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Bangkok Airport Transit Guide: Connecting Flights at BKK and DMK
Landing in Bangkok is often just the first step on your Thailand journey. Whether you are transferring to a paradise island like Phuket or Koh Samui, or catching an international connection to another country, navigating Bangkok’s two major airports—Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK)—requires a solid plan.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for all scenarios, crucial minimum connection times, and details on using the TDAC for seamless travel.
Part 1: Connecting Flights at Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
BKK is the main hub, handling the vast majority of international and domestic connections, particularly for full-service carriers like Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and other major global airlines.
International to Domestic Transfer (Single Ticket)
If your flights are on a single ticket (or with partner airlines under a transfer agreement) and your baggage is checked through to your final destination (e.g., Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket), you qualify for the CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) process.
Transfer Process (CIQ Route):
- Follow Signs: Upon disembarking, follow signs for “Transfer/Connecting Flights” or “C.I.Q. Passengers” (for your final domestic city).
- Transfer Desk: Go to the airline’s dedicated transfer desk (often near Concourse C on the 2nd Floor). Staff will verify your boarding pass and apply a transfer sticker to your shirt/documents.
- Immigration: Use the dedicated Immigration counters within the transfer area. This is usually much faster than the main arrival hall. This is where your passport will be stamped and your TDAC will be officially recorded.
- Security/Domestic Gates: Proceed through security to the domestic departure area and find your gate.
- Baggage/Customs: You only collect your checked baggage and clear Customs at your final domestic destination (e.g., Phuket Airport).
International to Domestic Transfer (Separate Tickets)
If you booked two separate tickets (e.g., United Airlines to BKK, then Thai Lion Air to Chiang Mai), you must treat BKK as your final destination.
Transfer Process (Standard Route):
- Immigration: Proceed through the main Immigration Hall on the 2nd Floor. This is where your passport is stamped and your TDAC is recorded.
- Baggage Claim: Collect your luggage.
- Customs: Clear Customs.
- Exit & Re-Check-in: Take the elevator or escalator up to the Departure Hall (4th Floor).
- Check-in: Go to the counter of your domestic airline, check in your baggage, and go through the main Domestic Security Checkpoint.
Minimum Connection Time (MCT) at BKK
| Connection Type | Recommended Time | Absolute Minimum |
| International $\rightarrow$ Domestic (Single Ticket/CIQ) | 2 Hours | 75 Minutes |
| International $\rightarrow$ Domestic (Separate Tickets) | 3.5 Hours | 2.5 Hours |
| International $\rightarrow$ International (Any) | 1.5 Hours | 55 Minutes |
Pro Tip: BKK is vast. Allow an extra 15-20 minutes for walking, especially if arriving at the new Satellite Terminal (SAT-1), which requires a train ride to the main terminal.
Part 2: Transferring Between BKK and DMK
Transferring between Bangkok’s two airports is common, particularly when moving between low-cost carriers (DMK) and full-service carriers (BKK).
| Option | Cost | Duration (Excluding Traffic) | Eligibility |
| Airport Shuttle Bus (AOT) | FREE | 60 – 90 Minutes | Must show a confirmed air ticket for a flight departing from the other airport (BKK or DMK) on the same or next day. |
| Taxi | ~500-600 THB | 40 – 70 Minutes | Fastest and most convenient; includes meter fare, 50 THB airport surcharge, and tolls (approx. 75 THB). |
Shuttle Bus Process
The free AOT Shuttle Bus is the most cost-effective method, but it is heavily affected by Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
- From BKK to DMK: Bus departs from the Arrivals Level (2nd Floor), near Gate 3.
- From DMK to BKK: Bus departs from Terminal 1 (1st Floor), near Gate 6.
Critical Note: Allow a minimum of 3 hours for the transfer between BKK and DMK, and up to 4 hours if traveling during peak Bangkok rush hour (07:00-09:00 and 16:00-19:00).
Part 3: Connecting Flights at Don Mueang (DMK)
DMK is mainly utilized by low-cost regional airlines like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air. Connections here are generally simpler, but less integrated.
DMK Transit Procedure
DMK is less geared toward single-ticket international transfers than BKK.
- International to Domestic: If you are connecting from an international flight (e.g., from Kuala Lumpur) to a domestic flight (e.g., to Hat Yai) at DMK, you will typically clear Immigration, collect your baggage, exit the terminal, and proceed to the domestic check-in area.
- Recommendation: Always assume you need to perform the standard Immigration/Baggage Claim/Re-Check-in procedure at DMK unless your airline explicitly confirms the CIQ transfer option.
Minimum Connection Time (MCT) at DMK
Due to the general lack of seamless CIQ service for separate tickets, be generous with your time.
- International > Domestic (Separate Tickets): 3 Hours
TDAC Quick Tip
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is your official entry document. Whether you are using the CIQ route at BKK or going through the main Immigration hall at DMK, the process remains the same:
- Immigration First: You must complete the Immigration process and have your passport stamped before proceeding to the domestic sector, even if your luggage is checked through.
- TDAC Validation: The Immigration Officer will digitally validate your TDAC submission and stamp your passport, officially recording your entry into Thailand.
Ensure you have your passport, boarding pass for your onward flight, and a quick reference to your TDAC submission handy to make the transfer process as smooth as possible.
