Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal is a popular route for travellers who are looking to travel by bus to the destinations in Eastern Thailand right after arrival at BKK Airport. Discover the main travel options and choose the best way for getting from Bangkok Airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal, also known as Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal.
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Ekkamai Bus Terminal
Ekkamai Bus Terminal is a bus station serviced by buses and minivans running to destinations in Eastern Thailand such as Pattaya, Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Sriracha, Rayong, Chonburi, Trat, Chanthaburi, as well as Hua Hin. The bus station is located on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok.
As Sukhumvit is one of the most popular areas to stay in Bangkok, the following tips for getting to Ekkamai might also be handy if you will be going to stay in other locations on Sukhumvit Road.
Book a discounted Thailand SIM Card and pick it up at the airport so you could stay connected on the way from the airport to bus station: SIM Card for Thailand (BKK Airport Pick Up).
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal
There are mainly two ways for getting from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Ekkamai Bus Terminal:
- Train – cheaper way;
- Taxi or Private transfer – more comfortable way.
In case you are travelling on a very tight budget and don't mind spending longer time on the way, it is also possible to travel this route by public van and bus but it is hardly recommended.
Train from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is connected to the city by airport train, also known as Airport Rail Link. Taking Airport Rail Link is in some cases fastest way to get from Bangkok Airport to the bus station.
The Airport Rail Link station is located on B Level of Suvarnabhumi Airport, two floors below the arrival hall. Detailed guide for finding the train station at Bangkok Airport can be found here: Train from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
As you need to transfer in the city for getting from the airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal by train, there are two decent options to do that.
Airport Rail Link & BTS SkyTrain
The best way for getting to Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal is taking Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai station (~30 mins). A train ticket from the airport to Phaya Thai station costs 45 THB per person.
Then you will need to take BTS SkyTrain from Phaya Thai station to Ekkamai Station (~17 mins). A train ticket from Phaya Thai to Ekkamai station costs 47 THB per person.
Only one transfer is needed to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal when using this way.
Airport Rail Link & MRT & BTS SkyTrain
Take Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Makkasan station (~22 mins). A train ticket from the airport to Makkasan station costs 35 THB per person.
Change to MRT at Phetchaburi Station (check how to transfer between ARL Makkasan - MRT Phetchaburi) and take MRT Metro to Sukhumvit Station (~2 mins). A metro ticket from Phetchaburi to Sukhumvit station costs 17 THB per person.
Then, change from MRT to BTS and take BTS SkyTrain from Asok Station to Ekkamai Station (~6 mins). A train ticket from Asok to Ekkamai station costs 28 THB per person.
This way would be more direct and cheaper but we wouldn’t recommend it if you have a big luggage because you need to transfer two times and situation at these centrally located stations can be chaotic during the peak time of the day.
Taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal
Taking a Bangkok taxi is a more comfortable way for getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal. The taxi to Ekkamai should cost about 400-500 THB. The fare can become much higher if the traffic will be jammed as you additionally pay for the time spent moving slowly. Therefore, to ensure a fixed rate and avoid being overcharged by dishonest taxi drivers, pre-booking an affordable private transfer from BKK airport is recommended.
Private transfer from Bangkok Airport to Ekkamai
If traveling by Bangkok public transportation doesn't seem attractive for you and you are not willing to wait in a long queue for getting a taxi at the airport, book a private transfer online and the driver will be waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name on it. Taking private transfer is definitely the most comfortable way for getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal.
Discounted private transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Ekkamai Bus Terminal can be booked online here: [Sale] Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok.
Van from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai
From Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrivals you can get to the 1st floor and wait for a public van at the gates 1 and 8. Public van No. 552 Suvarnabhumi Airport - On Nut (~45 mins) will bring you to BTS On Nut Station. Then you need to take BTS SkyTrain to Ekkamai Station (~4 mins) or transfer to one of Bangkok public buses going along Sukhumvit Road.
In case the van is full of passengers, there will be no pick up on the 1st Floor of Arrivals. That’s why this option is not recommended even if it’s the cheapest way for getting to Ekkamai from the airport. It can be the most time consuming option as you might need to take free shuttle bus to the public transportation center of Suvarnabhumi first and then take the public van No. 552 from there.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Sukhumvit Area, where Ekkamai Bus Station is located, is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. Other good areas to stay in Bangkok can be found here: Where to Stay in Bangkok.
If you will be departing from Ekkamai Bus Terminal early in the morning, consider staying at these accommodations for different budgets:
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Civic Horizon Hotel & Residence
For more hotel recommendations in the area, explore the Best Hotels in Sukhumvit.
Tips
Book a discounted Thailand SIM Card and pick it up at the airport so you could stay connected on the way from the airport to bus station: [SALE] SIM Card for Thailand (BKK Airport Pick Up). Otherwise, if your mobile phone is eSIM compatible, you can get eSIM Thailand by instant email delivery and use it right after landing in Bangkok.
If you want to take a bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal at a specific time, it is strongly recommended to book your tickets in advance as you might not be able to get a ticket for your desired bus just before the departure. Bus tickets can be booked here: Ekkamai Bus Terminal Tickets.
