Landing at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and not sure how to get into the city? You’ve got three real options, and the right one depends on your luggage, your budget, and how much you value not sitting in traffic.
Airport Rail Link (fastest and cheapest)
The Airport Rail Link (ARL) runs directly from the airport basement to Phaya Thai station, where it connects to the BTS Skytrain. Fares are 15-45 THB depending on distance:
- To Makkasan (MRT interchange): 35 THB
- To Phaya Thai (BTS interchange): 45 THB
- Journey time: about 30 minutes to Phaya Thai
This is the best option if you’re traveling light — the ARL platform is a walk from arrivals, and you’ll avoid Bangkok’s notorious airport-road traffic entirely.
Taxi (best for luggage or late arrivals)
A metered taxi from Suvarnabhumi to central Bangkok typically runs 400-600 THB total, once you add the 50 THB airport surcharge and 50-75 THB expressway tolls on top of the metered fare. It’s the only real option late at night when the ARL has stopped running, or if you’ve got more bags than you can carry through a train transfer.
Pre-booked transfer (fixed price, no queuing for a taxi)
If you’d rather not queue at the taxi rank or haggle over tolls, you can pre-book a private transfer online before you fly. You get a fixed price upfront and a driver waiting for you at arrivals with your name.
Book Your Fixed-Price Suvarnabhumi Transfer
What about the MRT?
The MRT underground doesn’t run directly to the airport — you’ll need to take the ARL to Makkasan (or Phaya Thai for BTS) and switch there. It’s a normal part of getting into the city if your hotel is near an MRT stop, just budget a few extra minutes for the transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest way from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok?
The Airport Rail Link is the cheapest option at 15-45 THB depending on your destination station, and it also avoids road traffic entirely.
How long does the Airport Rail Link take?
About 30 minutes from the airport to Phaya Thai station, where you can connect to the BTS Skytrain.
Does the MRT go to Suvarnabhumi Airport?
No, not directly. You need to take the Airport Rail Link first, then transfer to the MRT at Makkasan station (called Phetchaburi on the MRT side).
