BANGKOK — The first new shuttle hit the road between Suvarnabhumi Airport and the backpacker mecca of Khaosan Road on Thursday, to the rejoicing of many.
The new S1 bus route launched shortly after the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, or BMTA, added two new money-saving routes from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport for those who can’t afford – or just don’t want to – take an airport cab.
That makes for six shuttles and other services serving travelers.
So to celebrate more transportation choices (and relieve some confusion), here’s a breakdown of the services now available for reaching Bangkok’s two airports, from air-conditioned public shuttles and express “limo” buses to inter-airport transfers.
Air-Conditioned Public Shuttles
There are now five routes between various points in town and the two airports. Run by BMTA, the routes operate on orange, 35-seat buses. They will look familiar to residents as the same buses are used along other routes. The biggest pro is the very affordable price, while the many stops made along the way may be a deal-breaker for impatient travelers.
Here are all five routes, with the routes shown on interactive maps thanks to Bangkok City Bus Guide.
S1 Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Khaosan Road – Sanam Luang
Pick-up: Gate 7, passenger terminal, first floor
Stops going into town: the “Burger King side” of Khaosan on Tanao Road, then later on its other side near the Chana Songkhram Police Station.
Stops going to airport: stops on the police station side of Khaosan Road.
First and last trips: 6am to 8pm
Fare: 60 baht
Frequency: every 30 minutes
A1 Don Mueang Airport (DMK) – BTS Mo Chit – Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit Terminal)
Pick-up: Gate 6, Terminal 1 first floor and Gate 12, Terminal 2 first floor
Stops going into town: BTS Mo Chit, Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit Terminal)
Stops at airport: passenger terminal, third floor
First and last trip: 7am to 11pm
Fare: 30 baht
Frequency: every 12 minutes
A2 Don Mueang Airport (DMK) – Victory Monument
Pick-up: Gate 6, Terminal 1, first floor and Gate 12, Terminal 2, first floor
Stops: Bus Stop toward Phahonyothin Road, stops at BTS Saphan Khwai, BTS Ari and BTS Sanam Pao
First and last trip: 7am to 11pm
Fare: 30 baht
Frequency: every 30 minutes
A3 Don Mueang Airport (DMK) – Pratunam – Lumphini Park
Pick-up: Gate 6, first floor of Terminal 1 and Gate 12, first floor of Terminal 2
Stops: opposite Soi Rangnam, Big C Rajdamri, BTS Ratchadamri and Lumphini Park
First and last trip: 7am to 11pm
Fare: 50 baht
Frequency: every 30 minutes between 7am to 7pm; hourly 7pm to 11pm
A4 Don Mueang Airport (DMK) — Khaosan Road – Sanam Luang
Pick-up: Gate 6, Terminal 1, first floor and Gate 12, Terminal 2,first floor
Stops: Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Bowonniwet, Khaosan Road on the Wat Chana Songkhram side, Sanam Luang
First and last trip: 7am to 11pm
Fare: 50 baht
Frequency: every 30 minutes between 7am to 7pm, hourly 7pm to 11pm
Airport Limo Bus Express
Presenting itself as the more reliable option, this bus beats the public shuttle by offering Wi-Fi on board and an online booking service. The service is supported by the Airports of Thailand Co. Ltd. The 33-seat bus currently only departs from Don Mueang Airport. It is three times the expense if the public bus but stops less often.
Khaosan Route
Pick-up: Gates 6-8, first floor of Terminal 1 and Gate 14, first floor of Terminal 2
Drop-off: Khaosan Road
First and last trip: 9.30am to 12:30am
Fare: 150 baht
Frequency: every 30 minutes
Silom Route
Pick-up: Gate 6-8, first floor of Terminal 1 and Gate 14, first floor of Terminal 2
Drop- off: MRT Si Lom, BTS Ratchadamri, BTS Phloen Chit and Pratunam
First and Last Trip: 9:30am to 12:30am
Fare: 150 baht
Frequency: every 30 minutes
Shuttle between Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
For those who need to connect the flights between two airports, a free air-conditioned shuttle bus is available free of charge. More information can be found online.
From Don Mueang Airport: Gate 5, first floor of Terminal 1 and Gate 14, first floor of Terminal 2
From Suvarnabhumi Airport: Gate 3, second floor of Passenger Terminal
First and last trip: 5am until midnight
Fare: free of charge, flight booking evidence required
Frequency: every 30 minutes, every 12 minutes during rush hours of 8am-11am and 4pm-7pm
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