Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok International Airport (BKK), is one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia, serving millions of passengers annually. Navigating this bustling hub can be overwhelming, but with a few personal tips and tricks, you can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Check here your arrivals and departures flight status
Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok
1. Immigration 2 floor
The first thing to do is pass through immigration and take your luggage back. Depending on the number of arrival flights, it takes around 30 min.
After this you will have to go to customs, there it’s easy and quick…if you have nothing to declare, walk without stopping.
There are some FastTrack services available and there’s a variety of options available. They can either pick you up at immigration and help you get through quickly or there are services available where they’ll pick you up from where you get off the plane in a little buggy and take you through immigration very quickly. ( this service is also available for departure). Price starts at 1700 baht (2024)
2. Currency Exchange 2 Floor
While there are numerous currency exchange counters available at the airport, they might not offer the best rates. It’s advisable to exchange a small amount for immediate expenses and then find better rates in the city. You will find exchange shops at the Phaya Thai BTS Station (the end of the airport railway link). When inside the town, ask for directions for SuperRich. SuperRich is a popular choice for favourable exchange rates in Bangkok. You will find Atm, the fee is 220 baht to withdraw money and of course, the rate will be determined by your bank back home.
3. Stay Connected 2 Floor
Suvarnabhumi Airport offers free Wi-Fi for passengers. Simply connect to the “AOT Free WiFi by TrueMove” network and follow the instructions to log in. This service allows you to stay connected and catch up on emails or social media while waiting for your taxi, or your flight. Nearby, you will find phone stores and places where you can get a SIM card however the only option they have available here are the tourist Sim card which is considerably more expensive than the regular plans. Here now what I recommend doing is buying a Sim card in the town at 7/11 example or using an eSIM. I’ve been using Airalo on my last few trips and honestly for me this eSIM have been a game changer.
- They’re so simple it takes the hassle out of needing to sign up when you arrive somewhere
- You don’t have to worry about having to top up
- Your phone works as soon as you land
4. Eating and Drinking 3, 1, B Floor
if you are waiting for a taxi, pick-up, next flight,… there are plenty of options for drinks and food. If you’re hungry but you don’t want to eat McDonald’s or typical airport fast food then there is another option: There is a Thai food court ( Magic food court) on Floor 1. In front of the entrance to the airport railway link, there is a 7/11 and some restaurants: go to the “Thai food&Noodle”… prices are reasonable, the food is good and there is plenty of room to sit…quiet too. For coffee, espresso style… the 7/11 on the B floor serves some. If you fancy a can of beer, inside the Magic food court, go to the end on the right, and there is a coffee shop that sells cans of beer.
4. Transportation Options 1, B Floor
Getting to and from Suvarnabhumi is convenient with several transportation options available:
- Airport Rail Link (ARL): The ARL connects the airport to downtown Bangkok, the trip to Phaya Thai Station takes about 40 minutes.
- Taxis: Official taxis are available at the airport. Make sure to use the taxi queue, you will have a ticket and you will have to pay 50 bahts service charges. You will have to pay the tolls way also and the price is equivalent to and sometimes cheaper than Grab.
- Ride-Sharing: Services like Grab are also available and can be a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
- Aot Airport limousine: is operated by Limousine Sales and Service Company Limited being the one and only official partner of the Airport of Thailand Public Company Limited (Suvarnabhumi Airport). AOT Limousine 24 Hours Services and can be booked 24 h prior service time.
- Buses and Shuttles: Various bus routes and shuttle services connect the airport to different parts of the city.
- Car rental: you will find also plenty of car rental company at the airport.
- Elderly / Disabled to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge. Call center 1722.
About parking: There are a lot of parking around the airport,
Parking Rates (Zone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) 25 Baht/hrs, 7/24 hrs 250 Bahts.
Long-Term Parking Rates (Zone A and Zone D) 7/24 hrs 140 Bahts.
5. Navigate the airport.
Suvarnabhumi is a large airport, and it’s easy to get lost. Pay attention to the signage and information displays. If you need assistance, airport staff are generally helpful and can guide you to your destination.
6. Flight Connections
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is a crucial hub for travel to Bangkok, domestic destinations within Thailand, and other Southeast Asian points. It serves as the main base for Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, handling over 56 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the region.
Many passengers transit through Suvarnabhumi to catch connecting flights from Don Muang Airport (DMK), which is the hub for AirAsia, Lion Air, Nokair and other low-cost carriers, managing over 23 million domestic passengers annually.
International Transfers proceed through transfer security. Keep your boarding pass handy and follow the signs to the international transfer desk if you don’t have your next boarding pass yet.
Domestic Transfers
Domestic transfer departing from Suvarnabhumi, you need to go through immigration. Ensure you have the necessary documents ready to expedite the process.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has several transfer desks located just after the security checkpoint. Here you can get help finding your next gate or if you have any problems with your connecting flight.
Departure Suvarnabhumi airport Bangkok
1. Departure 4 Floor
All departures are on floor 4, check the board to navigate to your airline’s counter. Domestic travel is on your left when you enter the airport near door 1. There is a 7/11 at the back but the one on floor B is better. Some souvenir shops and if you want you can go up to the roof to have a great view of the 4 floors.
Be aware that in high season…November to April… Going through security and immigration can be very crowded, plan to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight
2.Health and Wellness
Traveling can be stressful, and taking care of your health is important. Suvarnabhumi has medical clinics and pharmacies in case you need any medical assistance. Additionally, the airport features massage services and spas where you can relax and unwind before your flight.
3. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on your flight status through the airport’s information displays or by downloading the Suvarnabhumi Airport or your flight company app. This will help you stay informed about any changes or updates regarding your flight.
4. Duty-Free Shopping
Take advantage of the extensive duty-free shopping available at Suvarnabhumi. From luxury brands to local souvenirs, there’s something for every traveler. Keep in mind that duty-free shops are located after immigration, so plan your shopping accordingly.
5. Priority Pass Airport Lounge
With several lounges at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Intl priority pass customers can eat, refresh and reconnect before the flight. There are lounges at Concourse A, C,D,E,F and satelite1.
Conclusion
With these personal tips and tricks, you can navigate Suvarnabhumi Airport with ease and make your journey as pleasant as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth travel experience.
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