Flights to Thailand From India: Routes, Airports and Timing

Flights from India to Thailand are short, about two and a half to five hours from the main metros. Most flights land in Bangkok, at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for full-service airlines or Don Mueang (DMK) for many low-cost carriers, and some fly direct to Phuket and occasionally Krabi. Choose flight times that suit your group, check which Bangkok airport you use, and read baggage rules carefully on low-cost fares.

Thailand's short flight time is one of its biggest attractions for Indian travellers. A few choices, such as the arrival airport, the time of day and the baggage allowance, make a big difference to how the trip begins. This guide explains them.

Routes at a glance

Bangkok's two airports

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is the main international airport, used by most full-service airlines, with the Airport Rail Link to the city. Don Mueang (DMK), the older airport, is a hub for low-cost carriers. Our Bangkok airport guide explains transfers.

Flying direct to the beaches

Direct flights to Phuket save a connection and suit beach-only trips. Krabi has fewer direct options. Koh Samui is usually reached via Bangkok, as its airport is served by limited airlines.

Choosing flight times

Many flights from India leave late at night and land in Thailand early in the morning. This saves a hotel night but means arriving tired, and hotel check-in may not be until the afternoon. Daytime flights suit families with young children and older parents. Late-evening return flights let you use your last day.

Red-eye trade-offs

If you take an overnight flight, book an early check-in or a day room, or plan a light first day at a mall or spa. Remember that your arrival date may be the day after departure when completing the arrival card.

Baggage

Low-cost fares often include only cabin baggage, with checked bags charged extra. Full-service fares usually include checked baggage. Check weight limits for domestic flights within Thailand, which can be lower, especially if you plan to shop.

Connections

If you connect to a domestic flight, book it on the same ticket where possible, or allow several hours between flights, especially when changing airports in Bangkok.

When to book

Book early for Indian school holidays, Diwali, Christmas and New Year, when fares rise. Midweek flights are often better value.

With children and parents

Choose daytime flights where possible, request wheelchair assistance for parents, and pre-book seats together. Pack snacks, medicines and a change of clothes in hand luggage.

Arrival card and entry

Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within the window before arrival. Our TDAC guide explains how.

Peak and off-peak fares

Fares from India rise sharply around Diwali, Christmas, New Year and Indian school holidays, and are often lower in the monsoon months outside holiday weeks. Midweek departures and early bookings usually help.

Airlines

Indian full-service and low-cost airlines, Thai carriers and some foreign airlines fly between India and Thailand. Compare total costs including baggage, seat selection and meals, which may be extra on low-cost fares.

Meals on board

Full-service airlines usually offer vegetarian meals; request a Jain or special meal when booking. Low-cost carriers sell food on board, with limited vegetarian options, so carry snacks.

Return flights

Late-evening return flights let you use your last day; plan a late check-out or a day room, and allow plenty of time for Bangkok traffic to the airport.

Domestic connections

From Bangkok, domestic flights reach Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. Our getting around Thailand guide explains the options.

Before you fly

• Check which Bangkok airport you use.
• Confirm baggage allowances on every leg.
• Complete the arrival card in the window.
• Save bookings offline.
• Request meals and wheelchair assistance early.

Making a red-eye work

If you choose an overnight flight, eat a light meal before boarding, sleep as much as possible, and plan an easy first morning, such as breakfast, a short rest and a mall or spa in the afternoon. Book the hotel from the previous night if you need the room on arrival. For children and parents, the savings of a red-eye are often not worth the tiredness.

Flying into Phuket

Phuket's airport is in the north of the island, about forty-five minutes to an hour from beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon. If your trip is beaches only, flying into Phuket avoids a connection in Bangkok. Krabi is about two hours by road from Phuket airport, or reached by its own airport.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui's airport is served by a limited number of airlines, so fares can be higher. Some travellers fly to Surat Thani and take a ferry instead, which is cheaper but slower.

Arriving

After landing, follow signs to immigration with your passport and arrival card confirmation ready. Our Thailand entry checklist covers what to carry.

Festival and holiday travel

Songkran in mid-April and the New Year period are busy in Thailand, and Indian holidays such as Diwali bring heavy demand from India. Book these dates well ahead, and expect higher fares. Our Thailand in December guide covers the peak season.

Flying from smaller cities

Travellers from cities without direct flights can connect through Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru, or via other Asian hubs. Compare total travel time, not just fares.

Entry requirements

Before you fly, check the current entry requirements for Indian passport holders on the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi page and the Thai e-Visa site, and complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card on the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card site. Rules change, so confirm them close to your travel date.

Next steps

Read our Bangkok airport guide and 5-day Thailand itinerary, or see our Bangkok and Phuket pages.

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Your questions, answered

How long is the flight from India to Thailand?

Direct flights from Kolkata take about two and a half hours, from Delhi and Mumbai about four to four and a half hours, and from Bengaluru and Chennai about three and a half to four hours, depending on route and airline.

Which airport should I fly into in Bangkok?

Full-service airlines usually use Suvarnabhumi (BKK), while many low-cost airlines use Don Mueang (DMK). Check your ticket, as transfers into the city differ.

Are there direct flights to Phuket from India?

Some airlines operate direct flights to Phuket from Indian cities, and occasionally to Krabi. Otherwise, connect via Bangkok.

Are red-eye flights a good idea?

They save a hotel night and give you a full first day, but you arrive tired. With children or parents, a daytime flight is often better.