Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Nonthaburi is by taking the Airport Rail Link (ARL) to Phaya Thai or Makkasan, then transferring to the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway towards Bang Sue, and finally connecting to the SRT Dark Red Line which serves Nonthaburi. This combination is fast (60-90 minutes), affordable (100-150 THB), and avoids road traffic. The cheapest way is by public bus (under 100 THB), while the most convenient for groups/late arrivals is a taxi or pre-booked private transfer (500-1200 THB).
By Train & Rail Link (ARL + BTS/MRT + SRT) – The Recommended Route
This is the most efficient and reliable method, combining Bangkok's modern rail systems. It's immune to traffic jams and is highly recommended for solo travelers and couples during daytime hours.
Core Route: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) → Airport Rail Link (ARL) → Transfer to City Rail (BTS/MRT) → Transfer to SRT Dark Red Line → Nonthaburi Stations.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport Rail Link (ARL): From the airport basement (B Level), buy a ticket to either Makkasan (City Air Terminal) or Phaya Thai.
- To Makkasan: 17 mins, 35 THB. Connects to the MRT Blue Line at Phetchaburi Station via a covered walkway.
- To Phaya Thai: 22 mins, 45 THB. Connects directly to the BTS Sukhumvit Line.
- City Rail Transfer:
- From Makkasan (MRT Phetchaburi): Take the MRT Blue Line north to Bang Sue Station (Journey: ~25 mins, ~30 THB).
- From Phaya Thai (BTS): Take the BTS Sukhumvit Line north to Mo Chit Station, then walk to Chatuchak Park MRT and take the MRT one stop north to Bang Sue (Journey: ~30 mins, ~44 THB).
- SRT Dark Red Line to Nonthaburi: At Bang Sue Grand Station, follow signs to the SRT Dark Red Line platform. Take a northbound train towards Rangsit. Key Nonthaburi stations include:
- Bang Son
- Wong Sawang
- Tao Poon (interchange with MRT Purple Line)
Key Considerations:
- Luggage: Manageable but can be cumbersome during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). ARL cars have dedicated luggage areas.
- Operating Hours: ARL: 5:30 AM – Midnight. BTS/MRT: ~6:00 AM – Midnight. SRT Dark Red Line: ~5:00 AM – Midnight. Plan your arrival accordingly.
- Tickets: You need to buy separate tickets for each system (ARL, BTS/MRT, SRT). Stored value cards (Rabbit Card for BTS, MRT Card) are not interchangeable.
By Public Bus – The Most Budget-Friendly Option
For the ultra-budget traveler, public buses offer the lowest cost but require patience, planning, and a tolerance for potential traffic delays. Buses depart from the Transportation Center located at the basement floor of the airport (use free shuttle bus from the terminal).
Recommended Bus Routes to Nonthaburi Area:
| Bus Number | Route (From Airport) | Key Transfer Point for Nonthaburi | Approx. Fare (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 555 | Suvarnabhumi – Rangsit (Via Don Mueang Tollway) | Future Park Rangsit / Rangsit University | 35 | Fastest bus option due to tollway. From Rangsit, take local bus (e.g., 33, 97, 185) south into Nonthaburi. |
| 554 | Suvarnabhumi – Don Mueang (Via Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd.) | Victory Monument or Wong Sawang Area | 24 | Passes near Nonthaburi's eastern side. Can alight near BTS/MRT/SRT connections. |
| 549 | Suvarnabhumi – Min Buri (Via Rom Klao Rd.) | Min Buri Market | 24 | Indirect route. From Min Buri, you'd need another bus (e.g., 27, 96) west to Nonthaburi. Not recommended for first-timers. |
Pros, Cons & Tips:
- Pros: Extremely cheap (often under 50 THB total), operates 24/7 on some routes (like 554), offers a local experience.
- Cons: Very slow (2+ hours likely), confusing routes, no dedicated luggage space, affected by traffic, requires precise knowledge of where to alight and transfer.
- Tip: Use the ViaBus app or Google Maps (Transit mode) for real-time tracking and route planning. Have small bills for fare payment.
By Taxi or Private Transfer – Maximum Convenience
This is the only true door-to-door option, ideal for families, groups, those with heavy luggage, or travelers arriving late at night.
Official Airport Taxi:
Follow the "Public Taxi" signs to the official taxi stand on Level 1. You will receive a queue ticket with the taxi number. Drivers use the meter by law. The fare will consist of:
- Metered Fare: Starts at 35 THB, increases with distance.
- Airport Surcharge: 50 THB added to all trips from the airport.
- Tollway Fees: Driver will ask if you want to use the expressways (e.g., Sirat or Don Mueang Tollway). Fees (70-100 THB) are paid by the passenger and save significant time. Always agree to take the tollway.
Total Cost Estimate: 500 – 800 THB to most parts of Nonthaburi. Travel Time: 45 to 90 minutes (highly traffic-dependent).
Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended for Groups):
Book online in advance via services like Klook, Booking.com, or local companies. A driver will meet you at arrivals with a name sign.
- Pros: Fixed price (no meter anxiety), meet-and-greet, clean car, often includes bottled water, suitable for up to 10 people with a van.
- Cost: Sedan: ~900-1200 THB, Van: ~1200-1800 THB.
- When to Choose This: Group of 3+, family with young children, late-night/early-morning arrival, corporate travel, or if you simply value hassle-free comfort.
Warning: Politely decline offers from solicitors inside the terminal ("Taxi? Sir/Madam?"). They typically charge highly inflated fixed rates.
Cost & Time Comparison: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Nonthaburi
Use this table to quickly compare all transportation methods side-by-side.
| Method | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (per person) | Best For | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARL + BTS/MRT + SRT | 60 - 90 minutes | 100 - 150 THB | Solo travelers, couples, avoiding traffic | Fast & reliable, multiple transfers, not ideal for large luggage during rush hour |
| Public Bus (e.g., 555 + local bus) | 90 - 150+ minutes | Under 100 THB (Cheapest) | Extreme budget travelers, adventurers | Very slow, confusing, traffic-dependent, requires planning |
| Official Airport Taxi | 45 - 90 minutes | 500 - 800 THB | Families (small), groups of 3, late-night arrivals | Door-to-door, traffic-dependent, ensure meter is used |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | 45 - 90 minutes | 900 - 1800 THB (per vehicle) | Families (large), groups of 4+, luxury/convenience seekers | Fixed price, meet-and-greet, most comfortable option |
Verdict: For most tourists, the ARL+City Rail+SRT combination offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability. For groups or those with heavy luggage, a private transfer or taxi is worth the extra cost for the convenience.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice
Go beyond the basics with these practical insights from experienced travelers and locals.
Luggage Solutions:
- Baggage Delivery Service: If you have large suitcases, consider using the luggage delivery counter in the Suvarnabhumi Airport arrivals hall (near Gate 5 & 10 on Level 2). Services like "Suvarnabhumi Airport Baggage Delivery" can send your bags directly to your hotel in Nonthaburi for 300-600 THB per piece, allowing you to travel on the train hassle-free.
Navigating Transfers:
- Bang Sue Grand Station: This is a massive transport hub. Allow extra time (5-10 mins) to find your way between the MRT Blue Line and the SRT Dark Red Line. Follow the color-coded signs carefully.
- Google Maps is Your Friend: Use the "Transit" layer for accurate, step-by-step navigation for the train/bus combination. It provides real-time schedules for BTS, MRT, and ARL.
Money & Connectivity:
- Get Small Bills: Before leaving the airport, break a 1000 THB note at a convenience store (like 7-Eleven) or when buying an ARL ticket. You'll need small change for bus fares and taxi tolls.
- Buy a Local SIM/eSIM: Having mobile data immediately (AIS, dtac, TrueMove available at the airport) is crucial for using maps, translation apps, and ride-hailing services like Grab.
Timing Your Trip:
- Avoid Rush Hours: If arriving between 7:00 - 9:30 AM or 4:00 - 7:30 PM on a weekday, trains will be crowded, and taxi travel time can double. Factor this into your plans.
- Weekend Traffic: While there's no "rush hour," weekend traffic in and around Bangkok can be heavy in popular shopping areas, which may affect bus and taxi travel times to Nonthaburi.
FAQs: Getting from Suvarnabhumi to Nonthaburi
What is the fastest way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Nonthaburi?
The fastest way is to take the Airport Rail Link (ARL) to Phaya Thai station (22 mins), then transfer to the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line to Mo Chit station, and finally take a taxi or bus for the last leg into Nonthaburi. Total travel time is typically 60-80 minutes, depending on your final destination in Nonthaburi and traffic.
What is the cheapest way to travel from BKK Airport to Nonthaburi?
The cheapest option is public bus. You can take bus line 555 (Airport-Suvarnabhumi – Rangsit) to the Future Park Rangsit area, then transfer to a local bus (e.g., line 33, 64, 97, 104, 185) heading to Nonthaburi. Total cost is under 100 THB (approx. $3 USD). However, this is the slowest option and can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Is there a direct train from the airport to Nonthaburi?
No, there is no single direct train. You must combine services. The most efficient rail route is: Airport Rail Link (ARL) to Makkasan or Phaya Thai → transfer to MRT Blue Line (from Makkasan/Phetchaburi) or BTS Sukhumvit Line (from Phaya Thai) → travel to Bang Sue Grand Station → transfer to the SRT Dark Red Line, which has stations in Nonthaburi (Bang Son, Wong Sawang, etc.).
How much does a taxi cost from Suvarnabhumi to Nonthaburi?
A metered taxi from the official airport taxi stand will cost between 500 – 800 THB ($14 – $22 USD), plus a 50 THB airport surcharge and potential tollway fees (70-100 THB). The total journey can take 45 to 90 minutes, heavily dependent on Bangkok's notorious traffic, especially during rush hours.
How do I get to Nonthaburi if I arrive late at night or early in the morning?
For late-night arrivals (after midnight), the Airport Rail Link and most public buses have stopped. Your only reliable options are: 1) Airport Taxi (24/7), or 2) Pre-booked private transfer. Early morning arrivals (before 6:00 AM) can wait for the first ARL train at 5:30 AM or take a taxi.
Is it difficult to travel with large luggage from the airport to Nonthaburi?
It can be challenging on public transit. The ARL and BTS/MRT have space for luggage but can be crowded. Multiple transfers with heavy bags are not ideal. For a smoother journey with lots of luggage, consider a taxi, private transfer, or use the "Suvarnabhumi Baggage Delivery" service to send your bags directly to your hotel in Nonthaburi (available at the airport).
Should I buy a Rabbit Card or tourist pass for this journey?
A Rabbit Card (for BTS) or an MRT stored value card is highly recommended if you plan to use public transport in Bangkok during your stay. It saves time buying single-journey tickets. However, for the one-time journey from the airport to Nonthaburi only, buying single tickets is fine. There is no single tourist pass covering ARL, BTS, MRT, and SRT.
Which option is best for a family or group of 4 traveling to Nonthaburi?
For a group of 4, a private van transfer or two taxis often become cost-competitive and are far more convenient than navigating public transport with multiple people and luggage. Pre-booking a private transfer online is highly recommended for groups, offering a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service at arrivals.