Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi: every way compared
Bangkok has two airports about 45 km apart, and a connection between them is never airside: you pass immigration, collect your bags and check in again. Transferring passengers can take a free shuttle bus. Everyone else takes a taxi or three trains. The cheapest option is the free airport shuttle (free); the fastest is the metered taxi at 45 min – 1 h 30 min.
Options compared
| Option | Price (one way) | Time | Where to board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free airport shuttleCheapest | Free | 1 h – 1 h 30 min | DMK: Terminal 1 (international), ground floor, door 6. BKK: main terminal, level 2, gate 3, inner curb |
| Metered taxiFastest | 500–850 baht ≈ $15–25 | 45 min – 1 h 30 min | the public taxi queue at either airport |
| Train (Red Line, MRT, Airport Rail Link) | 107 baht ≈ $3 | 1 h 35 min – 1 h 50 min | the SRT Red Line station, reached by a covered walkway from the terminal |
Prices checked in October 2026. Train fares and times are worked out from our rail map; road times depend on traffic. Dollar amounts at 33.5 baht per US dollar. The same options run in the other direction.
Each option in detail
Free airport shuttle
Free, 1 h – 1 h 30 min. Board at DMK: Terminal 1 (international), ground floor, door 6. BKK: main terminal, level 2, gate 3, inner curb. Only for passengers connecting to a flight at the other airport; the general public cannot ride. Show your flight ticket or proof of onward travel, plus your passport or national ID card. Runs 05:00 to 24:00, every 30 minutes; first come, first served. To check departures, call the shuttle bus counter on +66 84 718 8800. Allow up to 2.5 hours in rush-hour traffic.
Metered taxi
500–850 baht, 45 min – 1 h 30 min. Board at the public taxi queue at either airport. Meter fare plus a 50-baht airport surcharge and expressway tolls, which you pay at the booths. Insist on the meter.
Train (Red Line, MRT, Airport Rail Link)
107 baht, 1 h 35 min – 1 h 50 min. Board at the SRT Red Line station, reached by a covered walkway from the terminal. SRT Dark Red Line to Krung Thep Aphiwat, then MRT Blue Line to Phetchaburi, then Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi. Cheapest without a same-day ticket, but you change twice and walk between MRT Phetchaburi and Makkasan with your bags. Avoid it with large luggage or in the morning rush.
Before you go
- Leave at least 4 hours between landing at one airport and taking off from the other. Immigration, the transfer and check-in each take time.
- Book a single ticket on one airline when you can: if the first flight is late, the airline has to rebook you. Two separate tickets give you no protection.
- The shuttle can fill up at busy times. If the next bus is full, a taxi is the fallback.
- Until 30 November 2026, Red and Purple Line trips are capped at 40 baht a day (30 for students) when you pay with a contactless bank card (EMV), Mangmoom EMV or MRT EMV card, tapping in and out with the same card.
Questions
Is the shuttle between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi free?
Yes, for passengers connecting to a flight at the other airport. You need your flight ticket or proof of onward travel and your passport or national ID card. It runs every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 24:00.
How long does it take from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi?
About 1 to 1.5 hours by shuttle or taxi, longer in rush-hour traffic. The train takes about 1.5 to 2 hours with two changes.
How much is a taxi from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi?
Around 500 to 850 baht including the 50-baht airport surcharge and expressway tolls.
Can I stay airside between the two airports?
No. They are separate airports, so you go through immigration at the first and check in again at the second.
Related
Sources
Price ranges checked: October 2026
Prices are estimates from operators and booking sites and change with season and demand. Check the final price before you book. Spotted an error? Tell us.