The primary airport of one of the world’s most-visited cities was always going to be big and busy. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (pronounced ‘soo-wan-na-poom’) lives up to that expectation in every way. It is Thailand’s busiest airport by far and hub for the majority of international flights.
Not only is it an entry point for Thailand’s magic, manic capital, it’s also the primary transfer route to other destinations: Chiang Mai to the north, the tropical islands of Krabi and Koh Samui to the south. At first glance it’s a gargantuan and intimidating maze with some unique quirks. Yet it’s also well run, clean and packed with facilities and amenities.
Travelling to and from Bangkok Airport
Located in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, Suvarnabhumi is around 27 kilometres east from Siam Station, generally considered the centre of Bangkok. It’s a massive city though, and that distance may be very different to where you’re staying, so choose your transport accordingly.
Airport Rail Link
The best all-round option is the Airport Rail Link (ARL), which is cheap and regular. Once upon a time there was also an express service, but don’t be fooled by the Express Line signs still on display. Nowadays, all trains stop at all eight of its stations en route to the final destination at BTS Phaya Thai. It’s thus not as quick, but is easier to connect to other city transit systems, the BTS SkyTrain and MRT (Metro).
Taxi or Grab
On Level 1 outside gates four and seven, you’ll find taxis running 24/7. Journeys are around an hour to the centre but could be considerably more or less depending on where you go. When I’m staying east or north, I usually take a taxi just for the convenience. Prices are incomparably cheap compared to Canada and the US, even with the airport tax and tolls you may be asked to pay. Make sure the meter is on before you start.
Grab is ubiquitous in Thailand. Food, delivery, mail and transport, it’s like the Uber of Asia, only supercharged. Ordering a Grab via the app is quick and easy and can be cheaper than a taxi. While I never use it when leaving the airport to go into Bangkok, I often do when going the other way.
Bus or van
If you need to get to Bangkok’s other airport, Don Mueang, for a connecting flight, a free shuttle bus operates from 5 am until midnight. Otherwise, buses and vans connect to a huge range of city stops, with most departing from outside gates seven and eight on Level 1.
Car rental
You’ll find a range of car rental options on Level 2, with all the usual international names plus some intriguing local options. I have never rented a car in Thailand and could think of little worse than driving straight from the plane into the mania of Bangkok’s streets. Unless you’re heading into the wilds with lots of luggage, skip the car rental, use public transport and try scooters for day trips. Much more fun, much less stress.
Navigating the airport
All arrivals come into level 2 and then down to Level 1 for onward transport. Level 3 is the landside (pre-security) restaurant and shopping area. Check in, security, immigration and departures are above on Level 4. On Level 6 you’ll find more restaurants, banks and currency exchange. Level 7 is the observation deck popular with plane spotters. To get there you’ll need to take the elevator to Level 6 and then walk up the ramp.
Top tip – if you’re hungry, there’s an incredibly cheap food court on Level 1 landside, humbly called Magic Food Court. You’ll find lots of decent Thai street food stalls and mostly airport workers eating there. It’s a lovely last – or first – impression of Thailand and the Pad Krapow is authentic and spicy. Just follow the signs for ‘Fast Food’ and take cash.
Technically, the entire airport is one terminal split into zones serving domestic and international flights. The East Zone houses gates A and B for domestic flights. The Center and West Zones house gates C, D, E, F and G for international flights. As they’re all part of the same building, they’re easy to walk between and there are plenty of moving walkways, but it’s still a long way.
The new SAT-1 terminal is a design masterpiece. Currently operating a limited service for domestic and international flights with Thai AirAsia X and Thai Vietjet, its scope is only going to increase. It connects to the main terminal via a driverless electric underground train that makes the 800-metre commute in about three minutes, including waiting time.
Check in, bag drop and security
Suvarnabhumi has no shortage of check in and bag drop desks in the huge Level 2 concourse. How many are open is something of a lottery, but I’ve never had to queue more than 20 minutes. Don’t miss the towering, colourful Viruncamban statues watching your every move.
Connecting through Suvarnabhumi
I’ve transferred more times through Suvarnabhumi than any other airport, mostly to domestic destinations. Connection routes are well signposted but chaotic, and it’s almost always a slightly different process. Last time, I was issued with a coloured sticker to wear with no indication of what it meant.
Firstly, make sure you have the right immigration cards and that you’ve filled them out correctly – these are usually handed to you during the flight. You’ll need to join lines for both immigration and security. Whether you’re connecting domestically or internationally can inform which line you need to stand in. If in doubt, ask – the Thai staff are uniformly lovely and friendly.
Airside entertainment
If the Viruncanban statue impressed you, prepare to be blown away by the massive serpent Naga statue that welcomes you into the airside mall. Once you’ve picked up your jaw, you have shopping to do. Stretching far to the west and east, a long bright boulevard of high-end stores disappears into the distance. From Bvlgari to Rolex and most brands in between, the choice is extensive and expensive.
I prefer the King Power Duty Free outlets, which beyond the usual alcohol and tobacco are packed with Thai delicacies and treats. Stock up on the dried mango (great for flying) and spicy Blue Elephant Krapao sauces. If you haven’t already eaten at the Magic Food Court landside (which you really should), there are restaurants, cafés and the usual gamut of fast food joints.
My favourite pastime, however, is a stroll through the massive courtyard park, pungent in the aroma of frangipani and lush tropical air. Find a park bench, sit back and watch the planes pass overhead – the perfect send-off to a long flight home.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
