Transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chiang Mai overnight train station

Hi there, We're heading to Thailand at the end of February, and after landing in Bangkok, we need to catch the overnight train to Chiang Mai. Could you tell us how to make the transfer? Thanks

Hi, So, it looks like it’ll be "Krung Thep Aphiwat" station.

- 5 stops to Makkasan on the Airport Rail Link, then transfer to the blue metro line from Petchaburi (the station, not the city ;)) for 10 stops north to Krung Thep Aphiwat. Around 1h30 total travel time. Expect some corridors.

- Free airport shuttle to the bus terminal (quick since it’s nearby), then bus S6 to Krung Thep Aphiwat (runs until 10 PM). The cheapest option but also the longest—anywhere from 1h30 to 2h30 depending on the time.

- Taxi from the departures level (only if you know what you’re doing) or queue at the official taxi counter. Timing depends on traffic (worst during 6:30–10 AM and 3–8 PM). Budget for the "airport pickup fee" (only applies if you use the official counter) on top of the metered fare, plus expressway tolls paid by you as you go (a common way to break a big 1000-baht note, since drivers usually don’t carry much change for safety). Refuse any driver who asks for a fixed price—metered fare is the rule.

In Bangkok taxis:

Hi! The easiest and most budget-friendly option compared to a taxi is Grab or Bolt. These two apps let you find cars really quickly with the price shown upfront before the ride. You’ll just need to cover the urban highway tolls. Have a great trip!

Explore Bolt services | The all-in-one mobility app | Bolt Drive with Grab | Earn money on your own schedule | Grab TH

Hi there, and thanks for the info! Is there a place near the station worth visiting, since we land at noon and our train isn’t until 7 PM?

Hi, unfortunately not much around the station. A good restaurant with beers in this area: 9 ถนนปูนซิเมนต์ไทย บางซื่อ Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800, Thailand You can take a taxi or other transport to Chatuchak Market—just check if it’s open on the day you visit. Right next to it, there’s Wachirabenchathat Park, open every day, a nice walk away from the crowds. If all else fails, near the market there’s a small mall, JJ Mall, and Jatujak Plaza.

Thanks so much for this info!