Transport options and travel time between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports - Bangkok

Hi, How long does it take to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok? Thanks! Car, metro?

Good evening,

Metro/train/link: No, because you’d have at least two transfers, plus a ten-minute walk for each—no fun with luggage.

Free shuttle: Departs every 12 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. It’s located outside Exit 3 (after clearing customs, turn right; Exit 3 is a 5–10 minute walk on your left). The journey takes 1–2.5 hours, depending on the time (traffic jams...). To get the free ride, you’ll need to show proof that you’re heading to Don Muang to catch a flight (ticket, boarding pass, etc.).

Taxi: Follow the signs to the official taxi counter. When the driver asks if they can take the expressways, say yes. You’ll pay the expressway tolls as you go, and it’s a great way to break a large bill* even for a small amount (don’t worry, they’re used to it). There’s a 50 THB "airport pickup" surcharge to add to the metered fare at the end. Travel time: Same as the shuttle. * This will come in handy when paying the fare, as drivers rarely carry much change for safety reasons.

There are probably other options, like booking a car through an app, but I can’t tell you much about them since I’ve never used them. In any case, keep traffic jams in mind—they usually happen from 6:00–9:30 AM and 3:00–8:00 PM.

Hi there, Thanks a lot for your reply. We arrive in Bangkok at 8:10 AM. Given the time it takes to go through customs and pick up our luggage, do you think we can make it to Don Muang by 1:00 PM?

I think that should work. But it's better to ask first and book the tickets afterward.

we arrive in Bangkok at 8:10 a.m. (...) can we make it to Don Muang by 1:00 p.m.?

Yes, no need to rush.

time to go through customs and pick up luggage

The order is: Immigration (passport control) first, then baggage claim, and finally Customs (where foreigners are almost never checked—you can usually walk right through). From the moment you leave the plane until you exit Customs, it generally takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

Hello, You wrote, "There’s a 50-baht ‘airport pickup’ surcharge to add to the meter price at the end." This only applies on the ARRIVAL level—no surcharge if you take a taxi from the DEPARTURE level where taxis drop off passengers. The savings are small, but more importantly, there’s no queue for a taxi. Great job on your very clear and precise post! Eric

Hello,

no coverage if you take it at the DEPARTURE level when taxis are dropping off passengers. The savings are minimal, but more importantly, there’s no queue for a taxi.

I know this all too well since that’s always where I take my taxis—never at the official counter. No extra charge, no queue (just that last point is a huge advantage), and no issues with drivers turning on their meters either. To be thorough, it’s worth noting that picking up a taxi at the departures level is technically illegal. But it’s so widely used by drivers, Thai passengers, and in-the-know tourists that you’ll usually find 2-3 cops there... just directing traffic. There are a few turnstiles meant to block access to the taxis, but they’re so easy to bypass—even with luggage—that it’s barely an obstacle.

Thanks for sharing the tip, while I, being a bit slow, only mentioned the official option I never use. There’s a similar trick when arriving at Don Muang.

2-3.

It's less regulated and might be considered a bit unfair, but it's accurate. It’s done a bit under pressure because the guys with whistles are there to shoo these taxis away as soon as passengers disembark.

For those on a tight budget...

For the ultra-tight budgets...

?? Would saving 50 baht make that much of a difference to the overall budget? Are the many Thais who use this trick really on "ultra-tight budgets"? Let's keep it real, please.

"For the tightest budgets..." why not? But mostly to skip the queue.

In June, July, and August, I never had to wait in line.

And for other members traveling on different dates...

Good evening,

You can also download the GRAB app and book a car directly. It's on par with taxis and usually cheaper, plus it's pretty convenient—I used it throughout our stay in Thailand recently.

When we did it on a Sunday morning, it didn’t take us an hour.

Best regards.