Thailand is a bustling holiday hub because of its abundance of magnificent nature and majestic culture. It’s a place where you will have an unforgettable experience, whether it be beaches, islands, mountains, temples, palaces, food, and people. It’s no wonder Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for international tourists globally. More importantly, one of the key factors that make Thailand the best choice for tourists is the ease of transportation and reaching destinations, especially via its airports.
How Many Airports Does Thailand Have?
At the present, there are more than 30 commercial Thailand airports (1), some of which are international airports that can serve more than 100 airlines connecting both domestic and international flight routes. No matter where you want to travel to experience any tourist attractions in Thailand, this makes your journey completely hassle-free.
What Is The Main Airport in Thailand? The Big 6
Here is a list of the top international airports in Thailand that provides regular direct domestic and international flights, along with their key features and world-class facilities, and some guidance to help you plan your trips more effectively and conveniently.
1. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
| Address: 999 Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan, Thailand 10540 (view on google maps) Telephone: (66) 2132-1888 Facebook: Suvarnabhumi Airport Website: https://suvarnabhumi.airportthai.co.th/ |
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, or Bangkok Airport (BKK), is a prime airport in Bangkok. It is the largest international airport and one of the busiest airports in Asia as the hub for over 100 carriers with millions of passengers annually. This airport handles almost all long – haul international flights to and from Thailand, as well as a large number of short – haul domestic flights (2).
How To Travel Between The Airport And The City:
Suvarnabhumi airport consists of a myriad of services and facilities upon arrival or departure such as malls, tourist assistance centers, restaurants, shops, medical centers, and currency exchange offices, including the extensive transport system that you can choose the best means of transport for you (2, 3).
1. Airport Shuttle Bus
1.1 Direct Bus: it is a transport service between the two International Airports. The service is available at the exit of the main terminal (2nd Floor).
| Destination | Departure Time | Travel Time | Price |
| BKK – DMK | 06.50 – 23.59 05.00 – 08.00, 11.30 – 15.00, 19.30 – 24.00 (Leaves every 30 minutes) 08.12 – 11.00, 16.12 – 19.00 (Leaves every 12 minutes) | 55 minutes | Boarding Pass (Free) |
1.2 Bangkok Bus Terminal (BMTA): the service is available at the exit of the main terminal (1st Floor, Gate 7).
| Bus | Destination | Departure Time | Price |
| S1 | BKK – Khao San Road – Sanam Luang | 06.00 – 20.00 | 60 THB |
| No.554 | BKK – Rangsit | 24 hours | 24 – 35 THB |
| No.555 | BKK – Rangsit (Expressway) | 04.30 – 01.30 | 24 – 35 THB |
| No.558 | BKK – Central Rama 2 | 05.00 – 21.40 | 24 – 35 THB |
2. Airport Rail Link: Suvarnabhumi Airport City Line (SA City Line) is available at the main terminal (Ground Floor, Basement B1).
It provides transfer from the BKK airport to the city through seven stops: Rajprarop Station – Makkasan Station – Ramkhamhaeng Station – Hua Mark Station – Thab Chang Station – Lad Krabang Station – Phayathai Station. Travel costs 15 – 45 THB (During 06.00 – 24.00)
3. Airport Limo Bus Express: the service is available at the exit of the main terminal (2nd Floor).
| Destination | Bus Stop | Departure Time | Price |
| BKK – Silom – Siam, BKK – Khaosan Road (Connect with MRT/BTS) | Hua Lamphong Wat Phra Kaew Siam Khaosan Road Silom | 05.50 – 01.00 (Leaves every 20 – 30 minutes) | 180 THB |
4. Public Van: the service is available at the exit of the main terminal (1st Floor).
| Van | Destination | Departure Time | Price |
| No.549 | BKK – Minburi | 06.01 – 15.59, 18.01 – 22.00 (Leaves every 10 minutes) 04.45 – 06.00, 16.00 – 18.00 (Leaves every 5 minutes) | 10 – 15 THB |
| No.552 | BKK – Onnuch | 05.00 – 15.59, 18.01 – 22.00 (Leaves every 20 minutes) 16.00 – 18.00 (Leaves every 5 minutes) | 29 THB |
| No.552A | BKK – Paknam | 05.00 – 15.59, 18.01 – 22.00 (Leaves every 20 minutes) 16.00 – 18.00 (Leaves every 5 minutes) | 30 THB |
| No.554 | BKK – Rangsit | 05.00 – 15.59, 18.01 – 22.00 (Leaves every 20 minutes) 16.00 – 18.00 (Leaves every 5 minutes) | 40 THB |
| No.555 | BKK – DMK | 06.00 – 15.59, 18.01 – 23.00 (Leaves every 5 minutes) 16.00 – 18.00 (Leaves every 5 minutes) | 57 THB |
| No.599 | BKK – Rangsit (Expressway) | 06.00 – 23.00 (Leaves every 1 hour) | 57 THB |
5. AOT Limousine: the service is available at the exit of the main terminal (2nd Floor). The AOT Limousine drives from Suvarnabhumi airport to the major cities such as Pattaya, Rayong, Ayutthaya, and other cities. The regular service depends on distance and type of vehicle and distance.
6. Interstate Bus: the service is available at the exit of the main terminal (1st Floor).
| Destination | Departure Time | Price |
| BKK – Pattaya | 06.30 – 21.00 | 120 THB |
| BKK – Sa Kaeo | 06.30 – 16.30 | 184 THB |
| BKK – Nong Khai | 06.00 – 21.00 | 428 THB |
| BKK – Sriracha | 06.00 – 21.00 | 110 THB |
7. Airport Car Rental: many car rental counters are available in the arrival areas: Asap, Budget, Chic Car Rent, Drive Car Rental, EUROPCAR, HERTZ, Sixt, Thai Rent A Car, Yesaway Car Rental, Avis, and Biz.
8. Public Taxi: the service is available at the exit of the main terminal (1st Floor, Gate 4 – 7).
2. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
| Address: 222 Don Mueang District, Bangkok, Thailand 10210 (view on google maps) Telephone: (66) 2535-1192 or (66) 2535-1254 Facebook: Don Mueang International Airport Website: https://donmueang.airportthai.co.th/ |
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is one of the oldest running airports in Asia, which was previously known as Bangkok International Airport. It closed downed after the opening of Suvarnabhumi international airport but reopened again in 2015 due to a large number of tourists into the city. This airport serves several international and domestic flights with more than 15 airlines and mostly hosts budget airlines (4).
How To Travel Between The Airport And The City:
Although Don Mueang International Airport is not the prime airport of Bangkok as bkk airport, it has all the basic amenities, especially a convenient transport system that you can easily enter the city or some places (4, 5, 6).
1. Airport Shuttle Bus
1.1 Direct Bus: it is a transport service between the two International Airports. The service is available at the exit of the terminal 1 (Floor 1, Gate 6).
| Destination | Departure Time | Travel Time | Price |
| DMK – BKK | 06.50 – 23.59 05.00 – 08.00, 11.30 – 15.00, 19.30 – 24.00 (Leaves every 30 minutes) 08.12 – 11.00, 16.12 – 19.00 (Leaves every 12 minutes) | 55 minutes | Boarding Pass (Free) |
1.2 Bangkok Bus Terminal (BMTA): the service is available at the exit of the terminal 1 (1st Floor, Gate 6) and terminal 2 (1st Floor, Gate 12).
| Bus | Destination | Departure Time | Travel Time | Price |
| A1 | DMK – BTS Chatuchak – Mo Chit Station 2 | 06.50 – 23:59 (Leaves every 5 minutes) | 23 minutes | 30 THB |
| A2 | DMK – BTS Chatuchak – Victory Monument | 05.00 – 22.00 (Leaves every 15 minutes) | 32 minutes | 30 THB |
| A3 | DMK – Pratunam – Ratchaprasong – Lumphini Park | 07.00 – 23.00 (Leaves every 30 minutes) | 26 minutes | 50 THB |
| A4 | DMK – Democracy Monument – Khaosan Road – Sanam Luang | 07.00 – 22.40 (Leaves every 30 minutes) | 33 minutes | 50 THB |
2. Airport Limo Bus Express: the service is available at the exit of the terminal 1 (1st Floor, Gate 7) and terminal 2 (1st Floor, Gate 14).
| Destination | Bus Stop | Departure Time | Price |
| DMK – Silom – Siam – Khaosan Road (Connect with MRT/BTS) | Siam Wat Phra Kaew Democracy Monument Phra Brahma Erawan | 09.30 – 00.00 (Leaves every 20 – 30 minutes) | 150 THB |
3. Public Van: the service is available at the exit of the terminal 2.
| Van | Destination | Departure Time | Price |
| No.555 | DMK – BKK | 06.00 – 15.59, 18.01 – 23.00 (Leaves every 5 minutes) 16.00 – 18.00 (Leaves every 5 minutes) | 57 THB |
4. Airport Car Rental: many car rental counters are available in the terminal 1 and terminal 2.
4.1 Terminal 1: Hertz, Taxi Service (Prabhirarb);
4.2 Terminal 2: Budget, Chic Car Rent, Drive Car Rental, Thai Rent A Car, Asap, Avis, Biz Car Rental, Matulee Transport, Skyline Management, and Thai V.P. Corporation Co., Ltd.
5. Public Taxi: the service is available at the exit of the terminal 1 and terminal 2.
Moreover, Don Mueang International Airport will serve the SRT Dark Red Line at Don Mueang railway station that connects with Bang Sue Grand Station soon. This will make your journey more convenient if you decide to use this thai international airport.
3. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
| Address: 60 Mueang District, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200 (view on google maps) Telephone: (66) 5392-2000 ext. 2100 Facebook: Chiang Mai International Airport Website: https://chiangmai.airportthai.co.th/ |
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the major gateway to Northern Thailand and now become the secondary hub for Thai AirAsia as the main port linking Thailand with China, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The airport operates 24 hours to serve a large number of tourists from both domestic and international flights over 15,000 flights all around the year (7).
How To Travel Between The Airport And The City:
The airport is located 4 kilometers southwest of downtown Chiang Mai, not too far from the center. Here is a list of transportation services that you can find outside the terminal building (7, 8).
1. Chiang Mai Airport Bus: the service provides transportation to the city through various attractions such as Chiang Mai Gate, Night Bazaar, Tha Phae Gate, Nimman, and Central Place Airport. The regular service costs 20 THB. It runs between 06.00 – 23.30.
2. Airport Shuttle Bus: the service is available at the exit of the international terminal (1st Floor, Gate 12) 24 hours a day.
| Bus | Destination | Price |
| A1 | CNX – around the city moats through Nimman Road. | 40 THB |
| A2 | CNX – Night Bazaar | 40 THB |
| A3 | DMK – around the city moats – Chiang Mai Stadium | 60 THB |
3. RTC Chiang Mai City Bus: the service is available at the exit of the domestic terminal (1st Floor) 24 hours a day.
| Bus | Destination | Price |
| Red line | CNX – Nimman – Tha Phae Gate | 30 THB |
| Yellow line | CNX – Wua Lai – Tha Phae Gate | 30 THB |
3. Airport Car Rental: many car rental counters are available in the arrival areas: Budget, Chic Car Rent, Drive Car Rental, HERTZ, Sixt, Thai Rent A Car, Avis, ASAP, and NATIONAL CAR RENTAL.
4. Rental Limousines: the service is available at the exit of the domestic and international terminal (1st Floor), starting at 120 THB.
5. Airport Taxi: the service is available at the exit of the international terminal (1st Floor). The regular service costs approximately 160 THB with no service charge.
6. Taxi: the service is systematically regulated based on price meters. The fare to the city is about 150 THB (1 – 3 people) and 250 THB (4 – 5 people).
7. Other public vehicles: the service is available at the exit of the terminal (1st Floor).
7.1 Tricycles or “Tuk Tuk” the service fee starts at 50 THB per ride (charge by distance).
7.2 Local Pickup Truck Taxi or “Red Car” the service costs 50 – 100 THB or it may be changed due to the driver.
4. Hat Yai International Airport
| Address: 99 Khlong Hoi Khong District, Songkhla, Thailand 90115 (view on google maps) Telephone: (66) 7422-7000 or (66) 7422-7001-3 Facebook: Hat Yai International Airportthai Website: https://hatyai.airportthai.co.th/ |
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) is one of the major southern hub airports of Thailand located in Songkhla Province. Although the city of Hat Yai is not popular as others, it also has an inflow of tourists. The airport handles more than 9,000 flights with domestic and international airlines or it can serve a million passengers annually (9).
How To Travel Between The Airport And The City:
The distance between the airport and the center of the city is quite far which takes about 25 – 30 minutes by car. However, there are many transportation facilities available at this thai international airport (9, 10).
1. Airport Car Rental: a few car rental counters are available in the arrival areas: Budget, Avis, and ASAP.
2. Minibus: the service is available at the exit of the terminal. The minibus passes through various tourist spots and junctions: Van Terminal, Kim Yong Markets, Central Festiva, and Hat Yai Bus Terminal. The regular service costs 100 THB (06.00 – 23.30).
3. Van: The service is available at the exit of the terminal. The van passes through various tourist spots: Sanaehanusorn, Central Plaza, Lee Garden, Chichang, and Kim Yong Markets. The regular service costs 100 THB. However, if your destination is out of these routes, you can take VIP Van for 300 THB (no service charge).
4. Local Pickup Truck Taxi: The service is available outside the airport, 100 meters – you can walk. The local taxi passes through many areas: Kim Yong Market, Prince of Songkla University – Bus Terminal. The regular service costs 30 THB or it may be changed due to the driver (06.00 – 20.00).
5. Taxi: the service is systematically regulated based on price meters. The fare to the city is about 250 THB.
5. Phuket International Airport (HKT)
| Address: 222 Don Mueang District, Bangkok, Thailand 10210 (view on google maps) Telephone: (66) 0-7635-1801 or (66) 0-7635-2302 Facebook: Phuket International Airport Website: http://www.phuketairportthai.com/ |
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is one of the busiest Thailand airports due to the uprising tourist inflow each year. The airport plays a major role in promoting tourism in the south of Thailand because there is a large number of international and domestic flights throughout the year (11, 12, 13).
How To Travel Between The Airport And The City:
Although phuket airport is located 32 kilometers away from the city center, getting into the city is very easy because there are several options for you to get to and from the city, and some of them you can reserve the service in advance.
1. Airport Bus: the service is available at the exit of the domestic terminal and the bus terminal 1 near the airport.
| Destination | Departure Time | Travel Time | Price |
| HKT – Central – BMTA station | 07.00 – 21.30 | 1.30 hours | 30 – 100 THB |
| HKT – Patong | 08.15 – 20.15, 09.15 – 21.15 | 1.30 hours | 50 – 120 THB |
2. Phuket Smart Bus: The service is available at the exit of the domestic terminal. The bus drives from phuket airport to the west beaches: Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, and Rawai Beach. The service costs 50 – 70 THB and it takes around 1.30 hours (06.00 – 21.00).
3. Public Van: The service is available at the exit of the domestic terminal. The public van drives from phuket airport to three west beaches: Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach. The regular service costs 180 – 200 THB. It takes around 1 hour to reach the destination (06.00 – 21.00).
4. Limousine: The service is available at the exit of the terminal (1st Floor).
| Type | Destination | Departure Time | Price |
| VIP Limousine | HKT – the city HKT – Pathong HKT – Kata, Rawai | 06.00 – 21.00 | 1,000 THB 1,300 THB 1,500 THB |
| Limousine | HKT – the city HKT – Pathong HKT – Kata, Rawai | 06.00 – 21.00 | 400 – 450 THB 500 THB 650 THB |
5. Airport Car Rental: many car rental counters are available in the arrival areas: Hertz, Budget, EUROPCAR, Thai Rent A Car, and SIXT.
6. Samui International Airport (USM)
| Address: 99 Tambon Bo Phud, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand 84320 (view on google maps) Telephone: (66) 077-428-500 Facebook: Samui International Airport Website: http://www.samuiairport.com/ |
Samui International Airport (USM), known as Koh Samui Airport, is a privately-owned property constructed by Thai Airways on the island of Koh Samui. Most interestingly, Koh Samui airport is an outdoor airport that was built in resort-style huts instead of concrete buildings. It has six terminal buildings, four for domestic flights and two for international flights, and also commercial space that can serve more than a million passengers annually (14).
How To Travel Between The Airport And The City:
Koh Samui airport is 2 kilometers north of the main city and. Meanwhile, it is 5 kilometers away from the Big Buddha Pier where you can take ferries to go to other islands such as Koh Pha Ngan, and 6 kilometers southeast of the Maenam Beach Pier where you can get high-speed ferries to Koh Tao and Chumphon. This sounds like a tough journey to those attractions from the airport; however, there are many ways to travel around Koh Samui and between beaches (14, 15).
1. Airport Car Rental: a few car rental counters are available in the arrival areas: Hertz, Sixt, Budget, and Avis.
2. Airport Private Vehicles: many types of private vehicles are available 24 hours at the airport and you can reserve the service in advance.
| Types | Price |
| Private Car Taxi | 400 – 1000 THB |
| Private Minivan Taxi (Up to 6 passengers) | 600 – 1500 THB |
| Shared Minivan Transfers | 150 – 600 THB (Wait 15 – 30 minutes) |
3. Micro Bus: the service is available in the arrival areas. It operates between 07.30 – 21.30 and leaves every 1 hour.
| Bus | Destination | Travel Time | Price |
| Line 1 (Left route) | USM – Bophut – Maenam – Nathon Pier | 1 hour | 100 THB |
| Line 2 (Right route) | USM – Chaweng – Lamai – Na Mueang – Nathon Pier | 1.45 hours | 100 THB |
4. Public Van: the public van drives through 8 main routes: Nathon Pier, Bang Po, Ban Tai, Maenam, Bophut, Big Buddha, USM Airport, and Chaweng. It runs between 06.30 – 18.30 and leaves every 1 hour.
5. Local Pickup Truck Taxi or “Red Car”: the red car drives around Koh Samui and passes through many tourist spots. The regular service costs 20 – 80 THB depending on the distance traveled but it may be doubled at night.
Things You Can Do While Waiting At Thailand Airports
Have you ever been bored while waiting for a flight at the airport? It is common if you have experienced a plane delay or cancellation at some point. Here are things you can do while waiting at the airports in Thailand (16).
1. Surfing the Internet
Every airports in Thailand provides free Wi-Fi or internet kiosks. You can use it for free by just following these 5 steps:
- Activate Wi-Fi on your device
- Select the network (AIS, DTAC, or TRUE)
- Fill out the information (name, passport number, mobile phone number)
- Accept the conditions and register
- Start using free Wi-Fi
2. Shopping
Every airports in Thailand has small shops, malls, and duty-free malls. There are many Thai unique products selling there which can be a great souvenir. Some items might be expensive but you have a chance to find something with low-price in the duty-free malls. Even if you decide not to buy anything, it is another way to pass time.
3. Enjoy Eating
There are many top Thai restaurants, food franchises, and cafes in the thai international airport. Its price might be expensive compared to other restaurants outside the airport, but you can even use restaurant Wi-Fi or charge your mobile phone, and spend time as much as you want.
4. Getting a Massage
If you want to recover your body after a long journey – Traditional Thai massage is a good choice. You can find them in every Thailand airports.
- Suvarnabhumi International Airport –main terminal (Floor B1 and 3rd Floor)
- Don Mueang International Airport – terminal 1 (3rd Floor, Gate 21 and 2nd Floor, Gate 51)
- Chiang Mai International Airport – international and domestic terminal (2nd Floor)
- Phuket International Airport – domestic terminal (2nd Floor, Gate 4/ 9)
- Hat Yai International Airport – terminal 1
Conclusion
As you can see, these international airports in Thailand are well-organized. Not only do they have regular direct domestic flights that connect Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, and major cities together, but also have excellent services and facilities that will ensure a smooth journey without any hassles.
When you travel to Thailand via its airports, you can roam everywhere – from central to the north, from north to the south!
Like always, if you want to learn more about Thailand, stay with ThaiGuider. You might discover something you never knew about this unique country.
References
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