Bangkok Airport Arrival Procedure

All the major commercial airlines now land at the new Bangkok airport (BKK), since its relocation from Don Mueang airport in 2006.

The Don Mueang (DMK) airport is now being used for all the low-cost carriers like Air Asia, Nok Air and Orient Thai.

If you are still in the planning stages for your trip to Bangkok, then check out my page of helpful tips for getting cheap flights to Bangkok.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Learn about the Bangkok Airport arrival procedure and just what is involved after landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

This article will cover:

• Bangkok International Airport Codes (IATA)
• Suvarnabhumi Airport History
• Bangkok Airport Arrival Procedure
• Domestic Transfers
• International Transfers
• Visa Status
• FastTrack and APEC lane locations
• VIP Fasttrack Services (Paid)
• Currency Exchange Booth and ATM location
• Baggage Collection and Customs clearance
• Bangkok Airport Transfer Options, Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin
• Shuttle Bus Transfer to Don Mueang Airport
• Car Rental
• Bangkok Tour packages
• Bangkok Airport Meeting point
• Bangkok Airport Arrivals Today

If you are flying into Bangkok and will be changing airlines to a low-cost carrier, ensure you check which airport they fly out of and allow sufficient transfer time between the two airports. 

A free shuttle runs between the two airports for transferring passengers, but you will need to allow additional time for this airport transfer. Read more further down the page, regarding the location of the airport transfer bus.

What is the Bangkok Airport Code (IATA)?

As indicated above, there are two airports in Bangkok, and it pays to know which one your flight is landing at.

All airports around the world are given a three letter IATA code to identify them and you will find this code printed on your e-ticket or travel itinerary alongside the departure time and flight number.

Thailand Airport IATA Codes

• BKK - Suvarnabhumi Airport IATA Code
• DMK - Don Mueang Airport IATA Code
• HKT - Phuket Airport IATA Code
• USM - Koh Samui Airport IATA Code
• KBV - Krabi Airport IATA Code
• CEI - Chiang Mai Airport IATA Code

Other IATA Codes

• DXB - Dubai Airport IATA Code
• LHR - London Heathrow Airport IATA Code
• SYD - Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport IATA Code
• SIN - Singapore Airport IATA Code
• LAX - Los Angeles Airport IATA Code
• NRT - Narita Airport IATA Code

If you do a lot of travelling and need access to IATA codes for other airports, then I have always used this free tool from Theodora.

Ensure you check this IATA code correctly when ticketed and ensure that your ongoing transportation is to/from the same airport.

It is an easy mistake to not realise what is your arrival or departure airport and it can cause a lot of problems if not done correctly.

Suvarnabhumi Airport History

Bangkok International Airport is called Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced Soo-wanna-poom Airport).

The new Suvarnabhumi Airport received its name from His Majesty the King and means the "Golden Land" and its logo comprehensively represent the physicality of the Suvarnabhumi as an airport with the 3 blue strips representing the airport’s runways while the 2 golden strips represent the parked aircrafts.

From a different perspective, the three blue strips could also be seen to represent the arching top of Suvarnabhumi’s Passenger Terminal Building.

The logo was selected from the 635 entries in the Suvarnabhumi Airport Logo Design Contest, held from 20th July – 20th August 2009.

The winner of the 1st prize was Mr. Taotai Suksirithada, a graduate student from Chulalongkorn University, who received 100,000 baht and an award from HRH Princess Soamsavali.

The foundation stone for the new Bangkok Airport was laid in January 2002 and the construction continued to completion and the facility opened for service on 28th September 2006.

Work has already commenced to double the number of runways and terminals.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is located about 25 Km from the centre of town, and it is only a 40-minute car ride to get to one of the many Bangkok city hotels.

This journey may take as long as 60 minutes, if you travel during rush hour periods, or you have a more distant Bangkok Riverside hotel.

Bangkok Airport Landing and Arrival Procedure

When your plane first lands at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport it can taxi and stop at any of the arrival gates and even if you frequently take the same flight, you can still never be sure of the final gate number.

If you are unlucky on arrival at Bangkok Airport and all the gates are full, you may have to disembark from the airplane onto a bus in the middle of the tarmac.

The bus will then drive to an entrance way where you can get off, under the watchful eyes of staff. 

Upon arrival in the main Bangkok Airport building, have your passport in hand, ready to start the Bangkok Airport arrival procedure in the Immigration Hall.

Follow the signs and proceed directly to the immigration officials at the passport control booths to get your entry stamp.

Don't dawdle after leaving the aircraft as each person that passes you will be in front of you in the immigration queues and it will all delay your arrival at your destination.

It may be the case that Bangkok is not your final destination.

If you are transiting to another airport and have up to 12 hours to spare, then you can explore some things to do on your short Bangkok layover.

Perhaps you have a delayed connecting flight, so you may like to read about the attractions available to you inside the Suvarnabhumi Airport building, whilst you while away the next few hours.

Depending upon which gate your plane docks at, you may have a long walk or a very long walk to the Bangkok immigration area.

Fortunately, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is fitted with moving walkways that make this distance a little less tedious.

It is quite a long walk indeed.

Looks quiet, doesn't it?

Well, it is not always like this, sometimes it is packed with people all rushing to the immigration desks.

How Many Terminals Does Bangkok Airport Have?

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) currently has the two original terminals and a new terminal. 

The Bangkok Airport terminals comprise a:

• Domestic Terminal
• International Terminal

which are both housed within the same building.

The International Terminal has a new set of gates and this opened in September 2023.

This new terminal is named:

• SAT-1

To get to the new terminal, there is an Automated People Mover to tranport passengers via a driverless train to and from Concourse 1 (International Terminal).

Bangkok Airport Concourse 1

Suvarnabhumi Airport Concourse 1 is all under one roof and both Domestic and International passengers arrive through separate doors, but after baggage collection, exit into the same large Arrivals Hall.

This makes meeting incoming passengers extremely convenient.

Both departing International and Domestic passenger are dropped off at the same level and the Check-in desks are all together.

So whether you are meeting someone or dropping them off, it is not necessary to know which Terminal their flight is using.

Further down the page is a map of Bangkok Airport, so take a look at that and bear in mind the Concourses B, C, E, F extend beyond the page and are longer than actually drawn.

Each Concourse is labelled from A - G and the Suvarnabhumi Airport arrival and departure gates are numbered, depending upon the length of the Concourse.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport gate map shows the general layout of the airport (copyright JAL) and how easy it is to navigate.

It is possible to walk anywhere in the International Terminal, once inside, although arriving and departing passengers are segregated, unlike some airports, eg Singapore Airport.

Bangkok Airport SAT-1

The project for Terminal expansion at Bangkok Airport is currently almost completed and is currently in use.

Currency Exchange Booths & ATM Locations

At the end of the Concourse C and E for International Arrivals, you can exchange British Pounds or US Dollars to Thai Baht at any of the currency exchange booths.

At these locations there are several currency exchange booths.  

But if you really want to get the best exchange rate at Bangkok Airport then you need to wait until you exit Custom and go to the same level as the Airport Rail link (ARL) and use Happy Rich or Super Rich currency exchange booths.

These are located just off the AOT property and have lower rents and hence lower overheads.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Domestic Transfers

At the end of Concourse C, is the entrance for people with connecting flights to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui and Hat Yai.

For these people, immigration procedures take place here and Customs Control is at the destination.

If arriving as Visa on Arrival, see Visa Status section below as you will need to conduct this task first.

Suvarnabhumi Airport International Transfers

At the end of Concourse C is where people with an onward connecting flight (and whose baggage has been checked through to the final destination) clear immigration checks.

There is a transfer desk in this location if you need to be issued a boarding card for your next flight.

In this case, just present your documents to the staff on duty and you will be allowed to go up the escalator to the Departures level.

Baggage that has not been checked through to your final destination will need to be collected from the baggage carousel after clearing immigration and check-in conducted on Level 4 before re-entering the departure area.

So, you basically have to go out and then back in again.

Thailand Visa Status

Before discussing the Bangkok Airport immigration process for foreign passport holders, it is worthwhile briefly summarising the various visa categories of entry.

Establishing the exact Bangkok entry requirements for each personal situation should be started well before beginning your trip to Suvarnabhumi Airport, as this is integral to your trip planning.

Visa Exempt

The Visa Exemption Rule allows tourists from 64 countries to enter Thailand without a visa.

They are granted to stay a maximum of 60 days if they are entering Thailand via an international airport or entering through a land border checkpoint from neighbouring countries.

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, proceed directly to Passport Control. 

An extension for an additional 30 days can be obtained in-country for a cost of 1900 baht.

Thai Visa on Arrival

If you are a citizen of countries eligible for Thailand Visa on Arrival and flying directly to Bangkok, you can get your Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

People arriving under the Visa on Arrival category must proceed to the VOA processing area with necessary documentation and financial proof and obtain the necessary tourist visa before proceeding to passport control.

There are paid services that reduce waiting time and guide you through the procedure, you will be:

• met at the airbridge by your host
• assisted with the Visa-on-Arrival process
• allowed access to the Premium Immigration Lane
• assigned a baggage porter to arrange collection of your bags
• escorted through Customs to your onward transportation

Thai Visa Holder

Obtained based on being a student, tourist, married to a Thai or being retired etc.

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, proceed directly to Passport Control. 

APEC Business Travel Card Holder

You can apply for an ABTC if you:

• travel frequently to an APEC economy (other than Australia or your place of residence) for business purposes and have not been convicted of a criminal offence.

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, proceed directly to Passport Control where there are specific APEC lanes.

Bangkok Airport Immigration

The Bangkok Airport Immigration Hall is extremely large, stretching the length of the building and is split into three sections, each with its own entrance.

Very often, if one section has long queues then it is worth wandering further down a little further as the other sections may have no people waiting.

How Long Does it Take to Clear Immigration at Bangkok Airport?

How long does it take to clear Immigration at Bangkok Airport is a common question by travellers to Bangkok?

As each plane lands, passengers disembark and go to the first Immigration Hall that they encounter, so it just depends on the overall number of plane arrivals, as to how busy a particular processing section is.

In high season if you see people spilling out of the Immigration Hall entrance way, you can expect the processing time to be 45-60 minutes, but mostly you can anticipate a wait of around 15-20 minutes.

Most passengers don’t know there are two separate Bangkok Airport Immigration Halls and so if you see that the area is congested, then definitely you should take the time to investigate the other Immigration Halls. 

I have visited Bangkok Airport many times and most times I have waited in a line of eight or less people and if I see a line longer than that I head to the next Immigration Hall.

Paid GetMyGuide Fast Track services allow you to skip the line and are in high demand.

Booking early is suggested, if you want to avoid getting stuck in a long queue.

These paid services may reduce waiting time and will guide you through the procedure and you will be:

• met at the airbridge by your hostess (extra)
• allowed access to the Premium Immigration Lane
• assigned a baggage porter to arrange collection of your bags
• escorted through Customs to your onward transportation

If you are interested in the paid GetMyGuide Fast Track Assistance Service, to skip the line, then complete your details to learn more about pricing and availability.

Like many airports the Bangkok immigration desks have separate sections for Thai passport holders and foreign passport holders, so once you enter the Immigration Hall make sure to select the correct line.

As of June 2022, all passengers no longer have to complete a TM6 Passenger Arrival and Departure card, as this requirement has been suspended temporarily to allow for faster processing of passengers.

Many airlines provide these forms before landing, so checking with the cabin crew is advised, as it is best to complete this form before landing.

Thailand ETA

By the end of 2025 the use of e-gates is going to be available to more passengers as the roll out of the flying pre-approval process is implemented.

The e-gates will operate by travellers being required to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) prior to travel for each entry to Thailand.

This process is still in the planning stages and although the approval is said to be free, it would be a good place to extract a fee from tourists that has long been spoken about to maintain Thailand tourist infrastructure.

The ETA should be available from the Thailand electronic visa page.

Bangkok Airport Fast Track Business Class

If you have a First or Business Class boarding card or have an APEC card, then you are entitled to use the Thai Airways Fast Track Business Class booths.

The one opposite gate D4 is offset to the left (it used to be on the right, until construction of the autogates) as you walk up the slope but leads you off to the left behind some barriers.

There is a small sign pointing to the Fast Track lane on one of the pillars, but you will need to look carefully, or you will miss it.

Sometimes there will be Airport staff there ensuring that you are entitled to use that lane and the immigration staff may ask to see your boarding pass to confirm that you are eligible to use that lane before they let you proceed.

If you have a paid Fast Track service, then use the dedicated lanes set aside for those customers and as directed by your guide.

Between the two immigration halls opposite Gate D6 is an area marked as Priority Lanes, that is dedicated for persons that fall into the following categories:

• Diplomats
• Officials
• Air Crew
• BOI
• Thailand Privilege
• Buddhist Monks
• Senior Citizens and over 70’s
• Pregnant
• Infants
• Disabled

Use these lanes if you fall within the categories.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport: Fasttrack Immigration Service

For economy class passengers there is still the opportunity to speed your way through the immigration line by using the paid VIP Fasttrack Immigration Service with a personal assistant to meet, help navigate the airport and expedite your immigration clearance step.

For many travellers it is a welcome relief after a long flight to have this personal attention and skip the line.

Learn more about booking GetYourGuide Fastrack Immigration Service.

Tips for Navigating the BKK Immigration Queue

Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to use the Fast Track Immigration services, so here are some tips to make your wait as short as possible for those visitors that cannot use the electronic gates. 

Select the shortest line of people to stand in and by counting the number of heads.

If the line is long, then count 10 heads and use that distance to estimate the remainder.

Small children take twice as long to process as adults, so multiply them by two to take this into account.

At the Immigration desk, provide your passport, arrival card and boarding card for fastest processing.

Remove your hat and glasses for the photo image.

The Immigration Officer will check your passport, take your photograph and collect your fingerprints before stamping your passport.

Check the Bangkok Airport map below as it shows:

• Transfer to Domestic flight
• Transit counter
• Fast Track lane
• Priority lanes
• Immigration halls
• Baggage claim
• Customs
• Domestic exit A
• International exits B and C

As you will most likely have some checked baggage, then it is often a little academic how long the immigration line is, as you will still have to wait at the baggage carousel for your checked baggage to appear.

Currently it is thought that the fingerprint and facial recognition database is used solely by the Immigration Dept. 

So, whilst they could verify if you arrived previously under a different name, the system is unlikely to flag you as someone with a criminal record.

Of course, it is only a matter of time before data sharing allows this to be done.

Before leaving the Immigration checkpoint, ensure that the stamp in your passport is correctly applied for 14 days, 60 days or 3 months in alignment with your permission to stay dates. 

Sometimes with human error an incorrect stamp is used and if you are stamped in for two weeks instead of 60 days it is a nuisance to have it corrected afterwards.

Bangkok Airport Baggage Claim Hall

After emerging from Passport Control, go and check the electronic arrivals board, locate your flight number to identify the correct baggage carousel.

There are 24 baggage carousels, with number 7 being on your right and number 24 being on the left-hand side as you come out of the immigration desks.

If you are wondering where carousels 1-6 are located, well they are in the Domestic Terminal on the other side of the wall.

By now your luggage will have appeared on the carousel, but if it hasn't then you can still make a last-minute purchase of duty-free goods or get some currency exchanged.

(Duty Free sales are going to be discontinued in all Thai Airports sometime in 2024. It is not clear if the shops will remain and just charge duty or be replaced with other businesses)

The currency exchange rate in the airport will not be as good as in town, so just change enough for your first night.

If your suitcase does not appear on the luggage carousel then read the following account of how to handle lost baggage by going to the Lost Baggage office and filing a report.

Customs Inspection at Bangkok Airport

After collecting your baggage, the next step is to take your bags and pass-through Customs Control, choose either the Red or Green channel.

The Red Channel is for those that have something to declare, and the Green Channel is for those that have nothing to declare.

There are two Customs gates, B and C that you can use.

I would recommend that if you are being met by a hotel driver then you should always go out by Gate B, as this is where the hotel drivers wait, but this is something that you should check if organising a pick-up. 

If you take the Green Channel, the Customs inspection process involves pulling random people up and having them put their bag through the x-ray machine.

In my experience you will have to be very unlucky to be selected if you go through this Green channel.

Immediately after passing through Customs Control and entering the airport arrival hall you will see another AOT Limousine booth.

(This is the same, if you leave by Gate B or C.)

Bangkok Airport Arrivals Hall

This is still a restricted area for International passengers, but there are some services available in this area that you may wish to use before you leave. 

AOT Airport Transfer Booking Desk – this provides a limousine transfer service.

Hotel Greeting Staff – on the right side are staff holding the hotel board in case you made a transfer booking directly with the hotel.

If you have booked a hotel car to collect you then they wait in this general area with your name on a sign board.

You may find that it is written as 'Mr John, Mr Alex or Ms Sarah', as people are referred to by their first names in Thailand.

This location is reserved for the high-end hotels, but if you have  selected a budget hotel, then they will be standing closer to the exit as you walk along.

If you don't see your sign, then feel free to ask and someone will point you to the correct location.

Bangkok Airport Transfers

Private Transfer to Bangkok

As part of your trip planning strategy it makes for a seamless experience to have your hotel transportation already booked and this service from GetYourGuide fits the bill.

Stepping out of the Customs Control area and being met by your designated team, means that you will be whisked away to your city hotel within minutes of reaching the Airport exit.

Complete your details below, to see pricing and availability for your Bangkok Airport transportation. There are a number of different vehicles to choose from.

Bangkok Airport Tourist Services

Inside the Arrival Hall there are various outlets providing tourist services, so if you need to make further arrangements, then do that before you leave this area.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrival Hall area is just for arriving passengers and although it may not be obvious, there are Security staff in attendance at strategic points.

So be prepared to show your boarding pass to the Security official to re-enter, in case you accidentally leave the area.

Mobile Data at Suvarnabhumi Airport

If you are from Australia or Europe where the phone system is the same, you don't need to rent a mobile phone, you can purchase a local SIM card that you can top up at any 7-Eleven store.

Ensure that your phone is unlocked before departing your home country.

If your phone is locked to your carrier you can even pick up a second hand mobile phone from MBK or PHENIX Pratunam for less than 1000 baht.

No matter what country you come from, you need to be aware that even though your home country mobile phone works, you may have to pay very high "roaming" charges from your service provider.

Be especially aware of devices such as tablet PCs and smartphones that can automatically connect to the internet and turn off the roaming function if you have not purchased a special roaming package.

Mobile Phone Wi-fi Package

The option of a mobile phone wi-fi package is now available in Suvarnabhumi Airport in the basement area.

Telstra Australia customers may not know that the provision of International roaming is no longer available on a number of plans.

The service has temporarily been discontinued, whilst they work on some system upgrades and to be honest, it was incredibly inconvenient to find out after the travel had commenced and I couldn't call to arrange a pick-up from the airport.

It seems the only option that Telstra offers, is the $10/day package, which can work out quite expensive, particularly if the phone is just to receive messages and two-factor authentication code texts.

The mobile phone wi-fi package gets around the problem of needing to subscribe for a costly package and is a fraction of the cost.

It also means that you get to keep your mobile phone number, which may not be the case if you get a replacement SIM.

The mobile device can be used by upto five people for five days, or less people for more days and is available in both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports.

Pick-up and return is to the same Airport.

Next time, I fly then I will surely be getting one of these from the booth in the basement level.

Bangkok Airport Wi-Fi

Does BKK have free Wi-fi?

Inside Bangkok Airport there is access to free wi-fi in the public areas.

Access is for one hour and is gained upon provision of your email address.

It is really that simple.

This is extremely useful, if on arrival you realise that your mobile phone has no signal and can't connect to a carrier.

The one hour access is long enough to get you out of trouble and make further travel arrangements.

One time I had a problem connecting to the airport wi-fi and just needed to go up one level, where there was a Starbucks and another small shop selling drinks.

I purchased a drink and asked for the wi-fi password and lo and behold I had access to the outside world again.

Car Rental at Bangkok Airport

As you exit the Customs area, there are Car Rental agencies on the opposite side of the wall.

If you are thinking about driving in Thailand, then ensure that you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) before leaving your home country.

If you want to know how to get an IDP before arrival then read this page describing the process.

The following car rental agencies are represented:

• ASAP Car Rental
• Website: www.aspcarrenrtal.com
  
  
• Budget
• Website: www.budget.co.th
  
  
• Chic Car Rental
• Website: www.ChicCarRent.com
  
  
• Drive Car Rental
• Website: www.drivecarrental.com
  
  
• Europcar
• Website: www.europcar.co.th
  
  
• Hertz Car Rent
• Website: www.hertzthailand.com
  
  
• Sixt Rentacar
• Website: www.Sixtthailand.com
  
  
• Thai Rent a Car
• Website: www.Thairentacar.com
  
  
• Yesaway Car Rental
• Website: www.Yesaway.com
  
  
• Avis Rent a Car
• Website: www.avisthailand.com
  
  
• Biz Car Rental
• Website: www.bizcarrental.com

Read more about Bangkok Airport car hire.

Bangkok Airport Meeting Point

The Meeting Point in Suvarnabhumi Airport is located by following the foot traffic to the right after exiting the Customs inspection area.

So, if you have someone meeting you in their private car, then they will be located a little further along the walkway, waving and shouting to you, hopefully anyway.

If you keep on walking you will get to the point where the escalators are and around this point is the overhead sign labelled "Meeting Point".

Surprisingly, it is where most people arrange to meet family and friends; there is a Boots the Chemist and 7-11 just at this place, so if your hotel greeter is not here, pop in and do a bit of shopping, perhaps get a bottle of water to start the rehydration process.

Just to the right of Boots the Chemist is one of the baggage storage locations. 

Let's look at this next.

Baggage Storage in Bangkok Airport

It may be necessary to either store your baggage in Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Why might that be?

Imagine the businessman who is travelling from Australia to Europe, but has to do a quick Sales training session in Bangkok on the way.

There is no point in carting the baggage to the meeting and back again, so options for Airport storage and luggage transfer are discussed here.

Or perhaps you have managed to snag a Bangkok layover.

If either of these two scenarios affect your travel plans, then consider using the baggage storage office located nearby the Meeting point sign.

They do have some restrictions on valuables being stored and so also consider the alternative Lock Box stations that has the following benefits.

• Travel light without having to carry your luggage around
• Save time on luggage planning to explore the city to the fullest

Looking at the options of baggage storage in Suvarnabhumi Airport then there are a number of solutions provided by these Lock Box stations. (Just go down to the ARL level in the basement)

Smoking in Bangkok Airport

Can I smoke in Bangkok Airport?

There used to be smoking rooms in the Arrival Concourse in Bangkok Airport, but these rooms have been closed for several years.

And even quite recently, after exiting Immigration and Customs you used to be able to smoke between doors three and four on the Arrivals level (upto February 2020).

Not anymore though.

There is now no smoking allowed anywhere on the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport property.

Bangkok Airport Transfers

Transfer to Pattaya

Be whisked away to Pattaya in a pre-booked limousine or van for larger groups.

GetYourGuide have a range of vehicles that can have you heading to Pattaya in style.

As well as going to Pattaya, this service also travels to:

• Hua Hin
• Ayutthaya
• Kanchanaburi
• Koh Samet
• Koh Chang
• Laem Chabang

Further details or booking at the link box below.

If you are planning to go to Pattaya directly from Bangkok Airport, instead of going to Bangkok, then you may be interested in reading my page on where to catch the bus to Pattaya.

Transfer to Hua Hin

If you are planning to go to Hua Hin directly from the airport instead of going to Bangkok, then you may be interested in reading my page on where to catch the bus to Hua Hin.

Shuttle Bus Transfer to Don Mueang Airport

The shuttle bus to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) departs from the 2nd floor of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (arrivals) outside Door 3. 

The shuttle bus service is clearly sign-posted from the arrival’s hall and just outside Door 3 there is a despatch desk.

Contact the staff and present your boarding pass / proof of travel. 

Buses run from 5:00 am to midnight, about 15 – 30 minutes apart, depending upon the time of day, and take approximately 50 minutes to arrive at Don Mueang Airport.

If your connection time is tight then booking a car transfer is probably a better option.

AOT Limousine Transfer

Along the back wall of the baggage hall are various booths for AOT Limousines where you can pre-purchase your limousine transfer, whilst waiting for your baggage to appear on the carousel.

Tell them your destination hotel and select a car from the photograph.

Depending upon your budget. 1100-1400 baht will get you to most hotels in Bangkok in a well maintained and clean vehicle.

Put the receipt away in your wallet and keep the duplicate in your hand until after you have passed through Customs Control.

The list below is now outdated because of fuel price rises and general inflation and they no longer have a board with the price listed, as it is all computerised now.

(The 1-15km Sedan price was 800-850 baht in 2013)

I checked the prices again in September 2024 and they have increased recently, well no surprise there.

In fact 1100 - 1400 baht for a standard limousine to a Central Bangkok hotel seems about standard.

So as a rough guide, if you add 30% to these prices below, that should be quite close and they still have these vehicle types.

As an estimate, a Camry to Hua Hin should cost around 5500 baht, but you can check the actual price for this longer trip by going to the AOT Bangkok limousine reservation site and sending them an email to book an AOT taxi.

Contact Details for AOT Limousine

• AOT Limousine Call Center +662 134 2323

• Mobile +6686 342 1445, +6686 342 1446

• Email: callcenter@aot-limousine.com

Anyway, I hope you find this brief overview of arrival at Bangkok Airport helpful.

If you are coming to Bangkok on vacation or for a short layover and not sure where to stay, then check this list of hotels in the various Bangkok districts.

Perhaps even staying closer to Bangkok airport at one of these Agoda Bangkok Airport Hotel.

Bangkok Airport Car Parking

There is paid parking at Bangkok Airport and the higher floors seem to have more vacant spaces. 

Sometimes it is necessary to double-park, in which case, don't forget to leave the vehicle hand brake off, so that people can move your car if necessary.

The car park is connected directly to the airport building by a walkway bridge. Once across that, take the escalator down to the Arrivals Hall. 

The best place to meet any arriving passengers is by waiting under the Meeting Point sign, opposite Boots the Chemist retail shop.

There is also a long-term car park nearby and an associated shuttle bus, if you need to leave your vehicle for longer periods.

Accommodation Near Bangkok Airport

If you need short-term accommodation near Bangkok Airport then it is all covered in my separate article.

Bangkok Airport Arrivals Today

If you are following the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrivals today, so you can go to meet your guest, then the tracker below shows all the flights arriving in Bangkok Airport.

There are more photos at Bangkok Airport Photos gallery.

People also ask:

Bangkok Airport Departure

Bangkok Airport Departure

At some point your stay in Bangkok will end and you have to leave.

The Bangkok Airport Departure entrance on Level 4 is where the check-in desks are located. 

It is also where there is a Kasikorn Bank as well as several ATM's near to Door 2.

This location can be used to convert cash on arrival or on departure, if you didn't spend everything.

Duty Free Shopping

When you finally depart from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, there are some luxury goods duty free shopping options inside the Duty Free area available for you. There are plans to discontinue Duty Free sales inside all Thailand airports, perhaps during early 2025.

The linked page also has an explanation of how to reclaim VAT on eligible purchases made during your trip.

If you are planning on spending up big during your Bangkok vacation, read this before you come, so you can keep the relevant paperwork and claim the maximum rebate.

Bangkok Airport Lounges

Bangkok Airport has many airport lounges for both Premium and Economy departing or transit passengers.

Read about the various paid and free lounge facilities and locations in my article about Bangkok Airport lounges.

Bangkok Airport Summary

This Bangkok Airport Guide provides a comprehensive guide for travellers using Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, covering:

Airport Overview:

• Modern infrastructure, convenient location, and significance as a major international gateway to Thailand.

Amenities:

• Immigration fast track options
• Currency exchange counters
• ATMs
• Baggage services
• Information centers (including lost baggage assistance)

Transportation Options:

• Taxi services
• Public transportation
• Airport shuttles
• Booking information for transportation services to Bangkok city centre and other destinations (Hua Hin, Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Ayutthaya)

Facilities and Services:

• Shops
• Restaurants
• Duty-free stores
• Travel lounges for premium passengers (including access details for international passengers in-transit or departing Bangkok)
• Airport Navigation:
• Bangkok Airport layout
• BKK Airport map for Domestic and International Terminals

This guide aims to provide practical tips and insights for a smooth travel experience at Bangkok Airport.

Revised 19-September-2024

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