Suvarnabhumi Airport has one main terminal for check-in and all checkpoints. This is good news - you don't have to deal with transfers between buildings like at other Asian airports.

The international section is on the right side of the terminal, the domestic section on the left. The two are interconnected.

• Arrivals.
• Departures: 4th floor
• Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Satellite building

The satellite terminal is located in the middle of the airport area with some departure gates. You can get there by free automatic train in about 3 minutes.

You don't have to deal with anything extra - it's all within one system and all after the security check, which takes place in the main terminal.

Transfer between flights in Bangkok

The most important question when transferring is not "where is the gate", but: "How much time should I allow?"

Below you will find realistic scenarios according to the type of transfer.

Hotels near Bangkok BKK Airport

International <-> International

A very simple and straightforward option.

If you have flights on one ticket:

• you stay in the transit zone - you do not go through immigration control and therefore do not need to fill out an arrival card for Thailand
• you go through security - clearly marked and for transit passengers only
• luggage is automatically transferred

Realistic minimum transfer times in our experience:

• 35 minutes - moving between gates in the main or satellite terminal
• 45 minutes - transfer between main and satellite terminal
• 60 minute transfer can be managed (at security tell them you have a "tight transfer" and you may be sent to the priority line)

If you have two separate reservations:

• you usually have to go through standard immigration, come out and through main security to the domestic section
• direct transfer through the transit zone may not work even if you only have carry-on luggage and online check-in for the next flight

Are you continuing on your journey?

On our website, you'll find detailed guides on how airport transportation works as well as what to deal with immediately upon arrival at other destinations:

The most common onward connections from Bangkok:

• 👉 Transport from Manila Airport to downtown
• 👉 Kuala Lumpur - top places to see
• 👉 Hong Kong - visas and differences from mainland China

If you're changing countries, it pays to have mobile data ready before you land:

Get an international eSIM before you fly

International -> Domestic

If you continue on through Thailand after arriving in Bangkok, you will go through immigration but still remain within one terminal.

If you have both flights on one booking:

• you stay in the transit zone - you go through immigration control for transfer passengers.
  • queues at immigration can be anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes
• you go through security - clearly marked and designated for transit passengers only
  • good organisation, queues usually up to 15 minutes
• luggage is automatically transferred - this is unusual compared to other transfers of this type in the world

Realistic minimum transfer times in our experience:

• 60 minutes - moving between gates in the main terminal
• 75 minutes - transfer between satellite and main terminal
• 90-minute transfer can be managed without problems

If you have two separate reservations:

• you usually have to go through standard immigration, come out and through the main security checkpoint to the domestic section
• direct transfer through the transit zone may not work even if you only have carry-on luggage and online check-in for the next flight

Are you continuing on your journey in Thailand?

We have separate guides for the most common continuations from Bangkok, including airport transfers and accommodation tips:

• 👉 Phuket - airport transport at a glance
• 👉 Koh Samui - the best activities to do
• 👉 Krabi - the most beautiful beaches and islands
• 🛂 How to fill out a Thai arrival card

If you are planning to continue around Thailand by train or bus, connections can be easily booked online:

Bus, ferry, train tickets - 12go.asia

Domestic -> International

When you arrive from another Thai city, you have to go through security and passport control.

Sometimes your luggage is automatically transferred, sometimes not - always check this when you first check in.

Real time in my experience:

• 35-80 minutes, depending on how busy immigration control is.

If you are flying to Europe or Asia in the evening rush hour, allow for a longer margin.

Domestic <-> Domestic

Fastest scenario.

If you are transferring between two domestic flights within Thailand, you do not need to leave the transit area.

There is also no security check and your luggage will be transferred automatically.

Usually this type of transfer will take 15-20 minutes depending on the distance from the departure gate.

Transfer to Don Mueang Airport

If you're combining flights between Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK and Don Mueang International Airport DMK, you'll have to transfer across town.

• A free shuttle bus runs from 5:00am to midnight.
• The journey takes 80-100 minutes depending on traffic.

When combining separate tickets, we recommend a minimum 6-hour reserve.

Is it worth visiting the city during the transfer?

If you have at least 8 hours between flights, a short visit to Bangkok may make sense.

Realistically, though, do the math:

• 1 hour drive to downtown
• 1 hour return
• return to the airport 2 hours before departure

Of the 8 hours, you will have approximately 3-4 hours of net time left.

Detailed instructions can be found in a separate article 👉 Itinerary for visiting Bangkok during your layover.

If you plan to use maps, book Grab or deal with transportation during your layover, you can't do without data.

Get a Thai eSIM before you arrive