As commonly called "Don Muang", it is the entry point for a vast majority of visitors to Thailand annually. Considered as one of the more modern and efficient international airports in Asia, the singposts are easy to follow and written in both English and Thai. Free luggage carts are provided at the terminal gates. After clearing Immigration Services (vast number of counters, but still slightly slow), take the escalator to the reliable baggage claim area below. If you have nothing to clear, the green customs channel provides a hasty exit into the smiling kingdom of Thailand.

BIA consists of 2 international terminals and one domestic terminal located adjacent to each other. Passengers can freely walk between Terminals 1 and 2, while a covered, elevated walkway connects Terminal 2 with the domestic terminal. A free shuttle bus service covers the short distance between terminals every 15 minutes.

The arrival hall of both terminals feature a variety of services and facilities, including currency exchange booths, a tourist information kiosk, metered taxi kiosk and airport limousine counter. However, Terminal 1 has more facilities, such as an automatic teller machine (ATM), a 24-hour post-office with international telephone facilities, an airport clinic, a convenient store, and a hotel reservation desk.

A number of restaurants and bars operate in both terminals' departure hall, though more are located in Terminal 2, including popular fast food venues such as Burger Kings, KFC, and Swensons, and an internet cafe. Extra luggage can be stored up to 4 months at the left-luggage facility in Terminal 1.

For those departing or transitting through Bangkok, there are a variety of facilities to entertain you. Duty free shops restaurants/snack bars are generously scattered in both terminals. KFC, the only fast food counter, is located by pier 4 of Terminal 2. A number of designer brand name boutiques sell their wares at reasonable prices, such as Harrods, Jim Thompson and the Mae Fah Luang Project, displaying handicrafts made by local Thai artisans under the patronage of the deceased HRH Grandmother, the present king's mother. An arcade game center for children of all ages is located in the transit area of Terminal 1.

Getting To and From the Airport

Though the airport is located 25 km (16 miles) north of the center of Bangkok, road travel time depends on the traffic conditions. During peak rush hours, the simple journey can take as long as 3 hours.

Taxis : Seek out the taxi desk located in the arrival hall of each terminal. They will set a rough estimate pricing for your standardized, metered fare, not to exceed 300 Baht. Because of airport regulations on taxis, an additional 50 Baht surcharge will be added to the total fare. Passengers are responsible for the expressway fees. To enter the city, you will most likely pay 2 expressway fares, 25 Baht at the Don Muang Tollway (on ramp adjacent to airport) and 40 Baht at the Rapid Express Tollway Agency's Dindaeng junction. A tip of 10-20 Baht is a gesture of appreciation for their service.

Airport Limousines : The desks for making such requests are usually adjacent to the taxi desks at all terminals. A uniformed chauffeur will drive you to your destination while seated comfortably in a sedan or luxury car. A flat fee of 500 Baht (smaller car, ex. Mitsubishi) or 650 Baht (luxury car, ex. Benz or Volvo) is charged for pick-up and delivery to any venue within the perimeter of Bangkok. Though priced slightly higher than a metered taxi, you're still responsible for the expressway fares, but no subcharges. The limos are well maintained and are all white in color. Tipping 10% of the fare is the norm.

Hotel Limousines : Most hotels offer complimentary limousine or minibus service if you have bookings with them. The drivers would meet you in the arrival hall, holding up poster cards with your names written on it.

Helicopter : A few luxury hotels offer helicopter service for their guests

Airport Buses : An economical shuttle bus providing service from the airport to major city areas providing accommodations (No.1 to Silom, No.2 to Sanam Luang (Royal Field), No.3 to Sukhumvit 55 and No.4 to Hua Lam Phong (central train station)). The buses run every 15 minutes, operating from 5 am to midnight, and costs 100 Baht per person.

Train : Located directly across the highway from the airport, a covered walkway connects the arrival hall in Terminal 1 to the train station. Trains en route to Hua Lam Phong, the main train station located in the center of town, appears every 15-30 minutes.

Public Buses : Adventurous travelers without much luggage may want to try getting into town on these, the most economical method of all. Airport kiosk provides bus maps and the bus stops are located on the highway in front of the airport.

Hired Car : If you want to experience driving in Bangkok, there are many car rental firms in Bangkok, including international rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis. The road system is good and well posted with signs written in English. An international driving license is required.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand