Bangkok is home to two international airports that are almost equidistant from downtown, though located in different directions. They both differ in terms of size, amenities and scope, with each serving a different type of traveler best. This guide will help you figure out which one is right for you.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the newer and larger of Bangkok’s airports. BKK handles many of the capital’s international arrivals and plenty of domestic flights too. Though an elegant new satellite terminal has opened in the airfield, you’ll still need to clear security through the Main Terminal and take an underground train from here to reach it. With potentially longer lines and this added transfer, it’s important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time.
Both terminals host an array of upscale shopping, lounge and dining options, as well as eye-catching artworks and sculptures. If you choose to fly through Suvarnabhumi, use KAYAK flights and flight status tracker to stay up to date.
Location
Suvarnabhumi Airport is located about 16 miles east of downtown Bangkok, and driving here can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes in typical city traffic. Though when the traffic is bad, it’s taken me nearly two hours to make this simple journey, so I generally avoid the roads and opt for the spacious and comfortable Airport Rail Link instead. This goes right into central Bangkok in under 30 minutes.
Typical flights from BKK
More than 100 airlines fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport, and you’ll find the full range from low-cost to full-service carriers operating both domestic and international flights here. Primarily, though, this is Bangkok’s main airport for full-service carriers catering to flights with higher fares. This is where you’ll want to head if you’re flying far from Thailand or have loyalty to a major airline alliance and want to take advantage of related program perks.
Though BKK is better known for international flights, it’s also the hub of national flag carrier Thai Airways. Along with several other carriers, Thai Airways operates many domestic and regional flights from BKK. If you’re just coming for a layover with one of these airlines, one of the hotels near BKK may be a good choice for convenient access to the airport.
Layover lounging
If you find yourself with extra time to spend at BKK during a layover or early arrival, you’re in luck. Suvarnabhumi Airport is full of famously luxurious lounges. Many of these belong to specific airlines and require premium cabin tickets to enter, but day passes are available at Miracle Lounges, pending capacity limitations.
These luxe lounges are not only supremely comfortable, but also feature made-to-order menus in addition to the usual buffet and bar offerings – yet day pass rates are considerably cheaper than you’ll find elsewhere.
BKK is one of the few airports where I’m willing to pay for a lounge experience, as you get such high-quality amenities at extremely low rates. Book in advance to boost your chances of snagging a coveted spot.
A bonus for Priority Pass holders: all Miracle Lounges at BKK are included with your membership.
Shopping in and out of the airport
Suvarnabhumi is home to many stores in the duty-free shopping zone and beyond, and they offer greater variety and quality than you get at DMK. If you have a couple of hours to spare, you can easily spend them browsing or picking up souvenirs and gifts here. But if you have a layover of at least four hours, I recommend scoring a more unique shopping trip.
I love heading to the nearby Market Village shopping mall for a more local shopping experience than I find in the airport or Bangkok’s touristic malls, which tend to feature more Western brands and styles. Keep in mind you should give yourself at least two hours back at the airport for passing through security again and reaching your gate, so budget your shopping time accordingly.
To get there, take the Airport Rail Link to Ploenchit station and grab a cab to Market Village. It’s possible to take a cab directly from the airport, but I strongly recommend the Rail Link to avoid as much road traffic as possible, especially on your return to the airport.
If you have carry-on bags with you, feel free to leave them in the storage lockers at BKK so you don’t have to lug them around all day. Heading out during a connection is a great way to kill some time, but make sure you understand what leaving the airport during a layover entails first.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Don Mueang International Airport may be Bangkok’s smaller airport, but it still welcomes 30 million passengers annually. If you choose this airport, to fly from the US to Bangkok, then KAYAK will help you stay up to date.
Location
DMK is about 15 miles north of downtown Bangkok. Like BKK, this short distance can still take over an hour by road with Bangkok’s notorious traffic. But unlike BKK, there isn’t a great direct connection to the city center by public transportation here. There is a route you can take combining the SRT Red Line and the city’s metro system, but this generally still takes up to an hour and isn’t particularly easy to navigate. So, while this airport is ever-so-slightly closer to downtown Bangkok, it typically takes longer to reach.
If you’re heading to the northern neighborhoods of the city, though, you’ll get to your destination much quicker by flying to DMK. And if you do decide to brave the local traffic yourself, brush up on Bangkok car rentals before you go.
Typical flights from DMK
DMK serves a variety of airlines, but low-cost and budget carriers reign supreme here. For hopping around the region on a shoestring, you’ll find many flights operated by smaller, localized airlines like AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Scoot. While lower-cost carriers tend to be more popular for shorter domestic and regional routes, you’ll also find several options for international flights with these airlines.
This is a great airport for low-cost connecting flights, and you can easily find hotels near DMK if your connection is overnight.
Keep in mind that low-cost airlines typically charge more for add-ons like luggage, so make sure you understand the differences between carry-on versus checked bags and comply with your airline’s carry-on size regulations so you aren’t charged surprise fees.
Layover lounging
Despite being known as the smaller airport, there are still several lounges available at DMK and you can purchase day passes to access most of them. Both terminals at DMK have lounges that offer comfy seating and access to complimentary food and beverages. You won’t find nearly the scale or luxury of the glamorous lounges at BKK, but you’ll still be quite comfortable.
Dining at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Even though lounge access at DMK is affordable and easily accessible, I recommend visiting Magic Food Park for at least a few bites first, especially if you’re just connecting through. Here you’ll find local Thai cuisine specializing in super affordable Bangkok street food. Even if you’ve managed to spend plenty of time in the city during your trip, it’s still a great spot for one last bite of local specialties before heading out.
Choosing between Bangkok airports
If you still can’t decide which Bangkok airport is best for you, try this simple side-by-side to narrow down the key factors and determine which airport better suits your needs.
| BKK | DMK | |
| Distance from downtown | 16 miles | 15 miles |
| Traffic-free public transport | Airport Rail Link (20 minutes) | Trains (up to an hour, requires transfers) |
| Flights | Full range, emphasis on international | Primarily domestic and regional |
| Airlines | Full range, emphasis on full-service | Emphasis on low-cost carriers |
| Shopping | Wide variety of international options, veering upscale | Good variety of local shops, perfect for souvenirs |
| Dining | Many options, equal mix of Western and Thai | Several options, great availability of Bangkok street food |
| Connection consideration | Very large, often takes longer to navigate during connections | Small, quick to navigate for tight connections |
Before flying away
Now that you have all the information about Bangkok’s airports, make sure you browse through the KAYAK Thailand guide before you visit its capital.
For a complete collection of expert tips and tools to choose and navigate airports anywhere in the world, KAYAK’s comprehensive airport guide has everything you need.