Landed in Bangkok – What’s Next? A Step-by-Step Arrival Guide

Touching down at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the start of an exciting adventure, but navigating one of Southeast Asia’s busiest hubs can feel overwhelming after a long flight.

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through every step from the moment you leave the plane to the moment you’re on your way to the city center.

Step 1: Arrival & Immigration

Location: Level 2

Once you step off the plane, follow the signs for “Immigration” or “Passport Control.” Depending on your arrival gate, this can be a short walk or a trek of up to 10-15 minutes.

When you reach the immigration hall, have your documents ready in your hand. This is the crucial moment to present your TDAC QR Code.

What you need to present to the officer:

• Your Passport (Must be valid for at least 6 months).
• Your TDAC QR Code: Have this ready on your phone (it’s best to save a screenshot in your photo gallery just in case the airport Wi-Fi is spotty).
• Boarding Pass: Keep it handy, as officers often ask to see it.

Tip: The lines can be long. If you are traveling with children or require special assistance, look for the “Priority Lane.”

Step 2: Baggage Claim & SIM Cards

Location: Level 2 (Luggage Hall)

After stamping your passport, you will proceed immediately into the Baggage Claim Hall. Check the monitors to find your flight’s carousel number.

Get Connected Immediately While waiting for your bags, this is the perfect time to sort out your internet connection. You don’t need to wait until you leave the secure area.

• SIM/eSIM Booths: You will see kiosks for major Thai providers (AIS, TrueMove H, DTAC) right here in the luggage hall.
• Price: Tourist packages are competitively priced. You can buy a physical SIM or, even better, activate an eSIM instantly if your phone supports it.
• Money: There are ATMs and Currency Exchange booths in this area if you need Thai Baht (THB) to pay for your SIM or later for a taxi.

Step 3: Customs & The Arrivals Hall

Location: Level 2 (Public Area)

Once you have your bags, head through the Customs channel.

• Green Channel: Nothing to declare.
• Red Channel: Goods to declare.

You will now emerge into the Arrivals Hall on Level 2. This is the main meeting point. If you have arranged a private driver or hotel pickup, look for your name on the placards here (usually near Gate 3 or 4).

Step 4: Choose Your Transport to the City

Now, you need to decide how to get to your hotel. You have two main options depending on your budget and destination.

Option A: Public Taxi (Comfort & Convenience)

Go to: Level 1

If you want a car directly to your hotel, do not take the expensive “limousines” offered by touters on Level 2. Instead, take the escalator or elevator down one floor to Level 1.

• Look for the “Public Taxi” signs outside.
• Walk to the automated kiosks.
• Push the button to get a ticket. The ticket will tell you which lane number your driver is parked in.
• Important:
  • Meter Rule: strictly politely insist that the driver uses the meter (“Meter, please”).
  • Surcharges: Be aware there is a standard airport surcharge of 50 THB added on top of the meter fare. You will also need to pay for any highway tolls (usually 25–75 THB) yourself.

Option B: Airport Rail Link (Speed & Budget)

Go to: Floor B (Basement)

If you want to skip Bangkok’s famous traffic jams and head straight to the city center, the train is your best bet.

• Take the elevator or escalator all the way down to Floor B.
• Follow signs for the Airport Rail Link (ARL).
• Buy a token at the machine or counter.
  • Phaya Thai Station: The last stop. Connects to the BTS Skytrain (Green Line). Great for getting to Siam, Sukhumvit, or Silom.
  • Makkasan Station: Connects to the MRT Subway (Blue Line). Great for getting to Asoke or Rama 9.
• Cost: roughly 35–45 THB per person.
• Time: Takes about 30 minutes to reach the city.

Summary Checklist for a Smooth Arrival:

1. [ ] Pre-flight: Ensure you have your TDAC QR Code saved.
2. [ ] Immigration: Present Passport + TDAC QR.
3. [ ] Luggage Hall: Pick up bags & buy an eSIM.
4. [ ] Transport: Go to Level 1 for Taxis or Floor B for the Train.

Welcome to Thailand! Enjoy your stay.