Don Mueang to Central Bangkok on the SRT Red Line: 33 Baht, 20 Minutes

The cheapest and most traffic-proof way from Don Mueang (DMK) into central Bangkok is the SRT Red Line (Dark Red Line). A single ride costs 33 baht, and you ride to Krung Thep Aphiwat and change to the MRT Blue Line to reach the city.

First, how the Red Line works

The Red Line is Bangkok's suburban railway, and the airport station is called Don Mueang. It does not run into the city centre; it runs north–south. Heading south it stops at Kan Kheha, Lak Si, Thung Song Hong, Bang Khen, Wat Samian Nari and Chatuchak before reaching Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bangkok's central station).

So the way into town is: Red Line to Krung Thep Aphiwat, then change to the MRT Blue Line.

Step by step

1. Out of arrivals, turn left

As you leave the arrivals hall you will see this sign: Domestic Terminal (2FL) and SRT Red Line / Train Station to the left, international departures (3FL) to the right. Head left.

2. Pass 7-Eleven and Starbucks

Along the way you first pass a 7-Eleven, then Starbucks. The corridor is indoors and air-conditioned; just follow the crowd.

3. Do not take the red escalator

You will pass a red escalator — that one goes up to the domestic departures level, so do not take it. Keep following the "SRT Red Line" signs.

4. Go up a level, or keep walking on the ground floor

If you are on the ground floor, take the escalator up to level 2; if you are already on level 2, as I was, just walk straight on. You can equally stay on the ground floor and walk the whole way; simply keep going.

5. Look for MAGIC Food Park and MYBREW

Keep walking until you see the MAGIC Food Park sign, then turn in and you will find MYBREW coffee. You are nearly there — beside it is the Red Line poster with the "460 M." marker.

6. Turn left and cross the skywalk

Here turn left and keep going; cross one skywalk and you have arrived at the station.

7. When you see the waiting chairs, buy your ticket

A row of waiting chairs means you have reached the station. Buy your ticket from the machine first.

8. On the machine, pick Krung Thep Aphiwat

Tap Select your destination and choose Krung Thep Aphiwat (that is the station for the city, then change to the Blue Line). The slot is marked Insert coins, and the token costs about 33 baht.

Posters in the station have advertised a "no more than 20 baht, less than 20 minutes to the city" promotion. The fare is actually distance-based — check what the machine shows.

9. Tap in and go to platforms 3/4

Take the round token, tap it on the gate (Tap Card or Token), then wait on platform 3/4.

10. About 17 minutes to Krung Thep Aphiwat

Don Mueang to Krung Thep Aphiwat is 7 stops, about 17 minutes. Follow the signs out on arrival and change to the MRT Blue Line for the rest of the city.

Note this: trains run every 20 minutes

The SRT Red Line runs roughly every 20 minutes, far less often than the metro in town. Before you set off, check the station's Departures screen (or Google Maps) for the next departure time and platform, so you are not left standing on the platform.

Because the service is sparse, if you are catching a flight, allow at least 40 minutes of slack: 20 minutes waiting plus 17 minutes riding, on top of the transfer and the walking.