Bangkok has two airports and a transport system that mixes skytrains, subways, river boats, taxis and tuk-tuks. It’s cheap and efficient once you understand it. This guide explains how to get from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to the city, and how to use the BTS, MRT and river boats.
Airport information comes from Thailand Starter Kit (August 2026) and metro details from Tisland (September 2026). Fares change — check before you travel.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to the city
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Rail Link | about 30 min to Phaya Thai | ฿15–45 | Change to BTS at Phaya Thai or MRT at Makkasan |
| Taxi (metered) | 40–60+ min | about ฿450–650 total | Meter + ฿50 airport surcharge + tolls |
| Grab / Bolt | 40–60+ min | Varies by demand | Pick-up usually in the car park area |
Sources: Tisland (Airport Rail Link) and Thailand Starter Kit (taxi). Allow extra time in rush hour (about 8–10 am and 5–7 pm).
- Airport Rail Link hours: about 5:30 to midnight (source).
- Taxis: use the official taxi queue and insist on the meter.
- Uber doesn’t operate in Thailand — use Grab, Bolt or InDrive (source).
Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to the city
- SRT Red Line: from the airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue), then change to the MRT Blue Line.
- A1 bus: to Mo Chit BTS station (source).
- Taxi: about ฿300 to central Bangkok, plus the ฿50 airport surcharge (source).
- Connecting to Suvarnabhumi: a free inter-airport shuttle runs for passengers with an onward boarding pass (source).
Getting around Bangkok: BTS, MRT and boats
| System | Fare (2026) | Pay with | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS Skytrain (Sukhumvit & Silom lines) | ฿17–47 core; up to ฿65 on extensions | Single ticket or Rabbit card (no bank cards) | about 5:00–24:00 |
| MRT Blue Line | ฿17–44 | Contactless Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay or token | 6:00–24:00 |
| Airport Rail Link | ฿15–45 | Contactless card or token | 5:30–24:00 |
| Chao Phraya Express boat | Cheap flat fares by flag | Cash on board or at piers | Daytime to early evening |
Source: Tisland, September 2026.
- Contactless on MRT: since 1 June 2026, Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay cards work at Blue and Purple Line gates — tap out with the same card (source).
- BTS: bank cards aren’t accepted yet; buy single tickets or a Rabbit card (฿120 issue + top-up) (source).
- 20-baht flat fare: this subsidy was for Thai nationals only and doesn’t apply to tourists (source).
- River boats are perfect for the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and ICONSIAM — see our temples guide.
Taxis, Grab and tuk-tuks
- Taxis: always ask for the meter (“meter, please”); refuse fixed prices for short trips.
- Grab/Bolt: fixed upfront prices and no language barrier.
- Tuk-tuks: fun for short rides — agree the price first and decline “free” tours to gem shops.
Tips for arriving in Bangkok
- Complete your TDAC within 72 hours before arrival — see our Thailand Digital Arrival Card guide.
- Get data on arrival with a Thailand eSIM for Grab and maps — compare Thailand eSIMs.
- Avoid rush hour taxis; take the train.
- Stay near a BTS or MRT station — see where to stay in Bangkok.
More Bangkok guides
- Bangkok itinerary
- Best things to do in Bangkok
- Where to stay in Bangkok
- Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun tickets
- Floating markets near Bangkok
- Best time to visit Bangkok
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
- Bangkok travel guide
FAQ: Bangkok airport and transport
How do I get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city?
Take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (about 30 minutes, ฿15–45), or a taxi for about ฿450–650 including surcharge and tolls.
How much is a taxi from Suvarnabhumi to Sukhumvit?
Typically about ฿450–650 in total, including the ฿50 airport surcharge and tolls, depending on traffic.
Does Uber work in Bangkok?
No — use Grab, Bolt or InDrive.
Can I use my credit card on the Bangkok MRT?
Yes, since June 2026 contactless Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay cards work on the MRT Blue and Purple lines, but not yet on the BTS.
Is the BTS 20-baht fare for tourists?
No — it was limited to Thai nationals and has been scrapped.
How do I get from Don Mueang to central Bangkok?
By SRT Red Line and MRT, the A1 bus to Mo Chit BTS, or a taxi for about ฿300 plus the airport surcharge.
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