Airport Information

 

Suvarnabhumi Airport, opened in 2006, is Bangkok’s new International Airport (BKK). The modern terminal building is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district, roughly 25km east of Bangkok’s CBD. BKK has more than 96 airlines based at its terminal and is the main hub for Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways and Orient Thai Airlines.

The airport is one of the largest in the world; passengers passing through are therefore advised to allow plenty of time for their journeys. Security, passport control and baggage claim can be a slow process here. 

 

Transport

BKK is served by a number of public and private transport options. Trains depart regularly from the train station located below the terminal building. Here, the express line trains run to downtown Bangkok in just 15 minutes and depart every 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, the City Line trains are the commuter trains, which stop at many stations between the airport and the city – these depart every 15 minutes.

Buses are slightly less convenient, but a myriad of services run from the Public Transportation Centre. This is located a couple of kilometres outside of the terminal but can be reached via the free airport shuttle. Journey times tend to take a lot longer on buses, particularly during rush hour due to heavy congestion on roads.

Taxi ranks are located outside of the main terminal on the first floor. Although taxis are extremely affordable in Bangkok, this can be a rather pricey option due to the heavily congested main roads which may double journey times. It will normally take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to reach downtown Bangkok, depending on traffic. 

BKK offers a number of car hire services, which include Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget, National, and Auto Europe. Car rental can be arranged in advance via the BKK website.  

 

 

Parking

The airport houses two long-stay car parks, which are connected to the terminal via a free shuttle service. There are also two large multi-storey car parks situated at the terminal’s level three, which are designed for short-stay parking and charge by the hour. Here there are also a number of designated disabled spaces. 

 

Overnight Accommodation

BKK has a number of airport hotels within its perimeters including the new Nototel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, each of which have their own shuttle services running to and from the terminal. Pick-up and drop-off services can also be arranged to and from individual hotels.  

 

 

 

Image credits: Kushch Dmitry, Tupungato