If you are connecting between Bangkok's two airports, the easiest way from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Don Mueang (DMK) is the free AOT shuttle bus for through-passengers — you just show your onward boarding pass. Everyone else takes a taxi or private transfer, roughly 45 minutes to well over an hour depending on traffic. There is no direct train, and the two airports sit on opposite sides of the city, so always leave plenty of time.
Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang at a glance
| Option | Cost (THB) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free AOT shuttle bus | Free (connecting pax) | 50–90 min | A connecting flight on one itinerary |
| Taxi / Grab | ~400–600 | 45–90 min | Non-connecting trips, luggage |
| Private transfer | Fixed quote | 45–80 min | A guaranteed price and a driver waiting |
| Rail via the Dark Red Line | ~60–120 | 90–120 min | Budget travellers with time and light bags |
The free AOT shuttle bus (for connecting flights)
Airports of Thailand runs a free shuttle bus between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang for passengers with a connecting flight. You need to show proof of the onward flight — a boarding pass or e-ticket — when you board, so keep it handy. The bus leaves at regular intervals through the day from the marked shuttle stop on the arrivals level; follow the airport signs or ask at an information desk for the next departure.
The ride itself is around 50 minutes in light traffic, but Bangkok's roads are unpredictable, so treat the shuttle as a service that needs a comfortable time buffer rather than a fixed 50-minute hop.
By taxi or Grab
If you are not connecting — for example you are heading to Don Mueang to catch a separate low-cost flight — a metered public taxi from the Level 1 rank is the simplest choice. Expect the meter plus the 50 THB airport surcharge and expressway tolls, usually landing around 400–600 THB. A private transfer fixes the price in advance and has a driver waiting, which is worth it if you are moving a family or a lot of luggage across the city.
The budget rail route
There is no single train between the airports, but a rail-and-metro chain can do it cheaply. Take the Airport Rail Link to Makkasan, change to the MRT Blue line to Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue), then ride the SRT Dark Red Line to Don Mueang, which has its own station beside the terminal. It involves two changes and is slower — around 90 minutes to two hours — so it suits budget travellers with time to spare rather than anyone on a tight connection.
How much time should I leave?
This is the part travellers underestimate. If your two flights are on a single ticket, the airline has protected the connection and the free shuttle is built into it — but still allow a generous margin. If you booked the flights separately, you carry all the risk: you must collect any checked bags, cross the city, check in again and clear security (and immigration, if relevant) at Don Mueang. For a self-transfer, treat three to four hours as a sensible minimum and more in the evening peak. Missing a cheap onward flight because a taxi sat in traffic is a classic, avoidable trap.
Frequently asked questions
Is the shuttle bus between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang really free?
Yes, for passengers with a connecting flight. Airports of Thailand runs a free inter-airport shuttle, and you show your onward boarding pass or e-ticket to board. Without a connecting flight you pay for a taxi or transfer instead.
How long does it take to get from BKK to DMK?
Around 45 to 90 minutes by road, depending heavily on traffic, since the airports are about 40 km apart on opposite sides of Bangkok. The budget rail route takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours with two changes.
How much is a taxi from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang?
Usually around 400–600 THB, made up of the meter, the 50 THB airport surcharge and expressway tolls. A private transfer quotes a fixed fare in advance.
How much time should I leave between flights at the two airports?
On a single ticket, follow the airline's connection and add a buffer. On separately booked flights, allow three to four hours or more, because you re-check-in and clear security again at Don Mueang and city traffic is unpredictable.