Getting Here

Getting Here

By Air: Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport (pronounced "Su-wan-na-poom") is 30 km (18 mi) southeast of the city. Bangkok's old international airport, Don Muang (now dubbed DMK), which is 25 km (16 mi) north of the city, now offers domestic flights.

Taxis, cheap and available 24 hours, are the most convenient way to get between downtown and the airport. Get your taxi by taking the free airport shuttle to the airport's Public Transportation Center, then heading to one of the taxi counters on Level 1, near Entrances 3, 4, 7, and 8. State your destination to the dispatcher at the counter, who will lead you to your taxi. Allow 30 minutes to 1½ hours for the trip to or from your hotel, depending on traffic. Don't forget to get Thai baht at the airport, as you'll need it to pay for your taxi.

The Airport Bus Express is fully operational, and it costs about 40% less than a taxi. The bus runs from 5 AM to midnight. Head to the Airport Bus Counter on Level 1, near Entrance 8 of the Public Transportation Center. The service, which costs B150, operates four routes; ask at the bus terminal which route to take to reach your hotel. Route AE1 serves the Silom neighborhood. Route AE2 serves Khao San Road and the Old City. Route AE3 serves Sukhumvit, and Route AE4 serves Hua Lumphong, the city's main railway station.

By Bus: Bangkok has three major terminals for buses headed to other parts of the country. The Northern Bus Terminal, called Mo Chit, serves Chiang Mai and points north. The Southern Bus Terminal, in Thonburi, is for buses bound for Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Phuket, and points south. The Eastern Bus Terminal, called Ekkamai, is for buses headed to Pattaya, Rayong, and Trat provinces.

Bus companies generally sell tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. This is seldom a problem, as the service is so regular that the next bus is sure to depart before long. The air-conditioned orange 999 buses are the most comfortable. Blue VIP buses, though not quite as luxurious, are the next-best option.