Don Mueang Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 — walkway, shuttle, connection timing

01T1 arrivals to T2 check-in — know your starting floor

Terminal 1 · 1F arrivalsEnlarge ↗12

Terminal 2 · 3F departuresEnlarge ↗12

A transfer between the buildings is easier to follow when you separate the terminal, the floor and your flight process. Terminal 1 is international; Terminal 2 is domestic. The public arrivals halls are on Level 1 in both terminals. Airline check-in is on Level 3 in both terminals.

For a public-side journey from an international arrival to a domestic departure:

• Complete the required arrival checks, collect your checked bags and pass customs into the T1 public arrivals hall on Level 1.
• Follow Terminal 2 signs through the Level 1 connection.
• In T2, follow Departures / Check-in signs to a suitable lift or escalator up to Level 3.
• Find your flight number on the departure screens and go to its assigned check-in or bag-drop row. Complete the airline requirements before continuing to security and your boarding gate.

The two plans in this section show the starting hall and destination hall. Point 1 identifies an example arrivals exit or check-in island; point 2 identifies the direction toward the other terminal. Neither point assigns your flight to a particular counter.

For T2 to T1, reverse the terminal names: start in T2 public arrivals on Level 1, follow Terminal 1 signs, then go to T1 Level 3 for international check-in. If your airline has arranged a transfer inside the controlled passenger area, follow its instructions before leaving for the public hall.

02Where to walk — the connections on Levels 1, 3 and 4

Terminal numberEnlarge ↗12

The joined map above lets you compare the terminal connection on each public level. Choose T1 → T2 or T2 → T1, then choose the level that matches the sign beside you. Zoom in to see the direction arrows and nearby landmarks.

• Level 1 — public arrivals: use this connection after collecting bags when you want to reach the other terminal without changing floors first.
• Level 3 — public departures: use the connection between the check-in halls before entering the departure checks. AOT places its Lost & Found counter at this interconnect.
• Level 4 — food and services: follow the terminal-direction signs beside the public food and service areas.

Look for the building name Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 and read the arrow with it. In the photograph in this section, “Terminal 2” means the domestic building; it does not tell you to go up to Level 2. The photo helps you recognise the sign, but its floor and capture date are unverified.

Level 2 is not a general public shortcut between T1 and T2. Parts of that level serve controlled arrival and transfer routes. The public train-station connection from T2 Level 2 is a different route.

A and B mark the starting and destination areas selected in the map. They are not live phone positions. The two AOT drawings are joined at their terminal-direction edges; the small connecting line is schematic and does not establish a walking distance or time.

03Walking, assistance and the airport shuttle — which do you need?

For a public-side T1 ↔ T2 journey, follow the terminal connections shown above. The current airport sources used here do not establish a regular, free, 24-hour shuttle between the two buildings, so do not plan your flight connection around that service.

The free airport shuttle described by AOT travels between Don Mueang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK). It is for eligible passengers with connecting flights at the other airport. It is a separate road journey, not a way to move from DMK T1 to T2. Check AOT’s shuttle information and connecting-passenger eligibility before relying on it.

If walking or carrying luggage is difficult, ask an airport information counter to confirm the available lifts and suitable route. Arrange passenger assistance with your airline in advance when needed. The map illustrates the terminal connections; it does not certify a step-free path or the availability of assistance at a particular time.

If you lose your bearings, give staff your current terminal and floor, then the terminal or flight you need. A photograph of the sign beside you is more useful than saying only “I am at arrivals.” Keep your flight details accessible while moving between the halls.

04Self-transfer timing — work back from your airline’s deadlines

Walking between T1 and T2 is only one part of a flight connection. Before booking, check whether your itinerary includes an airline-managed transfer or whether you must collect bags and check in again. Being on the same airline does not, by itself, establish how your baggage or connection will be handled.

AOT’s general connection-planning advice recommends 150–180 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. Treat this as general guidance, not a guarantee that a particular pair of flights is safe to book. Separate tickets, arrival delays, queues and your airline’s deadlines can require more time.

Build your plan around the actual tasks:

• Check the onward flight’s check-in and bag-drop closing times, plus its boarding deadline.
• Allow for disembarking, the required entry checks, baggage collection and customs before starting a public-side walk.
• Include the terminal connection, the change to Level 3, check-in or bag drop, security and the walk to your gate.
• Keep a buffer for delays and confirm what happens to your onward booking if the first flight arrives late.

For a domestic-to-international journey, confirm the document and departure requirements with the onward airline. If your ticket includes a managed connection, use the airline’s transfer directions and the official DMK transfer procedure. Those controlled routes differ from the public halls shown here. Do not leave the transfer area just because this map shows a walk outside it.

05After the terminal connection — another flight or a trip into Bangkok?

Before heading for an exit, check the airport code on your next booking. DMK means Don Mueang; BKK means Suvarnabhumi. Changing from DMK Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 keeps you at the same airport. Reaching BKK requires a separate journey by road.

• Another flight at DMK: continue to the correct terminal’s check-in or follow your airline’s managed-transfer instructions. Read the latest screens for your counter and boarding gate.
• A flight at BKK: use the DMK to BKK transfer guide to compare the inter-airport options and plan the road journey. Check the eligible connecting-passenger shuttle with AOT before travel.
• Train, taxi or city bus: open the Bangkok airport maps guide for the public transport locations, floor changes and reference photographs.
• A pre-arranged pickup: use your confirmed meeting instructions and the Don Mueang arrival pickup guide. Agree on the terminal, floor and door; a terminal exit number is different from an aircraft boarding gate.

For a private journey into the city, the Don Mueang to Bangkok transfer page explains the route and service. SabaiRide’s published airport transfer is THB 3,000 to Greater Bangkok, including tolls, expressway fees, parking and fuel, with up to 60 minutes of airport waiting. Confirm the meeting point in your booking; it is separate from the terminal-to-terminal walk.

06FAQ

How long does it take to walk from Don Mueang Terminal 1 to Terminal 2?

Walking time depends on your starting point, the floor you use, luggage and mobility. The public halls connect on Levels 1, 3 and 4; the joined plans do not establish a measured distance or a guaranteed journey time. For a flight connection, include arrival checks, bags, the walk, check-in and security, and use your onward airline’s deadlines.

Is the shuttle bus between DMK Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 free?

The current airport sources used for this guide do not establish a regular free shuttle between DMK T1 and T2. Use the public terminal connections or ask airport staff about assistance. AOT’s free connecting-passenger shuttle runs between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports; it is a different service from moving between the two DMK terminals.

How much time should I leave between flights at DMK for a self-transfer?

Check your airline’s check-in, bag-drop and boarding deadlines and whether your booking includes a managed transfer. A public-side self-transfer can require entry checks, baggage collection, customs, the terminal walk and a new departure process. Allow for delays and queues; no single minimum guarantees every itinerary. See the connection-planning section for AOT’s general guidance.