short ride into the city.
CK Travels tip – if you want to see something weird and wonderful on your way into the city on the train, sit on the left hand side (facing towards the city) and keep an eye out for a huge Big Ben clock tower replica in the distance, part of the London Street Pattanakarn British themed mall.
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Other things to know
- No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed onboard
- There are lifts / escalators and elevators at all stations
- No luggage trolleys are allowed on the trains
- No animals are allowed on board the Bangkok Airport Rail Link train
- ATMs can be found at Bangkok airport should you need to take out cash. There are also ATMS at Phaya Thai station
- Our final ‘practical tip’ (although more common sense really). Don’t take pictures at Bangkok Airport when going through immigration. We noticed several travellers ignore the signs, take snaps only for security to quickly intervene and make them delete pics – don’t be that doosh-bag tourist!
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This is a super useful site. Thank you.
We are arriving on 22 May morning (7am) which is Vesak day. Our hotel is in Sukhumvit Soi 11. Two adults with light suitcases who have been to Bangkok many times.
Currently thinking of different options and would love your feedback.
1) Airport Train to Phaya Thai and BTS to Nana and short walk to hotel
2) Airport Train to Phaya Thai or Makkasan and taxi
Do you think BTS will be less crowded on Vesak day for us to travel from Phaya Thai to Nana
For a taxi would you suggest Phaya Thai or Makkasan
Thank you
Hi Cris
As you are arriving during morning rush hour, it would probably be wise to avoid taxi’s and use the BTS skytrain (especially as you are travelling light). Traffic can be heavy and very slow around the Sukhumvit area. I’d personally take the airport train to Phaya Thai, then the BTS skytrain sukhumvit line to Nana station and walk down. I don’t know much about crowding in Vesak day I’m afraid. Hope that helps!