Posts about Airports
Taxis from Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport
Bangkok
Like the old Bangkok Airport, taxis from Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport are the best option for getting from the airport to Bangkok’s city center.
The estimated driving time in a taxi from Don Muang Airport is around 45 minutes to Sukhumvit.
Driving time in a taxi will take longer if it is rush hour, and could be faster late at night if there is no traffic.
If you have flown through Bangkok airport before, prepare to add 25% to previous estimates for both elapsed time and cost.
Without traffic (late at night, early morning) taxis take around 30 minutes to get to and from Sukhumvit or Asoke (the area around Soi 21 or Ratchadapisek) via the Bang Na-Trat Road.
The has been reading around 280 baht, plus 40 for tolls.
For taxis from Don Muang Airport, the travel time in late afternoon (4-ish) to Sukhumvit or Ploenchit hotels (Hyatt, Sheraton, IC) takes anywhere from 45-75 minutes.
6 Things You Need to Know About the New Bangkok Airport
The old Don Muang airport (BKK) was recently retired and there is an entirely new, modern airport that has taken its place.
This took place ahead of schedule and caused some confusion, but things are now operating smoothly.
Here are the things you need to know before taking a flight to Bangkok:
1) The new airport is called Suvarnabhumi. This is pronounced really differently – say “sue-wah-na-poom” to the taxi driver (and leave off the last ‘i’ which is silent).
2) The switchover date was 28 Sept 2006: all flights moved to the new airport no later than 28 Sept 2006. However some international and domestic flights moved ahead of time.
3) After the 28th, NO airlines used the old Don Muang airport. It may turn into a large market.
4) Getting a taxi is a pain! The new airport requires a shuttle to go almost 6 kilometers (4 miles) to the taxi stands. This is a major hassle – you’re better off hanging out in the departures and flagging down a taxi driver who just dropped someone off. This way you avoid the airport fees as well as saving the shuttle time.
5) There were some disruptions on the 28th, but the airport is now operating smoothly.
6) Lounges were initially in disarray, but are now organized. Some Bangkok airport lounges were closed, some were operating under different rules.
Good luck! Enjoy the new Bangkok airport and enjoy visiting Thailand!