Bangkok's Two Airports, BKK vs DMK: Where to Land?

Bangkok has two airports

Search for flights to Bangkok and you will see two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). A search for just 'Bangkok' can mix both in the results, so always check whether the airport code is BKK or DMK before you book.

According to our Bangkok guide, Don Mueang is the airport used mainly by budget airlines. Which flight uses which airport varies by airline and season, so check the airport code on your ticket and the airline's official information.

This article does not cover the exact location of each airport or the distance to the city. For terminal facilities and location details, see each airport's official website. Here we compare how to get into town from each and which areas they suit.

Suvarnabhumi (BKK): the rail link is the safest bet

From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link is the most reliable way into the city. It runs from the airport basement to Makkasan (transfer to the MRT) and Phaya Thai (transfer to the BTS). It avoids traffic, takes about 25-30 minutes and costs about 15-45 THB depending on distance.

Taxis and Grab are also available. For a taxi, take a queue ticket at the official taxi stand on level 1 and ride a metered cab. Expect a 50 THB airport surcharge plus expressway tolls on top of the meter; the ride takes about 30-60 minutes and costs about 350-500 THB. The wide time range reflects traffic.

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Don Mueang (DMK): Red Line or the A1 bus

From Don Mueang, take the SRT Red Line to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station, then change to the MRT Blue Line. The Red Line leg takes about 15 minutes plus the transfer, and the fare is about 20 THB. Fare policy can change, so check the official source.

The A1 airport bus is a cheap option from DMK to BTS Mo Chit, near Chatuchak Market. It takes about 20-40 minutes, costs about 30 THB, and works best if you travel light.

Our guide does not list taxi surcharges or fares from Don Mueang. Check the airport's official information.

Which airport suits which part of town

Start with where you are staying. Whichever airport you land at, you will usually finish the trip on the BTS or MRT, so check which line serves your hotel.

The Suvarnabhumi rail link connects to the BTS at Phaya Thai and the MRT at Makkasan. From Don Mueang, the Red Line connects to the MRT Blue Line and the A1 bus reaches BTS Mo Chit. Khao San and the Old Town have no rail station, so plan on a taxi or Grab for the last stretch from either airport.

• Sukhumvit (Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo): BTS and MRT meet here, so either the BTS (via Phaya Thai) or the MRT (via Makkasan) works
• Siam: two BTS lines cross here, so BTS routes are easiest (Phaya Thai from BKK, or A1 to Mo Chit from DMK)
• Silom / Sathorn: good access to both the BTS and the river
• Riverside: Sathorn Pier connects to BTS Saphan Taksin
• Khao San / Old Town: no rail station; consider a taxi or Grab for the last stretch
• Chatuchak area: the A1 bus from DMK goes to Mo Chit near Chatuchak Market

Checking your ticket and switching airports

Your outbound and return flights may use different airports. If you arrive at Suvarnabhumi and leave from Don Mueang, for example, double-check the day before which airport your departure uses.

If you are connecting in Bangkok between flights that use different airports, you will have to travel between them. Our guide does not cover transfers between the two airports or how long they take, so check each airport's official website and leave plenty of time. Compare fares together with the time and cost of getting from the airport to your hotel.

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Side by side

Choose by your flight and where you are staying. All times and fares below are approximate.

• Rail: BKK has the Airport Rail Link (MRT at Makkasan, BTS at Phaya Thai; about 25-30 min, about 15-45 THB); DMK has the SRT Red Line (MRT Blue Line at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central; about 15 min plus transfer, about 20 THB, check official)
• Bus: DMK has the A1 airport bus (BTS Mo Chit near Chatuchak; about 20-40 min, about 30 THB); for BKK buses, check official
• Taxi: BKK official stand on level 1, 50 THB airport surcharge plus expressway tolls, about 30-60 min and about 350-500 THB; for DMK, check official
• Flights: DMK is used mainly by budget airlines (confirm with the airport code on your ticket)
• Between the two airports: check the official source

Your first day: a few essentials

Tourist SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport, or you can set up an eSIM before you fly. You will want data on arrival if you plan to use a ride-hailing app.

If you ride the BTS often, top up a Rabbit card; on the MRT you can tap in with a contactless credit card. Street stalls and markets are cash-based, so carry small notes.

• Agree on tuk-tuk prices before getting in and decline detours to gem or tailor shops
• Check Thailand's entry requirements with an official Thai government or embassy source
• Korean MOFA travel advisory: Bangkok Level 1 (exercise caution); some border areas of Thailand are Level 3. Check your own government's travel advice too

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