Don Mueang Airport (DMK) is Bangkok's second airport, located 45 km north of Suvarnabhumi across the city. The transfer between the two airports is a common necessity for travelers connecting between international flights (BKK) and domestic/low-cost carriers (DMK).

About Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Don Mueang is one of the world\'s oldest operating airports, serving as Bangkok\'s main international gateway until Suvarnabhumi opened in 2006. It was revived as a hub for budget carriers, primarily AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic services.

Despite being an older facility, Don Mueang has undergone renovations and offers adequate services including restaurants, shops, and lounges. The airport is located in a primarily residential and military area of northern Bangkok, with the Royal Thai Air Force Museum nearby. The surrounding neighborhood has cheap local restaurants and hotels catering to transit passengers.

The inter-airport transfer is one of Bangkok\'s most important transport logistics. Many international travelers arriving at Suvarnabhumi need to connect to Don Mueang for domestic flights to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and other Thai destinations. Similarly, travelers arriving on budget carriers at Don Mueang need to reach central Bangkok efficiently.

Nearby Landmarks

Royal Thai Air Force Museum Chatuchak Market (from DMK) Impact Arena Muang Thong

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 350-500 THB (~$10-15 USD)
Time 30-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At Suvarnabhumi: Find the free shuttle bus at Arrivals floor 2, Gate 3 (runs every 30 min).
2. The shuttle takes 50-80 min depending on traffic — board early for a seat.
3. Alternatively, take a metered taxi (THB 400-600 with expressway tolls, 40-75 min).
4. By rail: ARL from BKK to Phaya Thai, then BTS to Mo Chit, then taxi to DMK (complex, 60-90 min).
5. Grab rideshare shows real-time pricing and estimated arrival time for this route.
6. Allow minimum 3 hours between flights at different airports during daytime.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 350-500 THB (~$10-15 USD) 30-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, taxis between the two airports take about 40-50 minutes (THB 400-600 with tolls). The free shuttle bus runs from about 5:00 AM to midnight. Grab operates at both airports. Late-night transfers are the smoothest — the highways are nearly empty between midnight and 5:00 AM.

Luggage Tips

The free shuttle bus has space for luggage but can be crowded during peak hours. Taxis handle any amount of luggage. If connecting between flights with a short layover, consider wearing your heaviest items and minimizing carry-on to speed up the transfer. Keep all flight documents easily accessible.

Accessibility

Both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang provide wheelchair assistance. The free shuttle bus has limited wheelchair access — inform staff at the shuttle boarding point. Taxis from both airports are standard sedans. Don Mueang's older facilities have elevators and ramps but are less refined than Suvarnabhumi's modern design.