$83. for transportation from the Pen to the airport is beyond ridiculous. Contact the abovementioned limo service or while in baggage claim at the airport, when you enter Bangkok, get AOT's business card and then arrange for them to pick you up at the Pen and take you to the airport when it's time for you to leave.

I paid 850 baht in an AOT car... each way...to and from... I stay in Sukhumvit,soi 24-ish...which is almost right at the freeway to the airport however, but still it shouldn't be that much more from the Pen.
Just tell them that you want the CHEAPEST car available, so that an expensive one isn't sent. Happy Travels!

to the penn it should be 1M

has anyone used the public transport (train?) from BKK to riverside area ? i've have really enjoyed reading this site and getting good info. thanks to all.

most of us use the skytrain all the time, but it depends on the time of day, where we are, where we are going, etc....it has a very limited service area as does the new subway....often i use it to go part way someplace and then take a taxi the rest of the way....also it is cheaper often for 2 people to take a taxi but that can be slow

If you mean from the airport to the river...that part of the system is not yet finished. If you mean within the city, we use the Skytrain all the time...easy, fast, efficient.

Someday, the train will go as far as the airport, but that is years away.

I've gone to BKK on my own and it was very easy. I have since found this site at an extremely low price including airfare and hotels. I think the price is very good. My airfare alone was over $1000 on my own. I know they are sold out right now, but it's worth a look
http://www.friendlyplanet.com/thailand.html
I have a friend who took this trip and loved it.