The airport is the first place you set foot in once you’re in Bangkok (or anywhere you’re travelling to). And as airports can be notoriously busy and confusing to navigate on their own, especially for first-time visitors, ensuring you’ve planned how you’re getting to and from the airport will make your trip smoother. Whether that’s via the speedy Bangkok Airport Rail Link or an airport transfer organised by your accommodation, understanding the ins and outs of the entire process will save you stress and time.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is Bangkok’s main international airport, located about 25–30 kms east of the city centre. It takes around 30–60 minutes to reach downtown, depending on the traffic and mode of transportation.

There are several airport transfer and shuttle options available to and from Bangkok Airport, and depending on your preferences, you’ll find a service that best suits your needs easily.

Hopping on the Airport Rail Link train is one of the quickest and affordable ways to get to Bangkok Airport. 

The Airport Rail Link (ARL) efficiently connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city centre, stopping at major stations such as Makkasan and Phaya Thai. It’s affordable, quick, and ideal for solo travellers or those with minimal luggage.

A ticket should cost you less than AU$2, depending on where you’re heading to in the city, or where you’re coming from if you’re taking the ARL to the airport. 

Taking a public bus to the airport is one of the most affordable options; however, it can be challenging for tourists to navigate and time-consuming due to its multiple stops and traffic along the way. Further, public buses in Bangkok are cash-only, so you’ll need to ensure you have cash on hand before you travel. 

Metered taxis are available to the airport and are a convenient option for door-to-door service. Simply flag one down on the street and ensure the driver uses the meter to avoid inflated fares. Note that tollway fees are not included in the fare. A taxi ride should cost you around AU$10-16, depending on where you’re travelling from. 

Rideshare services like Grab are popular in Bangkok and offer transparent pricing coupled with convenience. It’s an excellent choice for travellers wary of miscommunication or overcharging.

The cheapest way to get to Bangkok Airport is either by taking the Airport Railway Link or a public bus. Both are similar in pricing, however, the ARL skips the on-road traffic and gets you to the airport quicker.

The fastest way to get to and from Bangkok Airport is via the ARL. A trip will take around 30 minutes — just enough time to curate the perfect Bangkok photo dump.