How to Get from DMK to Bangkok City Center (Without Going Insane)
If you’re hopscotching around Southeast Asia on your way to reaching Bangkok, most likely you will fly into DMK, Bangkok’s smaller (and older) airport that mostly services the region’s legion low-cost carriers, like AirAsia, Viet Jet, Scoot, etc.
After the hellacious scramble that is navigating low-cost carriers in Asia, there’s one last hurdle standing in your way: namely, getting from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to central Bangkok.
While DMK is technically closer to the city than Suvarnabhumi, the downside is there’s no high-speed direct airport train like BKK has in the Airport Link.
That means you’re looking at a different set of options when you’re flying into DMK: you’ll be more reliant on transfers and ride-hailing if budget isn’t an issue, and buses and the BTS/MRT if you’re trying to save money.
So if it’s your first time flying into DMK, don’t worry — I’ve done it many, many times and I’m here to demystisfy it for you. Here’s how to get from DMK Airport to Bangkok city center a variety of ways.
Option 1: Private Transfer – The Zero-Stress Choice
- Cost: 875 baht and up (~$27 USD for parties of 1-2, and more for larger groups)
- Best for: Those who are intimidated by arriving in a new country, late-night arrivals, those with lots of luggage, and families
- Book online here
The easiest way to handle the DMK to city center hassle is by pre-booking an airport transfer at least a day in advance This way, your driver will meet you at arrivals with a sign so you can get a hand with your bags and they’ll bring you straight to your hotel.
Most of the time, hotels offer this service, but it’s usually marked up compared to the price you’d get booking online through a service like GetYourGuide (my personal favorite for airport transfers).
Especially you’re arriving after 11 PM when the bus and BTS are no longer options, or if you have a ton of luggage, this is worth every baht.
I am a big fan of paying a little extra on the first day of a trip so I can mentally recover from the transit and zone out while someone else deals with getting me from point A to point B, so I can hit the ground running refreshed and recovered once I arrive.
Option 2: Grab or Bolt – The Local Favorite
- Cost: 300–500 baht (plus tolls if you use expressways)
- Travel time: 35–60 minutes depending on traffic
- Best for: Those already familiar with these apps, people who want convenience without the price of a private transfer and don’t mind downloading a new app
Grab (SEA’s Uber) and Bolt are both available at DMK for those who want to the convenience of a private transfer without paying the marked up price of having someone waiting at the airport for you.
When deciding to use Grab, the main hassle is finding the designated pickup zones. At DMK airport, this is Terminal 2 (Domestic Arrival), Exit 14.
The good thing: You see the price up front, avoid taxi scams, and can pay by card. The bad thing: Bangkok traffic is a roll of the dice, and toll fees aren’t always included.
Pro tip: If you want to skip tolls to save money, select the “no tolls” option in the app—but expect a slower ride.
Option 3: BTS/MRT + Bus– The Hybrid Budget Move
- Cost: 30 baht for bus plus BTS/MRT fare (approximately 50 baht)
- Travel time: 60-90 minutes
- Best for: Daytime arrivals, light packers, and anyone staying near a BTS or MRT line.
Don Mueang doesn’t have an Airport Link train like BKK airport does, but you can connect to Bangkok’s BTS/MRT network via the airport buses. The airport buses depart from the Service Hall in the International Terminal (Terminal 1), near parking lots 1 and 2. Look for signage for buses.
Take the A1 bus to Mo Chit BTS (which is near Chatuchak Market) or MRT Chatuchak or the A2 bus to BTS Saphan Khwai, Ari, or Sanam Pao, with a terminus at Victory Monument, which is another big transit hub. These buses cost
Once you’re at either of those BTS or MRT stations, simply use Google Maps from there to orient yourself to your final destination. Google Maps will helpfully tell you which exit to take, so be sure to note that as it will make sure you exit on the right side of the street and orient yourself in the right direction!
This is the cheapest option if your luggage is minimal and you’re cool with hauling bags onto public buses. It’s also a great way to avoid Bangkok traffic, as you’re only on the road until you get to a nearby BTS or MRT.
Option 4: Public Bus – The Backpacker’s Choice
- Cost: 50 baht
- Travel time: 60-90+ minutes
- Best for: Backpackers heading to budget areas like Khao San Road
DMK has a number of buses, most of which run to MRT and BTS stations. But if you are staying in the general backpacker area of the city, Khao San Road, you can just hop directly on the A4 bus which will bring you right into the heart of the chaos.
Travel time varies wildly (60–90 minutes) depending on traffic, especially because this particular area of the city can get incredibly congested with car and bus traffic.
However, if you’re patient and determined to save money, this will get you there for about the cost of a 7/11 toastie and soda.
Option 5: Regular Taxi – For the Brave
Cost: Meter fare plus tolls — if you can negotiate — expect ~300-600 baht.
Best for: Travelers with some Thai skills or those who don’t mind the occasional haggle.
There’s an official taxi stand at DMK, but like anywhere in the city, some drivers will claim the “meter is broken” or quote flat rates. Always insist on the meter (though that can be risky in the rare cased of a rigged meter) or confirm a flat-rate price you’re OK with before getting in.
Personally, I prefer Grab or Bolt, as it avoids surprises, but taxis are there if you need them such as if you can’t get an internet connection, no Grabs or Bolts are available, etc.
Bottom Line: DMK is smaller and closer to central Bangkok than Suvarnabhumi (BKK), but without a direct airport train, you’ll be more at the mercy of Bangkok’s merciless traffic.
For the most seamless experience, book a transfer. For a budget win, bus + BTS is your friend.
