Bangkok Transportation
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport; credit Edward Russell/Wiki Commons
Airports
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is Bangkok’s primary international airport, greeting over 65 million annual passengers. Modern terminals have the usual set of cafes, restaurants, WiFi, and duty-free retail stores. Transport to central Bangkok features a Metrorail option along with the usual limousine, taxi, Uber, and shuttle options.
BANGKOK SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MAP
Don Muang Airport is the smaller airport commonly used for regional flights in Thailand and shorter flights to Southeast Asia via AirAsia.
Before you fly, check the luggage policy for your airline and confirm your flight 24 hours in advance. Make a copy of your passport/flight itinerary and leave it with someone at home. Pack headache and other medicines in your hand luggage. Though Bangkok is a long flight from Los Angeles, Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 jets can make the flight in 19 hours with one stop.
Rapid Transit
Here is the weblink to Airport Link a Rapid Transit line to central Bangkok, Airport Link Line.
Shuttle Bus
If you’re on a tight budget, consider the bus. Every hour between 5.00 to midnight, one bus departs from both airports. Departure from Suvarnabhumi: Gate 3 outside the arrivals hall. Departure from Don Muang: outside the arrivals hall. These buses are free of charge but may require flight booking.
Taxis/Uber
They are fairly cheap to ride, but traffic gridlock is common. Nevertheless, taxis are the easiest way to get from Bangkok’s Airport (BKK) to downtown with large luggage.
There’s a 1.25 baht surcharge if the driver is stuck in traffic. Without traffic, the first half-mile (2 km) costs 35 baht (a little over $1), with prices increasing by 2 baht/km traveled thereafter. Avoid taxis that don’t have meters to protect yourself from scams. Note that 5 km is a little over 3 miles.
Uber also operates in Bangkok, though it gets stuck in traffic, too. Surge pricing may apply.
Car Rental
Avis, Budget, and Thai Rent-a-Car are available at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. This option is only recommended for experienced drivers in Thailand or Southeast Asia.
Tours & Experiences
Riverboat
For a scenic view of the city, hop on a public riverboat along the Chao Phraya River. Without a doubt, the Chao Phraya River water taxi is the best alternative to Bangkok’s traffic-clogged streets. It is the most economical way to get around the city.
These riverboats also serve as a great way to get around some of the city’s major sites since there are stops near Wat Arun. Depending on your route, you can get a ride between 10 and 32 baht ($0.30 and $1). Consider taking a round trip on the Chao Phraya Express Boat if you’d like to get places faster.
Day-cruise ships on the Chao Phraya River; (c) Soul Of America
If you feel adventurous, try the tuk-tuks, songthaews along the riverfront, and Khlong boats along the canals.
Train Station
Commuter trains terminate at Bangkok Railway Station Hua Lamphong. The MRT Subway line also accesses the railway station. This is useful to know if you plan to visit other regions of Bangkok.
Trains stop at Don Muang Airport – Khan Kheha Komo 19 – Lak Si – Thung Song Hong – Bang Khen – Nikhom Rotfai Komo 11 – Bang Sue Junction – Samsen Railway Station – Ramathibodi – Yommarat – Bangkok Railway Station Hua Lamphong.
The frequency of departures is 1 to 2 trains per hour. Delays are frequent. From Bangkok Airport Don Muang to Bangkok Railway Station Hua Lamphong, select the “English” language option on this Timetable & Fare information from the State Railways of Thailand.
Thailand plans to build a High-Speed Rail System anchored by Bangkok Railway Station. The first 155-186 mph line is anticipated by decade-end. The ultimate goal is to connect Bangkok with resort cities like Pattaya and Hua Hin, along with Chiang Mai, followed by cities in Laos and Malaysia.
Rapid Transit
BTS Skytrain and Metro Rail (MRT) subway systems are modern, fast, affordable, and easy to navigate. Many visitors find the Skytrain and MRT to be the most convenient way of traversing the city, but it’s not as extensive as the bus system.
Overlapping lines of BTS Skytrain in central Bangkok; (c) Soul Of America
Rates for the Skytrain run between 15 and 45 baht (US$0.50 and US$1.50) depending on your destination. The highly recommended 1-day passes for unlimited rides cost only 140 baht (US$4.20) for many city views.
The MRT canvases a smaller section of the city. The MRT has its own rates that are similar in price to the Skytrain. Signs in both transit systems are in English, and you can purchase tickets at automated machines in the station or from ticket offices. The MRT system operates from 5:30 a.m. until midnight, depending on your route.
Hours and fares for the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport are similar to the trains. For a scenic view of the city, we suggest hopping aboard a riverboat and floating down the Chao Phraya River. Use this trip planning tool at https://www.transitbangkok.com.
Public Buses
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority runs an extensive network of buses throughout the city. But these are prone to traffic jams, for which the city is notorious. Buses with air-conditioning cost more to ride than those without, but are worth it. Tickets range from 6.50 baht (US$0.20) to 23 baht (US$0.60). Tickets are purchased on the bus.
Most buses run from 5 am to 11 pm, although some run 24 hours a day. Bus stop signs are blue. Note that buses don’t stop unless you flag them down.
If you have a flexible schedule, avoid riding the bus during rush hours. A crowded bus stuck in traffic is not the best way to spend tourist hours.