A Look at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main airport serving the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. It opened its doors in 2006, being a relatively new aviation hub. At that time, the older Don Mueang Airport ceased its operation. Nevertheless, it returned to action in 2007 to decongest the packed BKK Airport. Initially, it served only budget domestic flights. Nowadays, it handles both international and domestic flights operated by low-cost airlines. That being said, despite the reopening of the old airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport remains the main airport in Bangkok. As a matter of fact, it is the busiest airport in Thailand and one of the most occupied aviation hubs in Asia and even the world. In 2023 alone, it welcomed 51.7 million passengers (51.699.104). What’s more, apart from being an important commercial airport, BKK Airport stands out in terms of cargo handling capacity.
Bangkok International Airport lies 34.7km/21.5 miles from the city of Bangkok. It is located in the districts of Racha Thewa, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, Prawet, Bang Na, Bang Kapi, and Lat Krabang, east and slightly south of Bangkok, and is well connected to the capital of Thailand.
The airport’s official name (Suvarnabhumi Airport) can be translated as the “land of gold”, referring to the Buddhist Golden Kingdom. What is that? The opinions range. Some claim it was an important trade port, yet debating its exact location, whereas others consider Suvarnabhumi to be a legendary realm, something like the mythical Atlantis. Whatever the case, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport justifies its name by being a vast and well-constructed air hub, providing top-rated services, and consistently trying to meet its passengers’ needs.
Interesting Fact: BKK Airport features the tallest control tower in the world!
Airport Name: Suvarnabhumi Airport
IATA Code: BKK
ICAO: VTBS
Location: Racha Thewa, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Time Zone: ICT (Indochina Time) UTC/GMT +7 hours
Airport Map: Bangkok Airport at Google Maps
Bangkok Airport’s Layout
The vast and busy Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has three runways (the third runway’s construction was recently completed) and one huge terminal building. BKK terminal is, in fact, one of the world’s biggest. It bears a unique design, resembling a space station inspired by space vehicle design or even an enormous ship floating thanks to its roof adorned with sail-like canopies. Apart from the main terminal, a satellite terminal building was added to the complex, opening its doors in September 2023. It aims to facilitate the main terminal’s passenger traffic and improve the passenger flow. SAT-1, or Midfield Satellite, has 28 gates and is linked via an APM (Automated People Mover) to the existing terminal.
BKK Airlines
Bangkok International Airport is home to almost every airline. Indeed, the vast majority of conventional air carriers are present at BKK Airport, while overall, low-cost providers also operate at the airport, even if they handle flights from Don Mueang Airport as well. Moreover, Bangkok Airport is a hub for Thai Airways (and its subsidiary, Thai Smile) and Bangkok Airways. It handles flights from and to all over the world (Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and even America, though typically via transit connections).
Parking Facilities
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport boasts several parking facilities. Thus, regardless of the vehicle’s type or the parking duration, you’ll definitely find a parking lot to suit your requirements. Verily, six car parks (Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) are scattered around the BKK premises within close distance of the main terminal building. On the other hand, two parking zones (Zones A and D), situated a bit further from the terminal, handle the long-term parking needs of Bangkok airport’s passengers.
Transit Options
Bangkok Airport is efficiently connected to the city center, boasting an effective ground transit system. Therefore, passengers wishing to travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center can choose among the following transit options:
- airport taxis
- airport car rentals
- private airport transfers
- shuttles / public buses
- trains
Services and Amenities
Despite its large size and efficiency, BKK Airport doesn’t feature an impressive array of services, at least when contrasted to other international and busy airports. Still, it provides its passengers with all the expected amenities of one of the busiest airports globally. In detail, some of them are:
- A wide variety of eateries, cafes, and bars
- Numerous retail stores, and Duty-free areas
- Baggage carts / Luggage wrapping / Luggage Storage
- Medical center
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Family services and facilities / Play area
- Muslim prayer room
- Water fountains
- Lost & Found offices
- Lounges
- Observation deck
- Bangkok airport hotel
- Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Police station
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Suvarnabhumi Airport
Address: No. 999, Moo 1, Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province
Call Center: 1722
Phone Number: +662-132-1888
The City of Bangkok
The exotic Bangkok is a unique travel destination, harmoniously blending the local traditions with urban vibes. Thus, right next to the authentic and full-of-energy stall-holders, you’ll spot modern and imposing skyscrapers while you’ll come across various green spaces, which will carry you miles away from the bustling sounds of the city. As vivid evidence of Thailand’s civilization, Bangkok features several sites, attractions, museums, and galleries. Delve into its history, smell the hundreds of fragrances dominating the city, let the crowded street markets carry you away, and get lost in the spicey culinary tapestry of Bangkok’s food scene. On the other hand, Bangkok is the place to be, even during the night. Hence, if you value a good city’s nightlife, you’ll undoubtedly have to make tough choices among the countless things to do in Bangkok during the nighttime.
FAQs
Does Bangkok have 2 airports?
Bangkok features two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. However, Don Mueang Airport only serves some low-cost airlines to decongest Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Therefore, BKK Airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport) is the main airport in Bangkok and the busiest airport in Thailand.
Is BKK a busy airport?
Bangkok International Airport is the most occupied airport in Thailand and one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world. Moreover, it is an important air hub in terms of cargo traffic as well.
What is the main airport in Bangkok?
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main airport in Bangkok, handling flights from all over the world. A wide majority of the world’s air carriers -domestic and international, conventional and low-cost- are present at BKK Airport, considered to be one of the busiest air hubs in Asia and globally.
Is Bangkok Airport crowded?
Bangkok International Airport tends to get crowded. That’s the reason why a new satellite terminal (SAT-1 or Midfield Satellite) was recently added to the airport’s complex to optimize the BKK passengers’ traveling experience and reduce the waiting time in lines for security, passport control, immigration, etc.
How many terminals are in BKK Airport?
Bangkok Airport boasts one terminal building, which is, in fact, one of the biggest terminals in the world. However, in 2023, the construction of a satellite terminal was completed. Hence, nowadays, BKK Airport features one main terminal and one satellite terminal building.
How early should I get to Bangkok Airport for an international flight?
If you want to enjoy a stress-free check-in experience, you should arrive at the airport on time for your onward flight. Thus, you should be at BKK Airport 1.5 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of a domestic flight. Is your flight international? It is highly advisable to get to the airport 2-3 hours before the takeoff.
How do you get from Bangkok Airport to city center?
You’ll find several transit options from Bangkok Airport to the city center. Thus, you can opt for an airport taxi ride or a lavish private airport transfer to reach your destination or even book a car rental from BKK Airport. Alternatively, public buses and shuttles depart from the airport, as well as trains linking the main airport in Bangkok to downtown.