Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) โ Taxi Fare Guide
Use the official Public Taxi service on Level 1 (one floor below Arrivals). Take a queue ticket from the machine, then go to the assigned bay; the ticket shows your taxi's plate. Ignore drivers touting inside the Arrivals hall on Level 2, who quote inflated flat prices.
There is no official flat fare: Bangkok airport taxis run on the meter, which starts at 35 THB for the first kilometre and rises about 6.5 THB per km thereafter, plus a small waiting charge in slow traffic. On top of the meter you pay a mandatory 50 THB airport surcharge and any expressway tolls, which the passenger covers in cash during the trip.
Expressway tolls to central areas (Silom, Sukhumvit, Riverside) usually involve two gates totalling about 25 + 45 THB. All in, expect roughly 350-500 THB to the centre in normal daytime traffic, and 400-600 THB at peak times or late at night. The metered fare itself is often only 250-350 THB; the rest is surcharge and tolls.
Grab (the main ride-hailing app) and Bolt operate at Suvarnabhumi with pick-up at designated points; prices are comparable and avoid meter disputes. The Airport Rail Link to the city (about 35-45 THB, roughly 30 minutes) is far cheaper if you travel light.
| Destination | Approx. fare (meter + 50 THB + tolls) | Time |
| Sukhumvit (Asok/Nana) | 350-450 THB | 40-55 min |
| Silom / Sathorn | 400-500 THB | 45-60 min |
| Riverside / Khao San | 450-550 THB | 50-70 min |
| Central at peak / late night | 500-600 THB | 50-70 min |
Practical tips: Insist the meter is switched on, keep cash for the 50 THB surcharge and tolls, and use only the Level 1 public taxi queue. Grab avoids haggling. Fares are approximate and heavily affected by Bangkok traffic.
Other ways to the city
Suvarnabhumi has one of Asia's most useful airport rail links, plus cheap public buses, so a taxi is optional if you are travelling light.
- Airport Rail Link (ARL) - from Basement Level B1 to Phaya Thai in about 26 minutes for 15-45 THB. Connects to the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai and the MRT subway at Makkasan/Phetchaburi. Runs roughly 06:00-24:00 and is the fastest option in traffic.
- Public buses - services from the Public Transport Centre (free shuttle from the terminal) reach Victory Monument, Khao San and Ekkamai for 30-60 THB, taking 60-90 minutes.
- Airport limousine / private transfer - counters on Level 2 arrivals offer fixed-price sedans and vans at roughly 1,000-1,500 THB, useful for families with luggage.
- Bus to Pattaya - Roong Reuang Coach departs from Level 1 Gate 8 for around 130 THB, taking about 2 hours.
Bangkok โ Highlights in photos
Fares are researched from official and public sources and are approximate โ always confirm the meter or fixed fare before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok cost?
Does Uber or Grab work at Bangkok Airport?
How long does the drive to the city centre take?
Are Bangkok airport taxis safe and do drivers speak English?
Explore Bangkok
Things to do, museums and signature experiences โ the full city guide.
City guide โ