From Suvarnabhumi to central Bangkok
1 h route2 stopsBest: Read it before you land, especially if you arrive at nightUpdated July 2026
Suvarnabhumi is thirty kilometres from the centre and there are two sensible ways in: the airport’s elevated train, or a metered taxi. Which one you get is decided by what time you land, because the train doesn’t run through the night.
And one thing to know before getting into a taxi, because half the forums get it wrong: the meter fare has an airport surcharge added that is legitimate and printed inside the car, and the expressway tolls are paid separately, in cash, to the driver. You aren’t being scammed.
The route, stop by stop
2 STOPS- 01
The Airport Rail Link, if you don’t land at night
The elevated train leaves from under the terminal and runs up to Phaya Thai, where it meets the Skytrain: from there you reach Sukhumvit or Silom without stepping onto the street. It runs above the traffic, which in this city is the decisive argument, and takes around half an hour.
The fact that changes plans: it isn’t 24 hours. If your flight lands in the small hours, the train isn’t there, and there’s no point planning around it.
The extension of the line towards Don Mueang and the central station is projected, but as of today it isn’t open: don’t count on it.
- 02
The taxi, and the surcharge that isn’t a scam
The official queue takes up level 1 and runs on a numbered ticket dispenser: you take a number, you’re assigned a car, you get in. That’s the airport’s system and it’s the one to use. Anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride, ignore.
The final bill has three parts and that’s why it confuses people: the meter, an airport surcharge that is printed inside the car (meaning it’s official, not something the driver invented) and the expressway tolls, paid in cash as you go through. Carry small notes.
At rush hour the queue can stretch to half an hour and the ride to over an hour: if you can take the train, take the train.
Frequently asked
How do you get from Bangkok airport to the centre?
On the Airport Rail Link, the elevated train that leaves from under the terminal and runs to Phaya Thai, where it connects with the Skytrain for Sukhumvit and Silom: half an hour, above the traffic. If you land in the small hours it isn’t running and the option is a taxi from the official queue.
Does the Bangkok airport train run 24 hours?
No. The Airport Rail Link doesn’t run through the night, so if your flight lands late you’ll need a taxi. The extension towards Don Mueang and the central station is projected but not open yet.
Is the taxi surcharge a scam?
No. The airport surcharge is official and printed inside the car, and the expressway tolls are paid separately, in cash, to the driver. What you should do is use the official queue on level 1 and insist on the meter.