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Don Mueang International Airport

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About the Airport

Don Mueang International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Don Mueang International Airport is not merely Bangkok's second aviation hub; it is a true legend of aviation, having accepted flights since 1914. Today, this airport is experiencing a "second youth" as a major hub for budget airlines, opening up access to the most affordable flights across Thailand and all of Southeast Asia for tourists. Despite its respectable age, Don Mueang wins over travellers with its straightforward navigation, rapid formalities, and a special, almost homely atmosphere that distinguishes it from its gigantic "brother," Suvarnabhumi. It is the ideal starting point for those planning to reach paradise islands or neighbouring countries economically.
IATA Code DMK
ICAO Code VTBD
City Bangkok
Distance to Centre ~24 km
Status International
Annual Passengers Over 30 million (2024)
Airport Features and Advantages Don Mueang is the choice for pragmatic travellers who value time and money. The airport specialises in servicing low-cost carriers, making it a key node for domestic flights within Thailand. * Convenient Transport: The airport is connected to the city by the modern SRT Red Line overground train, which quickly transports you to the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Express buses (A1, A2) running to BTS Skytrain stations are also popular. * Legendary Food Court: On the first floor (often hidden from tourists' eyes) lies Magic Food Point — a canteen offering authentic Thai food at street-stall prices, which is a rarity for airports. * Compactness and Speed: Unlike the massive Suvarnabhumi, there are only two terminals here (Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic), located within walking distance of each other. Passport control and baggage claim here often proceed faster. * Observation Deck: For aviation enthusiasts (spotters), there is a unique opportunity to observe take-offs and landings from close range from the observation gallery or even from the golf course located right between the runways.

Contact Information

To contact representatives of Don Mueang Airport (DMK), you can use the following contact details. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

  • Official Website: donmueang.airportthai.co.th
  • Information Service Phone: +66 2 535 1192 (24-hour AOT call centre)
  • Address: 222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Sanambin, Don Mueang, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
  • Email: aot_contact_center@airportthai.co.th (general email for all airports managed by AOT)
  • Social Media: Links to the airport's official social media accounts can typically be found on the main page of the official website.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, you must first contact your airline's Lost and Found service. The airport's general lost property office may also provide assistance.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and enquiries, you may use the 24-hour information service phone number.

How to Get to the Airport

You can get to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) from Bangkok in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget and preferences. This airport, located approximately 25 km north of the city centre, is one of the key transport hubs of Thailand, serving primarily low-cost carriers and domestic flights. Travel time depends heavily on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

Public Transport: Trains and Buses

This is the most budget-friendly way to reach the airport. Here are the main options:

  • SRT Red Line Train: The fastest and most modern option. The new overground train line directly connects the airport (Don Mueang station) with the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station), where you can transfer to the MRT Blue Line. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes, and the ticket price is quite democratic — around 30-40 THB. Trains run frequently, allowing you to avoid the famous Bangkok traffic jams.
  • Airport Buses (A-series): Special buses A1, A2, A3, and A4 run on different routes, connecting the airport with key points in the city. For example, A1 and A2 go to the BTS Mo Chit station and Mo Chit Bus Terminal, A3 to Lumpini Park, and A4 to Sanam Luang and Khao San Road. This is an excellent compromise between price and comfort. The fare is 30-50 THB. Buses depart from Terminals 1 and 2.

Taxi and Transfer

For those who value comfort, travel with large luggage, or are with family, a taxi is the optimal choice:

  • Official Taxi: You can take a car at the official counter at the airport or hail one in the city. Always insist on using the meter (taxi-meter). The trip from the city centre will take from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. The cost will be approximately 300-500 THB, plus an airport surcharge (50 THB when leaving the airport) and potential toll road fees, which help save time.
  • Taxi Booking Apps (Grab): Using applications like Grab allows you to know the trip cost in advance and avoid misunderstandings with the driver. This is a convenient and popular method of transport among tourists.
  • Private Transfer: You can book a transfer online in advance. The driver will meet you with a sign, help with luggage, and take you directly to your hotel. This is the most convenient, but also the most expensive option.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to travel extensively around the outskirts of Bangkok, you can rent a car. Counters for international and local rental companies are located in the airport terminals. However, note that traffic in Bangkok is very dense and chaotic, and finding parking in the centre is difficult. Don Mueang Airport itself has both short-term and long-term parking, but they can be quite expensive, especially for long-term vehicle storage.

If you are planning further flights around the region, consider the location of other airports. The capital's main international hub — Suvarnabhumi (BKK), is located on the other side of the city. For trips to popular resorts, you might consider U-Tapao Airport near Pattaya, Hua Hin Airport, or Trat Airport for travel to nearby islands.

Terminals and Layout

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) consists of two main passenger terminals located in one large building. Their specialisation is clearly divided, which simplifies navigation for passengers: Terminal 1 serves all international flights, while Terminal 2 serves exclusively domestic flights within Thailand. The terminals are connected by a convenient covered walkway, so moving between them takes only a few minutes and does not require transport.

The structure of both terminals is intuitive. Check-in zones are located on the 3rd floor, and arrival zones are on the 1st floor. This logic makes it easy to orient yourself, even if it is your first time here. On the 3rd floor of Terminal 1, after check-in, passengers pass through passport control and security screening to reach the boarding gates. In Terminal 2, the procedure is similar, but without passport control. In the arrival halls on the 1st floor, there are immigration counters (only in T1), baggage claim areas, and customs.

Although both terminals offer a similar range of services, there are differences. Terminal 1, being international, features a larger selection of Duty Free shops, various cafes, and restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Terminal 2 has been modernised and offers a more contemporary space with an excellent food court where you can try popular Thai dishes at affordable prices before flying to other regions of the country. Both terminals have currency exchange counters, ATMs, pharmacies, and lounge areas.

Don Mueang is a very busy airport, so you should allocate sufficient time to complete all formalities. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2 hours. Queues for check-in and security, especially during peak hours, can be long. To orient yourself easily, always follow the signs "International Departures T1" or "Domestic Departures T2". If you have a connection between an international and a domestic flight, remember that you will need to clear immigration, collect your luggage, and move to the other terminal for new check-in.

History of the Airport

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is not just the air gateway to Bangkok, but a true living legend, one of the oldest operating airports in the world. Its history began in 1914, when it was established as a base for the Royal Thai Air Force. Just ten years later, in 1924, the airport opened its doors to commercial aviation, accepting the first flight of the Dutch airline KLM, thereby marking the beginning of civil aviation development in the country.

For over 80 years, Don Mueang was Thailand's main international airport, bearing the famous code BKK (which later passed to Suvarnabhumi). It witnessed the rapid growth of tourism and the kingdom's economic development, welcoming and seeing off millions of travellers. A key moment in its history was 2006, when, with the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, almost all international and domestic flights were transferred there, and Don Mueang was temporarily closed for commercial use.

However, its history did not end there. As early as 2007, on the wave of rapid growth in budget air travel, Don Mueang experienced a rebirth. It was reopened and quickly turned into one of the world's largest hubs for low-cost carriers, becoming the primary home for giants like AirAsia. To cope with the growing passenger flow, Terminal 2 was fully renovated and reopened in 2015.

One of the most amazing and well-known facts about Don Mueang Airport is the presence of a full 18-hole Kantarat Golf Course, located right between the two runways. This is a unique spectacle that amazes passengers watching the golf game from aircraft windows during take-off or landing. Today, Don Mueang harmoniously combines its rich historical heritage with the role of a modern and efficient transport hub.

Services and Amenities

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) offers passengers a wide range of quality services to make waiting for their flight as comfortable as possible. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, you will find everything you need for a pleasant stay here.

Restaurants and Shops: The airport features a huge selection of establishments for every taste and budget. You can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in one of the local restaurants, grab a snack at famous fast-food chains, or drink coffee in a cosy coffee shop. Additionally, numerous shops are located in the terminals, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, and electronics at attractive prices.

Lounges and Wi-Fi: For those who value enhanced comfort, paid business lounges, such as the Miracle Lounge, operate at Don Mueang Airport. Here you can rest in silence, use the shower, and enjoy snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, as well as numerous charging stations for mobile devices, so you will always be connected.

Financial and Other Services: Bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are located in the terminals, where financial matters can be easily resolved. Mother and child rooms are provided for passengers with children. In case of necessity, you can contact the medical centre for first aid. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance, and the airport infrastructure is adapted for their convenience.

Hotels and Business Services: If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at the Amari Don Muang Airport hotel, which is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. There are also other accommodation options in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, some lounges and hotels offer conference rooms and business centres with necessary equipment.

Where to Eat

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) offers a wide selection of dining options for every taste and budget, from authentic Thai street food to world-famous fast-food chains. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full dinner, you will easily find a suitable option.

The bulk of inexpensive and diverse cafes is concentrated in the food courts. The most popular of these is Magic Food Point, located on the 1st floor of Terminal 2 (in the public area). Here you can try genuine Thai dishes at prices close to those in the city. Similar zones exist in other parts of the airport. It is the ideal place to enjoy Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, or mango sticky rice dessert before leaving Thailand.

In both terminals, both in the public area (landside) and in the departure area (airside), numerous restaurants and coffee shops are located. You will find international chains here such as Starbucks, Burger King, McDonald's, and The Coffee Club. Prices in establishments after passing security are typically higher, but they offer comfortable conditions for waiting for a flight. Most of them are open 24 hours or until the last flight, which is particularly convenient for passengers on night flights.

For travellers with special dietary needs, choices are also available. Many Thai dishes at food courts can be requested in a vegetarian version (look for the word "Jay" or ask for no meat and fish sauce). Finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes might be more challenging, but shops like 7-Eleven always carry packaged snacks and drinks with the appropriate certification markings.

If you have little time, the ideal solution for a quick snack would be coffee shops where you can grab a sandwich and coffee, or fast-food outlets. For a full lunch or dinner, feel free to head to the food court to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of local cuisine, or choose one of the restaurants in the departure zone for a more relaxed meal. The price range varies from 100-250 THB for a dish at the food court to 300-600 THB and above in a la carte restaurants.

Travel Tips

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is one of the oldest and busiest airports in Bangkok, serving primarily low-cost carriers and domestic flights within Thailand. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, make use of these tips.

Airport Arrival Time. Due to high congestion and potential queues, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for an international flight and 2 hours before departure for a domestic one. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening without unnecessary haste.

Check-in and Security. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. Security checkpoints can be overcrowded, especially during peak hours. Prepare your documents in advance and remove all electronic devices and liquids from your carry-on luggage. Remember that the volume of liquids in carry-on luggage must not exceed 100 ml per container.

Seat Selection. Low-cost carriers often charge an additional fee for selecting a specific seat. If you wish to save money, you can skip this step — the system will assign you a seat automatically during check-in. However, if comfort is important to you, for example, more legroom or a window seat, it is worth paying extra. Seats at emergency exits are usually the most spacious, but they cannot be occupied by passengers with children or limited mobility.

Prohibited and Restricted Items. It is forbidden to take sharp objects (knives, scissors), flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in carry-on luggage. Pay attention to the rules for carrying power banks: they can only be carried in hand luggage, and their capacity must not exceed the limit set by the airline (usually 20,000–27,000 mAh).

Passengers with Connections. If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check in again. Often, when transferring between flights of different low-cost carriers, you are required to pass passport control, collect your suitcases, and check in again for the next flight. Ensure you have enough time between flights — at least 3-4 hours.

Customs Control. Upon arrival in Thailand, follow the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare. If you are carrying goods whose value or quantity exceeds duty-free limits (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, expensive purchases), use the "Red Channel" and complete a declaration.

Saving Time and Money

  • Check your low-cost airline's baggage allowance in advance to avoid costly excess fees at the airport.
  • Eat at food courts for staff and locals (such as Magic Food Point), which are located in the public zone — prices there are significantly lower than in restaurants after the security zone.
  • Order a taxi through official counters or apps to avoid inflated prices.

In Case of Flight Delay. Remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation (vouchers for food, drinks). Monitor the departure boards for information. Having travel insurance that covers flight delays can significantly ease the situation.

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