Getting from Bangkok Airport to the city by train is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start your Thailand trip. Instead of sitting in Bangkok's notorious traffic, you can take an airport train and connect to the city's BTS Skytrain or MRT subway network.
Bangkok has two major international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Each airport has its own railway connection, so knowing which train to take is important.
This guide explains where to find the train stations, how to purchase tickets, current published fares, travel times, interchange stations, and how to reach popular Bangkok neighborhoods.
1. Which Bangkok Airport Are You Arriving At?
Before choosing your train, check your flight ticket. Bangkok's two airports are in different locations and use separate railway systems.
| Airport | Train System | Destination | Adult Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Airport Rail Link | Phaya Thai | ฿45 |
| Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Airport Rail Link | Makkasan | ฿35 |
| Don Mueang (DMK) | SRT Red Line | Krung Thep Aphiwat | ฿33 |
These are the key single-journey fares for travelers heading towards central Bangkok. The Airport Rail Link figures are based on currently published fare references; the complete station-by-station fare matrix has not been independently confirmed from an official operator document.
2. From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Bangkok City
Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok's main international airport. Its Airport Rail Link connects the airport directly with Phaya Thai Station, where passengers can transfer to the BTS Skytrain.
Where is the Airport Rail Link station?
The Airport Rail Link station is located on Level B1 (basement level) of the main passenger terminal.
After collecting your luggage and passing through customs:
- Follow the signs for Airport Rail Link or Train.
- Take the escalator or elevator down to Level B1.
- Look for the ticket counters and automatic ticket machines.
- Purchase your ticket or use an accepted contactless bank card.
- Proceed through the entrance gates and follow the signs to the Phaya Thai-bound platform.
Airport Rail Link route and stations
The Airport Rail Link City Line has eight stations between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phaya Thai.
↓ Lat Krabang
↓ Ban Thap Chang
↓ Hua Mak
↓ Ramkhamhaeng
↓ Makkasan
↓ Ratchaprarop
↓ Phaya Thai (Final Station)
All trains on the regular City Line stop at these stations. Check the current operator timetable for departure times and service changes.
Current Airport Rail Link fares
The Airport Rail Link published fare references indicate a single-journey fare range of ฿15 to ฿45, depending on the distance travelled.
| Destination | Adult Fare |
|---|---|
| Lat Krabang | ฿15 |
| Ban Thap Chang | ฿20 |
| Hua Mak | ฿25 |
| Ramkhamhaeng | ฿30 |
| Makkasan | ฿35 |
| Ratchaprarop | ฿40 |
| Phaya Thai | ฿45 |
How to buy Airport Rail Link tickets
There are several payment options for your journey:
- Single-journey token: Purchase a token from an automatic ticket machine or ticket counter.
- Contactless bank card: Use an accepted contactless credit or debit card at the entry and exit gates. Use the same card for both.
- Stored-value card: Check the station for currently supported stored-value ticket options.
Contactless EMV credit and debit card payments were introduced across Airport Rail Link stations in November 2025. Read the Thailand Government announcement on contactless Airport Rail Link payment.
Airport Rail Link operating hours
The Airport Rail Link generally operates daily from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight. Actual first and last train times may vary by station and direction. Check the latest timetable if you arrive late at night or need to catch an early-morning flight.
3. Where Should You Get Off? Phaya Thai or Makkasan?
Two stations are particularly useful for tourists arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport: Phaya Thai and Makkasan.
Option A: Phaya Thai Station – Connect to BTS Skytrain
Phaya Thai is the final Airport Rail Link station. It connects with the BTS Sukhumvit Line, making it convenient for travelers staying near major shopping centers and popular tourist areas.
From Phaya Thai, you can transfer to the BTS and continue towards:
- Siam: Shopping centers such as Siam Paragon and Siam Center.
- National Stadium: MBK Center and nearby shopping areas, with a BTS transfer at Siam.
- Asok: Shopping, hotels, and access to the MRT Sukhumvit interchange.
- Phrom Phong: Emporium, EmQuartier, and surrounding hotels.
Option B: Makkasan Station – Connect to MRT Blue Line
Makkasan is another useful stop, especially if you want to transfer to Bangkok's MRT subway system.
From Makkasan:
- Exit the Airport Rail Link paid area.
- Follow the signs and pedestrian walkway towards MRT Phetchaburi Station.
- Purchase a separate MRT ticket or use an accepted payment method.
- Board the MRT Blue Line in the direction of your destination.
The MRT Blue Line can take you towards:
- Sukhumvit: Asok and surrounding hotel areas.
- Silom: Business district and nearby attractions.
- Hua Lamphong: Historic railway station area.
- Wat Mangkon: Chinatown.
- Sanam Chai: Convenient for the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Airport Rail Link, BTS, and MRT are separate systems. You normally need to pay a separate fare when transferring between them.
4. From Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Bangkok City
Don Mueang International Airport mainly serves domestic flights and many low-cost international carriers. Its railway connection is the SRT Red Line.
Where is the SRT Red Line station?
The Don Mueang railway station is connected to the airport through an elevated pedestrian walkway. Follow the signs for SRT Red Line or Don Mueang Railway Station from the terminal. The connection is accessible from the Terminal 2 side.
Follow these steps:
- After collecting your luggage, follow the railway signs.
- Proceed towards the elevated pedestrian walkway.
- Follow the walkway to Don Mueang SRT Red Line Station.
- Purchase your ticket at the station.
- Board the train heading towards Krung Thep Aphiwat.
SRT Red Line route
↓ Kan Kheha
↓ Lak Si
↓ Thung Song Hong
↓ Bang Khen
↓ Wat Samian Nari
↓ Chatuchak
↓ Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, also known as Bang Sue Grand Station, is the main interchange for passengers continuing their journeys through Bangkok's railway network.
Current SRT Red Line fares from Don Mueang
The following adult fares are taken from the SRT Electrified Train Company's published fare matrix dated October 31, 2026.
| Destination | Adult Single-Journey Fare |
|---|---|
| Kan Kheha | ฿15 |
| Lak Si | ฿18 |
| Thung Song Hong | ฿23 |
| Bang Khen | ฿25 |
| Wat Samian Nari | ฿26 |
| Chatuchak | ฿29 |
| Krung Thep Aphiwat | ฿33 |
| Rangsit | ฿26 |
฿33
Adult single-journey ticket from Don Mueang Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
These are adult single-journey fares, not a daily travel budget. Check the SRT operator's current fare information for applicable passenger categories and any changes.
Daily fare cap information
A separate daily fare-cap policy has been reported for eligible passengers using contactless EMV bank cards on the Red Line.
The cap is separate from the normal single-journey fare. It is not a flat ฿40 ticket and should not be confused with the ฿33 adult fare from Don Mueang to Krung Thep Aphiwat.
Eligibility, participating payment methods, applicable passenger categories, and the policy's effective period should be checked with SRT before relying on the cap. The reported policy period extends through November 2026.
How long does the Red Line journey take?
The journey from Don Mueang to Krung Thep Aphiwat takes approximately 17 minutes, excluding waiting and interchange time.
Where can you go after arriving at Krung Thep Aphiwat?
From Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, you can transfer to the MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue Station.
The MRT provides access to several important areas of Bangkok, including:
- Chatuchak Park: For Chatuchak Weekend Market and nearby attractions.
- Phahon Yothin: Shopping and residential areas.
- Asok: Transfer at Sukhumvit for the BTS.
- Silom: Business and entertainment district.
- Hua Lamphong: Historic railway station area.
- Wat Mangkon: Chinatown.
5. How Much Should You Budget for the Airport Train?
Here is a quick comparison of the main airport-to-city train journeys. These figures cover only the airport railway journey, not any additional BTS or MRT transfers.
| Starting Airport | Railway Route | Adult Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Airport Rail Link to Makkasan | ฿35 |
| Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai | ฿45 |
| Don Mueang (DMK) | SRT Red Line to Krung Thep Aphiwat | ฿33 |
For example, a traveler arriving at Suvarnabhumi and continuing to an MRT station will need to budget for the Airport Rail Link ticket plus a separate MRT fare. The same principle applies when transferring from the SRT Red Line to the MRT or BTS.
6. Which Train Should You Take Depending on Your Hotel?
The best station to get off depends on your accommodation and final destination.
| Your Destination | Recommended Route |
|---|---|
| Siam | Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai, then BTS to Siam. |
| Pratunam | Airport Rail Link to Ratchaprarop. |
| Asok | Airport Rail Link to Makkasan, then MRT Phetchaburi to Sukhumvit. |
| Phrom Phong | Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai, then BTS Sukhumvit Line. |
| Silom | Airport Rail Link to Makkasan, then MRT via Phetchaburi. |
| Chinatown | Airport Rail Link to Makkasan, then MRT to Wat Mangkon, or use the MRT from Bang Sue if arriving at DMK. |
| Grand Palace | Use the MRT Blue Line to Sanam Chai. |
| Chatuchak | From DMK, use the Red Line to Krung Thep Aphiwat and connect to the MRT, or use the airport bus as an alternative. |
These are suggested rail routes, not direct hotel-to-station journeys. You may still need to walk, take a short taxi ride, or use another local transport service.
7. Can You Travel Between Bangkok's Two Airports by Train?
Yes. It is possible to travel between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport using Bangkok's railway network, although it requires several transfers.
One possible rail route is:
↓ Airport Rail Link
Makkasan Station
↓ Walk to MRT Phetchaburi
MRT Blue Line
↓ Bang Sue Station
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
↓ SRT Red Line
Don Mueang Airport
If you are transferring between international and domestic flights, consider the airport shuttle bus as an alternative.
For more information, visit the official Suvarnabhumi Airport website.
8. Important Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Check your airport before booking accommodation
Bangkok has two airports, and the difference matters when planning your arrival. Always check whether your flight lands at BKK or DMK before deciding how to get to your hotel.
Keep small Thai baht denominations
Although contactless payment is available on some railway systems, keeping cash is useful for ticket purchases, food, and other transportation services.
Consider your luggage
Airport trains can become crowded during morning and evening commuting hours. If you have several large suitcases, traveling by train may be less comfortable.
Avoid traveling too late
Both airport railway connections have limited operating hours. If your flight arrives close to midnight, allow time for immigration, baggage collection, and walking to the station. A public taxi may be more practical if you miss the last train.
Use the correct interchange station
Remember the two main Airport Rail Link connections:
- Phaya Thai connects to the BTS Skytrain.
- Makkasan connects to MRT Phetchaburi.
From Don Mueang, the Red Line connects to the MRT network at Krung Thep Aphiwat/Bang Sue.
Check the latest train schedules
Train departure times and service arrangements can change. Before traveling, check the latest information from the railway operators.
9. Official Websites and Useful Resources
Use these official resources to check current transportation information before your trip.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport – Official Website
- Don Mueang International Airport – Official Website
- SRT Electrified Train – Red Line Information and Fares
- Thailand Government – Airport Rail Link Contactless Payment Announcement
- BTS Skytrain – Official Website
- MRT – Official Website
- Thailand Government Information Portal
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the train from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok?
The Airport Rail Link fare to Makkasan is ฿35, while the fare to Phaya Thai is ฿45, based on currently published fare references. Check the station's ticket machine for the latest amount.
2. How much is the train from Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok?
The SRT Red Line adult single-journey fare from Don Mueang to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is ฿33, according to the operator's published fare matrix dated October 31, 2026.
3. How long does the Airport Rail Link take to reach Bangkok city?
The journey from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai takes approximately 27–30 minutes, excluding waiting and interchange time.
4. Does the Airport Rail Link go directly to Siam?
No. Take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai and transfer to the BTS Skytrain for Siam.
5. Can I use the Airport Rail Link to reach Sukhumvit?
Yes. Get off at Makkasan, walk to MRT Phetchaburi, and take the MRT Blue Line to Sukhumvit Station.
6. Can I use my BTS Rabbit Card on the Airport Rail Link?
Do not assume that your BTS Rabbit Card is valid on the Airport Rail Link. The systems have separate ticketing arrangements. Check accepted payment methods before boarding.
7. Does the Bangkok Airport train operate 24 hours?
No. The Airport Rail Link and SRT Red Line do not provide continuous 24-hour service. Check the last departure before traveling.
8. Is the train better than taking a taxi?
For solo travelers and those with manageable luggage, the train is usually an affordable way to avoid road traffic. A taxi may be more convenient for families, groups, passengers with heavy luggage, or travelers arriving after train operating hours.
9. Are the Airport Rail Link and SRT Red Line fares the same?
No. They are separate railway systems with different fare structures. The Airport Rail Link fare to Phaya Thai is ฿45, while the SRT Red Line fare from Don Mueang to Krung Thep Aphiwat is ฿33.
10. Do I need to buy another ticket when transferring to BTS or MRT?
Generally, yes. The Airport Rail Link, BTS, MRT, and SRT Red Line have separate ticketing arrangements. You should budget for another fare when transferring unless an applicable integrated ticket or payment arrangement is available.
Conclusion: Getting into Bangkok Is Easier by Train
Traveling from Bangkok Airport to the city by train is a practical way to save money and avoid traffic.
If you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, take the Airport Rail Link. The published fare to Makkasan is ฿35, while the fare to Phaya Thai is ฿45.
If you arrive at Don Mueang Airport, take the SRT Red Line. The adult fare to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is ฿33, and the journey takes approximately 17 minutes.
Before leaving the airport, check your hotel location, train operating hours, and the appropriate interchange station. A little preparation can make your first journey into Bangkok much easier.
If you are planning your Bangkok trip, explore our other travel resources:
- Discover the Best Things to Do in Bangkok
- Find Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Bangkok
- Explore Affordable Hotels for Backpackers
Last reviewed: November 3, 2026. Transportation fares, operating hours, and service arrangements may change. Airport Rail Link intermediate fares and the reported Red Line daily fare-cap conditions should be checked with the relevant operator before travel.
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