BKK Airport Insights & Guide
Key BKK Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know BKK Airport
Discover Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand's doorway to its bustling capital and the world's tallest free-standing control tower. BKK streamlines your journey with top-notch amenities, from exquisite dining to seamless transport. Ready to explore? Our Comprehensive Airport Guide simplifies your airport experience, offering everything from flight updates to terminal maps, ensuring a smooth transition from doorstep to departure.
WATCH VIDEO: Take a virtual tour of the massive Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport in stunning 4K HDR:
Navigating BKK's Terminals
The airport, or BKK, is the main international airport in Thailand. The airport has a total of eight terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, Concourse F, Concourse G, and the Main Terminal. Each terminal has a different number of gates, with the Main Terminal having the most at 50 gates. Concourse A has 10 gates, Concourse B has 19 gates, Concourse C has 7 gates, Concourse D has 7 gates, Concourse E has 8 gates, Concourse F has 5 gates, and Concourse G has 3 gates.
Major airlines such as Thai Airways, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific use the Main Terminal, while Concourse A is used by airlines such as AirAsia and Thai Lion Air. Concourse B is mainly used by airlines such as China Airlines and Korean Air, while Concourse C is used by airlines such as Air China and Asiana Airlines. Concourse D is used by airlines such as Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, while Concourse E is used by airlines such as Japan Airlines and ANA. Concourse F is used by airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines, and Concourse G is used by airlines such as Thai Smile and Nok Air.
To navigate the airport terminals at BKK, passengers can follow the signs and directions provided throughout the airport. There are also information desks located in each terminal where passengers can ask for assistance.
Connecting Between Terminals
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has several terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, Concourse F, Concourse G, and the Main Terminal. Passengers can easily navigate between the terminals by using the airport's free shuttle bus service. The shuttle buses run frequently and connect all of the terminals, making it easy to move between them. The travel time between terminals is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
For those who prefer to walk, there are also pedestrian walkways connecting the terminals. The walkways are well-lit and air-conditioned, making it a comfortable option for passengers. The walk time between the terminals varies, with the shortest walk time being between Concourse A and Concourse G, which takes approximately 5 minutes.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from BKK-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Suvarnabhumi Airport is quite large, so it's essential to know your way around. The airport has a single passenger terminal divided into seven concourses (A-G). Always check your boarding pass for your concourse and gate number. If you’re flying Thai Airways, you’ll most likely be in Concourse C or E." — Somchai P., Bangkok, Thailand, August 2023
"Make sure to use the airport's shuttle service if you need to get from one concourse to another quickly. The shuttles run every 10-15 minutes and can save you a lot of walking time." — Anong S., Nonthaburi, Thailand, September 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The Airport Rail Link is the fastest way to get to downtown Bangkok. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Phaya Thai station, where you can connect to the BTS Skytrain. It's much quicker than taking a taxi during rush hour." — Niran K., Samut Prakan, Thailand, October 2023
"If you have a lot of luggage, consider using a ride-hailing service like Grab. They are reliable and often cheaper than traditional taxis, especially for longer distances." — Kanya J., Pathum Thani, Thailand, November 2023
Parking
"If you’re driving to the airport, try to park in the long-term parking area. It's more affordable, and a shuttle bus will take you to the terminal. Just make sure to remember your parking spot!" — Preecha T., Bangkok, Thailand, December 2023
"For short trips, the hourly parking lots are very convenient and located close to the terminal entrances. However, they can get quite full, so arrive early to find a spot." — Jintana W., Samut Sakhon, Thailand, January 2024
Inside the Airport
"Don’t miss the fantastic food court on the fourth floor. It offers a variety of delicious Thai dishes at reasonable prices. It's a great way to get a last taste of local cuisine before your flight." — Chaiwat M., Bangkok, Thailand, February 2024
"If you have a long layover, head to the Miracle Lounge. It’s a bit pricey, but the comfort and amenities are worth it, especially if you need to get some work done or just relax." — Siriporn L., Nonthaburi, Thailand, March 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Always arrive at least three hours before your international flight. Security and immigration lines can be long, especially during peak travel times. Better to be early and relaxed than rushed and stressed." — Prasert B., Bangkok, Thailand, April 2024
"Check the airport’s real-time flight status updates on their website or app. This can help you stay informed about any potential delays or gate changes." — Ratchanee K., Samut Prakan, Thailand, May 2024
iFly Tip: Travel smarter with our advice on airport navigation.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At BKK Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas. Curbside parking is strictly prohibited, and vehicles are only allowed to stop for a maximum of two minutes for loading and unloading. Violators will be fined and towed away.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas. These areas are free of charge and allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and collected their luggage. Once the passengers are ready to be picked up, the driver can proceed to the designated pick-up area.
Parking Facilities & Options
As one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia, the airport offers a variety of parking options to accommodate the needs of all travelers.
The airport has several parking garages and lots located near each of the airport's concourses, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, Concourse F, Concourse G, and the Main Terminal. These parking facilities offer both short-term and long-term parking options.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, the airport also provides cell phone waiting areas located near the parking garages. These areas allow drivers to wait in their cars until their passengers are ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking facilities, with designated spaces located near elevator banks and shuttle bus stops for easy access to the airport terminals.
For those looking for more economical parking options, off-airport parking lots are available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making them a convenient and affordable choice for travelers.
Get details about Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Bangkok Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. One of the most convenient options is car rental. Major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz have facilities at the airport, making it easy for travelers to rent a car upon arrival.
Another popular transportation option is taxi service. Taxis can be found outside the arrivals area of the airport and are available 24/7. The fare for a taxi ride is based on the meter and can vary depending on the destination. There is also a 50 baht airport surcharge for all taxi rides originating from the airport.
Shared ride services such as Grab and Uber are also available at the airport. However, there are some restrictions on where they can pick up passengers. Passengers using these services must go to the designated pickup areas outside the airport terminal.
Airport shuttles are another option for travelers. These shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport and nearby hotels. The pickup area for airport shuttles is located at the transportation center outside the terminal. Fares for airport shuttles vary depending on the destination.
Finally, public transportation options such as buses and trains are available for travelers on a budget. The Airport Rail Link provides train service from the airport to downtown Bangkok, while buses provide transportation to various destinations throughout the city.
iFly Tip: Discover how pilots manage each phase of flight on our flight guide.
Airport Hotels
Traveling can be a tiring affair, especially with early departures or late arrivals. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of hotels that offer not just convenience, but also comfort and luxury. These accommodations range from 5-star establishments to cozy guesthouses and even innovative capsule hotels situated within the airport premises. They are strategically located to minimize your commute time, and are equipped with top-notch amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. Whether you are a business traveler looking for high-end lounges with business facilities, a tourist seeking a comfortable place to rest, or someone in transit needing a quick nap, our selection of hotels caters to a wide range of needs. Some of these hotels also offer additional perks such as complimentary breakfasts, free WiFi, fitness centers, and even complimentary bike services for a more enjoyable stay. Let's explore the best hotel options with our comprehensive guide to Bangkok Airport Hotels.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, Bangkok Airport has plenty of options to choose from. In Concourse A, you can find the popular Thai restaurant Kinramen, which serves up delicious bowls of ramen and other Japanese-inspired dishes. For those in Concourse B, check out The Pizza Company for some tasty pizza or grab a quick bite at McDonald's. In Concourse C, there's a Starbucks for your caffeine fix and a Dairy Queen for a sweet treat.
If you're in the main terminal, there are even more options available. Head to the Food Hall for a variety of food stalls serving up Thai and international cuisine, or stop by Black Canyon Coffee for a cup of coffee and a pastry. For some shopping, there are plenty of stores to browse through, including duty-free shops, souvenir shops, and luxury brands like Gucci and Prada.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at BKK can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, browse the full directory here.
Passenger Services
BKK is one of the busiest airports in Thailand, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.
For those who need to stay connected, the airport provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminals. Passengers can easily connect to the airport's Wi-Fi network and stay connected with their loved ones or work while waiting for their flights.
If you lost an item during your travel, the airport has a Lost and Found service that can help you locate your lost belongings. The Lost and Found office is located in the Arrivals Hall of the Main Terminal.
For families traveling with children, the airport has designated children's play areas located throughout the terminals. These areas are equipped with toys, games, and other activities to keep children entertained while waiting for their flights.
The airport also offers special-needs services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. These services include wheelchair assistance, special seating arrangements, and other accommodations to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
For those who need to do some banking, the airport has several banks and ATMs located throughout the terminals. Passengers can easily withdraw cash or exchange currency at these locations.
In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located in the Arrivals Hall of the Main Terminal. The medical center is staffed with trained medical professionals who can provide medical assistance to passengers in need.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is essential to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. At BKK Airport, passengers can easily check their flight status through various methods.
One of the most common ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily locate their flight number and departure time on the display to stay informed about any changes.
Another convenient way to stay updated is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines offer their own app, which allows passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes directly on their mobile phone. Passengers can also opt to receive updates through other methods like text, email, and push notifications.
It is important to note that flight status can change quickly, so it is recommended to check frequently and stay informed. Passengers should also arrive at the airport early to allow for any unexpected delays or changes.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Find out the cost and eligibility of TSA PreCheck in our helpful guide.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is located about 30 kilometers east of downtown Bangkok, Thailand.
- Terminals: The airport features a Main Terminal and seven concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, Concourse F, and Concourse G. These are connected by a free shuttle bus service.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines include Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia X. For a complete list of airlines, visit the BKK Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 60 million passengers annually, averaging around 165,000 passengers per day.
- Daily Flights: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport sees around 1,000 flights daily.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from BKK are Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Seoul.
- Hub Status: BKK serves as a hub for Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile Airways, facilitating both domestic and international flights.
Airport History
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport, is one of the largest and busiest airports in Southeast Asia. The airport is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan Province, about 25 kilometers east of downtown Bangkok. It was officially opened on September 28, 2006, after six years of construction.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history in chronological order:
- 2006: Bangkok Airport officially opened to the public.
- 2008: The airport was closed for two days due to protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy.
- 2010: The airport was used as a hub for relief flights to Haiti after the earthquake.
- 2011: The airport was temporarily closed due to flooding in Bangkok.
- 2015: BKK was ranked the world's 17th busiest airport by passenger traffic.
- 2016: The airport opened a new terminal for low-cost carriers, Terminal 2.
- 2018: BKK Airport handled over 60 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Suvarnabhumi Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: BKK
- Airport Website
- Phone: +66 2 132 1888
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Suvarnabhumi Airport, 999 Moo 1 Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Q&A
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