Welcome / Bangkok / Airport to City

Transfer Options from Bangkok Airport to City Centre

Maria Papakonstantinou

August 10, 2024

Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok’s main airport, about 35 km east of the city centre. You have 6 ways to get from Bangkok Airport to the city centre: taxi, private transfer, train, local bus, public minivan, or a private airport shuttle. If you value speed and comfort, an airport taxi or a private transfer is the most convenient choice; they provide 24/7 services and will take you directly to your hotel or apartment for a moderate fare.

If you prefer to experience the city like a local and spend less money on transportation, you can choose the train, which is a fast and convenient option. If you prefer to travel by bus, you can choose whichever option best matches your needs and budget; the local bus, the public minivan, or the private shuttle with Airport Limobus Express. Keep in mind that buses are the slowest option to reach the city centre. Once in the city, you can continue on foot, use the MRT or the BTS trains or take another local bus line to reach your accommodation.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Bangkok at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€12.65	40min	24/7
Private Airport Transfer	€26	40min	24/7
Airport Rail Link	€2.30	30min	05:30–00:00
BMTA Bus Route S1	€3.10	65min	06:00–20:00
Public Minivan 552	€1	60min	04:00–23:00
Airport Limo Bus Express	€9.20	60min	08:00–23:00

How to get from Bangkok Airport to city centre by taxi

Taking a taxi from Bangkok Airport to the city centre is one of the fastest transportation options to reach your accommodation directly. Taxi service is available 24/7 and you’ll find yellow taxis with the typical taxi sign on the roof lined up in front of the terminal. Simply follow the signs guiding you to the rank and if you’re lucky you may secure a ride quickly if there’s not a long queue.

How much does a taxi from Bangkok Airport to city centre cost?

Bangkok taxi prices are calculated using a taximeter so the main factors affecting the total fare are distance to destination and traffic conditions. The rates are the same throughout the day and include the airport fee from Bangkok Airport. There are no additional fees for luggage.

That being said, the average Bangkok Airport to city centre taxi cost is €12.65 (THB 500). If you’re in a larger group, a minivan taxi should cost Depending on your destination, your driver may decide to take the Expressway to get there faster; in that case, the toll will be added to your final fare.

Cost

€12.65

Trip Duration

40 Min.

During peak times, the queue for an available taxi can be significantly longer than usual.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport (BKK).

Where do I take a taxi from?

The Bangkok Airport taxi rank is outside of the Arrivals Hall on Level 1. Before heading to the rank, you need to stop by the kiosks located at Entrance 4 in the public area of the Arrivals Hall to get a printed taxi number. There are usually three lanes of taxis at the taxi rank; one for regular sedans that accommodate up to 4 passengers, one for minivans, and one for taxis driving to destinations within the local area.

Convenience

A taxi from Bangkok Airport to the city is a convenient and good value-for-money option to reach your hotel or apartment any time during the day. However, although taxis are available around the clock, there can be a long queue at the rank so you may need to wait a while. The peak tourist season in Bangkok is from November to February so you can expect the airport to be busier during these months.

Editor’s Note

Taxis in Bangkok are rather cheap compared to other cities around the world; they're a great value-for-money option for short or long-distance rides, even if you're travelling on a budget.

Useful Tips

Never accept rides from taxi drivers approaching tourists offering fixed fares; they're usually unregistered drivers and will most probably overcharge you. Only take a taxi from the official airport taxi rank.

Once you get in the taxi, check that the taximeter is turned on and reset to the base fare of €1.30 (THB 50).

If the driver tries to negotiate a fixed fare, ask them politely to use the taximeter. Keep in mind the average rate of €0.18 (THB 7) to ensure the taximeter is working properly.

There are no additional fees for rides at night, on weekends, or public holidays so keep that in mind if the driver tries to charge more than the standard rates.

Tipping taxi drivers in Thailand is not mandatory, but it is common and appreciated. Rounding up your fare or adding a 5-10% tip is acceptable.

Most airport taxis don't accept card payments. Make sure to carry small cash in Baht on you as most taxi drivers don’t carry much change.

How to get from Bangkok Airport to city by private transfer

Getting a private transfer from Bangkok Airport to the city is the most convenient transportation option to reach your accommodation. With a trusted, top-rated operator like Welcome Pickups, you will not only save time by skipping the queue at the taxi rank but also enjoy perks like:

Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support

The best part is that you can arrange everything in advance and leave nothing to chance on the day of your arrival in Bangkok. You can even ask your driver to share a few local tips and tricks so that you can make the most out of your stay.

What's the cost of a private transfer from Bangkok Airport to city?

Unlike regular taxis that are metred, the fare for a private transfer is fixed. Once you enter all the necessary details during the booking process, like the drop-off address, and the number of passengers and luggage, you will get a quote for the most suitable vehicle based on your needs.

That being said, the fare of a private transfer from Bangkok Airport to the city is €26 (THB 1015) with a sedan for 2 passengers, €31 (THB 1211) with an SUV for 4 passengers, and €39 (THB 1523) with a minivan for 8 passengers.

These fares are fixed, including all taxes, airport fees, and tolls and don’t change even if you get stuck in traffic during rush hour.

Cost

€26

Trip Duration

40 Min.

*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport (BKK).

Where do I get a transfer from?

Once you exit the baggage claim area, look for your driver holding a sign with your name on it in the public area in the Arrivals Hall. You can also use the Welcome Traveller app to see a photo of the meeting point. After a warm meet and greet, your driver will offer to help with your luggage and will lead you to your pre-selected vehicle in the parking lot.

Convenience

Even though regular airport taxis in Bangkok are a convenient choice, a private transfer from Bangkok Airport to the city is an even better option that comes with only a slightly higher fare. Instead of joining the queue at the airport taxi rank, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing a driver will be waiting for you as soon as you land.

By pre-booking your ride, everything, including the payment, will be taken care of in advance; that way you will have nothing to worry about on the day of your arrival and you can focus on the good stuff, like where to head first!

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling during high season, it's best to set the pickup time 20-30 minutes after your flight arrival. This will allow enough time to go through passport control and baggage claim without rushing to the exit.

Useful Tips

You can book a private transfer in Bangkok for up to 8 passengers. If you're in a larger group, you'll need to make separate bookings.

You do not have to tip your Bangkok taxi driver but you're welcome to do so if you really appreciate the service. You can tip in cash or add a tip via the Welcome Traveller app.

You will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one during the booking process online or later using the Welcome Traveller app.

How to get from Bangkok Airport to city centre by train

If you wish to use public transport to get from Bangkok Airport to the city, a convenient option is to take the Airport Rail Link. It directly connects the airport to the city centre and stops at six stations before reaching Phaya Thai Station. The total trip there takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Depending on your destination in Bangkok, you can disembark at Makkasan and head to the MRT Petchaburi Station or go all the way to Phaya Thai Station and switch to the BTS Sukhumvit Line.

How much is the ticket for the train from Bangkok Airport to the city centre?

The fare for the Airport Rail Link depends on your destination. You can expect to pay an average of €1.15 (BHT 45) for a single ticket to get from Bangkok Airport to the city centre, which is the highest fare if you’re heading all the way to Phaya Thai Station.

Note that tickets are in the form of plastic tokens in various colours. To enter the platform, tap your token on the sensor pad to exit the station at your destination, simply deposit the token in the designated slot on the gate.

You can purchase your token at the Airport Rail Link ticket office in Arrivals or the station’s automatic machines. Besides a single token, you can also purchase online a pre-paid Smart Pass, which is convenient for tourists visiting Bangkok.

Cost

€1.15

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Train departures are scheduled every 12-15 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Station.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airport Rail Link operates from 05:30 to 00:00 daily.

Where do I take the train from?

The train station is located on the Basement Level at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). After exiting the baggage claim area, follow the “AIRPORT RAIL LINK (ARL)” signs to the elevators. You can always contact the airport staff if you have trouble locating the train station.

Convenience

The Airport Rail Link is the best value-for-money option to get from Bangkok Airport to the city; it’s fast and provides convenient connections to other public transport options that can take you to your final destination.

However, it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re travelling during peak hours; the train is used by locals and airport staff, meaning it can get very crowded. If you’re travelling with young children or carrying multiple pieces of luggage, another transportation option might be best.

Timetables

Bangkok Transit Map

Useful map of all the MRT and BTS lines

Editor’s Note

Using public transport in Bangkok is an experience on its own, giving you a chance to feel the local vibes. If you don't find the idea too stressful, it's worth riding the Airport Rail Link to reach your accommodation in the city.

Useful Tips

Note that the automatic ticket machines at the station, only accept cash payments in Thai Baht only; they don't accept credit cards or mobile wallet payments.

Children under 12 years of age and under 90 cm in height travel free of charge on the Airport Rail Link.

You can carry luggage on the train but make sure that you don't block any seats or aisles. If you carry bulky or multiple luggage, perhaps travelling by train is not the best idea.

The 8 stations of the Airport Rail Link are numbered from A1 to A8, starting with A1 from Bangkok Airport; that's an easy way to remember where you need to disembark.

How to get from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok city centre by bus (BMTA S1)

Another good alternative if you want to use public transport is to get from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok city centre by bus. Bus Line S1 operated by BMTA departs from Bangkok Airport and will take you right to the city centre in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Route S1 makes 10 stops at several parts of the city centre, including Khaosan Road, and terminates at Sanam Luang Bus Terminal. Depending on your final destination, you can disembark at the nearest bus stop to your accommodation and continue on foot, by train, or another bus line.

How much is the ticket for the bus from Bangkok Airport to the city?

A single ticket for the bus from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok costs €1.55 (BHT 60) regardless of where you get off.

You can purchase your ticket in cash only from the conductor on the bus. Drivers can’t break large notes, so carry small notes in Baht.

Cost

€1.55

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 5 Min.

Bus Line S1 departs from Bangkok Airport every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus Line S1 operates from 06:00 to 20:00 daily.

Where do I take the bus from?

The bus stop for the S1 bus at Suvarnabhumi Airport is on Level 1 of the passenger terminal (Gate 7). When you are inside the airport follow the signs which say ‘To the City’ and have a picture of a bus. From the Arrivals level head down to Level 1, walk out of Entrance 7 and you will see the bus stops; there’s a large sign with S1 on it.

Convenience

Getting from Bangkok Airport to the city by bus is a good value-for-money option but it’s also the slowest one. If you’re not in a hurry and don’t mind the fact that it can get crowded during peak hours, it’s a good way to save money during your trip. Keep in mind that there is up to a 30-minute wait and you’ll need to navigate to your final destination after disembarking.

Timetables

Bus Line S1

Map, route, and stations

Editor’s Note

If you're carrying multiple pieces of luggage but still want to use public transport, the bus is a better option than the train; there is more luggage space and you'll be more comfortable during peak hours.

Useful Tips

All buses are air-conditioned.

There's plenty of luggage space for backpacks or large suitcases on the bus.

S1 buses are orange or blue; they both serve the same route.

How to get from Bangkok Airport to city centre by bus (Public Minivan)

The cheapest option to reach the city centre is by taking one of the public minivans that depart from Bangkok Airport. Minivan 552 is the only convenient option; in about 1 hour, it will take you to BTS station On Nut, where you can continue your trip by train.

What's the cost of the public minivan from Bangkok Airport to the city?

The fare for the minivan is calculated based on distance. The fare for the minivan from Bangkok Airport to the BTS Station On Nut costs €0.50 (BHT 20).

You can purchase your ticket only onboard and only in cash. Make sure to carry Baht in small notes.

Cost

€0.50

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

Public Minivan 552 departs from the airport every 20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Minivan 552 operates from 04:40 to 23:00 daily.

Where do I take the minivan from?

Public minivans depart from Suvarnabhumi Public Transportation Center, which is on the southern side of the airport terminal and it takes around 15 minutes to get there on foot. If there are empty seats available, the minivan will also stop in front of Gates 1 and 8 outside the Arrivals Hall.

Convenience

Minivans are the cheapest option to leave Bangkok Airport but it’s not the most convenient one. Depending on your destination, you’ll need to take additional transportation, which is not only more complicated but also increases the trip duration and cost.

Editor’s Note

Minivans are the cheapest option but it's mostly an option used by locals and airport staff due to limited luggage space. It's recommended mostly for solo travellers with very light luggage.

Useful Tips

There is very limited space for luggage on public minivans so it's not a suitable option if you're travelling with anything other than a medium backpack.

Minivans are air-conditioned.

How to get from Bangkok Airport to city centre by bus (Airport Limo Bus Express)

Your last option to get from Bangkok to the city centre is taking the airport shuttle operated by Airport Limo Bus Express; a private company operating daily routes from Bangkok Airport.

Limo Bus operates two routes. The first route connects the airport to Khaosan Road via Phaya Thai. Depending on your destination, you can get off at Khaosan, in the heart of Bangkok city or at Phaya Thai, the city’s central train station. The second route will take you to Silom Road, where you can connect to several MRT and BTS lines.

What's the cost of the bus from Bangkok Airport to the city?

The cost of a single ticket for the Limo Bus from Bangkok Airport to the city centre is €4.60 (BHT 180) per traveller.

You can purchase your ticket online via the official company website, other ticket providers or on the bus. Note that payment on the bus is possible only in cash so carry Baht in small notes.

Cost

€4.60

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

Limo buses depart from Bangkok Airport every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Limo Bus routes to Khaosan and Silom operate from 08:00 to 23:00 daily.

Where do I take the bus from?

Limo Bus departs from Gate 8 on Level 1 at the terminal. There is a large sign for the bus company so it should be easy to spot once you exit the Arrivals Hall.

Convenience

The Limo Bus is a good way to leave the airport and head to the city centre but it may not be the best option if you’re in a hurry. If you’re travelling during peak hours and there are many travellers who wish to use the bus, you may end up waiting for the next one. Securing seats can be even more challenging if you’re travelling in a large group; a private transfer may be more suitable in that case.

Editor’s Note

If you don't want to pay for a taxi or a private transfer, taking the train is a much cheaper and more convenient option than the Limo Bus.

Useful Tips

Limo buses are equipped with WiFi.

Luggage is included in the ticket price.

There is live map tracking available on the company website.

If there are many empty seats left, you may need to wait for more passengers to board the bus.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Bangkok. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Bangkok Airport to city centre?

There are 6 ways to get from Bangkok Airport to the city centre. A taxi or private transfer will take around 40 minutes and cost €12.65 (THB 500) and €26 (THB 1015) respectively. The fastest option is the Airport Rail Link which will take you to the city in 30 minutes for €1.15 (BHT 45). Another option is Bus Line S1 which takes 1 hour and 5 minutes and costs €1.55 (BHT 60) or a public minivan which takes 1 hour and 5 minutes and costs €0.50 (BHT 20). Finally, you can take the Limo Bus Express, which takes 1 hour and costs €4.60 (BHT 180) per traveller.

How far is downtown Bangkok from the airport?

The distance from Bangkok Airport to the city is approximately 35 km west. Driving there takes around 40 minutes in average traffic, while public transport takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How much is the train from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok?

The Airport Rail Link is a convenient connection by train from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station. A single ticket for the train from Bangkok Airport to the city centre costs €1.15 (BHT 45).

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