BKK to DMK at a glance
| Option | Time on the road | Price | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| AOT free shuttle bus | 45 to 90 min, depending on traffic | free | Boarding pass or flight confirmation for the flight you are going to, plus passport or ID |
| Metered taxi | 45 to 75 min | meter, 50 THB airport surcharge and expressway tolls | Nothing; use the official rank |
| Private car booked in advance | same road | fixed price shown at booking | Your flight number |
| Public transport (rail and bus via the city) | 2 hr or more | under 100 THB | Only for travellers without much luggage and with time |
Fares and hours change: check the AOT airport guide for Suvarnabhumi before you travel. Facts read in October 2026.
The free shuttle: how it works
The airports authority runs a free shuttle for passengers changing between the two airports. At Suvarnabhumi it leaves from the passenger terminal, level 2, near gate 3. At Don Mueang it drops you at the upper (departures) level. You are asked to show your ticket or boarding pass for a flight the same day and your passport or national ID. The AOT guide gives service roughly from 5 am to midnight, with departures about every 30 minutes, but the frequency can change with demand, so ask at the shuttle counter or the information desk when you land. Our Bangkok airports guide mentions the same shuttle.
Taxi and private car
Official taxis wait on level 1 at Suvarnabhumi. The fare is metered, with a 50 THB airport surcharge and the expressway tolls paid by you. The expressway saves time when the traffic is heavy. For a fixed price and a driver who tracks your flight, a car booked in advance is simpler; compare the options in our guide to airport transfers in Bangkok.
Which margin between two flights
- Separate tickets: at least 5 hours between landing at BKK and take-off from DMK. Immigration and baggage can take an hour, the road up to 90 minutes, and check-in must be done before it closes.
- One booking: the airline should rebook you if the first flight is late. Ask the airline if the airport change is part of your ticket.
- Evening flights: the rush hour of the late afternoon is when the road is slowest; leave earlier than you think.
- Night connection: a hotel near the airport is simpler than a transfer at 2 am.
Before you go
- Check the airport code on every ticket: low-cost flights mostly use DMK.
- Carry your boarding pass on your phone and on paper.
- If you only need the city, the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi and the Red Line from Don Mueang are explained in Don Mueang to Bangkok.
FAQ
Is the BKK to DMK shuttle really free? Yes, the AOT shuttle is free for passengers who show a boarding pass or booking for a flight.
Can I use it without a ticket for a flight? The rule asks for a ticket or boarding pass, so a tourist without a flight that day should take a taxi.
How early should I leave? Count 90 minutes on the road at peak time and be at the DMK check-in with time to spare.
La rédaction Bangkok Authority, October 2026.
