How to Get to Sukhumvit (Asok & Nana) from BKK Airport

Last Updated on October 7, 2025 by admin

Landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and heading into the city before traveling to Pattaya? If your destination is the busy Sukhumvit hotel area, and especially the nightlife hubs of Asok and Nana, you have multiple ways to get there. Public transportation (open 6 am to Midnight) is a smart choice during rush hour when traffic can come to a stop. Taking a Grab rideshare taxi is more costly but it gets you directly to your hotel and is available 24 hours a day. It’s also better if you have a lot of luggage vs. travelers who pack light.

Option 1: Airport Rail Link (ARL) + BTS SkyTrain (Easiest)

The fastest and most straightforward option is to take the Airport Rail Link (ARL) and connect to the BTS Skytrain:

1. From Suvarnabhumi Airport, board the ARL City Line.

   • The station is located on the B1 level of the airport in the basement.

   • Tickets cost around 45 baht to the final stop.

2. Ride the ARL all the way to Phaya Thai station (about 30 minutes).

3. At Phaya Thai, transfer directly to the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line. Bring cash to take the BTS. Learn how to navigate Thai currency so you know what to expect before you depart.

4. From here:

   • Take the BTS toward Kheha.

   • Get off at Nana station (E3) or Asok station (E4).

Total time: About 45–60 minutes depending on train frequency
Cost: ~80–100 baht total (USD $3)

This route avoids Bangkok traffic entirely and is the best choice during peak hours. Check it out here on Google Maps. If you’re planning to head from Bangkok to Pattaya later, don’t miss our guide: How to Get from Bangkok to Pattaya Cheaply.

Option 2: Airport Rail Link (ARL) + MRT Subway

Another option is to transfer from the ARL to the MRT subway instead of the BTS:

1. From Suvarnabhumi Airport, take the ARL City Line.

2. Get off at Makkasan station.

3. Walk via the connected walkway to Phetchaburi MRT station.

4. From here, you can take the MRT to Sukhumvit station, which connects directly to Asok BTS station.

Total time: About 50–65 minutes
Cost: ~80–100 baht (USD $3)

This route is convenient if your hotel is closer to the MRT. Check it out here on Google Maps. Could be perfect if you’re staying in the Asok area. For Nana, it’s best to take the ARL to Phaya Thai and take the BTS. However, some find making the connection from the ARL to the BTS easier.

Option 3: Grab App Rideshare

If you’re carrying heavy luggage or traveling late at night you may prefer Grab. Don’t take a regular taxi or you may be scammed (e.g. “the meter’s not working” or being charged an inflated fixed fare) Download the Grab app before you leave for Thailand.

Grab (rideshare app)

• Easy to book with a fixed price shown upfront. Be sure to choose either JustGrab or GrabCar and not GrabTaxi (these use a meter). The average cost is approximately 500 to 700 baht (USD $15 to $22) depending on the size of the car you need for your party.

• Can be significantly more expensive during peak demand.

• Can pay by credit card; just enter it into the app.

• Where to meet your Grab driver:

  • The official pickup point is on the Arrival floor (Level 1), Gate 4, outer curb.

  • After exiting customs and baggage claim, take the escalator or elevator down to Level 1.

  • Walk outside to Gate 4, then head to the outer lane marked Ride-Hailing Pickup.

  • This is the only authorized Grab pickup zone, and there is clear signage.

  • The Grab app will confirm the zone (e.g., “Gate 4 Pickup A”), and your driver may message you in the chat.

Tip: Some travelers get confused because airport limousines and metered taxis use the inner curb. Grab is always at the outer curb, Gate 4, so don’t wait at the wrong lane. Grab itself offers instructions on how to reach its pickup point.

🚦 Important Tip: During rush hour (7 to 9 AM, 5 to 8 PM), driving into central Bangkok can take well over an hour. In these cases, public transport is often faster and cheaper.

Tolls Not Included: The Grab fare shown in the app does not include expressway tolls. You’ll need to pay these separately in cash to the driver. It’s typically 75 to 95 baht total for 2 to 3 toll booths between the airport and Sukhumvit. Keep small bills (20s and 50s) ready, as drivers often don’t have change for large notes.

Pro Tip: Don’t Forget the Walk

Using public transport gets you into Sukhumvit quickly, but you’ll still need to walk from the BTS or MRT station to your hotel. Distances vary. Some hotels are right next to stations, while others may be a 10 to 15 minute walk.

Smart hack: Enter your hotel address into the Google Maps app before boarding. Follow along in real time while on the train so you know exactly when to get off and the best walking route to your hotel. This is especially helpful if you’re skipping a Grab taxi and carrying luggage.

Which Route Should You Take?

• Best for speed & cost: ARL + BTS (Phaya Thai transfer)

• Best for direct MRT access: ARL + MRT (Makkasan/Phetchaburi transfer)

• Best for comfort with luggage: Grab outside rush hour

Final Thoughts

Getting from BKK to Sukhumvit is easy and affordable. For travelers with light luggage, the Airport Rail Link combined with the BTS is the most efficient option, especially if you’re staying near Nana or Asok. If you prefer more comfort or have a lot of luggage, Grab is available 24/7. Just be sure to head to the official Grab pickup zone at Level 1, Gate 4, outer curb.

With a little planning and Google Maps open on your phone  you’ll arrive at your hotel smoothly and ready to enjoy the city.

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