Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ · สุวรรณภูมิ
Bangkok, Thailand · Since 2006
Last updated:
About BKK
Suvarnabhumi Airport is Thailand's main international airport and one of the busiest in Southeast Asia. Opened in 2006 to replace the overcrowded Don Mueang Airport, Suvarnabhumi features a striking terminal building designed by Helmut Jahn, with the world's largest single-building terminal at the time of opening. Located 25 kilometers east of central Bangkok, the airport's name means "Golden Land" in Sanskrit, reflecting Thailand's status as a Buddhist kingdom. The main terminal houses a stunning 103-meter-wide column-free hall and a distinctive glass facade. As the hub for Thai Airways, Suvarnabhumi connects Bangkok to destinations across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.
Why "BKK"?
BKK is the IATA code derived from Bangkok, Thailand's capital city known locally as Krung Thep.
Hub For
Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile
Airlines Operating
Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, EVA Air, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Garuda Indonesia, Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Air India, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France, KLM, Finnair, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Qantas, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines
Terminals
Main Terminal - East Wing
The eastern section of the main terminal building handles primarily Asian and Middle Eastern airlines. Concourses D and E are located here with extensive shopping, dining, and lounge facilities.
Main Terminal - West Wing
The western section handles European, American, and select Asian carriers. Concourses F and G offer a mix of retail, dining, and airline lounges.
Concourse A (Domestic)
Dedicated domestic terminal serving flights within Thailand. Located in the southern end of the building, connected to the main terminal via moving walkways.
SAT-1 (Satellite Terminal)
The new Satellite Terminal 1 opened in 2023, adding 28 gates connected to the main terminal via an underground automated people mover (2-minute ride). Modern design with improved amenities.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at BKK
Showing 8 of 114 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Airport Rail Link (ARL) to Phaya Thai station in 30 minutes (฿45), connecting to BTS Skytrain. City Line stops at 6 stations. Express taxis with meter plus ฿50 airport surcharge. Public buses from Transport Center on Level 1. Limousine services available. Grab (ride-hailing) pickup at designated areas.
Taxi
฿250-400 (~$7-11) plus ฿50 airport surcharge and tolls
30-60 minutes depending on traffic to city center
Public Transport
฿45 (~$1.30)
30 minutes to Phaya Thai to city center
Popular Destinations
Parking at BKK
Multi-level parking building adjacent to terminal. Short-term and long-term zones. ฿60/hour for first 2 hours....
Short Term Parking
Long Term Car Park
Economy Parking
Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
Thai Airways Royal First Lounge
Exclusive First Class lounge offering a la carte dining, premium champagne, private suites, spa with complimentary treatments, and personalized service. One of the best First Class lounges in Asia.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge
Thai Airways' flagship lounge at its home hub featuring Thai cuisine, international dishes, a cocktail bar, spa services with complimentary Thai massage, shower suites, and a quiet rest area. Beautiful Thai-inspired decor.
EVA Air Lounge
EVA Air's lounge at Suvarnabhumi featuring Taiwanese and international cuisine, a good selection of beverages, and comfortable seating with runway views.
Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge
Operated by Bangkok Airways, this lounge offers a mix of Thai and Middle Eastern cuisine, a selection of wines and spirits, and comfortable seating areas.
Miracle Lounge
The most widely accessible lounge at BKK, with multiple locations throughout the airport. Offers a solid buffet of Thai and international food, beverages, and shower facilities. Accepted by most lounge access programs.
Coral Executive Lounge
Located in the domestic departures area. Offers Thai snacks, light meals, beverages, and WiFi. A decent option for domestic passengers with Priority Pass.
Where to Stay
Transit Hotels (Airside)
Louis' Tavern Transit Hotel
Airside, Level 4, Concourse G
Transit hotel located airside, no need to clear immigration. Clean rooms with private bathrooms, WiFi, and basic amenities. Available in 3-hour blocks. Ideal for overnight layovers.
Connected Hotels
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Connected to the terminal via covered walkway from arrivals level
Full-service Novotel hotel connected directly to the airport terminal. Features multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness center, and 24-hour room service. Day rooms available for layover passengers.
Nearby Hotels
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
City center, approximately 30 km from airport
Luxury Marriott hotel in Bangkok's Surawongse district. Premium facilities including rooftop bar, spa, and multiple dining venues. Best for passengers with long layovers who want to explore the city.
Capsule Hotels
Sleep Box by Miracle
Landside, Level 4 near check-in counters
Budget-friendly sleep boxes located on the landside (before security). Compact private rooms with a bed, air conditioning, and basic amenities. Book hourly. Good for early morning departures.
Boxtel at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Airside, near Gate G4, international departures
Capsule-style sleeping pods inside the airport terminal, airside. No need to clear immigration. Each pod includes a bed, USB charging, reading light, and locker. Book by the hour for short layovers.
Food & Dining
Magic Food Point
Thai
The best value food at Suvarnabhumi. This food court uses a coupon system - buy coupons at the counter and exchange them at food stalls. Authentic Thai dishes at local prices, not airport markups. Pad Thai, green curry, som tam all around 60-100 THB.
24/7
Burger King
Fast Food
Familiar fast food with Thai menu additions. Multiple locations throughout the airport for quick bites.
24/7
Dairy Queen
Fast Food / Dessert
Popular ice cream and fast food chain. The Blizzard treats are a nice cool-down in tropical Bangkok.
06:00-23:00
Yoshinoya
Japanese
Japanese beef bowl chain offering quick, filling meals. Gyudon (beef bowl), curry rice, and udon at reasonable prices.
06:00-23:00
S&P Restaurant
Thai & International
Popular Thai restaurant chain serving reliable Thai and Western dishes. Known for their bakery items and Thai desserts. Good mid-range option for sit-down meals.
06:00-23:00
After You Dessert Cafe
Desserts & Cafe
Famous Thai dessert cafe known for its Shibuya Honey Toast and kakigori (shaved ice). A perfect treat before a flight. Often has queues during peak times.
06:00-23:00
Car Rental
Thai Rent A Car
Level 1, arrivals hall, car rental counter area
Hertz
Level 1, arrivals hall, car rental counter area
Avis
Level 1, arrivals hall, car rental counter area
Budget
Level 1, arrivals hall, car rental counter area
Sixt
Level 1, arrivals hall, car rental counter area
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
King Power Duty Free Shopping
Suvarnabhumi features extensive King Power duty-free shopping spanning multiple floors. Browse Thai silk, local handicrafts, designer brands, and Thai snacks. Pick up boxes of mango sticky rice or dried mango as gifts.
Thai Massage at the Airport
Multiple Thai massage shops are located throughout the terminal, both landside and airside. Get a traditional Thai foot or body massage starting from around 500 THB for 30 minutes. No booking needed - walk-ins welcome.
Airport Spa and Relaxation Zone
Several spa facilities inside the airport offer premium treatments including aromatherapy massage, facial treatments, and body scrubs. The Royal Orchid Spa offers complimentary treatments for Thai Airways premium passengers.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Street Food Tour in Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) comes alive at night with incredible street food stalls. Take the ARL to Makkasan, transfer to MRT to Wat Mangkon station. Try oyster omelets, pad thai, grilled seafood, and mango sticky rice. Allow at least 4 hours.
Visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace
Take the Airport Rail Link to the city and visit the magnificent Grand Palace (500 THB entry) and Wat Pho, home of the famous Reclining Buddha (300 THB entry). These two landmarks are adjacent and walkable. Allow at least 5 hours including travel time.
Floating Market and Temple Tour
With a longer layover, visit the Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa floating markets and nearby temples. Book a half-day tour that includes airport pickup and dropoff. Allow at least 6 hours.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type O
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From ฿100/day (~$3)
- Showers: Free in lounges, ฿350-700 at day rooms
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB/฿)
- Exchange: SuperRich, Bangkok Bank, and other exchange booths on B1 level (arrivals) and throughout departures. ATMs everywhere.
- Hours: 24/7 for major booths
- Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares. 20-50 baht for porters. 10% at upscale restaurants if no service charge.
SuperRich and similar booths on the basement level offer much better rates than the booths in arrivals hall. Avoid exchanging at the very first booth you see.
Smoking Areas
Designated outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal building. No indoor smoking areas.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +66 2 132 1888
Lost property office on 2nd floor, arrivals area. Contact +66 2 132 1888.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Visa on arrival available for many nationalities (฿2,000 fee, 15 days). Visa exemption for 30-90 days depending on nationality.
Passport valid for at least 6 months. Proof of onward travel may be requested. Most Western countries get 30-day visa exemption.
When to Fly
Best time: November-February for cool, dry weather
Peak seasons: December-January (high season), April (Songkran), July-August
Insider Tips
BKK is famous among backpackers for being a comfortable place to sleep overnight - benches without armrests are available in some areas. The Airport Rail Link is the fastest and cheapest way to the city. Avoid touts offering taxi rides in the arrivals hall - use the official taxi stand on Level 1. Get a Thai SIM card from the basement level for best prices. The airport can be very cold from AC - bring a light jacket. Food on Level 3 (departures) is more expensive than Level 1.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Single massive terminal with 7 concourses. Extensive duty-free shopping. Multiple airline and independent lounges. Free WiFi. Left luggage services on Level 2. Day rooms and transit hotels available. Massage parlors airside. Prayer rooms. Medical clinic. Kids play areas. Numerous dining options from street food style to upscale restaurants.
Official Website
Phone
+66 2 132 1888
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