Updated: 30 October, 2024
I'll share the best way to go from one airport to another in Bangkok without spending a single cent – fast and convenient.
Bangkok has two airports. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is the largest and is usually the main entry and exit point for international flights outside of Asia. It's likely the airport you'll arrive at and depart from.
In addition, it is usually the airport with the cheapest international flights.
On the other hand, Don Mueang Airport (DMK) is primarily used for domestic and international flights within Asia.
So, if you don't plan to visit Bangkok upon arriving or departing, you might need to connect between these two airports for two separate flights.
The distance between them is 50 km, and since this transfer is quite common, Bangkok's airports themselves provide a free shuttle bus.
Moreover, the bus is comfortable and air-conditioned. Can't ask for more! 😉
Schedules and Duration of the Trip
The shuttle bus runs from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, leaving every 12 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during the rest of the day. You can check all the exits in the photo below.
This bus option is great if you want to get there quickly, as it is a shuttle that doesn't make intermediate stops. The minimum travel time is about 50 minutes, although it may extend depending on the traffic in the city.
Moreover, during the rainy season, especially when Bangkok experiences flooding, transit time significantly increases.
👍 Friend's advice: if you have little time between flights, I would recommend taking a taxi and asking for the 'expressway'. It will take you through toll highways, which you'll have to pay, but it will be more cost-effective than missing your flight. You can book the taxi here to get from one airport to another in Bangkok.
Useful Information and Requirements
The free shuttle is easy to spot with a sign at the stop and on the bus that says "Shuttle Bus" and "AOT," which stands for Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited.
You will find AOT staff at the counter next to the stop. To use this service, you must show your passport and boarding pass or confirmation of your next flight.
If the bus is full, they will provide you with a ticket for the next bus.
The bus has luggage space, but keep in mind that they don't allow alcohol or strongly scented food.
Another option is the public bus, which covers the route for approximately 30 bahts. However, it makes between 50 and 55 stops, significantly extending the travel time.
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang
The shuttle bus stop at Suvarnabhumi is located next to the arrivals on the 2nd floor, near gate 3. To find the bus, just follow the signs indicating 'Shuttle Bus'.
At Don Mueang, the bus will drop you off on the upper floor where the departure terminal is located.
Don Mueang International Airport to Suvarnabhumi
At Don Mueang, the free shuttle bus stop is outside the terminal on the 1st floor, exiting through gate 6.
👉 In this case, pay attention, as the shuttle counter is inside the terminal, just before exiting through gate 6. The counter is also clearly identified as 'AOT Shuttle Bus'. You will need to show your documents there before heading to the bus.
At Suvarnabhumi, the bus will drop you off at the departure terminal on the 4th floor, near gate 5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the shuttle bus doesn't have a reservation system; it's first-come, first-served. If it's full, you'll have to wait for the next one.
No, the shuttle only connects the two airports.
If you wanted to take advantage of the service to go somewhere nearby, they won't allow you to board unless you can prove you have a flight at the other airport.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you figure out how to go from one airport to another in Bangkok for free and quickly.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about Bangkok and Thailand
- 23 Tips for traveling to Thailand
- What to see in Bangkok: 21 must-sees
- 12 Best Restaurants in Bangkok: good and cheap
- What to see in Ayutthaya: 8 essentials
- 7 Best Retreats in Thailand: Yoga and Meditation
- 8 Unmissable Excursions from Krabi
- Thailand or Vietnam Where to travel?
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.
Thank you very much for the information. We took this bus and it took us from 5:12 am to 5:54 am
Excellent Maria, very fast!
That's the good thing about that time, the traffic is much more fluid.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the exact time it took! 🙏😊