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Bangkok is the main gateway to Thailand and one of the best-value long-haul destinations from the UK. Because the journey is long, the gap between a good fare and a bad one can be several hundred pounds, so it pays to compare carefully. Compare live prices below.
London to Bangkok at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Nonstop flight time | About 11 h 30 min to 12 h 30 min |
| One-stop total time | Usually 14 to 18 h |
| Main Bangkok airport | Suvarnabhumi (BKK), about 30 km east of the centre |
| Second airport | Don Mueang (DMK), used mainly by low-cost airlines for regional flights |
| Nonstop airlines you may see | Thai Airways, EVA Air, British Airways |
| Popular one-stop options | Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul |
Nonstop services change by season. Check the search results for current options.
Nonstop or one stop?
A nonstop flight saves several hours and is easier with children. A one-stop flight via the Gulf or Istanbul is often cheaper, and some travellers like breaking the journey in the middle. If the price difference is small, nonstop usually wins. If it is large, a well-timed connection of two to three hours is a good compromise.
When are flights to Bangkok cheapest?
- Usually cheapest: May, June and September, in the hot or rainy season, and outside school holidays.
- Good value: late October and early November, as the rains ease.
- Most expensive: mid-December to mid-January, the UK summer holidays and Easter.
The cool, dry season from November to February has the most comfortable weather, which is why fares are higher then.
Tips to pay less on long-haul
- Book early: three to six months ahead is a good window, and earlier for Christmas.
- Be flexible by a few days. Long-haul fares can vary a lot from one day to the next.
- Compare open-jaw tickets, for example flying into Bangkok and home from Phuket or Chiang Mai.
- Check baggage and meals. Most long-haul tickets include them, which makes comparing easier.
- Use the price calendar to spot the cheapest week.
Compare London to Bangkok fares, nonstop and one-stop, for your dates.
From Suvarnabhumi to central Bangkok
The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi with the city in under 30 minutes, with connections to the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai. Metered taxis leave from the official taxi rank, and a pre-booked transfer is handy after a night flight.
Entry rules
Thailand has offered visa-free entry for short tourist stays to UK, EU and many other passport holders, but the allowed length of stay has changed more than once recently. Thailand has also introduced a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) that travellers complete online shortly before arrival. Check the official Thai government and embassy websites for the current rules before you book.
Book the rest of your Thailand trip
- Airport transfer: a driver meets you at arrivals, ideal after a long-haul flight.
- Thailand eSIM: mobile data from the moment you land.
- Tours and activities: temples, floating markets, island trips and cooking classes.
- Travel insurance: worth having on a long-haul trip, mainly for medical cover.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London to Bangkok?
Around 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes nonstop. One-stop journeys usually take 14 to 18 hours in total.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Bangkok from London?
May, June and September are often among the cheapest, outside UK school holidays.
Which Bangkok airport will I arrive at?
Most long-haul flights from Europe land at Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Don Mueang (DMK) is mostly used for domestic and regional low-cost flights.