Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat train station is a popular route for travellers who are looking to travel by train right after arrival at BKK Airport. Discover the main travel options and choose the best way for getting from Bangkok Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, also known as Bang Sue Train Station.
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is currently the main Bangkok train station that is used by the majority of trains traveling from Bangkok to the northern, northeastern, and southern parts of Thailand. Here you can also board the SRT Red Line commuter train that is connecting the city with its second airport - Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
The railway station is operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station is also known as Bang Sue Grand Station due to the name of this travel hub used before the official opening of the railway station. It is located in the Chatuchak area, in the northern part of Bangkok.
Even after the opening of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal station, some trains still depart from the old train station called Hua Lamphong Railway Station, which is located more centrally. If after landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport you are planning to travel by train from this train station or just going to stay in the nearby Chinatown, check how to travel from Bangkok Airport to Hua Lamphong Train Station.
Book a discounted Thailand SIM card and pick it up at the airport so you can stay connected on the way from the airport to the train station: SIM Card for Thailand (BKK Airport Pick Up).
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station
There are currently three main ways to get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station:
- Public bus - cheapest way;
- Train – an affordable way, which is normally faster than the bus;
- Taxi or private transfer – fastest and most comfortable way.
Train from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is connected to the city by airport train, also known as the Airport Rail Link. Taking the Airport Rail Link, in some cases, might even be the fastest way to get from Bangkok Airport to train station.
The Airport Rail Link station is located on B Level of Suvarnabhumi Airport, two floors below the arrival hall. A detailed guide for finding the train station at Bangkok Airport can be found here: Train from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
When going from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat train station, you need to get off at Makkasan station. A train ticket from the airport to Makkasan station costs 35 THB per person.
The trip by this train can take about 22 minutes. Many people get out at this station, so there's normally no problem with getting out from the train here even if you have big luggage.
At Makkasan station you need to change trains and take the MRT (Metro). The underground station called MRT Phetchaburi Station can be easily reached from Makkasan Station via skyway. For more details about changing the trains here, check: Airport Link Makkasan to MRT Phetchaburi Station.
From Phetchaburi Station you need to take the MRT Blue Line train to MRT Bang Sue Station.
Metro ticket for this trip costs 40 THB per person. The trip by MRT between Phetchaburi and Bang Sue stations normally takes about 20 minutes. To get out right at Krung Thep Aphiwat, you need to choose Exit 3A.
Pay attention that some of the signs leading to the railway station are using the old name of it - Bang Sue Grand Station.
The total price of the trip by train from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat is 75 THB per person. Normally, traveling this way from Bangkok Airport to the train station should take about 1.5 hours, including connection and purchasing of the tickets.
Airport Rail Link operates daily from 05:30 to midnight. If you will be landing at BKK airport outside of these hours, you will need to take a taxi instead.
Taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station
Taking a Bangkok taxi is a more comfortable way of getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station. The distance between Bangkok Airport and the train station is about 35 km, and it can take anywhere from 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes or even more, depending on the traffic conditions.
The taxi fare from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station should be around 350-450 THB, not including the airport surcharge (50 THB) and tollway fee (75 THB). The fare can become much higher if the traffic is 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 Krung Thep Aphiwat
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 a private transfer is definitely the most comfortable way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station.
Discounted private transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station can be booked online here: [Sale] Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok.
Bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station
If you are traveling on a very tight budget and have plenty of time to waste, you can now travel by bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat train station directly.
Bangkok public buses depart from Suvarnabhumi Bus Terminal. To get to the bus terminal from the passenger terminal, you need to take a free airport shuttle bus.
Bangkok bus S6 (555) departs from the bus terminal and goes to the Ratchada and Chatuchak areas before ending the route at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The journey by this bus can take about 2 hours, and the ticket should cost 37 THB.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Chatuchak is one of the areas that can be considered for a stay in Bangkok as it is located nearby Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Station. Other good areas to stay in Bangkok can be found here: Where to Stay in Bangkok.
If you will be departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal early in the morning, consider staying at these accommodations for different budgets:
Pillow & Bread is an affordable, convenient, and safe hostel a 12-minute walk from BTS Saphan Kwai Station.
The Quarter Ladprao by UHG is a smart travel hotel featuring modern design with boutique stay experiences at the Ladprao intersection and adjoining the MRT station.
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok is a five-star luxury Bangkok city hotel with modern rooms, a shopping & convention center, and a rooftop bar.
Tips
Book a discounted Thailand SIM card and pick it up at the airport so you can stay connected on the way from the airport to the train 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.
To travel by a long-distance train in Thailand, it is strongly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as you might not be able to get a ticket for your desired train just before the departure. Train tickets can be booked here: Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Tickets.
