About Bangkok’s Two Major Airports
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) used to be the main airport to and from Bangkok Thailand. Since the building of Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) opened in 2006, DMK has changed its operating system, but the volume of traffic through DMK is still massive. While not true on all accounts, the rule of thumb can be that Don Mueang Airport tends to cater to different airlines from BKK, so be sure to check which airport you are flying into when you arrive in Thailand. DMK tends to aim for the shorter and closer locations, while BKK is a more long-haul airport. Of course there are expectations.
Once you arrive in DMK airport you have options to get into Bangkok such as taking a hired ride that you’ve booked through your hotel, grabbing a taxi waiting at the taxi stands, or taking train into the city. All three have their benefits.
Hiring through your hotel will be the most expensive.
Taking the taxi is fast and convenient but you will have to be aware that there is a 50Baht surcharge on all taxi rides leaving the airport. This is normal and they not taking advantage of you. Once you are in the taxi, they should be using the meter to determine the price. If they try to set a price before leaving, they are trying to take advantage of you.
If you want to get a feel for the pulse of the city, taking the train from the airport is your best option. It is also your cheapest options, so it will be easy on your wallet.
How to Get to the SRT from DMK Airport
The train out of DMK that takes you into the city is called the SRT Red Line. It is your gateway from the airport into the city. After you exit out of the airport baggage claim, you will look for and follow signs for the SRT Red Line. You will want to turn right once you exit pour of immigration and baggage claim to locate it. Depending on if you are arriving via a domestic or international flight you will have to walk less or farther to get there.
Don Mueang International Airport is built paralleling the highway, which has the train system running directly above it, so in order to get to the SRT train station, which is attached to the airport, you will be looking for the crosswalk that takes you over the highway and directly into the train station.
Hours of Operation
The SRT Train station runs from 5:30 until 12:00 (midnight), and the bridge that takes you over from the airport is open from 5:00 until 12:00 (midnight), so that is something to take note of if you are flying into DMK airport after midnight or of before 5:30 in the morning.
Cost
The Cost of the SRT train is 20 baht for a single trip, regardless of the distance you travel.
If you transfer to another line, you will have to purchase another ticket. There is no all-encompassing ticket option yet.
Getting into Bangkok using the SRT Red Line
Getting into the city using the SRT Red line is convenient because it connects the airport directly to the rest of the Bangkok public transportation system consisting of the MRT system which in turn takes you to the BTS system. It also connects you to the long-distance trains that can take you further around Thailand. Check out this awesome and helpful map of the Bangkok metro system.
I was able to leave the airport and within 1 hour I was able to be at the famous Chatuchak Weekend Night Market. Follow my trip as I left the airport and made my way to the Chatuchak Weekend Night Market.
I left the airport and made my way to the Don Mueang SRT Station, which is directly across the highway from the airport. It was an amazing view of the airport and I highly recommend it for anyone who is an airplane enthusiast. Spend some time here and watch the planes landing and taking off. I reached my platform just as the train was pulling away, so I got the wait the full amount of time until the next train came by. Don’t worry, it was only 10 minutes, which was annoying, except I got to watch the planes.
Since I was going to Chatuchak Weekend Night Market I purchased my trip to the Chatuchak Station. This is a mistake because, as it turns out, Chatuchak Weekend Night Market is not at Chatuchak Station. It is located closest to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station (which on the map and signage is called Bang Sue Grand Station). So when you go to purchase tickets the machine station is called Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station, but the maps show Bang Sue Grand Station! This also happens to be the terminal station, so that makes it easy.
So, I purchased another ticket and continued on to the correct station, and from there the Weekend market was within walking distance for those who like a good hike. I was not feeling particularly keen to walk, so I decided to take the lazy man way and hop onto the MRT. The MRT intersects with the SRT Red Line at this station, so it was easy. I inserted my coin to exit the SRT system and followed signs for the MRT. I had to go down a few sets of escalators and to get there. Buying tickets at the MRT system was easy. They had machines to use, but there was also a person working a booth to buy tickets from. The fare rates for the MRT are based upon the distance you travel so you will pay by choosing your exit station.
Chatuchak Weekend Night Market covers a large area, so I decided to ride the MRT two stops to the further away point called Chatuchak Park (yes, this one got me there). This stop is also your entry into the Bangkok BTS metro system. The BTS metro system is also charges the fare according to the distance you intend to go.
So, in the end, even with buying a ticket to the wrong station and having to get on another train, the metro train system in Bangkok got me to my destination in under 1 hour. I was very happy with the efficiency and cleanliness of the train system overall.
For a list of itineraries to do in and around Bangkok, read about Where to Stay in Bangkok with Kids, One Day in Bangkok for Families, Explore Bangkok with Kids – 3 Different Budget Options, or Exploring Bangkok with Kids: Top 3 Cultural Icons Kids Will Love to Spot Around Bangkok.
Flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
If you are flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) you can also take a train system into the city, but it is a different one. It is called the Airport Rail Link, and you can read all about it in the Complete Guide on Using the Airport Rail Link in Bangkok.
