Started from 1st October 2012, AirAsia flight to Bangkok is landing on Don Mueang International Airport instead of Suvarnabhumi Airport. As a result, my first private trip to Bangkok was turning me to this strange airport. I was so wondering how to get to the Bangkok city from this airport but luckily caught some information from the websites before depart. Here I would like to share the budget way travelling from airport to city.
For visitor to Bangkok, we need to fill up Immigration Card (Arrival and Departure) before proceed to the immigration counter. Hence, be reminded to bring a pen with you so that the filling could be done on the plane.
Upon step into the arrival hall, follow the signboard to claim the luggage or proceed directly to immigration counter if just have hand carry with you.
After get the passport stamped at immigration counter, the officer would take the 'Arrival' card and stapled the 'Departure' card on your passport. Do not remove it as this copy is needed during your departure. After that, take an escalator down to the lower floor and claim the luggage.
Once done, follow the exit and the signboard below would be seen.
For those who prefer taxi, you may check it out at the Taxi Service Counter. If you choose to save your budget like me, than please take a left turn (follow shuttle bus sign) and walk to Gate No.6. In between, you could see the Tourist Information Counter at your left. I don't know what package they offer but you may try to check it out if you interested.
Please observe the gate number at your right while walking. Once reach Gate No.6, exit the auto-gate and you could see the signboard below.
Here the shuttle bus A1 and A2 stop. These air conditioned buses are orange in colour and meant to transfer passengers from airport to the BTS/MRT station. Not like normal buses, this shuttle bus is designed to allow passenger with luggage. Besides, the simple route make the trip short and direct. Below are the bus route of A1 and A2 bus.
A1 bus route: Don Mueang Airport - Mo Chit Station (BTS)/ Chatuchak Station (MRT) - Bangkok Bus Station (Mo Chit) - return to Don Mueang Airport
A2 bus route: Don Mueang Airport - Mo Chit Station (BTS)/ Chatuchak Station (MRT) - Victory Monument (park at 522 bus station) - return to Don Mueang Airport
*Mor Chit BTS Station and Chatuchak MRT Station are within same location.
The bus service started from 8.30am until 11.30pm, and stated to provide service every 20 minutes. I really trust its frequency as the bus look like always ready at the gate to wait for passengers. Like my case, when I walked out the gate, the bus was there to wait for me. Within 10 minutes time, the bus was departed. The bus fares is standard at 30 Baht throughout the route.
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| A1 bus ticket - 60 Baht for 2 people |
Time spend for the bus route from airport to Mo Chit BTS Station/ Chatuchak MRT Station is depending on the traffic condition. Like my case, I hopped on the A1 bus around 5.30pm and it took me around 20-30 minutes to reach the BTS/MRT station.
Here you need to decide which train service that would deliver you to the closer destination. You could easily get the info on-line before depart. Since I booked the Manhattan Bangkok Hotel, I need to take BTS to Nana Station. Please identify the correct entrance (BTS or MRT) because both of them are not linked to each other.
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| Mo Chit BTS Station |
If you prefer BTS as your major transportation for your trip, then I recommend you to purchase the BTS Rabbit Card. It only cost you 200 Baht with 100 Baht credit. By top up the desire value, you could easily in and out the station and no need to queue up every time to purchase the ticket. Furthermore, using this smart pass, the ticket fares is slightly cheaper than the standard ticket price. The card is valid for 5 years and you could get back 50 Baht deposit upon returning the card. Oh ya, this card can only being purchase and top up value through the ticketing counter at every station.
From Mo Chit station to Nana Station, it took me aroud 20-30 minutes and the fares at 40 Baht. So my whole trip from Don Mueang Airport to Nana BTS Station is around one hour plus and total cost only 70 Baht per person (not including the Rabbit Card deposit & issuing fees). Isn't it cheap? Hope the info above give you some idea to save the budget. Enjoy!
