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40.7 km • ~37 mins

How to Get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Wat Arun

Wat Arun lies about 40.7 km southwest of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, across the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes roughly 40 minutes by road or 1.5 to 2 hours on public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 40.7 km road distance

Official Airport Taxi

Metered
45 mins •24/7, Official Queue
€11.50 - €13.50 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 3 Bags + Hand Luggage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to Level 1 between Gates 4 and 7 and take a queue ticket from the kiosk.
  2. Tell the driver 'Wat Arun' and insist on the meter.
  3. Pay the metered fare plus the official 50 THB airport surcharge and any expressway tolls.
  4. The driver crosses the Chao Phraya and drops you at the temple parking area.

ARL + MRT to Sanam Chai

Public Transport
80 mins •Regular trains; check ARL status
ARL 35 THB + MRT fare (pay at station)
Luggage: Small Bags Only (No Luggage Racks)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From arrivals Level 2, follow signs to the Airport Rail Link in Basement B1.
  2. Take the City Line to Makkasan (35 THB, about 30 minutes).
  3. Walk to Phetchaburi MRT and take the Blue Line to Sanam Chai.
  4. Exit at Sanam Chai, then take a short cross-river ferry or taxi to Wat Arun.

S1 Bus to Khao San Road

Budget
100 mins •06:00 - 20:00, Roughly Hourly
€1.60 / Person (Bus Only)
Luggage: 1 Large Bag Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Go to Level 1, Gate 7 and buy a 60 THB ticket at the S1 counter.
  2. Board the S1 bus to Khao San Road / Sanam Luang.
  3. Get off at Khao San Road after about 1-1.5 hours.
  4. From Khao San, take a short taxi or river ferry across to Wat Arun.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use the official taxi queue at Level 1 Gates 4-7 and ignore touts offering rides in the arrivals hall.
  • Insist the driver uses the meter; the only extras are the 50 THB airport surcharge and expressway tolls.
  • Some foreign contactless cards are rejected at ARL gates, so keep Thai baht cash for a token.
  • At Sanam Chai or Khao San, agree the short ferry or taxi fare before starting the final leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from BKK to Wat Arun?

The S1 bus to Khao San Road costs 60 THB (about €1.60), then take a short ferry or taxi to Wat Arun. The ARL+MRT route is also cheap but requires more changes.

How long does a taxi take from Suvarnabhumi to Wat Arun?

About 45 minutes without heavy traffic, but allow 60-75 minutes in rush hour. The distance is 40.7 km and the meter fare is roughly 430-500 THB plus tolls.

Does the Airport Rail Link run 24 hours?

No, it runs from about 05:30 to 24:00. Service has had disruptions in 2026, so check the ARL status before travelling.

Can I pay the taxi by credit card?

Most public taxis are cash only, so carry small notes in Thai baht. Grab and private transfers accept card payments in the app.

Is there a direct bus from BKK to Wat Arun?

No direct bus stops at Wat Arun. The S1 bus goes to Khao San Road, then you need a short ferry or taxi across the river.

What is best for families with luggage?

A private transfer or official taxi is best because it is door-to-door and you can keep your bags. The ARL has no luggage racks and can be crowded.