The path to many cities in Southeast Asiafrom Russia today lies through Bangkok. There are two airports in the capital of Thailand – Don Mueang, which specializes in domestic flights, and Suvarnabhumi for international flights. Your stop will be at the latter. To start your journey, you will need to buy tickets to Bangkok on Kupi.com or book tickets to Bangkok on Kupi.com, but first, it's worth understanding how the transfer will happen and what you can do at the airport while waiting for your next flight. Let's tell you!

How to plan your flight

When planning a layover, it's important to consider its duration. If you have less than 4-5 hours, we recommend staying in the sterile zone of the airport. Passing through passport control, collecting luggage (if flights are purchased separately), and traveling to the city can take considerable time. Be sure to check if your flight is booked on a single ticket – in this case, your luggage will most likely go directly to the final destination, and you will receive boarding passes for both legs of the journey at the departure airport.

Types of layovers

In Bangkok, layovers are divided into two types:

1. Intra-terminal: you remain in the transit zone without crossing the border of Thailand. This is convenient for short connections.

2. With city exit: if you have a long layover (8 hours or more), you can pass through passport control and go for a walk around Bangkok.

What documents are needed to exit the airport into the city

For citizens of the Russian Federation, Thailand is visa-free (for tourist visits up to 60 days). If you decide to leave the airport, you will need the following documents:

• Valid international passport (valid for at least 6 months).

• Completed digital arrival card TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card), which must now be completed online before arrival.

• Boarding pass for the next flight.

How to get from Bangkok airport to the city center

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. You have several ways to get to the main attractions.

Metro

The fastest and most reliable way is the Airport Rail Link (ARL). The station is located on the lower level of the airport (floor B). Trains run every 10-15 minutes. You will reach Phaya Thai station (the terminal stop), where you can transfer to the BTS Skytrain to get to shopping malls or the waterfront. Trains operate from 05:30 to 00:00, the fare is 15-45 baht, and the journey time to the terminal is about 30 minutes.

Buses

If your destination is the Khao San Road area, the S1 express bus is suitable for you. It departs from exits 7 and 8 on the first floor of the terminal. This is a budget option (60 baht), but be aware of possible traffic jams. The bus runs from 6:00 to 20:00. 

If you need to change airports after arriving at Suvarnabhumi, then route 554 is suitable: the fare is 35 baht, and the bus operates from 5:00 to 21:45. Ticket prices may vary depending on the carrier and season.

There are also buses that connect the airport with the resort of Pattaya: Roong Reuang Coach and Bor Khor Sor. The fare will cost from 140 baht. 

Taxi

Official Public Taxi counters are located on the first floor. You need to take a ticket from the machine, which will indicate your car's parking spot number. The fare is calculated by meter (Taxi-meter) plus an airport surcharge and highway tolls (paid roads).

Car rental

International car rental company counters are located on the second floor (arrivals hall). This option is good if you plan to travel outside Bangkok, but for a short layover in the city itself, car rental might be inconvenient due to complex traffic.

What to do during a layover at the airport

If you decide not to leave the airport, Suvarnabhumi offers a wealth of opportunities.

Dining

The airport has a huge number of cafes and restaurants – from chain fast food to establishments with exquisite Thai cuisine. Familiar names like McDonald's, Starbucks, KFC, and Burger King are present, and in addition, there are many local chain establishments offering authentic Thai food. If you are looking for the most budget-friendly option, check out the food court Magic Food Point on the first floor, where airport staff usually dine.

Shopping

If you have time and desire, you can entertain yourself with shopping. Suvarnabhumi Airport features both luxury brands like Versace and Rolex, and chain convenience stores that you'll get used to during your stay in Thailand, such as 7-Eleven, as well as useful internet providers like Bangkok Samurai and WIFI by 4G Pocket WIFI.

Rest

For comfortable waiting, you can use business lounges, where food, drinks, and showers are available for a fixed fee. Airlines such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, AirFrance, China Airlines, and local Thai carriers have their own lounges.

The terminal also has areas with comfortable sleeping chairs and even small capsule hotels (for example, Avagard or Boxtel), where you can sleep for a few hours in peace. And if the former resembles a standard hotel (wood finish, calm color palette, soft lighting), the latter looks like a spaceship interior from "The Fifth Element" or a similar movie. Futuristic and in glowing neon. By the way, both offer their guests free Wi-Fi access.

Overnight layover in Bangkok

At night, public transport to the city runs less frequently (the metro closes at midnight). If your layover is overnight, it's best to book a hotel near the airport with a free shuttle in advance or use a capsule hotel directly inside the terminal. If you're full of energy, nighttime Bangkok will offer you vibrant night markets and rooftop bars that operate until late in the evening.