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Thailand Airport Transfers - Wholesale B2B Rates

Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Phuket, Chiang Mai airport transfers. Private and shared options from THB 900.

2 BKK Airports

BKK & DMK

45-60 Mins

BKK to City

24/7

Service Available

THB 900+

From Rates

Thailand's airport transfer scene has a critical detail many first-time agents miss: Bangkok has TWO completely separate airports. Suvarnabhumi (BKK) handles most international flights, while Don Mueang (DMK) is dedicated to budget carriers. Get this wrong and your client ends up at the wrong airport an hour away from their hotel pickup.

We've been handling Thailand transfers since before Don Mueang reopened in 2012. The key lesson? Always verify the airport code. AirAsia = DMK. Thai Airways = BKK. Singapore Airlines = BKK. It sounds simple, but this trips up agents regularly, especially when clients book separate tickets on different carriers.

Bangkok traffic is legendary for a reason. A 30km journey can take anywhere from 35 minutes to 2 hours depending on time of day. That's why we always recommend private transfers over shared shuttles for Bangkok arrivals. Shared services making 5-6 hotel stops in traffic can take half your client's first day. Private gets them to the hotel in one go, ready to enjoy their trip.

Thailand's Major Airport Transfer Hubs

Understanding which airport serves which airlines and destinations

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Distance to Bangkok: 30 km east of city center
Transfer time: 45-60 mins (peak: 90-120 mins)
Airlines: Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, ANA, EVA Air

Main international hub. Modern facilities with Airport Rail Link to city (35 mins, THB 45).

Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Distance to Bangkok: 24 km north of city center
Transfer time: 40-50 mins (peak: 60-90 mins)
Airlines: AirAsia (all routes), Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, Scoot

Renovated older airport. Budget carriers only. Direct transfers more important as no rail link.

Phuket Airport (HKT)

Distance to Patong: 35 km
Transfer times: Patong 45-60 mins, Kata/Karon 50-70 mins, Khao Lak 60-90 mins
Type: Island airport serving beach resort areas

Most resorts spread across west coast. Private transfers highly recommended.

Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)

Distance to Old City: 4 km
Transfer time: 15-20 mins to city center hotels
Type: Compact city airport, very convenient

Closest airport to city of any major Thai destination. Quick, easy transfers.

Vehicle Options & Pricing

Choose the right vehicle for your client's needs

Vehicle Type Max PAX Luggage BKK - Bangkok Rate Best For
Standard Sedan
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
3 adults 3 bags THB 900 - 1,100 Couples, small families
Van / MPV
Toyota Commuter, Hyundai H1
8 adults 8 bags THB 1,400 - 1,800 Families, small groups
Minibus
15-seater
12 adults 12 bags THB 2,200 - 2,800 Group tours, MICE
Luxury Van
Alphard, H1 Premium
6 adults 6 bags THB 2,000 - 2,400 VIP clients, comfort seekers

Note: Rates shown are for one-way BKK/DMK airport to central Bangkok hotels. Phuket rates 15-20% lower, Chiang Mai 30-40% lower due to shorter distances. All rates include tolls, parking, fuel, and driver gratuity.

Bangkok Airport Confusion: BKK vs DMK Explained

This deserves its own section because it's the #1 mistake we see with Thailand transfers. Bangkok has two international airports 50 kilometers apart. If your client lands at one and the transfer is booked for the other, that's a disaster waiting to happen.

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - The Main Hub

Who uses it: Almost all full-service international airlines. Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, ANA, Lufthansa, British Airways.

Features: Massive modern airport opened 2006. Six concourses, premium lounges, extensive duty-free. Connected to Bangkok by elevated Airport Rail Link (35 mins to Phaya Thai station).

Transfer considerations: 30km east of Bangkok. Highway route via motorway tolls (included in our rates). Can get seriously congested during rush hours.

Don Mueang (DMK) - The Budget Terminal

Who uses it: Budget airlines exclusively. AirAsia (all routes - domestic and international), Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet, Scoot (some routes).

Features: Original Bangkok airport, renovated and reopened 2012 for low-cost carriers. Smaller, less crowded, faster immigration clearance.

Transfer considerations: 24km north of Bangkok. No rail link - private transfer or taxi only option. Often quicker to city center despite being farther due to less congested route.

Popular Thailand Transfer Routes

Journey times and route information for planning

BKK → Sukhumvit Area

Distance: 28 km
Time: 45-60 mins (peak: 90 mins)
Hotels: Most mid-range and upscale hotels (Marriott, Sofitel, Park Hyatt)

BKK → Khao San Road

Distance: 32 km
Time: 50-70 mins (peak: 90-120 mins)
Area: Backpacker area, old city, budget hotels

DMK → City Center

Distance: 24 km
Time: 40-50 mins (peak: 60-90 mins)
Note: Northern approach, less congested than BKK route

Phuket Airport → Patong

Distance: 35 km
Time: 45-60 mins
Area: Main beach party area, most nightlife

Bangkok → Pattaya

Distance: 145 km
Time: 2 hours
Type: Intercity transfer, highway route

Chiang Mai Airport → Old City

Distance: 4 km
Time: 15-20 mins
Note: Easiest airport transfer in Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is Bangkok's main international airport handling most full-service carriers like Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates. Don Mueang (DMK) is the older airport now used by budget airlines including AirAsia, Nok Air, and some international low-cost carriers. They're 50km apart (1-hour drive), so knowing which airport is critical for transfer bookings. Always check the airport code on your client's ticket.

From Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to central Bangkok (Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom): 45-60 minutes in normal traffic, up to 90-120 minutes during peak hours (7-10 AM, 4-8 PM). From Don Mueang (DMK): 40-50 minutes to city center in light traffic, 60-90 minutes during rush hours. Bangkok traffic is notoriously unpredictable, so always build in buffer time.

BKK (Suvarnabhumi): Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, ANA, EVA Air, and most international full-service carriers. DMK (Don Mueang): AirAsia (all routes), Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, and some regional budget carriers. Always verify the airport code (BKK or DMK) on the ticket, especially for budget airline bookings.

Phuket airport (HKT) to beach areas can take 30-90 minutes depending on location. Patong is 45-60 mins, Kata/Karon 50-70 mins, while Khao Lak and Mai Khao can be 60-90 mins. Many Phuket resort packages include transfers in the package rate, but always confirm this with the hotel or package provider. Standalone transfers are available for booking if not included, starting from THB 800-1,200 depending on destination.

Yes, popular intercity routes include Bangkok to Pattaya (2 hours, THB 2,500-3,500), Bangkok to Hua Hin (3 hours, THB 3,500-4,500), Phuket to Krabi (3 hours), and Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (3 hours). These are private transfers only with rates based on distance and vehicle type. For very long routes like Bangkok to Phuket (12+ hours drive), we strongly recommend flights instead.

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