Getting from Don Muang airport to downtown Bangkok

[macaroni21]

I had an unusual itinerary where I flew Air Asia to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur. Air Asia uses Don Muang airport. I seldom have reason to go through Don Muang - must have been at least 10 - 12 years since I last did, coming in from Chiang Mai. At that time, there was no easy rail connection to get downtown from Don Muang. But now there is the Red Line connecting the airport to the spanking new Krungthep Apiwat central rail hub.

I made a careful note of how I got from Don Muang to Sukhumvit-Asok (where my hotel was) by rail. Possibly this may be useful information for others. It took me 1 hr 15 minutes between exiting the Customs gate after landing and reaching Sukhumvit MRT station (Blue line).

The same blue MRT line continues to Silom and Samyan MRT station. Just add a few minutes more.

The first step is to get from the International terminal of Don Muang airport to Don Muang train station (run by the State Railway of Thailand SRT). It's a bit of a walk (15 minutes), but nearly all in airconditioned comfort. I had to go southwards from Terminal 1 (International) via the full length of Terminal 2 (domestic)  till I reached the south end of Terminal 2. Then there is a bridge over the highway; the bridge connects to Don Muang train station.

For an overview, here is a sketch map:

 

First, walk to the south end of Terminal 1. There, near a money changer and a 7-eleven store, you'll see a sign saying "SRT Red Line".

 

The route takes you past nice toilets. A good spot to get a leak before the long trip downtown. Every now and then, there's a sign, assuring you that you're going in the right direction.

 

Then you enter Terminal 2

Keep walking, Look carefully, and there are signs indicating "Red Line".

Finally, at the southernmost end of Terminal 2, it said to go up an escalator.

At the top of the escalator, more convenience. There's a Magic Food Court.

Finally, you turn right and get to a pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway. In fact, you can already see the elevated train station at the upper right corner of the window.

At Don Muang train station, tickets to Krungthep Apiwat station (20 baht) can be bought either from machines or a manned counter. I had to struggle a bit with the machines. They just wouldn't accept my 20-baht notes (tried several times). I had to insert a 100-baht note, but then it gave me eight 10-baht coins in change.

This is the platform level of Don Muang train station. Take care that you're on the right platform for the train going to Krungthep Apiwat. The station is not the final stop for the trains; they run north to Rangsit as well as south to Krungthep Apiwat and beyond. Take the south-bound.

Inside of a carriage. Lots of room for luggage. I don't know if it can get crowded at other times, though. There seems to be a train every 15 minutes or so.

On reaching Krungthep Apiwat after only 15-16 minutes, you can't miss the signs for the MRT blue line.

You will need to exit the SRT fare gate, go through an underground tunnel to get to Bang Sue MRT station. Including buying an MRT ticket at Bang Sue, it took me about 8 minutes' walking. (the fare to Sukhumvit station was 41 baht). Then take care again to board at the correct platform.  That they have mounted a big sign suggests that many people make mistakes.

 

The blue line took 23 minutes to get from Bang Sue to Sukhumvit station. Total time = 1 hour, 15 minutes. Total cost = 20 baht + 41 baht = 61 baht. Precisely because my hotel was in the Sukhumvit area, notorious for choked traffic, I was glad I didn't have to rely on taxis. Taxis might also have cost me 7 - 8 times more, and I don't know how much in tolls might be involved.

 

 

Hmmm... two pictures seem to be repeated at the bottom of the post.  don't know how to remove them without screwing up everything else. Please ignore. the last two pics.

[khaolakguy]

What a brilliantly detailed report!

[Keithambrose]

3 minutes ago, khaolakguy said:

What a brilliantly detailed report!

Indeed, really great! 

[Foolish]

I really appreciate all your detailed reports and guides. They are really useful 😊