Summary
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport offers a 14.6-mile bike lane around its perimeter for cycling enthusiasts.
- The tracks cater to cyclists of all levels, with two lanes marked for standard and fast riders, scenic views, and rest areas.
- Bike rental is available at the airport, with various types of bikes offered for a rental duration of four hours at different rates.
During a layover, we may be used to walking around the terminal, trying to catch a nap in a less-than-ideal bench seat, or grabbing a bite to eat. However, have you ever thought about riding a bike around the airport’s perimeter? Those traveling to/from or via Thailand’s capital have that option, thanks to the Happy and Healthy Bike Lane surrounding
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
(BKK).
Serving the capital of Thailand, BKK is situated predominantly in the Racha Thewa subdistrict and Samut Prakan province. The airport covers an area of 3,240 hectares, making it one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It remains the busiest airport in Thailand and a key international gateway to the country. It has a substantial Cargo Air Freight Hub and is home to
Thai Airways
and
bangkok airways
, among other carriers.
Photo: KITTIKUN YOKSAP | Shutterstock
If you’re an avid cyclist or enjoy a simple ride in the fresh air, you can enjoy the 14.6-mile (23.5-kilometer) cycling park in the northeastern corner of the airport. The park follows a specially built link around the airport perimeter. Strada and Exploro are also available for testing. Ironically, the other airport in Bangkok, Dom Mueng, has a golf course between its runways, so whichever airport you pass by, there are outdoor activities to enjoy.
Multiple tracks to choose from
A cycling track may not come to mind when you first think of Bangkok. The Thai capital is home to more than eight million inhabitants, but cycling has gone through a renaissance, and now the Thai people have rediscovered the joy of cycling. So, next time you have time to spare at Bangkok’s main airport, rent a bike and go cycling on the Happy and Healthy Bike Lane.
The track is in two lanes and is marked with blue and purple colors nominated for standard or fast riders. Despite being around the airport grounds, it’s very scenic and not as commercial or industrial as you might think. There are grasslands, shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can stop and enjoy yourself.
For many, a single loop will be enough of a challenge, but this is also a facility where race-paced efforts can be exercised, and there are specific structured training schedules athletes can work towards. Despite its popularity of all strengths, everyone remains courteous and respectful to other riders. It raises why other of the world’s busiest airports haven’t considered installing their bike track. Let’s learn more about each track:
Blue Track – Normal
Opened publicly in December 2015, this two-lane asphalt track is 15 feet (4.8 meters) wide and circumnavigates
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
. It includes solar-powered lighting for night riding. Rest areas are available every 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) at poles #150, #300, and #442. In addition, there is the Samitivej Health Sub-Station near Rest Area 2. This track is perfect for any level of strength.
Purple Track – Fast
Opened in December 2017, the Blue Track has been widened an additional 12.7 feet (3.8 meters), answering the call of professional riders who had asked for more space to push their bodies to the limit and ride faster and safely. Riders enjoying the blue track frequently see riders in the purple lane speeding past.
Cycling & Jogging Track
This 0.93-mile (1.5-kilometer) track opened primarily as a warm-up space and is now a popular choice for those looking for less of a challenge. People can frequently stroll around this track or see younger riders finding balance. This track closed temporarily in 2020 between March and September as it was widened and upgraded to ‘soft impact’ rubber. It also introduced slopes and bumps to make it more enjoyable for all riders.
Bike rental available
For most of us who don’t travel internationally or domestically with our bikes, bike rental is available. You must bring your ID or
passport
to verify your identity, and you need to wear sneakers or cycling shoes only. No open-toed shoes are permitted. Rates for rental are:
|
Type of bike |
Cost (THB) |
Cost (USD) |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hybrid |
420 |
$12.37 |
Four hours |
|
Aluminum |
720 |
$21.20 |
Four hours |
|
Carbon |
920 |
$27.08 |
Four hours |
|
Hi-end |
1,500 |
$44.16 |
Four hours |
|
Dogma F |
1,700 |
$50.08 |
Four hours |
Photo: hhblbikelane
A bite to eat after a long ride
During your bike ride, if you are feeling peckish, there are up to ten different food vendors scattered around the course, including:
- 100 Plus (energy drinks)
- Gold Crown (fruit juice and smoothies)
- Ride Berry (fruit juice and smoothies)
- Pad Thai Ekkamai (Phad Thai)
- RawangThang (Thai food)
- Mommy Taste (Thai food)
- Patta (Thai food)
- I Am The Best Steak Here (Steak)
- Golden Spoon Kitchen (Thai Food)
- Power Drink (fruit juice and smoothies)
- Cafe Amazon
- ACAI Story
- Golden Place
- Inthanin
- KFC
- 7-Eleven
- True Coffee
While taking a bike ride during a flight
layover
might not be the first choice for some passengers, this unique offering at BKK is a fantastic option for active travelers or those looking to blow off a little steam. It’s fun to get out and about and enjoy the fresh air before your next flight.