Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide

The first thing you notice when you get to the Suvarnabhumi Airport is how massive it is. It stretches to 5 floors, and as far as the eyes can see, so be prepared to walk a lot! After all, this is the busiest airport in the country and an important regional hub. If you have travel plans involving Suvarnabhumi Airport, we hope this guide will help you find your way around and discover all the facilities this airport has to offer.

Facts about the Suvarnabhumi Airport

Official website: https://suvarnabhumi.airportthai.co.th/
IATA code: BKK
Opened in 2006
The name means The Golden Land
The design was created by Murphy/Jahn Architects
Can handle 60 million passengers yearly
110 passenger airlines
Located 30 km east of the center of Bangkok
Can be reached from the city by airport train (Airport Rail Link), bus, or a taxi
Consists of MTB (main terminal building) and SAT-1 (satellite building)
Self-service systems for check-in
Automated people mover makes it easy to get around

Departures and Arrivals

Departures

The departures zone is located on Level 4 and occupies the whole floor. To get there, take one of the elevators located in the middle of the building or one of the many escalators.

The departures zone has self-check-in counters, check-in counters by all the companies, toilets, SIM card booths, ATMs, seating areas, a Tax return office, and an exit to the security zone and passport control.

There are also large displays with flight updates throughout the departures area.

Arrivals

The arrivals area is located on the Level 2. When you arrive in Suvarnabhumi, you first pass through the passport control, and right behind it you will find the baggage claim. After the baggage claim, you walk through the customs (they randomly ask passengers to scan the bags).

After you exit the baggage pickup area and customs, you get into the very long arrivals floor, which is filled with people greeting those who are arriving. There are many car rental booths on this floor, toilets, and a couple of cafes with tasty coffee and bubble tea.

There is an exit to the transfer pickup area, where private transfers line up outside on a very busy road.

Map of the Suvarnabhumi Airport

There is one terminal in the airport (main terminal building or MTB) and a SAT-1 satellite building.

The main terminal building consists of five passenger-accessible levels: Level B (Airport Rail Link), Level 1 (Public Transportation, including buses and taxis), Level 2 (Arrivals), Level 3 (shops and restaurants), and Level 4 (Departures).

To get to the SAT-1 building, pass the security check and go to the “Scene of the churning of the milk ocean” sculpture, and look for the transfer to S gates sign. Hop on the automated people mover, which will take you to the S gates departures. It takes around 15 minutes to get to the S gates in SAT-1.

Facilities at the Airport

Left Luggage

There are a few very convenient left luggage offices located on Level 4 and Level 2. It’s called Belugg. They are open 24/7, so you can always come back and pick up your bags just before proceeding to the flight. To drop off the bag, they will ask you for the passport, and be prepared that you’ll only be able to pick up the bag with the same document. They accept cash only, and the fee is paid during the bag pickup.

You drop off any kind of bag here, not only a suitcase, just make sure you wrap it well.

Elevators

There are two types of escalators to take you between the floors: regular stairs and a long, heel-like flat walking escalator (very convenient if you have a trolley).

Baggage Wrap

There’s a place where you can wrap the bags. It’s located on level 4 (departures) near area D. The price per 1 suitcase is around 200 baht. There’s usually a short waiting line, but the process is pretty quick, so it won’t take longer than 15 minutes to get the bags sorted.

Toilets

You’ll discover toilets on each floor, with a few on each level. These restrooms are free and kept in excellent condition. However, due to the typically high airport traffic, there are often long lines at the women’s restrooms in the departure and arrival areas, so be prepared for an additional 10-15 minute wait.

You can always count on finding toilet paper and soap, making a trip to the restroom a comfortable experience.

ATMs

There are lots of ATMs in the airport, a few on each floor. However, keep in mind that ATMs in Thailand withhold a 220 baht fee per transaction, so it’s better to withdraw the whole amount you plan to use during the trip in one go.

Currency Exchange

You’ll find multiple currency exchange services offering competitive rates at the airport. A few of them are located at the underground floor (B Floor) near the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station, at the arrivals area, or just look for the currency exchange counter close to the baggage claim area.

Tax return

The VAT return office is located on the departures level (floor 4) at the end of the building. That’s where you should take a stamped form, which you will later present on immigration and get a VAT refund, and show a product. The actual VAT is returned after you pass the immigration (check for the exact directions on the airport boards).

There might be a queue at the VAT return, so be prepared to spare up to 30 minutes on the tax return.

SIM card booths

When you arrive and pass the passport control, you’ll see lots of SIM card booths in the baggage claim area. There are also lots of these booths in arrivals, and even in departures areas. You can usually buy a local sim card which is active for a short period, and they are also quite cheap, a perfect choice for the tourists.

We recommend booking a Klook HAPPY TOURIST sim card, which costs just $4.65 for 8 days. You can pick it up on Level 4 (departures) in the Klook booth. The SIM card gets activated instantly after you insert it. Very convenient!

Car rental

Suvarnabhumi Airport has several reputable car rental companies, both international and local. Common names include Avis, Drive, Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, and more. These companies have service counters located within the airport.

It’s a good idea to book your car in advance, either online or through a rental agency. This can help ensure availability and may also save you some money through online discounts.

Rental car counters are located in the arrivals hall (Level 2). Once you’ve collected your luggage and cleared customs, you can follow the signs to locate your rental car agency’s desk.

You’ll need to provide your driver’s license, a valid passport, and a credit card for security purposes. International travelers might also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on the rental company’s requirements.

Waiting Areas

Even on busy days, there is enough seating in the Suvarnabhumi Airport. You’ll always find some empty seats near the VAT refund area in the departures hall, or after security near the gates. The building is large enough and is ready to accommodate a lot of passengers with comfort.

Lounges

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport offers a range of lounges, providing travelers with a comfortable and tranquil environment to relax or work while awaiting their flights, among them:

Royal Orchid Lounge
Miracle First Class Lounge
Miracle Business Class Lounge
Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge
Coral Executive Lounge
Thai Airways Domestic Lounge
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge
Turkish Airlines Lounge
The Emirates Lounge
Cathay Pacific Lounge
Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Club Lounge

Lost and Found

The Lost and Found service at Suvarnabhumi Airport is available 24/7, so passengers can seek assistance at any time, day or night.

You can contact the Lost and Found office by phone at the following numbers: 0 21321880 and 0 21321890. If you have lost something at the airport, it’s advisable to contact the Lost and Found service as soon as possible to increase the chances of recovering your belongings.

Airlines and Destinations

In 2023, there are around 110 passenger airlines operating from the Suvarnabhumi Airport. Bangkok Airport serves as the primary hub for Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, K-Mile Air, and Thai Vietjet Air.

Some of the most popular airlines operating from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok included:

Thai Airways
Bangkok Airways
Air Asia
Emirates
Singapore Airlines
Qatar Airways
Cathay Pacific
EVA Air
Korean Air
China Southern Airlines

The most popular international destinations from Suvarnabhumi Airport, as of 2023, include:

Bangkok to Singapore
Bangkok to Hong Kong
Bangkok to Seoul
Bangkok to Tokyo
Bangkok to Taipei
Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur
Bangkok to Dubai
Bangkok to Beijing
Bangkok to Shanghai
Bangkok to London

There are also a lot of domestic departures, such as:

How to Get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the City

By Train: Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station via Makkasan

Price: 45 Baht to Paya Thai station
Travel time: 30 minutes

The cheapest and the most reliable way to get to the city center is by taking a special airport train. The train station is located on the Level B floor.

The train goes directly from the airport to the Phaya Yai station in central Bangkok, from where you can switch the line to the BTS Sukhumvit Line, or take a taxi for the onward journey. Or you can get out earlier at the Makkasan station, and switch to the MRT Blue Line.

The price of the ticket is just 45 baht to the Paya Yai station, and tickets can be purchased at the cash desk or in the ticket machine. It’s better to keep cash ready because those machines at Suvarnabhumi accept cash only.

The train takes about 30 min to arrive at the final destination. It often gets crowded as more people get on at the midway stations. Luckily, there are displays with the current stop info, so you know when to get ready and proceed to the exit.

By Bus: to Khao San Road

Price: 60 Baht
Travel time: 1 hour

Head to Level 1 (Ground Level) of the airport, where you’ll find the bus terminal.

The bus you need to catch to get to Khao San Road is the S1 (Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sanam Luang). This route typically costs around 60 Baht. There is another Elephant Airport Express shuttle bus, which travels from the airport to the most popular hotels in the city.

Buses may not have a strict schedule, but they usually depart every 30 minutes to an hour. Wait at the designated bus stop. Buses are typically orange or white and have a sign indicating the route. Elephant Express Bus is white in color and has a large logo on the side.

If you’re taking an S1 bus, be prepared to pay in cash. You can buy your ticket directly from the driver when you board the bus, and they usually accept only cash payments. Tickets for the Elephant Express can be purchased on-site or online on the website.

The journey to Khao San Road can take around 1 hour, but it’s important to note that travel time may vary due to traffic conditions, so it could take longer during peak hours.

The S1 bus makes several stops along the way to Khao San Road. These stops include Yommarat Junction, Lan Luang Rd, Phan Fa, Democracy Monument, and Wat Bowonniwet. Pay attention to these landmarks so you can get off at the appropriate stop.

By Taxi

Price: from 250 baht
Travel time: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Head to Level 1 (Ground Level) of the airport. There, you’ll find the designated taxi stand. Look for signs or ask airport personnel for directions if needed.

Join the queue at the taxi stand. There may be attendants or signs indicating where to wait in line.

In Bangkok, taxis are typically metered.

The travel time from Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok can vary depending on traffic conditions. It usually takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, but during rush hours or heavy traffic, it might take longer.

If you have pre-booked a private transfer in advance, you might be met by a representative holding a sign with your name in the arrivals area (Level 2) of the airport. They will then assist you with your transportation to your destination.

Pay the taxi fare at the end of your journey. Drivers usually accept cash in Thai Baht, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand. Some taxis may accept credit cards, but it’s not too common.

In some cases, you may need to pay for tolls during the journey. The driver will handle this, and the cost will be added to your final taxi fare.

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Facts about the Suvarnabhumi Airport