Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Traveling between them can be done in several ways, but the cheapest way is to take a free shuttle bus from BKK to DMK or DMK to BKK.
We would recommend you use it because the bus is running all the way through the expressway (Din Daeng Expressway & Don Mueang Tollway), which is very convenient and, of course, free of charge.
The bus is white-colored and has air conditioning. There is a storage area for luggage inside the bus, so there is no problem with having big luggage. The service is first come, first served, so no pre-booking is required.
Bangkok Airport Shuttle Bus Timetable
While scheduled times of shuttle bus departure were previously displayed in the Airport Shuttle Bus Timetable found at the bus stop, recently it was removed, most probably because buses seem not to follow that timetable very strictly.
The free shuttle bus from BKK to DMK runs daily. The first bus starts running from both airports at 5:00, and the last bus leaves at 24:00. The bus departs every 12 or 30 minutes, depending on the time of the day. The previously displayed airport shuttle bus schedule was as follows:
At periods 05:00-08:00, 11:00-16:00, and 19:00-24:00, the airport shuttle bus departs every 30 minutes.
At periods 08:00-11:00 and 16:00-19:00, the airport shuttle bus departs every 12 minutes.
As the schedule might not be that strictly followed, depending on the traffic situation, you should better check the digital board at the bus stop to see the estimated time of the next bus departure.
The journey to another airport takes approximately 50-60 minutes. However, it might take twice that time when using shuttle bus service during rush hour or heavy rain, as it may be delayed due to traffic congestion. The last time we took the shuttle bus, it took us 1 hour and 20 minutes to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport, even if the traffic was mainly jammed at toll booths only.
If you will be arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport on an international flight and will have a tight schedule for transfer, make sure to book the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Fast Track Immigration Service to avoid long lines at the airport immigration and get to your domestic flight from Don Mueang Airport on time.
Bangkok Airport Shuttle Bus Route Map
At the bus stop, you can find a digital board displaying the shuttle bus route map, estimated time of the next departure, and current location of all the buses on the route, as well as their estimated arrival time.
Documents Required for Transfer
To be eligible for using the free shuttle bus between Bangkok Airports BKK and DMK, you need to present the following documents:
Ticket, e-ticket, or confirmation (itinerary) of the departing flight on the same or next day
Passport or ID card
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Free Shuttle Bus from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang (BKK to DMK)
When taking a shuttle bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport, the following pick-up and drop-off points are used:
Boarding the shuttle bus at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
The free shuttle bus to DMK Airport departs from the 2nd floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) (Arrivals), outside Gate 3.
You will see a desk on the right side where you should contact the staff and show your passport and proof of travel (e-ticket or boarding pass for connecting flight) on that day or the next day. The staff will check your flight details. You will also need to provide your name and telephone number in the passenger list before boarding the bus. In busier times, they still seem to use some kind of label or sticker to mark passengers eligible for the service, but that was not the case the last time we took the shuttle bus.
Dropping off at Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
At Don Mueang Airport, buses previously dropped passengers at the upper (departures) level. However, the last time we took the bus, they dropped us on the first floor at gate 6, where you normally board the bus when traveling from DMK airport to BKK. If it was just because our bus was delayed due to the traffic jam or it is the usual drop-off point, it is yet to be confirmed.
Free Shuttle Bus from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi (DMK to BKK)
When taking a shuttle bus from Don Mueang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport, the following pick-up and drop-off points are used:
Boarding the shuttle bus at Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
The free shuttle bus to BKK departs from Terminal 1 of Don Mueang Airport (DMK). The bus stop is located on the 1st floor, at gate 6. You just need to follow the signs leading to the ''shuttle bus'' to find the correct place.
Pay attention that, contrary to Suvarnabhumi Airport, the shuttle bus counter at Don Mueang Airport is located inside the terminal building, on the right side of exit No. 6, and you need to check in there first before getting out to the bus stop.
Dropping off at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Buses drop off passengers on the departure level of Suvarnabhumi Airport at the 4th floor, gate 5, first, and then go back to board new passengers at the 2nd floor, gate 3.
Tips
Make your airport transfer between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport in Bangkok a breeze with this reliable private transfer service. Say goodbye to the hassle of arranging taxis or waiting for shuttles – simply meet the driver at the airport, get help with your luggage, and hop into your private vehicle.
If you don't qualify for a free transfer by shuttle bus between Bangkok airports or want to travel more comfortably, choose another mode of transportation to transfer from BKK to DMK or from DMK to BKK.
More information about other facilities at Bangkok airports can be found here:
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
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Any Questions?
Check our Frequently Asked Questions about public transportation in Bangkok and ask your own question if it's not answered there yet.
