Quick Answer
Thailand Airports Guide
From Suvarnabhumi to Krabi — every major Thai airport explained.
Thailand has two international hubs and more than a dozen regional airports. Knowing which airport serves your destination — and what to expect on arrival — saves enormous amounts of time and confusion. Bangkok alone has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), 30km apart and served by different airlines and rail lines.
This guide covers every airport you're likely to use, the transport links into town, and practical tips for smooth arrivals and departures.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) — Bangkok
Thailand's main international hub, opened 2006. Handles most long-haul international flights and Thai Airways domestic routes. 30km east of central Bangkok. Transport into the city: Airport Rail Link (45 min, 45–150 THB to Phaya Thai) — the fastest option. Taxi from official queue: 250–350 THB + 50 THB expressway tolls. AVOID: unlicensed taxi touts at arrivals. Always use the official taxi stand with meter (surcharge is applied automatically). The airport has good food courts and a large shopping area in the transit zone. SIM card stalls are past immigration in the arrivals hall.
Don Mueang Airport (DMK) — Bangkok
Bangkok's second airport, 25km north of center. Serves Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Nok Scoot domestic routes plus some regional AirAsia international routes. No rail link — transport is by bus (A1, A2, A3 — 30 THB) or taxi (200–350 THB to center, 45–90 min depending on traffic). The Shuttle Bus between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang (free for same-day connections) takes 60–90 minutes. If you land at one and fly out from the other, allow at least 4–5 hours buffer.
Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)
Small, easy, efficient airport serving northern Thailand. All terminals in one building. Taxi to old city: 150–200 THB fixed rate from official taxi desk (much cheaper than waiting at arrivals). Grab works from the car park. Airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Nok Air, and several regional/international routes including direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Guangzhou. Airport is 5km from the old city — Grab takes 15 minutes.
Phuket Airport (HKT)
Phuket's airport is 30km north of Patong and Phuket Town. Official airport taxi to Patong: 650–850 THB. To Phuket Town: 350–450 THB. Grab picks up from Car Park 4. Minivan to various beaches: 100–200 THB/person from the airport minibus counters. No rail link. Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Nok Air all serve Phuket. International connections: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Doha, and more. Be aware: peak season arrival queues at immigration can be 60–90 minutes. Use the AIS/TrueMove SIM counters in arrivals if you haven't arranged a SIM in advance.
Other Major Airports
Krabi (KBV): Small airport serving Krabi, Ao Nang, and the Andaman islands. Taxi to Ao Nang: 400–600 THB. Koh Samui (USM): Bangkok Airways operates a hub here (expensive but convenient). Chiang Rai (CEI): Gateway to the Golden Triangle and white temple. Sukhothai (THS): Small airport serving Bangkok Airways flights. Hat Yai (HDY): Southern Thailand's main airport. Udon Thani (UTH), Ubon Ratchathani (UBP), Khon Kaen (KKC): Isan region airports for northeastern Thailand.
Disclaimer
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Planning Guides
Get Thailand Travel Updates
Monthly updates on visa changes, new destination guides, best-value hotels, and seasonal travel tips — all written by people who actually live in Thailand.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.