I live in Jomtien and there is a direct hourly bus service from Jomtien to Swanni. Then there is another - free - bus from Swanni to Don Muang about every 10 minutes. It's a great little service. You just show your depature ticket from DM to the desk, outside door level 2 entrance 3. No problems. But, when you want to retrace your steps things go downhill because you do not have a departure ticket from Swanni!!! If you don't have a departure ticket then you don't get on the free bus. Of course, if you slip 100 baht the right way, or yell and complain, then you might also get on, but, theoreticaly, not.

Seems strange to me. You can go one way but not the other. Oh. i do understand the reasoning - you've got a ticket to go, but not to come back - but it seems pretty short-sighted.

Just wondered if anyone else has had the same problem and how they overcame it.

Everyone has the same problem. There is a mini van service now from DM to Swampy, just 50 baht. On the same level as the official shuttle bus but about 300 yards back towards the Domestic Terminal. Otherwise it's the bus into Bangkok and hours waiting around.

I live in Jomtien and there is a direct hourly bus service from Jomtien to Swanni. Then there is another - free - bus from Swanni to Don Muang about every 10 minutes. It's a great little service. You just show your depature ticket from DM to the desk, outside door level 2 entrance 3. No problems. But, when you want to retrace your steps things go downhill because you do not have a departure ticket from Swanni!!! If you don't have a departure ticket then you don't get on the free bus. Of course, if you slip 100 baht the right way, or yell and complain, then you might also get on, but, theoreticaly, not.

Seems strange to me. You can go one way but not the other. Oh. i do understand the reasoning - you've got a ticket to go, but not to come back - but it seems pretty short-sighted.

Just wondered if anyone else has had the same problem and how they overcame it.

the free service is for plane travellers to get to the other airport for their connecting flight. why on earth would you start yelling if you don't comply?

Thanks for that info Henryford. Actually, I only ever went to DM thinking I was 'saving' by flying Air Asia but I think it's been false economy to a degree. Two hours in extra travel time and extra cost of baggage. Bangkok Air from Swanni, with baggage included, and with its own lounge, seems to be a better bet. Still costs a little more but not a heck of a lot. Air Asia for short hall International flights might be a different story. Thanks again.