Flying into Bangkok and heading straight to Khao San Road? Most people land at Suvarnabhumi [BKK] – some also land at Don Mueang [DMK] on AirAsia or other regional flights. Here’s exactly how to get from Bangkok Airport to Khao San Road by bus, taxi and Grab, with costs, times, photos and first-timer tips.
Before You Leave The Airport – Cash, Exchanges & ATMs
Do this first, it’ll save you hassle on the bus.
1. You’re going to need cash: get Thai Baht in the airport basement. Go to the basement [B Floor, Airport Rail Link level]. The exchange booths there have better rates than the ones in arrivals on Level 2. SuperRich often shows the best rate, but the booths next to it are usually within 1-2 baht – and SuperRich has the longest queue because everyone on Reddit says “go to SuperRich”. If the queue is 20 deep, use the booth next door.
2. ATMs: You’ll see them everywhere – in arrivals, on Level 1, in the basement. They work, but Thai ATMs are expensive and charge a 250-350 baht fee per foreign withdrawal [about $7-10 USD] on top of whatever your home bank charges. So if you use them, do one larger withdrawal, not lots of small ones.
3. Break Your Big Notes: The S1 and A4 buses are cash-only and they often cannot change 1,000 or 500 THB notes. Have 100 THB notes or smaller ready. The easiest way is to buy something in an airport store and break a 1,000 there. Or ask for some hundreds when you change money.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport [BKK] to Khao San Road
Option 1: S1 Bus – Cheapest & Pretty Easy – 60 THB
The budget pick if you’re staying in Khao San, Rambuttri or Samsen.
Where: Level 1, Exit 7. Look for the S1 Bus sign.
How to pay: 60 THB, cash only. Don’t pay the driver – sit down and a ticket seller will come to you. Have a 100 THB note (or smaller) ready – they may not be able to change 500/1000 THB.
There is a booth/counter for the bus but you can just get on the bus directly if you want.
What it’s like: Air-conditioned, comfortable enough, but not luxury. No stops – it goes straight to the Khao San area.
Where it drops you: Close to Khao San Road, but not directly on it. The S1 usually stops at a couple of points around the Banglamphu area – usually around Phra Athit Road / Chakrabongse Road / near Banglamphu Square. Roadworks (which aren’t uncommon) can affect this. Expect a short walk to your guesthouse depending on where you’re staying. If you want door-to-door with luggage, get a taxi or Grab instead of the bus.
Time: 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. The S1 bus departs from 6am until 8pm.
Best for: Backpackers, tight budgets, direct to Banglamphu.
Option 2: Public Taxi – Simplest Door-to-Door – 300 to 500+ Baht
Where: Level 1, between Exit 4 and Exit 7. Ticket machines and staffed counter. Highly organised – no touts.
Cost: It varies but expect around 300 to 400 baht on the meter + 50 baht official airport surcharge + tolls. The surcharge and tolls are official, not a scam.
Time: 45 – 60+ minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: First-time visitors, families, heavy luggage, late-night arrivals.
Option 3: Grab [It’s Like Uber] – No Communication Needed
Where: Level 1, Exit 4, outer lane to Grab pick-up point. Look for the green Grab pick-up point signs.
Why it’s good: Fare shown upfront, see driver on map, no language barrier. Card or cash. Choose your vehicle type.
Tip: Install and set up Grab before you land.
Best for: App users, price certainty.
From Don Mueang Airport [DMK] to Khao San Road
If you fly with AirAsia, Nok Air or other low-cost airlines, you’ll probably land here.
A4 Bus – Direct to Khao San – 50 THB: Find it outside Terminal 1 Gate 6 / Terminal 2 Gate 12. Runs roughly 6am-11pm, around 50 THB, cash only – pay the ticket seller. 60-90 minutes, drops you on Phra Athit Road by Khao San. Same small-banknotes rule.
Taxi / Grab from Don Mueang: Level 1 public taxi counter or Grab point. Usually 200-400 THB + 50 THB surcharge + tolls. Closer than Suvarnabhumi so often quicker.
From Bangkok Train Stations & Bus Stations to Khao San Road
Just to make this complete if you’re coming from elsewhere in Thailand:
From Hua Lamphong Train Station: Taxi / Grab 15-20 mins [60-100 THB] or local Bus No. 53 from outside – cheap but slow.
From Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal [Bang Sue]: Long-distance trains now arrive here. MRT Blue Line from Bang Sue to Sam Yot station, then short taxi / tuk-tuk to Khao San. Or Grab direct – around 150-200 THB.
From Mo Chit / Northern Bus Station: Taxi / Grab simplest – 150-250 THB, 30-50 mins.
From Ekkamai / Eastern Bus Station: Grab all the way – 200-300 THB – or BTS to Saphan Taksin then taxi.
For all of these, just pin “Khao San Road” in Grab.
FAQ: Bangkok Airport to Khao San Road
How much is the bus from Bangkok Airport to Khao San Road?
60 THB from Suvarnabhumi on the S1 bus and around 50 THB from Don Mueang on the A4 bus. Both are cash only and you pay a ticket seller on board. Have small notes ready.
How long does it take from Bangkok Airport to Khao San Road?
By bus 60-90 minutes. By taxi or Grab 30-60+ minutes depending on Bangkok traffic.
Is Khao San Road near the BTS, MRT or Airport Rail Link?
No – Khao San Road has no train station. The closest MRT is Sam Yot [about 15 minutes by tuk-tuk / taxi], the closest Airport Rail Link station is Phaya Thai. For Khao San you need a bus or taxi / Grab for the last part.
Is there a direct bus from Don Mueang Airport to Khao San Road?
Yes, the A4 bus from outside Terminal 1 Gate 6 / Terminal 2 Gate 12. Around 50 THB, runs roughly 6am-11pm, 60-90 minutes to the Khao San area.
Is taxi or Grab better from the airport to Khao San Road?
Public taxi is slightly cheaper and very organised. Grab shows the price upfront and you don’t need to speak Thai. Both charge a 50 THB official airport surcharge plus tolls on top of the meter or app fare.
Useful Links
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – for flight status & terminal info
Don Mueang Airport (DMK) – for AirAsia / budget flights