Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) (pronounced su-wan-na-poom), or Bangkok International, is located in Racha Thewa, Thailand, approximately 16 miles (26km) east of downtown Bangkok. It is the country’s busiest airport, and the third busiest in Asia, with almost 43 million passengers in 2010.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, meaning “Golden Land” in Sanskrit, features the tallest control tower in the world and the world’s largest single-building passenger terminal. Travellers can expect everything that most international airports offer - an extensive array of shopping and dining, facilities and services. Constructed almost entirely of glass, the interior of the terminal is well lit and airy. Moreover, numerous traditional artworks and fabrics draped from the walls and ceilings are a wonderful introduction to Thai culture.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is clean, modern and well maintained and, like all Thai citizens, staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Expect nothing less than a world-class experience when visiting Thailand’s primary aerial gateway.
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Arrivals and departures are in one building and all gates are accessed by foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the distance from one end of the terminal to the other is rather long.
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Train: Trains run from a station directly beneath the terminal to the city centre every 20-60 minutes. The SA City line, which makes several stops, costs THB 15-45 (between £0.30 and £1) and takes about 30 minutes. The SA Express Line, by contrast, runs nonstop and takes about 15 minutes to the city; fare is THB 90 (nearly £2).
Taxi: Metered taxis are available outside Arrivals. Fares are charged according to the distance travelled and there is an additional surcharge of THB 50 (£1), as well as possible expressway tolls of THB 25 and THB 45, depending on the time of day. The total fare to the city centre can amount to THB 250-400 (between £5 and £8) and take 45-60 minutes. Limousine taxis are also available, however rates may be twice as expensive as metered taxis.
Bus: Both public and private buses run from the airport to various parts of Bangkok. Fare is THB 32-50 (up to £1), depending on your destination.
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Short-term car parks 1-4 surround the terminal, while long-term lots are situated adjacent to the Public Transport Centre. Prices for short-term lots are 25 THB (about £0.50) for the first hour, THB 50 (approximately £1) for two hours, THB 80 (£1.70) for three hours, THB 100 (£2) for four hours, THB 145 (£3) for five hours, THB 180 (£3.70) for six hours and THB 250 (£5.20) for the day. Long-term parking rates are THB 20 (£0.40) per hour up to seven hours, with a maximum daily rate of THB 140 (nearly £3). A free shuttle bus offers transport between the long-term lots and the main terminal.
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Money and communications: ATMs, currency exchange and post office.
Luggage: There are left-luggage and lost-and-found facilities.
Conference and business: A business centre offers Internet access, copying and fax facilities. A meeting room is also available for rent.
Other facilities: State-of-the-art video and visual entertainment rooms, shower rooms, prayer rooms, smoking rooms, deluxe seating areas and a medical centre.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Some areas, specifically the concourses, offer free Wi-Fi access.
Shopping: More than 270 shops are located on levels 2, 3 and 4. Products range from designer clothing, fragrances, fabrics and gemstones to electronics, books and toys. Reputable stores include OTOP, Sai Yai Rak, King Power, the ME Shop, Imagine, Bracken, Crossing Continent, Eye for Time and Once Upon a Time. There are also some duty-free stores. However, note that prices are not as cheap as you’d expect. Go to a market in downtown Bangkok if you’re hunting for bargains.
Food and drink: Fifty restaurants, cafes and bars are scattered throughout levels 1, 2, 3 and 6. Menus range from local and traditional cuisine to international dishes and fast foods. Popular venues include Kinramen, Asian Corner, Mango Tree, Volare, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Chow and Haru, Pitcher and Plane, Reef Bar, Glass Bar, Doi Tung Coffee, The Cream and Fudge Factory, Bakery Chic and Cafe de Suvarnabhumi, to name a few.
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