Don Mueang International Airport
Bangkok, TH · about 24 km (15 mi) north of central Bangkok
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Bus BMTA bus · >=10 | >=40-45 | >=250 |
| A2 Bus BMTA bus · >=10 | >=40-45 | >=250 |
| A3 Bus BMTA bus · >=10 | >=40-45 | >=250 |
| A4 Bus BMTA bus · >=10 | >=40-45 | >=250 |
Insider notes
Discover Magic Food Park on the second floor of Terminal 2 for authentic meals under 80 baht, away from the pricier main concourse.
Don't exchange money on arrivals. Go to Terminal 1, 3rd floor or Terminal 2, 4th floor for better forex rates.
The free AOT shuttle at Terminal 1, first floor, Exit 6, is your budget-friendly ride to Suvarnabhumi.
Welcome
Welcome to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok's bustling hub for low-cost carriers. Often likened to a giant bus station with wings, DMK may not boast the most modern infrastructure but offers lucrative travel deals across Southeast Asia. Situated approximately 24 km north of Bangkok's city center, it's a haven for budget-savvy travelers seeking cost-saving hacks—from cheap local meals at Magic Food Park to budget transfers into the city.
At a glance
Handling over 41 million passengers annually, Don Mueang is a core base for low-cost airlines like Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. The airport includes two terminals; Terminal 1 caters to international flights with nine gates, while Terminal 2 serves domestic routes. Though compact and crowded, the airport's dense flow reveals its efficiency as a Southeast Asian travel node.
Terminals & layout
DMK's two-terminal layout is straightforward. Terminal 1 focuses on international services, while Terminal 2 handles domestic operations. The terminals are connected horizontally and vertically; elevators and walkways link the floors, allowing travelers to navigate between terminals and access lounges like Coral Executive Lounge and Miracle Lounge. A pedestrian bridge connects Terminal 1 to the Amari Don Mueang Airport Bangkok, a quieter alternative away from the terminal's hustle.
Getting to and from the city
DMK offers multiple transport options to central Bangkok. Use the SRT Red Line or State Railway of Thailand from Don Mueang Station for around 45 minutes journey times. The Airport Shuttle Bus covers the journey in about 30-40 minutes. For direct access, Grab rideshare and Taxi-Meter services are available from Terminal 1's first floor near Exit 8, although queues can be long during peak hours.
Traveller essentials
Currency exchanges are more favorable on the third floor of Terminal 1 and fourth floor of Terminal 2. For unforeseen medical needs, the AOT Airport Clinic by Samitivej Hospital on Terminal 2’s third floor is highly recommended. Travellers transferring between Bangkok’s airports can use the free AOT shuttle bus, available at Terminal 1’s first floor near Exit 6.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining at DMK caters to all budgets. Magic Food Park in Terminal 2 offers local Thai dishes for just 50–80 baht. More conventional fare includes McDonald's and KFC in Terminal 2 and Burger King in Terminal 1. For shopping, King Power Duty Free, 7-Eleven, and FamilyMart provide essentials across both terminals.
Lounges
For a bit of comfort, DMK hosts several lounges such as the Coral Executive Lounge in both terminals and the Miracle Lounge. Frequent flyers will appreciate the quiet refuge at the Amari hotel’s facilities, accessible via a pedestrian bridge from Terminal 1.
Insider tips
- Insider: Discover Magic Food Park on the second floor of Terminal 2 for authentic meals under 80 baht, away from the pricier main concourse.
- Avoid: Don't exchange money on arrivals. Go to Terminal 1, 3rd floor or Terminal 2, 4th floor for better forex rates.
- Local: The free AOT shuttle at Terminal 1, first floor, Exit 6, is your budget-friendly ride to Suvarnabhumi.
- Quiet: To escape DMK's chaos, head to the Amari hotel linked to Terminal 1 via a pedestrian bridge.
- Time: Ensure you arrive 2-3 hours early, especially during morning peaks for Nok Air or AirAsia flights.
- Money: Meter taxis at Terminal 1, Exit 8 offer official rates; avoid unregulated touts.
- Quiet: Find some relief using the upper-level walkways, which bypass many crowded ground-level areas.