How to Get from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to City Center

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Exterior view of Suvarnabhumi Airport at dusk, with bright signage and an airplane flying overhead. Multiple cars are visible in the busy foreground.

Hello traveler, getting ready for your trip to Bangkok? I’m here to help you with everything you need to know about Bangkok airport transfers!

I have visited Thailand and its capital many times, and today, I want to share my insider tips and experiences on the best ways to get to the city from the airport!

The train is the most convenient option for most travelers, but a private transfer is better if you’re traveling with large suitcases or babies or you just value comfort after a long flight.

Stay tuned for practical details about all 6 transfer options, plus a handful of tips that’ll help you quickly decide which option will work best for your needs!

Also, remember to book your tickets and make all reservations for Bangkok in advance so you can secure the best deals!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are the best Bangkok airport transfer options:

Fastest airport transfer: ARL train
Cheapest airport transfer: bus
Best value for money: private transfer, Grab

There are two airports in Bangkok – BKK and DMK

People walking with luggage in an airport terminal, following signs for Exit B.

First things first – check which Bangkok airport you are arriving at! I made the mistake of not checking when flying internally in Thailand and almost missed my flight.

Bangkok’s main international airport is called Suvarnabhumi (BKK), and it’s located 35 km (22 mi) East of central Bangkok. It serves most international flights from Europe and America, so this is probably the one you will be arriving at. This article talks about how to get to the city center from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport.

PRO TIP: Skip the lines at immigration and customs at the Suvarnabhumi Airport and get VIP assistance upon arrival (or departure) with the VIP Meet and Greet Fast-Track Service! A lifesaver for those with short layovers but also if you want to be super efficient with your time!

Bangkok also has another airport called Don Mueang (DMK) located to the North of the city, and this one is mainly used for some regional low-cost flights or for flights inside Thailand. I’ll shortly include transfer options from this airport at the end of the train and bus sections. Taxi, ride-hailing, and private transfers are also available from this airport.

Types of transport from Bangkok Airport

Line of parked taxis under a large concrete structure at an airport terminal, with glass buildings in the background.

The table below gives you a quick overview of the most popular transfer options from Bangkok BKK airport to the city center.

The data below shows average journey time and prices for locations in central Bangkok and can vary depending on your final destination.

	Private transfer	Taxi / Grab	ARL train	Shuttle	Bus
Price	US$25+	up to US$19	US$1.35	US$1.80	US$0.70
Journey time	~40 min	~40 min	˜30 min	1 hour 10 min	1-2 hours

Private transfer or pre-booked taxis

A man secures a baby in a car seat inside a vehicle. The man is wearing a mask, and the baby is looking up at him.

Journey time: around 40 minutes
Cost: from US$30
Location: Gate 7

If you’re traveling with a baby, have tons of luggage, or just prioritize comfort over running between stations and waiting in taxi lines when you just want to relax after a long flight, book yourself a private transfer ride. You won’t regret it!

Before I had a baby, I honestly never thought paying more for a transfer was worth it. And as much as the taxi can be convenient to get from Bangkok airport to the city, traveling with luggage plus a baby makes waiting in lines a real hassle.

The last time I flew to Bangkok, I booked a private transfer with Welcome Pickups and absolutely loved it!

A person wearing a mask pushes a luggage cart loaded with multiple suitcases and bags at an airport terminal.

The driver waited for us outside of Gate 7 (as do most other private transfer companies). We found him easily since the company gave us an app where we could see the name of the driver, the car license plates, the step-by-step instructions on how to get to the pickup point, and we could even locate the driver via GPS. So smooth!

The driver was super nice, he spoke English (as opposed to taxi drivers where you often have to use Google Translator to communicate), and was so accommodating! He helped us with the luggage, had the appropriate baby seat for my son, and confirmed our destination before we left the airport, also giving us an estimated time of arrival.

Inside the car, we had chargers for our phones, AC, comfy seats, free drinks, and all these little things that made a big difference in the end.

I was so relieved everything went smoothly and that I didn’t have to waste the last atom of my energy waiting in line to get the taxi (the line was huge)! Definitely do yourself a favor and consider this awesome private transfer option.

Taxis and Grab

People loading luggage into taxis in an airport parking area beneath concrete beams, with green lane signage illuminated above.

Journey time: around 40 minutes
Cost: from US$13 (taxi) to US$20 (Grab)
Taxi location: first level after clearing immigration
Grab location: Exit 4 on level 1

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most popular and convenient options for getting from Bangkok Airport to your destination in the city.

They’re available 24/7, the taxi rank is waiting for you right as you exit immigration on the first level, and Grab is also easily available from Exit 4 on level 1. It’s a huge section and impossible to miss (plus Grab has detailed steps on how to find them here).

I used both the taxis and private transfers to get from Bangkok airport to the city center, and I definitely enjoyed the pre-arranged transfers more. I’ll share my experience a bit later below!

But in terms of taxi vs. Grab, I think Grab is honestly much better. You can quickly get a ride if the queues in the taxi rank are long (during the season, from November to March, the waiting time can even be 30 minutes), plus you get a fixed price as opposed to being metered with a taxi.

NOTE: Sometimes, it’ll be faster for taxi and Grab drivers to use express roads with tolls, in which case they will add the cost of the toll to the ride fee (they may ask you to pay for it with cash). Also, there’s a small surcharge for departures from the airport, but overall, expect to pay up to US$15 for a taxi and US$20 for Grab, all costs included, to get to the city center.

People waiting at a Grab pick-up point under a bridge, with cars and illuminated signs in the background at night.

You can choose the type of vehicle that best matches your needs when ordering your Grab! They have GrabCar Saver vehicles that are the cheapest, GrabCar Premium with more room, and SUV vehicles for large groups and bulky luggage.

For taxis, first get your printed taxi number from the kiosk by Entrance 4 in the Arrivals Hall, and then make your way out to the taxis. There are 3 lanes at the taxi rank, so just pick the one corresponding to you (don’t worry, everything is clearly labeled in English).

Just in case, the first line is for regular cars for small groups, the second is for minivans, and the third is for rides to neighborhoods surrounding the airport. When in doubt, just chat to the clerk working there so they’ll assign you a car!

TIP 1: If your driver doesn’t speak English, show them the hotel name on the map!

TIP 2: Get small money (Thai Baht) from the ATM at the airport before getting to the taxi. The driver won’t accept cards, only cash. For Grab, you can pay with a card when booking your ride using the app.

Airport Rail Link (ARL) train

A train is stopped at a modern station, with people standing on the platform. Some are reading and others are waiting. The station is well-lit, and electronic displays are visible above.

Journey time: around 30 minutes
Frequency: every 15 minutes from 6 AM to midnight
Cost: up to US$1.35
Location: basement level of BKK airport

The Airport Rail Link is the fastest, most cost-efficient way to get from Bangkok Airport to Downtown. Especially if your flight is in early morning or early evening when the notorious Bangkok traffic is the worst!

The ARL train stops at 2 main stations in Downtown Bangkok (Makkasan and Phaya Thai) where you can transfer to other popular transport options like MRT or BTS Skytrain (the main and best way to get around town) and continue your journey to your destination. Phaya Thai is the farthest station and the ride to it costs 45 Baht, which is around US$1.35.

You’ll easily find the ARL station at the basement level of the airport, just follow the ARL sign after you clear immigration.

NOTE: Even though ARL is faster and cheaper than taxis and private transfer, unless your hotel is located along the train line, it’ll be a hassle to get around. Getting through the crowds to change to a local bus or another train in Downtown Bangkok is a big no-no after a long flight and with all the suitcases!

My tip is to only take the ARL if you’re traveling light and you know the train stops near your hotel.

To pay for your ride, get a token at the ARL ticket office (you’ll see it in the Arrivals area) or at the machines. In Bangkok, they use these small tokens instead of typical cards, so you’ll just tap them on the sensor pads to enter a station.

TIP: If you plan to stay in Bangkok for a week or more, consider the rechargeable Rabbit Card for BTS to save money on transport!

DMK Airport transfer: If you’re transferring from the DMK airport, the SRT Red Line runs every 10 minutes from 5 AM to midnight and goes to the city center.

Airport shuttle service bus

People walking in an airport terminal with seating areas, signs overhead, and parked buses in the background.

Journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Frequency: every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 8 PM
Cost: US$1.80
Location: Gate 7, level 1

The airport shuttle bus S1 departs from Gate 7 on Level 1 and takes you to Downtown Bangkok in a bit over one hour. A shuttle bus can be convenient if your hotel is along the way and you’re not traveling during rush hour (7 AM to 9 AM, 4 PM to 7 PM).

NOTE: The shuttle bus tickets are purchased from the driver only in cash, so make sure to have small bahts with you.

NOTE 2: Don’t travel with Limobus (map) as a lot of people have had negative experiences with them.

I know you may be considering a shuttle bus if you’re traveling on a budget, but the ARL train can be even cheaper. Plus, it’s much more convenient and twice as fast, so the choice between the 2 is obvious!

Public bus

An orange city bus and a green taxi drive on a multi-lane road beneath an overpass. A motorbike is to the side.

Journey time: 1-2 hours
Frequency: 24/7, every 20 minutes
Cost: US$0.70 + US$1.35 for the shuttle
Location: Airport Transportation Center

Want to indulge in local life right as you step into Bangkok? Well, if you ask me, that is the only reason why I would recommend taking a bus. Buses are the least convenient and efficient option (unless the bus stop is right by your hotel), but they’ll allow you to blend right in with the locals.

As opposed to the airport shuttle bus that departs from the airport premises, the bus station for public buses is located some 4 km (2.5 mi) outside the airport at the Airport Transportation Center.

You’ll first have to take a shuttle outside of the Arrivals hall (Level 2) to the Transportation Center, and then from here, catch a bus for different parts of Bangkok, but also Pattaya, and other towns in Thailand.

To get to city center, take the bus 555, 558, or 559 from the Airport Transportation Center.

The shuttle bus to the Transportation Center operates daily from 4 AM to 11 PM, and the price is 45 baht (US$1.35). They only accept cash.

Overall, taking the public bus is the least convenient option to get around. I still included it just in case, but I personally don’t recommend a bus unless you really have no other options available (which will almost never happen).

DMK Airport transfer: Buses A1, A2, A3, and A4 run every 15-30 minutes to different locations in the city center and cost up to US$1.85.

Tips for organizing transport from Bangkok Airport

Two airport staff are standing near a row of signs displaying various names and greetings for arrivals.

Here are some quick tips and takeaways for a smooth Bangkok airport transfer:

Double-check which airport you’re flying to (or from), especially if you have an overlay, as there are 2 airports in Bangkok.
If you’re traveling alone or as a couple and have no luggage, take the ARL train, it’s cheap and efficient.
If you’re traveling with a baby or have a lot of luggage, book a taxi or private transfer.
If you value comfort, want to relax after your long flight, but also want to make sure your driver speaks English, book a private transfer.
Only use the bus if you really have to. The train and shuttles are better options for public transport, and they’re still cheap in case you’re short on budget.
Make sure you get in the right taxi queue, and if needed talk to the clerk to determine what type of vehicle you need.
Withdraw small money from the ATM so you can pay for the shuttles, buses, train, and taxi. Avoid exchange booths at the airport though, their rates are really bad.
Consider a car rental if you value independence and plan to drive around the area a lot.

FAQs about Bangkok airport transfer

Traditional Thai pavilion inside Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, offering a cultural welcome amid modern architectural elements.

💵 How much should a taxi from Bangkok Airport to the city cost?

The regular taxi vehicle for 2 people costs around US$13 for Downtown Bangkok. The taxi rides are metered, so the final price can vary depending on where exactly you’re going.

🚕 Can you get Grab from Bangkok airport?

Yes! Grab is the most popular ride hailing app for transfer to the city from Bangkok airport.

🇹🇭 How do you get from the airport to Bangkok City?

You have multiple means of transport available: the ARL train that takes you to main metro stations Downtown, taxi, private transfer, airport shuttles, and a public bus.

Final thoughts on Bangkok airport transfer

Person with a sign Yulia Saf pushing a luggage cart under a concrete structure, with a sign on the cart. Cars are parked nearby.

That’s it, dear traveler! You now know all the details about Bangkok airport transfer and should be able to organize your trip with ease!

I may be biased, but I’m really starting to love private transfers for getting to city center in Bangkok! It gives me peace of mind knowing my ride will be cozy, clean, and comfortable, especially after I spent 10 hours in a plane, being fully jet-lagged.

So if you want my advice – treat yourself with a private ride, you’re traveling to Bangkok after all, this service isn’t even that expensive here! Of course, for the young and the restless, the ARL is also super smooth.

If you have any questions about your upcoming trip, do leave me a comment below! I’ll be glad to help!

Enjoy your time in Thailand and as a final tip, remember to book your tickets, tours, transfers, and hotels in advance. Bangkok is quite a touristy city nowadays as you’ll soon get to see, and the best deals sell out fast!

Until next time,

Yulia

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