Useful information on facilities, terminals and transportation for Bangkok airport

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Opened to much fanfare in September 2006, Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main entry point for most visitors to Thailand, and the second largest terminal building in the world. Handling 38 million travellers a years, the new and very spacious passenger terminal is the world’s 15th busiest airport and handles all domestic and international flights to Bangkok, with connections to all airports in Thailand, and most major regional and global destinations.

The space-age looking exterior of Suvarnabhumi airport

The airport is serviced by a large number of the world’s major airlines including Thai Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Emirates, and is a hub for many visitors to South East Asia as well as a stop-over point for those continuing on to Australia and New Zealand. Accordingly, there are plenty of flights originating in Europe as well as a number of flights either originating or ending in Bangkok that stop in Japan en-route to and from the west coast of the US and Canada. Budget regional airlines also operate from here.

Bangkok International Airport has one very large passenger terminal, with seven levels and seven concourses. Upon entry you will find domestic services to the left and international services to the right. The airport’s entry side comprises of one single open space stretching from level one to the roof and fronted by a glass wall giving the entire terminal natural light and a sense of spaciousness, while the check in level has a vaulted ceiling. The entire complex, with its extended gate ‘arms’ has a distinctive arched steel frame covered in glass tiles making it one of the world’s most unique and attractive transportation terminals.

Level 1 (basement) houses the transportation lobby; Level 2 is the Arrivals area, with Immigration and Customs, Baggage Claim and transfer services; Level 3 – a mezzanine – contains most passenger facilities and amenities; Level 4 houses the Departures areas; Level 5 is occupied by airport and airlines business offices; Level 6 has restaurants; and Level 7 boasts an observation deck. The seven concourses are labelled A through G, with A and B servicing domestic flights, and C through G handling all international services. A series of elevating walkways and glass lifts connect the various levels.

The cavernous terminal building hopes to welcome nearly 40 million passengers a year

Food and beverage outlets abound and you’ll find restaurants offering fast-food and Thai specialties as well as bars that are open round-the-clock. Numerous coffe shops and restaurants, along with left luggage, a prayer room, convenience store and pharmacy which are found on the mezzanine floor between Arrivals and Departures. There is a Thai food court located on the Departures level (beyond security), between the domestic and international concourses. Duty-free shopping options are plentiful, as are shops specialising in Thai products and handicrafts, and others offering clothing, gift items, jewellery, books and other reading material.

On arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, nationals of most countries will be issued a 30-day tourist visa. It’s best to check visa requirements beforehand to be sure about current requirements, however. Baggage Claim is located on the same level, immediately after the immigration point. The Customs area is situated just beyond the baggage carousels, and only spot checks are conducted. A word of warning, this airport has been severely criticised for poor planning that has resulted in insufficient toilets, especially in the arrivals gates and you may have to walk for at least 15 minutes to find toilets. You are advised to relieve yourself on the airplane before disembarking.

ATMs and currency exchange counters are located throughout the passenger terminal, and are open 24 hours. Several can easily be spotted upon exiting the Arrivals Hall. There is also internet service available, provided by public terminals and they accept credit cards, phone cards and coins, although it’s rather more expensive than the rates advertised.

Airline representatives hold desks along one lengthy service area fronting the check in hall, including an information counter centrally located. Medical help is also found here with the main clinic located on Level 1. The majority of airline VIP lounges are found in the terminal’s domestic departures wings. Travel time from the exit of arrivals to the further point of departures, domestic or international is about 10 minutes using the trolley-friendly elevating travelators.

Departing passengers must purchase a 500 baht airport tax ticket sold at several booths as you enter the customs area. A small immigration desk to the right of the immigration checkpoints issues re-entry permits to foreign permanent residents, with a waiting time of about 10 minutes. VAT refund counters are located both pre- and post-security, in the checkin area and in the main duty free shopping area.

Walking distance to the furthest gates is about 20 minutes. Some of the gate lounges have no facilities for toilets, refreshments or shopping, especially those allocated to budget airlines.

Getting to and from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

There are a number of convenient options on offer at the Bangkok International Airport for transfer to Bangkok and destinations in the surrounding area. Choices include airport express bus services and public buses, and taxis and limousine services. The airport is located 18 miles east of the centre of Bangkok, and several major divided highways and expressways link the airport with the rest of the country. Taxi travel time is about 40 minutes, but can be considerably longer during rush hour (before 9am or after 3.30pm), or in the event of frequent unforseen jams, particularly in the rainy season (June to October).

After leaving Customs, you will enter the crowded Arrivals Hall and will likely be overwhelmed by the barrage of transport representatives and freelancers offering you special deals on transportation to Bangkok or other destinations using the AOT sanctioned Airport Limosine Taxi Service which is incredibly overpriced. It’s a good idea to ignore them and head to Level 1 for the shuttle bus that will take you to the airport’s Transport Centre, from where you’ll find a selection of express buses, public buses and taxis. Although the rail connection is only scheduled for completion in 2008, a public taxi rank on level 1 (basement) provides metered services into the city with an airport surcharge of 100 baht ($2.50). typical costs, with toll fees are about 300 baht ($7).

Car hire is also an option if you don’t mind trying your hand at driving in Bangkok’s traffic, and is also a suitable option for anyone planning to visit one or more of the provincial areas. To obtain the best possible rates and ensure that a vehicle is reserved for you, we recommend carrentals.co.uk as an efficient online booking service, having access to all the major car hire companies represented here. Vehicles are driven on the left hand side, and Thailand has a reputation for poor observation of road safety rules.

If you choose to travel by public transport, there is reliable and inexpensive service on express and regular public buses that operate from the airport to most of the city’s popular tourist destinations. You’ll need to hop on a shuttle bus at Level 1 first, which will take you to the bus terminal at the airport’s Transport Centre. This service can take up to 90 minutes to reach your destination.

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Bangkok is located in the airport complex, directly across from the passenger terminal, and is connected by a walkway. The hotel features over 600 guest rooms and business and conference facilities. At present it is the only airport accomodation nearby.

You can find other airport hotels here.