Transit Options from Bangkok Airport to Don Mueang Airport
Have you just landed at Bangkok International Airport and have to catch an onward flight from the Bangkok’s second aviation hub, the smaller Don Mueang Airport that serves only some low-cost flights? You’ll find several ways to travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport. Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most convenient options, while public buses are an affordable option. Still, the airport shuttle bus connects the two airports for free. On the other hand, travelers who set independence as a priority during their rides can always rent a car from Bangkok Airport.
| Option | Price (THB) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 1000 | 27,30 | 25,30 | 40-50 min |
| Bus | 35 | 0,95 | 0,89 | 90 min |
| Shuttle | Free | Free | Free | 60 min |
BKK to DMK by Taxi
Don Mueang Airport lies 49km/30.5 miles from the main airport in Thailand. Thus, a Bangkok airport taxi is one of the most hassle-free and relaxed ways to travel from BKK Airport to DMK Airport. You’ll easily catch one of the airport taxis from the taxi rank on the Ground level of the terminal building (close to Exit 4). Please note that taxis in Bangkok can be of almost any color (pink, orange, blue, even half-yellow half-green) and that you’ll spot three waiting lines at the airport taxi stand. You should wait in line for an ordinary taxi, unless you travel with lots of luggage or in a group and need a big taxi. The third line is for rides to nearby destinations. When it’s your turn, you’ll receive a paper ticket from the automatic machines, indicating the bay to catch your taxi.
During peak hours, waiting lines for a taxi are long. However, the airport staff is always available to decongest the situation and keep things moving.
Your ride from Bangkok Airport to Don Mueang Airport will be metered. Even if your taxi driver tries to negotiate a fixed fare, you should remember that metered rides are typically cheaper than the so-called low-cost set fares. Your journey from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport should last 40-50 minutes. However, if roads are congested, rides are considerably longer. In any case, the usual fare for the ride from BKK to DMK is about THB 100/$27,30/€25,30, including toll fees (added to the final fare) and the THB 50/$1,37/€1,27 airport surcharge. Do you carry luggage? More than two pieces of luggage measuring over 26 inches/67cm come with a THB 20/$0.55/€0.51 fee per piece. The same charge applies to larger baggage. On the other hand, tipping is optional. That being said, it is customary to leave a small tip or just round up the final fare when the provided services are satisfactory. As for the payment methods, cash payments are the norm.
Our Tip: Grab and other ride-sharing companies provide their services at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport as well.
BKK to DMK by Shuttle
The most popular transit option from Bangkok Airport to Don Mueang Airport is undoubtedly the free shuttle bus connecting the two Bangkok Airports. The Airport Bus Link is provided by AOT (Airports of Thailand) and aims at facilitating the transit of BKK passengers with an onward flight from DMK Airport.
That’s why the complimentary shuttle bus can only be used by travelers with an air ticket from Don Mueang Airport for the same day or the day following the bus ride.
The white shuttle buses are air-conditioned and comfortable. The Airport Shuttle Link departs from the Arrivals level of the Main terminal building (Floor 2), close to Exit 3. Once you reach the bus stop, you’ll have to hand over your air ticket and passport. The airport’s staff will most likely put a stamp in your hand indicating you’re eligible for the courtesy ride or give you a ticket. It’s important to remember that you can’t prebook your ticket. Thus, if the bus is full, you’ll have to wait for the next route.
The shuttle runs from 05:00 am to midnight, every 12 minutes during peak hours (08:00 am to 11:00 am and 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm), and every 30 minutes at other times. Still, you should always check the airport’s digital boards, as routes are highly affected by traffic levels. Thus, they often get delayed.
The Airport Shuttle Link takes around one hour to reach DMK Airport. Nevertheless, during rush hours, the traveling time is up to 2 hours! The shuttle doesn’t make in-between stops, but passengers are dropped off at Don Mueang Airport.
BKK to DMK by Bus
If you don’t have an air ticket from Don Mueang Airport but still want to travel from BKK Airport to DMK Airport without spending a considerable amount of money, you should catch the public BMTA Buses 554 or 555 traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport and stopping at all the Don Mueang’s terminals after a 1.5-2-hour journey. Buses 554 and 555 depart from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus Terminal (Public Transportation Center). Thus, passengers have to catch one of the free airport shuttles connecting the terminal to the Public Transportation Center. Several shuttle lines, along with an express shuttle, run from Level 1 (Exits 3 and 8), Level 2 (Exit 5), and Level 4 (Exit 5) to the Suvarnabhumi Bus Terminal. Bus 554 operates from 05:30 am to 11:30 pm every 20-60 minutes, depending on the time of the day, and Bus 555 runs from 04:30 am to 01:30 am. Tickets cost THB 35/$0,95/€0,89 and can be bought onboard only in cash.
Our Tip: You can also catch the Airport Rail Link and change to a BMTA bus or a BTS or MRT Line (an additional bus ride to Don Mueang Airport will be required) to get from BKK to DMK. However, you’ll have to change lines. Therefore, your journey will be costlier, longer, and more tedious.
Car Rental from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport
Do you set independence as a top priority during your journeys? Then you should consider renting a car from Bangkok International Airport. Bangkok airport car rentals guarantee autonomous rides and pleasant journeys. Indeed, there are plenty of car hire providers present at BKK Airport. As a result, services are top-rated, fares are reasonable, and the available car types and models are various.
You should keep in mind that the sooner you make your reservation, the better prices you’ll find out.
The ride with your Bangkok car rental from BKK to DMK usually lasts 40 to 50 minutes. However, the notorious city’s traffic jams may double the traveling time. Fortunately, Bangkok’s highways are well-maintained. Hence, except for the traffic congestion, rides are pleasant. It’s important to remember that drivers in Bangkok drive on the left side of the road. If you haven’t opted for a one-way car hire and you won’t drop off the rental car at Don Mueang Airport, you’ll have to park it. The airport features several car facilities for short-term or long-stay parking. Thus, you won’t face difficulties finding an available parking spot.
Private Airport Transfers from Bangkok Airport to Don Mueang Airport
If you want to elevate your transit experience from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport, avoid the hassle of the complimentary shuttle bus, and also save time in waiting lines at the airport taxi stand, you should book a private airport transfer. Private airport transfers provide luxurious connections between the two airports. Their main advantages include door-to-door services, luxurious and well-maintained vehicles that are almost new, highly trained and competent drivers and a wide variety of side amenities. On the other hand, they are slightly costlier than airport taxis and certainly more expensive than free shuttle journeys. Still, they stand out in terms of quality and efficiency.
FAQs
How to travel from BKK Airport to DMK Airport?
Airport taxis and private airport transfers provide comfortable and reliable transit services from BKK to DMK, while airport car rentals are also available at the main airport in Thailand. Moreover, if you are looking for an affordable option, you should catch Buses 554 or 555 heading to Don Mueang. Last but not least, do you have an air ticket for a flight departing from DMK Airport? You are eligible for a free airport shuttle ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang.
How much is a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport?
Is there a free shuttle from BKK to DMK?
Yes, the AOT Airport Shuttle Link Bus connects the two airports out of charge. It runs from 05:00 am to midnight at a 12-30-minute frequency and takes around 1 hour to travel from BKK to DMK during non-peak hours and up to two hours when roads are congested.