Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Although Bangkok's rush-hour traffic is the stuff of nightmares, seemingly random acts
of gridlock can impede even the shortest trip, any day, any time. If it's an option, going
by river, canal or BTS/MRT is always the best choice; otherwise assume a 45-minute
journey for most outings.
TO/FROM THE AIRPORT
Bangkok is served by two airports; the vast majority of flights are out of Suvarnabhumi
International Airport, while the budget airlines operate out of Don Muang International
Airport. If you need to transfer between the two, pencil in
at least
an hour, as the two air-
ports are at opposite ends of town. Minivans run between the two airports from 5.30am to
5pm (50B).
Suvarnabhumi International Airport
The following ground transport options leave directly from the Suvarnabhumi terminal to
in-town destinations: metered taxis, hotel limousines, airport rail link, private vehicles
and some minivans.
Airport Rail Link
The elevated train service linking central Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi
International Airport is comprised of a local service, which makes six stops before ter-
minating at Phaya Thai station (45B, 30 minutes, every 15 minutes from 6am to mid-
night), connected by a walkway to BTS at Phaya Thai station, and an express service that
runs, without stops, between Phaya Thai and Makkasan stations and the airport (90B, 15
to 17 minutes, hourly from 6am to midnight). Makkasan, also known as Bangkok City
Air Terminal, is a short walk from MRT Phetchaburi, and if you arrive at least three
hours before your departure, also has check-in facilities for passengers on Thai Airways
International flights departing between 7am and 9pm. Both train lines run from 6am to
midnight.
The Airport Rail Link is on floor B1 of Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Bus & Minivan
The public-transport centre is 3km from Suvarnabhumi and includes a
public bus terminal, metered taxi stand and long-term parking. A free airport shuttle bus
running both an ordinary and express route connects the transport centre with the passen-
ger terminals. Lines that city-bound tourists are likely to use include bus 554, which
stops across from Don Muang International Airport (34B, runs 24 hours), and minivan
lines 551 to Victory Monument BTS station (40B, frequent from 5am to 10pm) and 552
to On Nut BTS station (25B, frequent from 5am to 10pm). From these points, you can
continue on public transport or by taxi to your hotel. There are also buses and minivans
to destinations south and east including Chanthaburi, Hua Hin, Ko Chang, Ko Samet,
Pattaya and Trat.
