How to Easily Get from Bangkok Airport to the City Center

From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khaosan

Many travelers choose to spend their first few days in Khaosan, the backpacker’s hub par excellence. If you have decided to stay in this area, there are several ways to get there:

By Taxi: The Most Comfortable Option

Without a doubt, the easiest and most comfortable way to get from Bangkok airport to the city center. There’s nothing quite like stepping off the plane and being taken directly to your hotel without having to walk far.

We recommend this option for those arriving at odd hours when public transport is more limited, or for groups of 3-4 people since splitting the fare makes it more affordable.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

1. Go down to the 1st FLOOR, as “Arrivals” is on the 2nd floor, and if you exit there, you’ll only find private transport companies.
2. Once you exit the building, you’ll see all the taxis. Walk a little to the left to find the taxi staff, tell them your destination, and they will give you a ticket with the price and assign your taxi.
3. At the end of the ride, you’ll pay what the meter indicates plus 50 THB, and that’s it.

Price: The taxi ride to Khaosan or Rambuttri usually costs around 300-400 THB, with an additional 50 THB for the airport tax. If you take the highway, you will have to cover the toll yourself, which is approximately 75 THB more.

By Train (City Line) + Taxi: Affordable and Convenient

If you decide to take the train from Bangkok airport to Khaosan, the cost is significantly lower. However, since there are no metro or train stations near Khaosan, you will need to take a taxi for the last part of the trip.

This option is great if you’re traveling alone or as a couple, as the total cost is reasonable. The train is also quick, and the taxi ride is comfortable. The train operates from 6:00 a.m. to 12:25 a.m.

Steps to follow:

1. First, go down to the ground floor (B FL), following the airport signs (refer to the first photo).
2. Follow the signs for the “Airport Rail Link” and head to the CITY LINE TRAIN, marked in red. Buy a ticket to PHAYA THAI station, which is the final stop and closest to Khaosan.
3. Once you arrive at Phaya Thai station, get off and find the taxi rank. Tell them your destination, and they will assign you a metered taxi. Pay the fare when you arrive.

Price: The train costs 45 THB, and the taxi ride is between 80-100 THB. You can see more details in the photos below.

Minivan, the Other Option

Another option to reach Khaosan is by minivan. You’ll need to wait until it fills up before traveling with other passengers directly to your destination. The bus stop is on the 1st floor, and the fare is 100-110 THB.

Private Transport

You can also book your transfer from the airport to your hotel online in advance, whether you need a regular car or a minivan (for groups). When you arrive, simply look for your driver at the exit, and they will handle the rest. They typically hold a sign with your name on it, so you won’t get lost.

By Bus, the Cheapest Option

For those who want a budget-friendly option to get from the airport to Khaosan, the best choice is the Airport Bus S1:

• Price: 60 THB for the bus ticket.
• Schedule: From 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., every half hour.
• Departure: From Door 7, on the 1st floor.

By Boat

One of our readers, Elena, has suggested another way to reach Khaosan: using the train + boat combo, which costs about 105 THB. The steps are similar to the first option (train), but once you reach Phaya Thai (BTS):

1. Buy a ticket to Saphan Taksin station (transfer at Siam).
2. Take the orange flag boat to Phra Arthit.
3. Walk from there to Khaosan.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport to City Centre

If you plan to stay in Silom or any area other than Khaosan, you can do the following:

• Take the Airport Rail Link, which connects the airport to Phaya Thai Station, where you can transfer to the BTS Sky Train and access other areas where your hotel may be located. You can also stop at Makkasan Station to connect with the subway if your hotel is more convenient from there.
• Take a taxi as explained above.
• Opt for private transport, as previously detailed.

From Don Mueang Airport to City Centre

If you arrive in Thailand through Don Mueang Airport (often for regional flights), here are the options to reach the city center:

By bus

Route A1 (Don Mueang to Mo Chit Station): Departs every 5 minutes from 06:15 to 00:30, stopping at:

• Lat Phrao Central Mall: 15 minutes
• Chatuchak: 20 minutes
• Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal

Route A2 (Don Mueang to Victory Monument): Departs every 15 minutes from 06:30 to 23:00, stopping at:

• Kasetsart University
• Central Lad Phrao Mall
• BTS SkyTrain Mo Chit
• Saphan Kwai BTS
• Ari BTS
• Sanam Pao BTS
• Victory Monument

Route A3 (Don Mueang to Lumphini Park): Departs every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:00, stopping at:

• Din Daeng
• Pratunam
• Ratchaprasong
• Ratchadamri

Route A4 (Don Mueang to Sanam Luang): Departs every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:00, stopping at:

• Khaosan Road
• Democracy Monument
• Phanfa Bridge
• Lan Luang
• Yommarat
• The Prachan
• The Chang

By Taxi or Private Transport

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or private transport, as explained above.

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