Suvarnabhumi Airport is Thailand's main international hub: in 2024 it handled 62.2 million passengers.
Gateway to the capital, with its golden temples, vibrant street food and nightlife.
How to get to Suvarnabhumi Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BKK
Parking near Suvarnabhumi Airport
A multi-story parking structure is adjacent to the terminal building.
Fares are in line with the standards of a major Asian hub.
How to get to Bangkok from BKK
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Bangkok Airport: Private Hotel Transfer with Expressway Fee Included
Bangkok: Private transfer from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Bangkok BKK Airport: Private Transfer to/from Bangkok City
Bangkok Airports: Transfer to Pattaya, Hua Hin, and More
From BKK to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want to... | Choose | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less | Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai + BTS | ~45 THB + BTS ticket |
| Reach Sukhumvit or Silom without stress | Airport Rail Link to Makkasan + MRT from Phetchaburi | ~35 THB + MRT ticket |
| Go directly to Pattaya | Public bus line 999 (direct, 4 departures per day) | 122 THB |
| Have heavy luggage or a night flight | Metered taxi (airport surcharge included) | ~500-650 THB to Sukhumvit |
Suvarnabhumi → Siam and Sukhumvit
From Phaya Thai, the terminus of the Airport Rail Link, you switch directly to the BTS Sukhumvit line: with just one change you reach both Siam and the heart of Sukhumvit, the two zones most popular with those arriving for shopping or nightlife.
Suvarnabhumi → Silom and Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Getting off instead at Makkasan, a covered walkway leads to Phetchaburi station on the MRT Blue Line metro, which connects both to Silom and, in the opposite direction, to the Chinese district of Yaowarat.
Suvarnabhumi → Khao San Road
The backpacker zone has no nearby railway station: the most common solution remains the direct public bus S1, with no intermediate changes.
Suvarnabhumi → Pattaya
Since 2025 a public bus line (999) connects the airport to Pattaya with four departures per day along Sukhumvit Road, in about two hours for 122 THB: a direct alternative to the taxi for those heading to the coast.
Car rental at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The desks for major car rental companies are in the arrivals area.
A driving license, passport, and credit card are the basic documents; the International Driving Permit is almost always required.
Hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport
At the airport
Air-conditioned underground pedestrian tunnel to the terminal, about 10 minutes on foot; alternatively the hotel shuttle, running 24 hours.
Best for: Those arriving in the dead of night or flying before 7 who don't want to depend on taxis or trains.
- You walk to check-in, with no traffic and no train timetables to keep to
- Airport Rail Link station 300 metres away, reached through the same tunnel
- Free hotel shuttle running at any hour
- Only one property: no competition, rates high for the area
- There is no neighbourhood around it: evenings are spent in the hotel
Airport area (Lat Krabang)
Hotel shuttle to Gate 4 at arrivals (2nd floor), generally 15-25 minutes; it must be booked in advance.
Best for: One-night layovers or dawn departures, spending less than at the hotel inside the airport.
- Free hotel shuttles, even during the night hours
- Recent properties with a pool, at lower prices than at the terminal
- To fly out you don't cross the city-centre traffic
- The shuttle is booked beforehand: anyone landing without arranging it has to wait
- Outlying area: in the evening there is little beyond the hotel restaurant
- To reach the centre you must go back to the airport and take the train
Recommended hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Free shuttle every hour between hotel and terminal, running 24 hours (reservation required): handy for departures in the middle of the night too. View availability
- Divalux Resort & Spa Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport Resort 20-25 minutes from the terminal with a free shuttle running 24 hours (to be booked at least 2 hours ahead); reviews praise the pool. View availability
Phaya Thai, terminus of the Airport Rail Link
Direct Airport Rail Link to the terminal, about 30 minutes.
Best for: Those who want to visit the city but return to the airport with a single train, no taxi.
- Direct train to the terminal, sheltered from expressway traffic
- Instant change to the BTS Sukhumvit line for Siam and Chatuchak
- Some hotels have covered walkways to the station
- A district of offices and big arteries, quieter in the evening
- The train doesn't cover night departures: you still need a taxi
Sukhumvit (Asok and Nana)
Airport Rail Link to Makkasan, covered passage to the Phetchaburi MRT and one stop to Sukhumvit; by taxi 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those spending a few days in Bangkok who want restaurants, bars and the metro on the doorstep.
- BTS and MRT cross at Asok: you reach almost every area without a taxi
- A very wide choice, from simple hotels to skyscrapers with a pool
- Nightlife until late between Soi 11 and Terminal 21
- Getting to the airport takes two transport modes, or a taxi exposed to traffic
- Around Nana the nights are noisy
Recommended hotels
- Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 In the same building as the Terminal 21 shopping centre, with direct access to the BTS Asok, which in turn connects to the MRT Sukhumvit. View availability
- Eleven Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 A few steps from the BTS Nana, with a pool and a rooftop restaurant: a more modest option in the heart of Soi 11. View availability
Chao Phraya riverside (Saphan Taksin)
Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai, BTS to Siam and change to the Silom line as far as Saphan Taksin; by taxi 45-60 minutes outside rush hour.
Best for: Those who come for the temples and want to travel by boat to Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
- Sathorn pier is the departure point of the boats to the temples
- BTS Saphan Taksin a short walk away to reach Siam and Silom
- Historic hotels with river views
- It is the zone farthest from the terminal among those proposed
- By train you need two changes with your luggage
Recommended hotels
- Shangri-La Bangkok Broad river frontage and a wing one minute from the BTS Saphan Taksin; reviews praise the breakfast at Next2 Café. View availability
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bangkok Central Pier Between the BTS Saphan Taksin and Sathorn pier, breakfast included from 6: handy for setting off early by boat to the temples. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 27
- with Priority Pass
- 9
- open 24 hours
- 11
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminals, among Southeast Asia's largest, handle Thailand's most intense international traffic.
Those departing on international flights should arrive 3 hours in advance.
Map of Suvarnabhumi Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the large golden statue in Suvarnabhumi's terminal?
It depicts the Hindu mythological scene of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan): a huge golden installation several meters tall, among the airport's most photographed sights, set up in the international departures area.
Q. How much does a taxi from Suvarnabhumi to the city center cost?
Approximately 240-310 THB on the meter (50 THB airport surcharge included), plus 50-75 THB in highway tolls.
Q. What changes with the visa rules from September 15, 2026?
The visa exemption for 60 countries (including Italy) is reduced from 60 to 30 days; those entering before this date under the old rules can complete their full granted stay.
Q. Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card required?
Yes, mandatory for all visitors, to be filled in online before arrival.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
9 lounges, including Coral Executive Lounge (Concourse A), Miracle First & Business Lounge (Concourse A), Miracle First Class Lounge (Concourse C), The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (Cocoon) (Concourse C), Miracle First & Business Lounge (Concourse D) and Miracle Lounge (Domestic) (Concourse D).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes, 11, including Miracle First & Business Lounge (Concourse A), Miracle First Class Lounge (Concourse C), The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (Cocoon) (Concourse C), Miracle First & Business Lounge (Concourse D), The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (Concourse D, gate D1) and Miracle Business Lounge (Concourse F).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
