Transit Options from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is one of the most vivid areas in Bangkok. Considered the place to be for shopping and dining, the cosmopolitan Sukhumvit houses luxury hotels and is also known for its vibrant nightlife. So, do you want to reach the bustling Bangkok region and wonder how to get from Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit? The options are various. To begin with, you can opt for a comfortable airport taxi or book a private airport transfer. On the other hand, airport car rentals are highly recommended for travelers wishing to explore the city’s surrounding areas or visit other Thai destinations as well. On the other hand, the Public Bus S1 runs from BKK Airport to Sukhumvit, providing cheap services, while fast but indirect train journeys are the only way to avoid the notorious Bangkok traffic jams.
| Option | Price (THB) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 650-700 | 17,66-19,08 | 16,51-17,80 | 40 min |
| Train | 52-80 | 1,41-2,17 | 1,32-2,03 | 27-36 |
| Bus | 60 | 1,63 | 1,52 | 60 min |
Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit by Taxi
The multi-colored Bangkok airport taxis (taxis in Bangkok aren’t uniformly colored and can come in various colors) are always present at BKK Airport, lining up at the official taxi stand. You’ll easily spot the taxi rank lying outside the Main terminal. In detail, it is to be found on its Ground level, close to Exit 4. As soon as you reach the taxi rank, you’ll have to wait in line for an ordinary taxi. Indeed, there are three waiting lines for a taxi at Bangkok Airport: one for normal taxis, one for large vehicles, and one for nearby destinations. You’ll receive a paper ticket from the automatic machines when it’s your turn, indicating the bay where your cab will be waiting. It’s important to keep in mind that Bangkok International Airport is a busy aviation hub that often gets congested. Thus, you may have to wait in line for your taxi. That being said, the airport’s staff is always on tap to minimize waiting times.
Your taxi from Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit will charge you based on the taximeter. Indeed, it is strongly advised to avoid negotiating the taxi fare or accept set rates. Metered rides are usually more affordable. Please note that a THB 50/$1,37/€1,27 surcharge applies to airport rides, while toll fees (most Bangkok highways are toll roads) are paid by the passenger as well. Moreover, although up to two pieces of luggage not exceeding 26 inches/67cm don’t bring extra charges, a third piece or larger baggage comes with a 20/$0.55/€0.51 fee.
Thus, your ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit in the heart of the city will probably last about 40 minutes and cost around THB 650/$17,66/€16,51 to THB 700/$19,08/€17,80, all surcharges included. However, if roads are congested, you may need up to 65 minutes to traverse the 35-km/21.7-mile distance to Sukhumvit and pay a costlier taxi fare. On the other hand, you aren’t obligated to tip the driver. Hence, you should leave a small tip only if the provided services are pleasant and you feel like it. As for the accepted payment methods, cash is the norm.
Our Tip: You can settle on a ride-sharing service from BKK Airport to Sukhumvit or a luxurious limo ride provided by AOT (Airports of Thailand). Limo rides are slightly costlier but provide elevated services. Their counters are to be found close to the baggage claim area.
Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit by Train
If you are looking for an unaffected by the high Bangkok traffic levels transit option, you should settle on a fast and affordable yet indirect train ride. Thus, you’ll head to Suvarnabhumi Airport Train Station, located on the Basement level of the terminal, and catch the Bangkok Airport Link Train, operating every 10-15 minutes from 05:30 am to midnight.
However, the train doesn’t travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit. Thus, to reach your journey’s end, you’ll have two alternatives:
- You can alight at the Makkasan Station and catch the MRT Train (Blue Line) to Sukhumvit. The ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Makkasan Station lasts around 22 minutes and costs THB 35/$0,95/€0,89. You can purchase tickets (actually tokens) from the airport’s counters and automatic machines only in cash. Children up to 12 years of age and not exceeding 90cm/35.4 inches in height travel out of charge. From Makkasan Station, you’ll walk to the nearby Phetchaburi Station, linked to the railway station via a skywalk. The MRT Blue Line runs from 05:30 am to midnight every 3 to 8 minutes and reaches Sukhumvit Stop in about 5 minutes. A ticket for the ride from Phetchaburi to Sukhumvit costs THB 17/$0,46/€0,43. Overall, the total ride from Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit usually lasts 27 minutes and is priced at THB 52/$1,41/€1,32.
- Alternatively, you can head to the Bangkok Airport Train’s terminus (Phaya Thai Station) and change to the BTS Skytrain. The train journey from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station lasts 26 minutes and comes with a THB 45/$1,23/€1,15 price. From Phaya Thai Station, you’ll have to catch the BTS Skytrain. The elevated Bangkok train runs from 05:25 am to midnight. You should choose the most suitable disembarking stop depending on your exact destination. The traveling time to Nana Station is 10 minutes, and the cost of the ride is THB 35/$/$0,95/€0,89, while journeys to Asok Station take 11 minutes and are priced at THB 40/$1,09/€1,02. Thus, your ride from BKK Airport to Sukhumvit via the Airport Link Train and the BTS Skytrain will last around 36 minutes, and its total cost will be THB 80/$2,17/€2,03.
Sukhumvit spreads over a vast area. Thus, it is highly likely that you’ll have to walk or even catch a cab from the alighting station to your destination. In any case, you should check the BTS and MRT Blue Line routes to find the stop closer to your journey’s end.
Our Tip: The MRT and BTS Trains often get congested. Thus, rides with heavy baggage might be tedious or even impossible (you may have to wait for the next train). Bangkok Airport Train also gets crowded. However, Suvarnabhumi Airport is its first stop. Hence, you won’t have trouble finding an empty spot to settle with your luggage.
Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit by Bus
If you are looking for a direct and affordable way to travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit, you should consider settling on a ride with Bangkok Airport Shuttle (Bus S1). The BMTA Bus S1 calls at the bus stop, situated on the Ground floor of the BKK terminal, close to Gate 7. Please note that buses are blue or orange and operate at a 30-minute frequency from 06:00 am to 08:00 pm. Bus S1 takes about one hour to travel from BKK Airport to Sukhumvit under normal traffic conditions. The bus ticket is priced at THB 60/$1,63/€1,52. Tickets are available inside the bus (from the driver or the conductor). It’s important to remember that only cash payments are accepted.
Car Rental from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit
If you enjoy independent rides and value flexibility during your travels, you should rent a car from BKK Airport. The high traffic levels and the lack of parking -especially in the city center- are the Bangkok airport car rentals‘ main downsides. Moreover, you should keep in mind that drivers in Bangkok drive on the left side of the road. On the other hand, Bangkok’s road network is modern. Thus, if you feel like exploring the city at your own pace, you should take your pick among the various car hire companies operating at Bangkok International Airport. In fact, it is strongly recommended to opt for an early booking, at least if you want to reserve the model of your choice and benefit from lower prices.
Have you just picked up your Bangkok rental car from the airport? You should expect to travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit in about 40 minutes. Expectantly, during rush hours, rides are more time-consuming. Thus, you may need more than one hour to reach Sukhumvit if traffic is heavy. Once you reach your journey’s end, you’ll need to park your vehicle. Many hotels feature parking facilities, while some offer parking services even to non-guests. In general terms, street parking is challenging. Thus, the majority of the city’s visitors park their cars in the private car parks scattered around the area.
Private Airport Transfers from Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit
Why waste your precious time waiting for a cab at the taxi rank when you can prebook a private airport transfer? Private airport transfers offer top-quality services and guarantee seamless rides from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit. Welcome services at the airport, highly skilled drivers, well-maintained vehicles, fixed prices, and many add-ons are some of their many advantages. On the other hand, their cost -being slightly pricier than airport taxis- is their main drawback. Nevertheless, their fares are regarded as reasonable and utterly reflect the value of the provided services.
FAQs
How to get from Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit?
Passengers valuing convenience during their rides usually opt for an airport taxi or book a private airport transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit. On the other hand, those planning to explore several destinations in Thailand often rent a car from BKK Airport. Finally, travelers on a budget settle on a fast yet indirect train or catch the Bus S1 that links the airport to Sukhumvit.
How much is a taxi from Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit?
Is there a train from Bangkok Airport to Sukhumvit?
Bangkok Airport Link Train runs from the main airport in Thailand but doesn’t reach Sukhumvit. Thus, you’ll have to take the ARL from BKK Airport and alight at Phetchaburi Station to catch the MRT Blue Line to your destination. Alternatively, you’ll hop off the train at its terminus (Phaya Thai Station) and use the BTS Skytrain to your journey’s end.