Bangkok has two airports - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Traveling between them can be done in several ways, but the cheapest way is taking a free shuttle bus service from BKK to DMK / DMK to BKK. You can take this bus if you have a connecting flight from another airport.
We would recommend you to use it because the bus is running all the way through the expressway (Din Daeng Expressway & Don Mueang Tollway), which is very convenient and, of course, free of charge.
The bus is white-colored and with air-conditioning. There is a storage area for luggage inside the bus, so there is no problem with having big luggage. The service is first come, first served, so no pre-booking is required.
BKK to DMK Free Shuttle Bus Timetable
Scheduled times of shuttle bus departure are displayed in the Airport Shuttle Bus Timetable below.
The shuttle bus runs daily. The first bus starts running from both airports at 5:00, and the last bus leaves at 24:00. The bus departs every 12 or 30 minutes depending on the time of the day. Previously, the published Bangkok Airport free shuttle bus schedule was as follows:
- At periods 05:00-08:00, 11:00-16:00, and 19:00-24:00, the airport shuttle bus departs every 30 minutes.
- At periods 08:00-11:00 and 16:00-19:00, the airport shuttle bus departs every 12 minutes.
Lately they don't advertise a fixed schedule, as it might be adjusted depending on the demand. However, expect buses to depart with similar frequency. The departure time of the next bus is normally displayed at the airport bus stop.
The route takes approximately 50-60 minutes to another airport. However, it might take twice that time when using shuttle bus service during the rush hour or heavy rain, as it may be delayed due to traffic congestion.
In case the time between your flights is pretty limited, make sure to book a fast track immigration service, as it helps you save lots of time that is often wasted in the lines at Suvarnabhumi Airport's immigration counters.
BKK to DMK Free Shuttle Bus Route Map
At the bus stop you can find a digital board displaying the shuttle bus route map, estimated time of the next departure, and current location of all the buses on the route as well as their estimated arrival time.
Documents Required
- Ticket, e-ticket, or confirmation (itinerary) of the departing flight
- Passport or ID card
Travel SMART! Get a discounted Thailand SIM card at the airport and use unlimited Internet on the way: SIM Card for Thailand (Airport Pick Up)
Free Shuttle Bus from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang (BKK to DMK)
Boarding the shuttle bus at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
The bus will depart from the 2nd floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport (Arrivals), outside gate 3.
You will see a desk on the right side where you should contact the staff and show your passport and proof of travel (e-ticket or boarding pass for a connecting flight) on that day or the next day. The staff will check your flight details. You will also get a stamp on your hand before boarding the bus.
Dropping off at Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
At Don Mueang Airport buses drop off at the upper (departure) level.
Free Shuttle Bus from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi (DMK to BKK)
Boarding the shuttle bus at Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
The shuttle bus departs from Terminal 1 of Don Mueang Airport. You just need to follow the signs for ''shuttle bus,'' and you will see the shuttle bus counter on the 1st floor, at gate 6.
Dropping off at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Buses drop off passengers on the departure level of Suvarnabhumi Airport at the 4th floor, gate 5, first and then go back to board new passengers on the 2nd floor, at gate 3.
Tips
You don't need to exchange money at Bangkok Airport to get a local SIM card, as it can be conveniently booked online at a much better price here: SIM Card for Thailand (BKK Airport Pick Up).
If you are departing from BKK Airport early in the morning or arriving late at night, consider staying at one of the hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport, as it will make traveling from the airport to your hotel or vice versa much easier. For other convenient accommodation options, check our guide to Bangkok's best areas.
If you are not eligible to use the free shuttle bus to get from the airport into the city, consider booking a private Suvarnabhumi Airport transfer, as it's the most convenient way to get into the city. In case you are traveling on a budget, choose the Airport Rail Link train instead.
In case you are not planning to stay in Bangkok and want to get directly to Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, or other popular destinations right from the airport, you can conveniently use a pre-booked Bangkok Airport transfer service.
