Overview
Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok, Thailand
Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK, ICAO: VTBS) is one of the main international airports serving Bangkok and Thailand's principal international aviation gateway. Located in Samut Prakan Province, east of central Bangkok, the airport connects travellers with destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia and other international markets.
Suvarnabhumi Airport serves travellers visiting Bangkok and provides convenient access to popular areas such as Sukhumvit, Pratunam, Siam, Silom, Sathorn, Riverside and Bangkok's historic districts. It is also an important gateway for travellers continuing to other destinations across Thailand.
The airport operates through a large Main Terminal Building together with the SAT-1 Satellite Terminal, which is connected to the main terminal by an automated people mover.
Bangkok is also served by Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), which is a separate airport. Travellers should check the airport code on their booking carefully.
For current airport information, passengers can refer to the official Airports of Thailand – Suvarnabhumi Airport website.
At a glance
Airport Information
- Airport Name
- Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Also Known As
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport / Bangkok International Airport
- IATA Code
- BKK
- ICAO Code
- VTBS
- Location
- Samut Prakan Province, Thailand
- Nearest Major City
- Bangkok
- Airport Type
- International and Domestic
- Country
- Thailand
- Passenger Facilities
- Main Terminal Building and SAT-1 Satellite Terminal
Arrivals
Arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Passengers arriving on international flights normally proceed through immigration, baggage collection and customs before entering the public arrivals area.
Passengers whose aircraft arrives at SAT-1 use the airport's automated people mover to reach the Main Terminal Building for immigration, baggage collection and customs.
Passengers can find a wide range of services in and around the arrivals area, including:
Arrival Process
- 1Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport
- 2Transfer from SAT-1 to the Main Terminal if required
- 3Follow signs to immigration
- 4Passport and immigration clearance
- 5Baggage collection
- 6Customs clearance
- 7Enter the arrivals area
- 8Currency exchange, ATM or mobile connectivity if required
- 9Airport Rail Link, taxi, Grab, bus or other transportation
- 10Hotel or onward travel
International travellers should ensure they meet Thailand's current passport, visa and immigration requirements before travelling.
Arrival Facilities
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Mobile and telecom services
- Medical facilities
- Accessibility assistance
- Baggage services
- Restaurants and refreshments
- Shopping
- Car rental
- Public taxi services
- Grab
- Airport Rail Link
- Public buses and vans
- Intercity coach services
- Airport limousine services
- Information services
- Hotel and onward transportation options
Facilities may vary by passenger area.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand are generally required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival.
The TDAC replaced the traditional paper arrival card and collects information including:
Travellers can submit the TDAC within three days before their arrival in Thailand, including the arrival date, according to the current Thailand Immigration Bureau requirements.
The TDAC is not a visa and does not replace any visa or other travel authorisation required to enter Thailand.
Travellers transiting through Thailand without passing through immigration are not required to submit a TDAC under the current rules.
Passengers should check the latest requirements through the official Thailand Immigration Bureau TDAC website before travelling.
- Passport details
- Travel information
- Arrival details
- Accommodation information in Thailand
- Relevant health declaration information
Departures
Departures from Suvarnabhumi Airport
Passengers departing from Bangkok should allow sufficient time for airline check-in, baggage drop, security screening, immigration for international flights and reaching their boarding gate.
Because Suvarnabhumi is a large airport with multiple concourses and the SAT-1 Satellite Terminal, passengers should check their airline, check-in area and departure gate before travelling.
Suvarnabhumi Airport provides a wide range of facilities for departing passengers, including:
Departure Process
- 1Confirm your airline and airport
- 2Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport
- 3Airline check-in
- 4Baggage drop
- 5Security screening
- 6Immigration for international departures
- 7Proceed to the appropriate concourse or SAT-1 if required
- 8Reach the boarding gate
- 9Flight departure
Departure Facilities
- Airline check-in facilities
- Self-service check-in and bag drop where available
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Duty-free shopping
- Restaurants and cafés
- Airport lounges
- Medical services
- Accessibility assistance
- Prayer facilities
- Family facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Baggage services
- Passenger information services
- Transit and connection facilities
Facilities vary by passenger area and concourse.
Terminals
Passenger Terminals at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport operates through a large Main Terminal Building (MTB) and SAT-1 Satellite Terminal.
Main Terminal Building
The Main Terminal Building handles the airport's principal passenger processes, including:
The Main Terminal connects with multiple concourses used for domestic and international flights.
- Airline check-in
- International arrivals
- Immigration
- Customs
- Baggage collection
- Ground transportation
- Airport Rail Link access
SAT-1 Satellite Terminal
The SAT-1 Satellite Terminal provides additional boarding gates and passenger facilities.
SAT-1 is connected to the Main Terminal Building by an Automated People Mover (APM).
International passengers arriving at SAT-1 travel by APM to the Main Terminal Building before completing immigration, collecting baggage and clearing customs.
Passengers departing from SAT-1 should follow airport signs and allow sufficient time to travel from the Main Terminal to their boarding gate.
Transfers
Connecting Flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major international and regional connecting hub.
Transfer procedures depend on whether passengers are connecting:
Typical Transfer Process
- 1International to international
- 2International to domestic
- 3Domestic to international
- 4Between flights on a through-ticket
- 5Between flights booked on separate tickets
Typical International-to-International Transfer
Passengers travelling on a through-ticket with baggage checked to their final destination normally do not need to collect their baggage during an international-to-international transfer.
Passengers travelling on separate tickets may need to:
Always confirm your baggage and transfer arrangements with your airline.
- Leave the arriving aircraft
- Follow Transfer / Transit signs
- Confirm your onward boarding gate
- Visit a transfer counter if required
- Complete transfer security screening
- Proceed to the appropriate concourse or SAT-1
- Reach the boarding gate
- Clear Thai immigration
- Collect baggage
- Clear customs
- Enter the public area
- Check in again
- Re-check baggage
- Complete departure immigration and security
International to Domestic Connections
Passengers connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight may need to complete additional immigration, customs and security procedures depending on their itinerary.
Passengers should follow the airport's transfer signs and airline instructions.
If flights are booked separately, allow additional time for:
- Immigration
- Baggage collection
- Customs
- Moving to the correct departure area
- Re-check-in
- Security screening
Transferring Between Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
Bangkok has two major airports:
Suvarnabhumi Airport – BKK
Don Mueang International Airport – DMK
They are separate airports located in different parts of Bangkok.
Passengers should never assume that a Bangkok connecting flight departs from the same airport.
An airport shuttle bus currently operates between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang for eligible passengers who have proof of onward air travel.
Passengers transferring between BKK and DMK should allow substantial additional time for:
Do not treat a BKK–DMK connection as a normal same-airport transfer.
- Immigration where applicable
- Baggage collection
- Customs
- Road transportation between airports
- Traffic conditions
- Check-in
- Security
- Immigration for an international onward flight
Getting into the city
Transportation from Suvarnabhumi Airport
Travellers arriving at BKK have several transportation options depending on their destination, budget and preferred level of convenience.
The main options include:
- Airport Rail Link
- Public taxi
- Grab
- Public bus
- Airport coach
- Private transfer / limousine
- Car rental
Airport Rail Link
The Airport Rail Link is one of the most convenient public transportation options between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok.
The Airport Rail Link station is located on Level B1 of the Main Terminal Building.
The line connects the airport with stations including:
At Phaya Thai, passengers can connect with the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line.
At Makkasan, passengers can connect with Bangkok's MRT network via nearby Phetchaburi MRT Station.
This makes the Airport Rail Link particularly useful for travellers heading towards central Bangkok.
Operating hours and service arrangements can change, so passengers should check current information before travelling.
Lat Krabang
Ban Thap Chang
Hua Mak
Ramkhamhaeng
Makkasan
Ratchaprarop
Phaya Thai
Best for
- Solo travellers
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Travellers staying near BTS or MRT stations
- Passengers travelling to central Bangkok
- Travellers with manageable luggage
- Travellers wishing to avoid road traffic
Public Taxi
Official public taxis are available from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Passengers should use the airport's authorised taxi facilities and obtain the required queue ticket before proceeding to their assigned vehicle.
Taxi services operate from designated areas on Level 1 of the Main Terminal.
Additional airport charges, baggage charges or road tolls may apply under current regulations.
Because fares and charges can change, travellers should check current airport information rather than relying on older published prices.
Best for
- Families
- Travellers with luggage
- Groups
- Late-night arrivals
- Direct hotel transfers
- Travellers staying away from rail stations
Grab
Grab provides authorised app-based ride-hailing services from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The airport currently provides a designated Grab pickup area at Level 1, Gate 4 of the Main Terminal.
Passengers should book through the Grab application and follow current airport signage and instructions.
Pickup arrangements can change, so travellers should confirm the location shown in the app when travelling.
Best for
- App-based booking
- Cashless payment
- Direct hotel transportation
- Families and groups
- Door-to-door travel
Public Bus and Van Services
Public buses and vans connect Suvarnabhumi Airport with different parts of Bangkok and surrounding areas.
Some services depart from the airport's Public Transportation Center, while others operate from designated areas at the Main Terminal.
Routes and operating times can change, so passengers should check current airport information before travelling.
Public transport can be useful for budget-conscious travellers whose destination is served directly by a suitable route.
Intercity Coach
Coach services connect Suvarnabhumi Airport with selected destinations outside central Bangkok.
Depending on current services, these may include destinations such as:
Travellers should check current routes, departure locations and schedules before travelling.
Pattaya
Hua Hin
Chonburi
Trat and eastern Thailand
Private Transfer and Airport Limousine
Pre-arranged private transfers and airport limousine services are available for travellers who prefer direct transportation.
These can be particularly useful for:
Families
Groups
Business travellers
Travellers with significant luggage
First-time visitors
Passengers travelling directly to resorts or destinations outside Bangkok
Car Rental
Car rental services are available at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Hiring a vehicle may be suitable for travellers planning to explore areas outside Bangkok independently.
Visitors should ensure they meet Thailand's applicable driving licence requirements and understand local traffic, toll and parking regulations.
For travellers unfamiliar with Bangkok's roads and traffic conditions, rail, taxi or ride-hailing services may be more convenient.
Where to go next
Transportation to Popular Areas in Bangkok
Sukhumvit
Recommended options
- Airport Rail Link + BTS/MRT
- Public taxi
- Grab
- Private transfer
Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's main hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment districts.
Travellers using public transport can connect from the Airport Rail Link to Bangkok's urban rail network.
Pratunam
Recommended options
- Airport Rail Link
- Public taxi
- Grab
- Private transfer
Pratunam is a popular shopping district known for clothing, wholesale markets, hotels and access to central Bangkok.
Ratchaprarop Station on the Airport Rail Link provides convenient access to the Pratunam area.
Siam
Recommended options
- Airport Rail Link + BTS
- Public taxi
- Grab
- Private transfer
Siam is one of Bangkok's major shopping and commercial districts, with large shopping centres and convenient BTS connections.
Travellers using rail can connect to the BTS at Phaya Thai.
Silom and Sathorn
Recommended options
- Airport Rail Link + MRT/BTS
- Taxi
- Grab
- Private transfer
Silom and Sathorn are important business, hotel, dining and entertainment districts.
The most convenient rail combination depends on the exact hotel or destination.
Asok
Recommended options
- Airport Rail Link + MRT
- Airport Rail Link + BTS
- Taxi
- Grab
- Private transfer
Asok is a major central Bangkok transport and commercial area where the BTS Sukhumvit Line connects with the MRT Blue Line.
Khao San Road / Bangkok Old Town
Recommended options
- Public taxi
- Grab
- Airport bus where available
- Private transfer
- Rail combined with onward local transport
Khao San Road and Bangkok's historic district are popular with international visitors and provide access to attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
The Airport Rail Link does not travel directly to Khao San Road.
Bangkok Riverside
Recommended options
- Taxi
- Grab
- Private transfer
- Airport Rail Link combined with BTS/MRT and local transport
Bangkok's riverside area includes hotels and attractions along the Chao Phraya River.
The most convenient option depends on the exact hotel.
Travelling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Other Destinations in Thailand
Recommended options
- Pattaya
- Hua Hin
- Phuket
- Chiang Mai
- Krabi
- Koh Samui
- Chiang Rai
- Trat
- Koh Chang
- Domestic flight
- Airport coach
- Intercity bus
- Train combined with local transportation
- Taxi
- Private transfer
- Rental vehicle
Suvarnabhumi Airport is an important gateway for travellers continuing to other destinations across Thailand.
Popular onward destinations include:
Depending on the destination, travellers can continue by:
Passengers should check current schedules and transport arrangements before travelling.
Before you land
Tips for Travellers Arriving at BKK
- Check that your flight is arriving at BKK rather than DMK.
- Keep your passport and travel documents easily accessible.
- Check Thailand's latest visa and immigration requirements before travelling.
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within the permitted period before arrival.
- Remember that the TDAC is not a visa.
- Passengers remaining airside during a transit without passing through immigration generally do not need a TDAC under current rules.
- Collect your baggage before leaving international arrivals unless your airline confirms it is checked through.
- Consider the Airport Rail Link when travelling towards central Bangkok.
- Use authorised public taxis or the designated Grab pickup area.
- Allow additional road travel time during Bangkok's busy traffic periods.
- Confirm your hotel's exact location before choosing between rail and road transportation.
- Passengers connecting between BKK and DMK should allow substantial additional time.
- Confirm whether baggage is checked through when travelling on connecting flights.
- Check current transport schedules if arriving very early or late.
Flights from Sri Lanka
Why Book Your Bangkok Flight with iCanFly?
iCanFly helps travellers in Sri Lanka search, compare and book flights between Colombo and Bangkok as well as onward destinations across Thailand, Southeast Asia and beyond.
Passengers can compare available flights based on airline, schedule, fare and travel preferences.
Popular Flight Searches
Stay with iCanStay
Hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport
After landing at BKK, you can compare and book hotels in Bangkok and nearby areas with iCanStay.
Popular Hotel Searches
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Suvarnabhumi Airport uses the IATA airport code BKK.
Airport guides
Other airport guides
Arrival, terminal and transport notes for popular airports used by travellers from Sri Lanka.
CMB
Bandaranaike International Airport
Colombo, Sri Lanka
AUH
Zayed International Airport
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
BOM
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Mumbai, India
MAA
Chennai International Airport
Chennai, India
DEL
Indira Gandhi International Airport
Delhi, India
DOH
Hamad International Airport
Doha, Qatar
DXB
Dubai International Airport
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
FRA
Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt, Germany
HKG
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
IST
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul, Turkey
BLR
Kempegowda International Airport
Bengaluru, India
KUL
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
LHR
London Heathrow Airport
London, United Kingdom
MEL
Melbourne Airport
Melbourne, Australia
NRT
Narita International Airport
Tokyo, Japan
CDG
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris, France
PVG
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai, China
SIN
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore, Singapore
SYD
Sydney Airport
Sydney, Australia
MLE
Velana International Airport
Malé, Maldives
BKK · Bangkok Airport guide
Search and Book Flights to Bangkok with iCanFly
iCanFly is an independent Sri Lankan online travel booking platform and is not the official website of Suvarnabhumi Airport or Airports of Thailand. Airport facilities, transportation services, terminal and gate arrangements, immigration requirements, operating hours and other airport information are managed by the relevant airport, government, airline and transport authorities and may change. Passengers should confirm current information with Airports of Thailand, their airline, Thailand Immigration or the relevant transport provider before travelling.