| Option | Price | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRT Red Line (Krung Thep Aphiwat) | 33 THB | about 20 min | hotel near the MRT, avoiding traffic |
| A1 bus (Mo Chit 2) | 30 THB | depends on traffic | budget, north of the city |
| A2 bus (Victory Monument) | 30 THB | depends on traffic | budget, BTS Victory Monument |
| A3 bus (Lumphini Park) | 50 THB | depends on traffic | Silom, MRT Lumphini |
| A4 bus (Sanam Luang) | 50 THB | depends on traffic | Old Town, Khao San |
| Metered taxi | meter + 50 THB + tolls | depends on traffic | night arrival, 3 or 4 people |
| Pre-booked private transfer | price to check on the listing | see the listing | families, luggage, late arrival |
Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi: what differs
Don Mueang is the old airport, north of the city, used mostly by low-cost carriers such as AirAsia and Nok Air. It is smaller than Suvarnabhumi and has no direct train to Siam: you go through Krung Thep Aphiwat station. If you land at Suvarnabhumi, read Suvarnabhumi to central Bangkok instead. For both airports side by side, see our guide to the Bangkok airports.
By train: the SRT Red Line
Don Mueang Red Line station is linked to Terminal 1 by a covered walkway. Trains run south to the central station Krung Thep Aphiwat in about twenty minutes, every 10 to 15 minutes or so. The trip costs 33 THB; line fares range from 12 to 42 THB depending on distance. At Krung Thep Aphiwat, take the MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue station: it serves Chatuchak, Sukhumvit, Silom, Chinatown and Sanam Chai, near the Grand Palace. The Red Line's Chatuchak station is close to the Chatuchak market, open at weekends.
By bus: A1, A2, A3 and A4
Four BMTA routes leave from Terminal 1, level 1, gate 6, and in front of the Service Hall building.
- A1 to the Mo Chit 2 bus station: 5:45 am to midnight, every 15 minutes, 30 THB.
- A2 to Victory Monument: 6 am to 11 pm, every 15 minutes, 30 THB.
- A3 to Lumphini Park: 6 am to 11 pm, every 30 minutes, 50 THB.
- A4 to Sanam Luang: 6 am to 11 pm, every 30 minutes, 50 THB. It serves the Khao San Road area.
Journey times depend on traffic, which is very heavy on weekday rush hours: allow plenty of margin if you have a flight or train to catch.
By taxi or Grab
Taxis wait 24 hours a day on level 1, gate 8 of Terminal 1 (international) and gate 15 of Terminal 2 (domestic flights). The fare follows the meter, with a 50 THB airport surcharge and tolls on you. Airport rules allow a luggage surcharge: up to 20 or 21 THB per suitcase depending on size, 100 THB for bulky sports equipment. Insist on the meter and ignore touts in the hall; read Grab or taxi in Bangkok and the scams to avoid.
Private transfer: two offers at Don Mueang
A driver meets you on arrival. We did not see the prices of these two offers: check them on the listing for your date and group.
| Offer | What is stated | Who for |
|---|---|---|
| Private hotel transfer, tolls included | rated 4.8 out of 5 from 471 reviews (October 2026); flight tracking, 90 min waiting, tolls and insurance included | Don Mueang arrivals, families |
| Luxury private transfers | luxury vehicle with driver; neither price nor reviews seen | comfort, business trips |
For the pitfalls (tolls, waiting time, meeting point), read airport transfer in Bangkok: which offer to choose. You can also compare airport taxis and transfers on Booking.com.
If you would rather not look for a taxi on arrival (night flight, family, lots of luggage, first visit), Welcome Pickups offers a private transfer booked in advance: a fixed price agreed before you travel, an English-speaking driver waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name, and flight tracking if you are delayed. Read the cancellation terms shown on their site before booking. If you travel light and are not in a hurry, public transport remains cheaper.
Our arrival tips
- Daytime flight, hotel near the MRT: the Red Line, then the MRT.
- Arrival after midnight: taxi, Grab or private transfer; the train has stopped.
- Changing airports: a free shuttle links Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi for connecting passengers, on showing the boarding pass; leave a wide margin between flights.
- Short layover: see a Bangkok layover in 6, 12 or 24 hours.
FAQ
How much is the Red Line from Don Mueang? 33 THB to Krung Thep Aphiwat (October 2026, to be checked).
Is there a direct train from Don Mueang to Siam? No: change at Krung Thep Aphiwat for the MRT.
Which bus for Khao San Road? The A4 to Sanam Luang, 50 THB, from 6 am to 11 pm.
Is the taxi dearer than at Suvarnabhumi? Same principle: meter, 50 THB surcharge and tolls. The final cost depends on your district and traffic.
