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Don Muang is Bangkok's older airport, north of the city centre. It's the hub for Thailand's low-cost airlines, and it's a lot smaller than Suvarnabhumi. The train is the cheapest way into Bangkok at $0.20 (5 THB). It takes 20m-50m. The bus costs more, and a taxi more again.
3 ways to travel from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre
There are three ways to travel from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre. You can choose between the train, bus, and private transport. The journey takes 20m–30m and the quickest way is by train. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $0.20 (5 THB).
2 legs — see itinerary
- – SRT Dark Red Line20m
- – SRT Northern or Northeastern Line50m
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1Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre by Train
Don Muang Airport is accessible from Bangkok by train. You can choose between the SRT Dark Red Line train (new commuter train) and the Northern or Northeastern Line train (old ordinary train).
If you’re staying on Khao San Road, you can take either train to Hua Lamphong Railway Station. From this station, it’s a 15-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride to the backpacker district.
Both train stations are connected to the airport building, just a 5 to 10-minute walk. The walk involves sets of stairs, which is a hassle if you have luggage. But it definitely beats being stuck in Bangkok traffic, especially during peak hours.
The SRT Red Line is a new commuter train line in Bangkok. Its last stop is Bang Sue Station, the largest railway station in Southeast Asia. This station houses both the SRT line and the MRT line, which runs on a loop around Bangkok centre.
This train line is new and much faster than the ordinary train line. From Don Muang Airport, you can get to Bang Sue Station in just 20 minutes. Tickets start from $0.40 (12 THB).
Here’s the train schedule:
- Every 20 minutes from 05:30 to 24:00
- Every 12 minutes during peak hours (05:00-07:00 and 17:00-19:00)
Departure and arrival station
The airport is accessible from Don Mueang Train Station through the air-conditioned skywalk. It takes about 10 minutes by foot between the train station and Terminal 1.
This new train line operates between Bang Sue Station and Rangsit Station. The SRT line is on the 2nd floor of Bang Sue Station. You need to go to the underground level to take the MRT line that stops at Hua Lamphong station.
If you’re travelling from central Bangkok to Don Muang Airport, you can take the MRT to Bang Sue station first and then the SRT to the airport.
– SRT Northern or Northeastern Line
The trains on both the northern and northeastern lines make a stop at Don Muang Airport. Note that these lines use ordinary trains, so you can expect a very slow journey. They are available throughout the day, but some trains have a few hours intervals between them.
Between Bangkok and Don Muang Airport, the train ticket is extremely cheap at $0.20 (5 THB).
The train ride to Bangkok will take about 50 minutes, and you will likely need to take the MRT/BTS, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk to reach your accommodation.
Departure and arrival station
The Don Muang Train Station is connected to the airport building by a pedestrian bridge outside Terminal 1. Just follow the signs going to Amari Hotel or the Northern Line train station.
The northern train line runs between Hua Lamphong in Bangkok and Chiang Mai Railway Station in the north. Meanwhile, the northeastern line can get you to Nong Khai and Udon Ratchathani near the Laos border.
You can check the schedule between Hua Lamphong and Don Muang on 12GoAsia. Online booking is also available on the website.
Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre by Bus
When travelling from Don Muang Airport (DMK) to Bangkok Centre, you can take an airport bus. The orange buses are the older buses, and the blue buses are the newer shuttles for this route.
There are four airport shuttles with different routes. For travellers staying around Khao San Road, the airport bus A4 will take you directly to the backpacker district.
Bus fares start from $0.90 (30 THB). There are several trips every hour from morning to late at night.
Departure at Don Muang Airport
The airport and shuttle buses are on the first level of Don Muang Airport, outside Gates 6 and 12. If you want to take a city bus, you need to go outside the airport grounds and wait along the main road.
| Bus | Route | Fare | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Route | Airport – BTS Chatuchak – Chatuchak Bus Terminal(vice versa) | $0.90 (30 THB) | every 5 minutes between 6:15-0:30 |
| A2 Route | Airport – Victory Monument(vice versa) | $0.90 (30 THB) | every 15 minutesbetween 06:30-23:00 |
| A3 Route | Airport -Lumphini Park(vice versa) | $1.50 (50 THB) | every 30 minutes between 7:30-23:00 |
| A4 Route | Airport – Khaosan Road/City Centre(vice versa) | $1.50 (50 THB) | every 30 minutes between 7:30-23:00 |
There is no online booking or ticket station for these buses, and you can just pay your fare on board.
Bus stops of airport buses
To make it easy to find which bus stops near your accommodation, we created this map with all bus stops from each bus in different colours: Bus A1 (grey), A2 (red), A3 (green), and A4 (blue).
Prefer to have an overview with all stops in a list? Here you go:
- A1 – Central Lat Phrao Mall, BTS Mochit/MRT Chatuchak, Chatuchak Bus Terminal
- A2 – Kasetsart University, Central Lat Phrao Mall, BTS Mochit/MRT Chatuchak, Saphan Kwai, Ari, Sanam Pao, Victory Monument
- A3 – Din Daeng, Pratunam, Ratchaprasong, Ratchadamri, Lumphini Park
- A4 – Khao San Road, the Democracy Monument, Phanfa Bridge, Lan Luang Yommarat, Tha Prachan, Tha Chang
How to get from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi Airport
Don Muang Airport also offers free shuttle rides to Suvarnabhumi Airport daily. You just need to show the airport staff your flight ticket and a valid ID. Here’s an overview of the schedule:
- 05:00 – 08:00 (every 30 minutes)
- 08:00 – 11:00 (every 12 minutes)
- 11:00 – 00:00 (every 30 minutes)
Total travel time is about 1 hour. These shuttle buses can be found at the first level of the passenger terminal.
Bangkok city buses
There are also local buses going to the city that stop at Don Mueang Airport. They can be found outside along the main road.
- Route 29: Don Mueang Airport – Mochit BTS
- Route 59: Don Mueang Airport – Bang Khae
Both Routes 29 and 59 have a 24-hour service. Bus fares range between 5 THB and 20 THB, depending on the distance.
Keep in mind these buses tend to be extremely crowded and rarely offer air conditioning. For more comfort, we suggest taking the buses from inside the airport area.
Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre by Taxi
Travelling between Don Muang Airport and Bangkok city centre by taxi is the easiest way to go. Taxi fares start from $6.00 (200 THB) to Bangkok city centre (Siam Area).
We recommend that you check private transfers that you can book online in advance. You can find 3-passenger cars with rates from $18 (585 THB) on BookAway.
You can also book a Grab taxi for $6.90 (230 THB). Travel time takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. Another convenient airport taxi service is offered by Klook with rates from $23 (750 THB).
Departure at Don Muang Airport
You can easily find taxis outside Gate 5 of Terminal 1 and Gate 12 of Terminal 2.
Note that during peak times, it will take a while to get a taxi due to long queues.
City’s peak hours
If you need to catch a flight, it’s important to bear in mind the city’s peak hours. These hours are between 06:00-09:00 in the morning and between 16:00-20:00 in the evening.
Expect heavy traffic during these hours, and you may be charged more and have a longer travel time. It is not uncommon that you will be stuck in traffic for one hour during these peak hours!
To avoid a large part of the busy traffic, drivers will give you the option of taking the expressway for a small additional payment of $2.10 (70 THB). This charge is not included in the metered price, and you will have to shoulder the toll fee.
If you’re travelling during peak hours, we definitely suggest using the expressway to save 1-2 hours in traffic.
Additional airport surcharge
It is also important to know that there is a $1.50 (50 THB) surcharge when taking a taxi from the airport. This amount will be added to the metre rate at the end of your trip, so don’t be surprised when the driver asks for an amount higher than what the metre indicates.
Some taxi drivers may want to negotiate a flat rate, even though this is officially not allowed at the airports. To avoid being overcharged, make sure that the metre is running as soon as you leave the airport.
PRO TIP: Always make sure the metre is running to avoid paying more. You can find the metre in the front of the car, usually mounted on the dashboard.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you'll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Treat YourselfdusitD2 Samyan
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
Treat YourselfThe One Smart Living
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won't want to leave your room it's so nice!
It's a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you're constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It's hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Mid-RangeNaga Residence
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that's exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There's also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Mid-RangePhranakorn-Nornlen
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They'll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
BudgetGreenery Hostel
As you've probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It's in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok's attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Bangkok?
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren't the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok City Centre, roughly 21 kilometres (13 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $0.20 (5 THB). The quickest trip takes 20m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Don Muang to Bangkok?
The distance from Don Muang to Bangkok is 21 kilometres (13 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Don Muang to Bangkok?
Journey times from Don Muang to Bangkok overlap: train 20m-50m, bus 30-60 minutes, taxi 30-60 minutes. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Don Muang to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Don Muang to Bangkok is by train with ticket costs starting from 5 THB.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
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