The insider's guide, from travelers who've actually been through.
Don Mueang is Bangkok’s second airport and the budget carrier hub. AirAsia, NokAir, and Thai Lion Air call it home. The terminal is functional and inexpensive to pass through, but there is nothing particularly interesting inside. T1 handles international and most domestic traffic; T2 is largely unused.
The transit situation has improved significantly. The SRT Red Line commuter rail connects Don Mueang station, a 5-minute walk from T1 via an elevated covered walkway, to Bang Sue Grand Station in about 20 minutes. At Bang Sue, transfer to the MRT Blue or Purple Line for onward connections. Total journey to Sukhumvit or Siam area: 45 to 55 minutes. This is far more reliable than a taxi during peak hours. Metered taxis are available outside T1 arrivals; fares to central Bangkok run around ฿200 to ฿350 plus tolls, but traffic on the northern expressways is unpredictable between 07:00 and 09:00 and again from 17:00 to 20:00.
The Miracle Lounge in T1 is the main paid option for a comfortable wait. The airside food court serves Thai rice and noodle dishes for under ฿200. Free WiFi is available but inconsistent in coverage.
