Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok's historic terminal, is today Thailand's main low-cost hub, approximately 25 km from the city centre.
An economical gateway to the capital for those flying with budget airlines.
How to get to Don Mueang International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to DMK
Parking near Don Mueang International Airport
A multi-story parking structure is adjacent to the terminal building.
Fares are in line with low-cost Asian hub standards.
How to get to Bangkok from DMK
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 DMK Airport: Private Airport Transfers
Bangkok BKK Airport: Private Transfer to/from Bangkok City
Bangkok Airports: Transfer to Pattaya, Hua Hin, and More
Don Mueang Airport: Private Hotel Transfer with Free Tollway
Car rental at Don Mueang International Airport
The desks for major car rental companies are in the arrivals area.
To rent, you need a driving license, passport, credit card, and generally also your International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Don Mueang International Airport
At the airport
From Terminal 1, on the second floor between gates 5 and 6, a covered walkway leads to the Amari Don Muang in 5-7 minutes on foot; the lift with the Amari logo at gate 6 goes down to the link.
Best for: One-night layovers and departures before 7, when you want to reach check-in without depending on taxis or shuttles.
- You reach security on foot, with no risk of queues on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
- Free weekend shuttle to the BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak stations for those who still want a quick trip into the city
- Around there are only terminals and car parks: for dinner you stay in the hotel
- Some recent reviews point to room maintenance and restaurant service below the standard of the rest of the property
Don Mueang area
Free shuttles on request: the Best Western Nada one runs from 5 to 20, the Mida Hotel one covers the roughly 7 km to the terminal in a few minutes.
Best for: Those who want to spend less than at the airport and accept a few minutes by shuttle, useful for a one-night layover or a morning flight.
- Lower prices than at the hotels directly linked to the terminal
- Free shuttles already running in the early morning hours
- Outside the shuttle hours you need a taxi, and the area is crossed by busy roads
- Around there are only shopping centres and local traffic, no evening life on foot
Recommended hotels
- Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport hotel 232 rooms and a free shuttle to the airport from 5 to 20 on request; handy for those arriving late or leaving at dawn without wanting to pay terminal-hotel prices. View availability
- Mida Hotel Don Mueang Airport About 7 km from the terminal with a free shuttle on request; outdoor pool and the M Cafe restaurant for those with only a few hours between commitments. View availability
Sukhumvit and Siam (central Bangkok)
About 20 km, but crossing a good part of the city: by taxi 30-45 minutes with light traffic, even over an hour during peak hours (7-9 and 17-20); fare around 250 THB plus a 50 THB airport surcharge. From Don Mueang there is no direct train like Suvarnabhumi's Airport Rail Link.
Best for: Those with more than one night who want restaurants, shopping centres and the BTS/MRT network close at hand, accepting a longer and less predictable transfer than from Suvarnabhumi.
- Direct access to the BTS and MRT network to get around the rest of the city without a taxi
- Restaurants, shopping centres and evening life within walking distance of the hotels in Ratchadamri and Sathorn
- No direct train from the airport: the transfer depends entirely on Bangkok traffic
- During peak hours the journey can take more than an hour, more than double the time needed to stay close to Don Mueang
Recommended hotels
- Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok On the corner of Ratchadamri and Ploenchit, opposite the CentralWorld shopping centre; a walkway through the Erawan mall leads to the BTS Chitlom station in 5 minutes on foot. View availability
- Banyan Tree Bangkok 5-star tower in Sathorn with the rooftop bar Vertigo; the MRT Lumpini station is 8 minutes on foot, Sala Daeng and Silom 5 minutes with the hotel's free tuk-tuk. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 7
- with Priority Pass
- 7
- paid entry
- from 1,000 THB
- open 24 hours
- 4
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, the country's leading low-cost hub, handles intense traffic from budget airlines.
Before boarding, allow 2.5–3 hours for flights.
Map of Don Mueang International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Don Mueang cheaper than Suvarnabhumi?
Yes, it's Thailand's main low-cost hub, with numerous domestic and regional connections operated by budget airlines.
Q. How much does a taxi from Don Mueang to the center cost?
Approximately 350-500 THB, including the fixed 50 THB surcharge for rides from this airport and highway tolls.
Q. Is Don Mueang a historic airport?
Yes, opened in 1914, it's one of the oldest airports in the world still in operation: it was Bangkok's main airport until Suvarnabhumi opened in 2006, after which it took on the low-cost hub role it still holds today.
Q. Is there a train from Don Mueang?
Not a direct connection, but a national railway station is located near the airport.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
7 lounges, including Miracle Lounge No. 1 (T1), Miracle Lounge No. 2 (T1), The Coral Executive Lounge (T1), Travel Club Lounge (T1), Miracle Lounge (T2) and The Coral Forest Lounge (T2).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is 1,000 THB, at Miracle Lounge No. 1 (T1).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: Miracle Lounge No. 1 (T1), Miracle Lounge No. 2 (T1), The Coral Executive Lounge (T1) and Travel Club Lounge (T1).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
