How Do I Get From Bangkok Airport (BKK) To The City?

Bangkok welcomes millions of travelers from all over the world every year. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) serves as the main gateway to the city.

After landing, many people ask themselves: what is the best way to get from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city?

In this article, we present the various transportation options in detail so that you can start your trip to Thailand in a relaxed manner. Here are the best options for you:

S1 Bus: Inexpensive and direct to Khao San Road, ideal for backpackers.
Cab: Comfortable and direct, particularly suitable if you have a lot of luggage.
Airport Rail Link (ARL): Fast and inexpensive, ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
Ride apps (Bolt/Grab): Practical and flexible, bookable via app.
Private transfer: Stress-free and luxurious, perfect for first-time visitors or families.

We will now take a closer look at the various options:

How Do I Get From Bangkok Airport (Bkk) To The City?

Table of Contents

1. Take the S1 bus to Khao San Road

If you want to get to the backpacker district cheaply and directly, the S1 bus is an excellent option.

Cost: Only 60 baht per person (approx. 1.50 euros).
Travel time: Between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Departure point: The bus departs from Gate 7 on the second floor of the airport.
Route: The S1 bus passes important points such as the Democracy Monument and ends at Khao San Road.

This option is perfect if you are traveling light and want to save money.

Tip: Enjoy a private transfer between Bangkok airport and your hotel. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you are driven to your destination.

2. By cab to the city center

Do you want to get to your hotel directly and without detours? Then a cab is the most convenient choice.

Cost: Between 300 and 400 baht (approx. 8 to 11 euros). There is also an airport fee of 50 baht and tolls for expressways.
Travel time: Depending on traffic, between 30 and 60 minutes.
Departure point: Taxis are available on level 1 of the airport.
Tip: Make sure that the driver switches on the taximeter to ensure fair prices. Alternatively, you can negotiate a price in advance.

Cabs are particularly suitable if you have a lot of luggage or are arriving late at night.

3. With the Airport Rail Link (ARL)

The Airport Rail Link is a fast and inexpensive way to get to the city center.

Cost: Depending on the route, between 15 and 45 baht (approx. 0.40 to 1.20 euros).
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes to Phaya Thai terminus.
Departure point: The entrance to the ARL is located in the basement of the airport.
Route: The train stops at several stations, including Lat Krabang, Hua Mak, Makkasan, and ends in Phaya Thai.

From there, you can continue your journey by Skytrain or cab. You can find out more about public transportation in Bangkok here.

Tip: Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s cultural and historical heritage. Visit the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

4. With ride apps (Bolt and Grab)

Modern ride apps such as Bolt and Grab make it particularly easy for you to organize a ride. You can conveniently order a vehicle via the app and see the price in advance.

Cost: Depending on the route and time of day, usually between 250 and 400 baht (approx. 7 to 11 euros).
Travel time: Similar to a cab, depending on traffic.
Pick-up location: Pick-up takes place at the designated pick-up points for Ride Apps, near the parking garages.
Advantages: No negotiation necessary, fixed price and payment via app possible.

This option is particularly practical if you don’t feel like queuing or arguing with cab drivers.

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5. With a private transfer

If you value comfort and convenience, a private transfer is the most stress-free option.

Cost: From around 900 baht (approx. 23 euros).
Travel time: Depending on traffic, similar to a cab (30 to 60 minutes).
Advantages: Direct pick-up, no waiting times, fixed price and often English-speaking drivers.
Booking: Transfers can be booked online in advance so that you don’t have to worry about anything on site.

Perfect for first-time visitors, groups or families with lots of luggage.

Tip: Enjoy a private transfer between Bangkok airport and your hotel. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you are driven to your destination.

Conclusion: From Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city – which option is best for you?

Choosing the best transportation option from Bangkok Airport to the city depends entirely on your needs and, of course, your budget.

If you want to travel cheaply, the S1 bus or the Airport Rail Link are a good choice. If you are looking for comfort, opt for a cab, a ride app or a private transfer.

No matter which option you choose, both cabs and public transportation in Bangkok are very relaxed and you don’t have to worry about your safety.

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FAQs on the topic: From Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city – which option is best for you?

Finally, we’ll answer a few frequently asked questions about “How do I get from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city?”:

What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city?

The cheapest option is the S1 bus, which will take you to Khao San Road for just 60 baht (approx. 1.50 euros). The Airport Rail Link (ARL) is also inexpensive and costs between 15 and 45 baht (approx. 0.40 to 1.20 euros), depending on the route.

How long does it take to get from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city?

This depends on the selected transportation option:

– Taxi or Ride Apps: 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
– Airport Rail Link: Approx. 30 minutes to Phaya Thai terminus.
– S1 Bus: 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Are there ride apps like Grab or Bolt at Bangkok Airport?

Yes, both Grab and Bolt are available at the airport. You can book your ride conveniently via the app and board at the designated pick-up zones.

How much does a cab cost from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city?

A cab costs between 300 and 400 baht (approx. 8 to 11 euros). There is also an airport fee of 50 baht and possibly tolls if the driver uses expressways.

Can I use the Airport Rail Link (ARL) directly to my hotel?

Not directly. The ARL will take you to the terminus at Phaya Thai, where you can change to the Skytrain (BTS) or a cab to reach your hotel.

What is the best transportation option if I have a lot of luggage?

If you have a lot of luggage , cabs, ride apps or a private transfer are the best options. They offer enough space for luggage and take you directly to your destination.

Is it safe to take a cab from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city?

Yes, it is safe to take an official cab from the airport. Make sure that the driver switches on the taximeter. You will find the cabs at the official cab station on level 1.

Can I book my trip from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city in advance?

Yes, you can book a private transfer online in advance. This is particularly practical if you want a stress-free start in Bangkok. Grab also offers the option of planning trips in advance.

When is the traffic in Bangkok particularly heavy?

Traffic in Bangkok is particularly heavy during rush hour (7-9am and 5-8pm). If you are traveling at these times, you should allow more time or use the Airport Rail Link to avoid traffic jams.

Which means of transportation from Bangkok Airport (BKK) to the city is best for first-time visitors to Bangkok?

For first-time visitors looking for comfort and convenience, a private transfer or cab is ideal. You will be picked up directly from the airport and don’t have to worry about anything else. Alternatively, you can also use a ride app such as Grab or Bolt to travel flexibly and conveniently.