The airport has only one huge terminal, so getting lost is virtually impossible. The international section is located in the left part of the terminal, while the domestic is in the right part, but they are interconnected.

• Arrivals - 1st floor
• Departures - 4th floor

The terminal is open 24 hours.

There is another satellite terminal in the middle of the airport area, but this serves only checked-in passengers and houses some departure gates.

From the main terminal, the satellite terminal can be reached by a free automatic train in about 3 minutes.

Transfer between flights

Transferring in Bangkok is relatively easy. Although the airport is very large, it only has one terminal, so you don't have to deal with the often complicated journey from one terminal to another.

Cheap hotels near Bangkok Airport

International <-> International

You don't have to leave the transit zone when you connect internationally if you have flights on one ticket. You will not go through passport control, but you will go through security.

You will go through the entire airport from one end to the other in about 30 minutes, which is also a realistic transfer time from one plane to the next.

The lines at transfer security tend to be short and very well organized.

Your luggage will be transferred automatically.

International -> Domestic

If you continue on through Thailand, you must first go through immigration, but there is no need to leave the transit area completely. Follow the signs directing you to departures to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi etc.

In the case of Bangkok, luggage will usually be transferred automatically even during this type of transfer if you have both flights purchased under one booking.

Usually this type of transfer will take 35-45 minutes depending on the length at immigration and the distance from the departure gate.

Domestic -> International

If you are continuing on to an international flight from a domestic flight within Thailand, you must exit the transit area and go through security and immigration.

Some airlines will automatically transfer your baggage in this case. Always check with your point of departure whether or not you will need to collect your baggage on transfer.

Usually this type of transfer will take 35-80 minutes depending on the length at immigration and the distance from the departure gate.

Domestic <-> Domestic

If you are transferring between two domestic flights within Thailand, you do not need to leave the transit area.

There is also no security check and your luggage will be transferred automatically.

Usually this type of transfer will take 15-20 minutes depending on the distance from the departure gate.

Transfer to Don Mueang Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport transfer information Don Mueang DMK can be found in the Transportation section.

Is it worth visiting the city during the transfer?

There are often long layovers in Bangkok, during which it can be worthwhile to drive into the city and visit some of the sights.

In general, it is a good idea to have at least 8 hours between flights to visit Bangkok during a layover.

Attractions near the airport metro line:

• Sukhumvit - a lively modern district with bars, massage parlours and entertainment

Downtown attractions near the blue metro line (1 transfer required - total journey time approximately 60 minutes):

• Wat Pho - a temple with a famous giant statue of the reclining Buddha
• Grand Palace - Royal Palace

See also other tips in our Bangkok guide.