“400 baht? No meter?” The taxi driver’s hopeful smile fades as I shake my head and turn toward the train station signs. After dozens of flights into Bangkok, I’ve compared the taxi vs train several times and learned that your first transport decision can make or break your arrival experience.
Most guides just list your options from Bangkok’s airports. This isn’t that guide. Instead, I’ll show you what seasoned travellers know about getting into the city from:
- Suvarnabhumi (say “su-wan-na-poom”) – the main international hub
- Don Mueang – home to budget airlines like AirAsia
Let me help you avoid the common tourist traps and choose the right option for your situation.
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We will begin with Suvarnabhumi, where most international flights land.
The Real Costs of Getting to Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi
Let’s break down your options by the numbers:
🚆 Airport Train: 45-145฿
A 30-minute guaranteed ride for 45฿, plus possibly 100฿ for a taxi to your final destination. No traffic stress, no haggling.
🚕 Airport Taxi: 450-600฿
Base fare starts at 350฿, plus a 50฿ airport fee and tolls (50-200฿). Journey time varies wildly – anywhere from 40 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
📱 Grab: 450-700฿
Similar to taxis but with upfront pricing. You’ll pay 400-500฿ plus tolls, but avoid the “no meter” dance. Perfect for late arrivals or when you don’t want to explain your destination.
The real difference isn’t just cost – it’s about starting your trip stress-free, without haggling or sitting in traffic.
The 60-Second Decision Guide
Still not sure which to choose? Here’s what I would do:
✨ Airport Link: Perfect during rush hour (7-9am, 4-7pm) and for hotels near Sukhumvit or Silom. Best with light luggage.
🚕 Taxi: Your go-to for late arrivals (11pm-6am) or when heading to Old Town/Khao San. Makes sense for those with lots of luggage.
📱 Grab: Think of it as your backup plan. Use it when taxis won’t meter, you prefer paying by card, or don’t want to explain your destination. Perfect for when you are dead tired and just don’t want to think
💡 Smart Moves:
- Hotels near BTS/MRT? Train’s your best bet
- Screenshot your hotel’s address in Thai
- Get the Grab app before landing
- Rush hour? Train saves you an hour+
If you like the peace of mind in being organised, you can buy an Airport railway line smart pass from Klook before you travel. But honestly, buying at the station is just as easy.
If I have already lost you, consider a private transfer, especially if you have had a 20 plus hour flight or are travelling with children.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport
So if you’ve decided to take the train (or at least considering it), here’s exactly what you need to know about Bangkok’s airport train service.
Finding and Using the Airport Link
The airport train might be Bangkok’s best-kept transport secret. Head down to basement level after customs, following the “Train to City” signs. You’ll find English-speaking staff at the counter, or try the self-service machines if you prefer.
The 45฿ Ticket
Most visitors waste time studying the fare chart. Here’s the secret: if you are not sure then just get the 45฿ ticket to Phaya Thai (the end station). It’s only 10฿ more expensive than the Makasan ticket and you can always hop off earlier if needed.
Which Station is Yours?
There are only two stations most travellers need to know about. Choose yours based on your hotel location:
Phaya Thai Station (End of Line – 45฿) links to the Phaya Thai BTS station
Your stop for central Bangkok. Perfect if you’re staying near staying near Siam, Ari, or at a riverfront hotel . Links directly to the BTS Skytrain, making it ideal for first-timers. Journey takes 30 minutes, and you’ll find plenty of taxis waiting if needed.
Makkasan Station (35฿) – connects to Phetchaburi MRT just a 200 metre walk away.
Your gateway to Sukhumvit. A 200-meter covered walkway connects you to Phetchaburi MRT station, one stop from Asoke and Terminal 21. If you are staying in Sukhumvit or near Hua Lamphong Station this is your stop as its an easy change to the MRT. The trip takes 25 minutes from the airport, and the walkway’s air-conditioned – a blessing in Bangkok’s heat.
What to Expect on the Airport Train
The train runs from 6am to midnight, every 10-15 minutes. Some useful details that aren’t obvious:
- Kids under 12 ride free
- Every car has dedicated spaces for suitcases
- Station announcements are in clear English
- Escalators at every station – there are also lifts but you sometimes need an eagle eye to spot them.
The train’s biggest advantage isn’t just speed – it’s reliability. You’re on an elevated track above the traffic, watching taxis crawl along below. Even during Bangkok’s afternoon downpours, you’ll keep moving while the expressway grinds to a halt.
Best Times to Take the Train
Timing can make a big difference to your journey. Early morning trains (before 7am) are peaceful, shared mainly with airport staff. During rush hours (7-9am and 4-7pm), you’ll join Bangkok’s commuters, but you’ll still beat the traffic jams below. Mid-day trains (9am-4pm) offer a relaxed ride, while evening services after 7pm quiet down again.
After countless trips, I suggest you:
- Download the BTS/MRT map before landing – cell service can be spotty underground
- Break larger bills at the airport 7-11 before buying tickets
- Keep your hotel’s address in Thai handy for any final taxi rides
Using Grab from the Airport
Grab, the local version of UBER, has transformed airport transfers in Bangkok. No more awkward meter negotiations or confusion about your destination – just clear pricing and professional drivers.
How Much Will You Pay?
A Grab ride from Suvarnabhumi to central Bangkok typically costs 400-500฿, plus tolls (50-200฿). Yes, it’s similar to taxi prices, but you’ll know the exact fare before you ride. The journey takes the same amount of time but there is the addition of having to wait for your driver to arrive.
Finding Your Driver
Suvarnabhumi Airport has two official Grab pickup points, and the app will tell you which one to use. Both are easy to find, but knowing exactly where to go helps avoid the confusion I’ve seen many travellers face.
For Gate 4 pickup, you’ll exit arrivals on the second floor and look for Kasikorn Bank – it’s your landmark. Turn right, walk to Gate 4, and exit left to the outer lane. Gate 7 follows the same principle, but you’ll turn left at Kasikorn Bank and exit right at Gate 7.
Making Your Life Easier
Here’s what I’ve learned from my one and only Grab ride from Suvarnabhumi:
- Set up the app and add your credit card before flying
- Keep some Thai baht handy – sometimes the card payment system has hiccups
- Wait in the air-conditioned terminal until your driver confirms they’re at your gate
- Save your hotel’s address in Thai in the app – it saves time and prevents confusion
The best part about Grab? You can order your ride while still in the immigration queue, timing it perfectly for when you exit. Just don’t hit “Book” until you’re actually ready to head to the pickup point – drivers typically arrive within 5-10 minutes.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Express Buses
Bangkok has a network of airport buses, but honestly, I have not tried them. They are a cheap option, especailly if you are travelling solo, but they are slow and can take what seems an age depending on where your hotel is on the drop off list.
Bua Airport Express
For 180฿, these comfortable buses connect to over 500 hotels along three main routes:
- Sathorn-Mahanakon-MBK route: Perfect for downtown hotels
- Yaowarat-Chinatown route: Ideal for old town stays
- Asok-Sukhumvit route: Connects to major shopping areas and hotels
What makes these buses worth considering:
- Generous luggage allowance (two pieces per person)
- Comfortable 31 or 44-seat buses
- Direct hotel drop-offs
- Air-conditioned comfort
- Professional service
The only time I suggest considering them is if:
- You’re staying somewhere far from train stations
- The train line is under maintenance (happens occasionally)
- You’re want door to door on a budget.
How to Find It
Look for the Bua Airport Express counters on the 1st floor near Exit Gates 7 and 8. They operate from 7am to 7pm daily – perfect for daytime arrivals.
Traditional Airport Buses
The city also runs cheaper public airport buses (60฿), but I no absolutely nothing about them and I wouldn’t personally bother with them to save a dollar.
If you want to explore this option check current routes and times. If there are two of you get a cab/rideshare.
Don Mueang Airport: The Budget Airline Hub
If you’re flying AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, or Nok Air, you’ll land at Don Mueang. Bangkok’s original international airport might be further from downtown, but don’t let that worry you – a new train line has transformed the journey into the city.
Getting into Bangkok from Don Mueang
You’ve got three solid options from Don Mueang, each with its own benefits:
The Red Line Train: Bangkok’s Newest Transit Option
The Red Line, opened in 2021, is a game-changer for Don Mueang travellers. Think of it as the airport’s express lane into the city – elevated above traffic and connected to Bangkok’s entire transit network.
Quick Details:
- Cost: 20-45฿ to anywhere in the system
- Journey time: 25-30 minutes to Bang Sue Terminal
- Service hours: 5:30am to midnight
- Trains every: 15-30 minutes
Finding Your Way: From the arrival hall, just follow the “City Train” signs. You’ll walk through skybridge, much of which is air conditioned, directly to the station – no need to battle Bangkok’s heat or cross any roads.
Making Connections: Transfer at Bang Sue Grand Station to the MRT subway system. Don’t worry – it’s Thailand’s largest transit hub, with clear English signage throughout. Even with the transfer, you’ll typically reach downtown faster than sitting in traffic.
Road Transport Options
Airport Shuttle Buses (40฿)
Bangkok’s color-coded airport shuttles can be a bargain if they match your destination. Each route serves a specific area:
- A1 (Orange): Heads to Chatuchak Market and Mo Chit BTS
- A2 (Blue): Serves Victory Monument area
- A3 (Yellow): Routes through Silom and Lumphini
- A4 (Green): Direct service to Khao San Road
The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, but timing can be unpredictable during rush hour. They’re best when:
- You’re travelling light
- Your hotel is right along their route
- You’re not in a rush
- You want to save money
Taxis from Don Mueang (200-300฿)
The official taxi stand outside arrivals is well-organized and regulated. A few things to know:
- Always insist on the meter (it’s the law)
- Expect to pay tolls (50-100฿ extra)
- Add 50฿ airport surcharge
- Journey takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic
Using Grab or Bolt (250-400฿)
Grab works well from Don Mueang but has some quirks:
- Pickup point is clearly marked outside arrivals
- Prices surge during rush hour
- Often costs slightly more than taxis
We took a Bolt this week to Siam at 4pm and it cost 433฿ but it was peak hour. Probably should have taken a taxi!
What I’ve Learned About Don Mueang
After countless late-night arrivals and early morning departures through Don Mueang, I’ve learned that timing is everything at Bangkok’s old airport. The difference between a smooth arrival and a frustrating one often comes down to when you land and where you’re heading.
Land during daylight hours, and the Red Line train is usually your best friend. I still remember my first time watching taxi-packed highways crawl by below while the train glided effortlessly toward Bang Sue station.
But here’s what most guides won’t tell you about late-night arrivals: the official taxi queue might look daunting, but it moves surprisingly quick. The key is avoiding the touts inside the terminal (no matter how official they look) and heading straight for the outdoor taxi stand. That’s where you’ll find the legitimate metered taxis, usually lined up and ready to go.
If you’re heading to Khao San Road or the Old Town, don’t automatically jump in a taxi. The A4 bus might look basic, but it’s actually perfect for these areas.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
My first few arrivals in Bangkok taught me some hard lessons. Now I have a pre-flight ritual that saves me every time:
Before Landing:
- Download Grab app and add payment details
- Save Google Maps offline for Bangkok
- Screenshot hotel address in Thai
- Charge your phone fully (outlets on arrival can be scarce)
At the Airport: Get small bills from the 7 Eleven – those 1000฿ notes from the exchange counter won’t help with a 45฿ train ticket. Bangkok runs on 100s and 500s, especially for transport.
The Real Bottom Line
There’s no perfect option for everyone. That sleek Airport Link might seem ideal, but not with suitcases you struggle to carry. And while taxis offer door-to-door service, watching the train zip overhead while you’re stuck in rush-hour traffic might make you regret your choice.
The secret isn’t choosing the cheapest option or the most convenient one – it’s about matching your choice to your situation.
Whether you choose the taxi or the train from Bangkok airport, remember this: your airport transfer sets the tone for your initial Bangkok experience. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your arrival feels less like a challenge and more like the start of an adventure.
➡️ Planning your first visit? Here’s our beginners guide to Bangkok Public Transport
➡️ Need to transfer between airports? This transfer guide explains it all
➡️ Time to hit the shops? Check our complete BTS & MRT Guide
➡️ Interested in river travel? See our Bangkok by boat guide
➡️ Ready for an adventure? Check our complete Bangkok Bus Guide
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