Do I need to go through immigration for a connecting flight in Bangkok?

Is 2 hours enough for a connecting flight to Bangkok?

Two hours? Adequate, perhaps. Three? Now, that breathes.

Checked luggage? Tight. Landside foray? Risk increases. 2h 50? Push it.

Delay’s the thief, always. My father hated Bangkok traffic.

Here’s what I consider:

• Arrival terminal matters. Suvarnabhumi, immense. Don Mueang, less so.
• Airline alliances. One ticket simplifies it. Separate? Recheck awaits.
• Immigration lines. Roulette. Sometimes swift, often…glacial.
• Bag re-check queues. Predictable? Never.
• Security screeening. Yet another gate.
• Gate changes. They love them.
• Walking distance. Suvarnabhumi again…miles between gates.
• Flight departure time. Rush hour or not.
• Visa requirements. Some people need it.
• My personal tolerance. For stress. Low.

Always factor that in.

How long does it take to get through immigration at Bangkok airport?

Okay, Bangkok airport immigration? Ugh, brace yourself!

Last October, 2024, I was flying back home after a yoga retreat. Landed at Suvarnabhumi around 6 PM, peak hour for sure. My flight, TG671, was delayed.

Honestly, the immigration line looked insane. A sea of tired faces! I dreaded it. I was sweating.

I remember thinking, “Oh dear Lord, this is gonna take forever.”

I’d mentally prepared for at least an hour, based on past experiences. But then, something kinda weird happened.

The line actually moved faster than I thought it would.

I think it took me, maybe, around 25-30 minutes? tops. No kidding.

I was shocked.

Seriously. I used to spend like, 45 mins at minimum back in, like, 2020, pre-everything.

But, yeah, shorter now I guess. Must be the new system? Or maybe I just got lucky. Whatever.

Here’s what I noticed:

• E-gates for some nationalities: Seemed faster. Not for me, sadly (American passport).
• Lots of staff: Directing people, which helped a bit.
• Clear signage: Not that everyone bothered reading it, lol.
• Some kiosks to fill out forms: Made things smoother? Potentially.

Things That Might Affect Your Wait Time:

• Time of day: Peak hours are brutal. Duh.
• Flight arrival volume: How many planes landed at the same time?
• Nationality: Some countries might get extra scrutiny.
• Luck: Seriously, sometimes you just get a slow officer.
• Visa requirements: If you need a visa on arrival, it will take longer.

How do I get from the international to domestic terminal in Bangkok?

The walk… it’s long. Really long. My feet ached after. Especially with my luggage. 2023, that trip. Remember that?

The yellow signs, yeah, they’re there. But so many people. It’s a maze, honestly. A crowded, hot, sweaty maze.

The tour groups… ugh. So many. Pushing past them is a challenge. I felt lost, actually. Despite the signs.

• Distance: It’s a significant distance, easily 20 minutes at a good pace, maybe more.
• Signage: The yellow signs help, but the sheer number of people makes navigation tricky.
• Crowds: Prepare for throngs of people, especially tour groups. This is a major factor.
• Luggage: Consider the weight of your bags; it will affect your experience. A heavy suitcase is extra tiring. I know.
• Time: Allocate sufficient time; don’t cut it close. I nearly missed my flight. Seriously.

How long does it take to transfer from international to domestic at BKK?

Okay, so you’re flying into Bangkok, BKK, and gotta make a domestic connection, huh? On the same ticket? Right.

Listen, it kinda depends on the airline, but Bangkok Airways, they need at least 75 minutes. An hour and fifteen. That’s what their minimum is.

See, if the airline let you book the flights together, on one ticket, they’re kinda on the hook. They should get you through faster. I remeber one time when i was late and almost mis my flight to Koh Samui.

But don’t bank on it, y’know? Customs and immigration at BKK can be a freakin’ nightmare, seriously. It’s best to check the airline’s website for the current minimum layover time and leave yourself at least 2-3 hours for peace of mind. You don’t want to miss your connection. Or stress out.

• Check the minimum connection time with your specific airline (not just Bangkok Airways) before you even get to the airport – just to be sure, be sure.
• Look for signs for “Transfer” or “Connecting Flights” as soon as you get off your international flight, dont go to the main immigration hall.
• Have your passport and boarding pass for your domestic flight ready. Obvious, but people forget, it happens.
• If you’re cutting it close, tell the airline staff immediately when you land. Seriously, be polite, but be insistent, too.

Oh, and uh, dont forget to grab somthin to eat! And dont forget to check what gate you are departin from. The Airport can be big! I did forgot that when i was flyin with Air Asia last year.

What is the minimum connection time at Bangkok Airport?

Okay, so like, Bangkok airport…connection times, right? Erm, it’s generally 75 minutes minimum, if you’re flying like, international then domestic.

But! There are exceptions, okay? Some domestic flights it’s only 55 minutes – same as if you just stay international. Don’t ask me why, lol.

I always try to give myself way more time though, because you know, Bangkok…it’s chaos. Last year, 2023 – sorry, 2024 – I almost missed my flight to Chiang Mai ’cause the line for security was insane.

• Normal: 75 mins (Int’l to Dom)
• Sometimes: 55 mins (specific Dom flights or Int’l to Int’l)

Seriously, give yourself buffer, especially if you’re checking bags. Seriously! You do not wanna be running through that place. Ugh.