Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang: Contrasting Train Transfers from Bangkok’s Two Airports

From Suvarnabhumi International Airport to central Bangkok, there is the Airport Rail Link (ARL). The Airport Rail Link runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station with a total of eight stations, and operates two types of trains: the Express Line (limited express) and the City Line (local train). The stops are as follows:

※ City Line (local train)
※ Express Line (limited express: stops at Makkasan Station and Phaya Thai Station)
■ Suvarnabhumi International Airport Station (Suvarnabhumi)
↓
■ Lat Krabang Station (Lat Krabang)
↓
■ Ban Thap Chang Station (Ban Thap Chang)
↓
■ Hua Mak Station (Hua Mak)
↓
■ Ramkhamhaeng Station (Ramkhamhaeng)
↓
■ Makkasan Station (Makkasan)
↓
■ Ratchaprarop Station (Ratchaprarop)
↓
■ Phaya Thai Station (Phaya Thai)
The fare for the City Line ranges from 15 to 45 Thai baht depending on the distance traveled. From Suvarnabhumi International Airport Station to the terminal station Phaya Thai takes about 30 minutes. The Express Line (limited express) has a special fare of about 90 Thai baht one way (as of April 2017).
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Station. For the City Line, use the automatic ticket machines. For the Express Line, tell your destination at the counter and purchase your ticket. Be careful not to lose your ticket.
Operating hours are from 06:00 to 24:00. The station is located inside Suvarnabhumi Airport, so follow the signs such as “Train To City” to get there.

2. From Don Mueang Airport to Krung Thep Station by State Railway of Thailand

Near Don Mueang Airport runs the State Railway of Thailand’s local train. Using this, you can travel from Don Mueang Airport to Krung Thep Station / Bangkok Station. Krung Thep Station connects to the MRT Hua Lamphong Station, making transfers convenient.

The travel time from Don Mueang Airport is about 40 minutes, and the low fare is an advantage. However, since the interior is a bit narrow, it is not very recommended if you have large luggage. Trains may not arrive on time, and since many Bangkok residents also use them, it can get crowded — meaning there may be more disadvantages than advantages.
To get to Don Mueang Railway Station, check the “Railway Station” signs near the arrival floor exit of Don Mueang Airport and follow the guidance. Along the way, you will see Don Mueang Station from the window, which can be reassuring. Tickets are purchased at the ticket counter, but there are “Special Express,” “Rapid,” “Express,” and “Ordinary” trains with different fares, so it is best to confirm at the counter.

From Don Mueang Airport to Krung Thep Station, trains run from around 3 a.m. to around 10 p.m. (as of April 2017).

◎ Summary

What do you think? From Suvarnabhumi Airport, modern trains operate, while from Don Mueang Airport, the “national railway” serves as a means of transport for Bangkok residents. Please note that eating and drinking are prohibited inside the Airport Rail Link trains departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport. On the State Railway trains departing from Don Mueang Airport, vendors sell snacks and drinks onboard. The train journeys from each of the two international airports are contrasting and interesting.

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Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang: Contrasting Train Transfers from Bangkok’s Two Airports