Thailand Chiang Mai

How to get fromSukhothai to Chiang Mai

Want to explore the 4 best ways to travel from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai? In this guide, we'll explain how to travel this 300 kilometers (186 miles) distance and compare each option by duration, price, and comfort. For each transport method, we'll help you pick the best provider and show you where to book your tickets.

Reviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: December 1, 2024

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What to expect when visiting Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northernmost city, an intriguing fusion of new and old. Its hundreds of temples, striking Old City and delicious local dishes tell the story of Chiang Mai’s culture and history. On the other hand, its cafe culture, friendly coworking spaces and nightlife attract digital nomads from across the globe.

Surrounded by mountains, the city offers plenty of adventures with nature. But if you can, we recommend travelling to Chiang Mai in time for one of its many festivals — like Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) in November and Songkran (Water Splashing Festival) in April.

4 ways to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai

The 4 ways to travel the distance of 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai are by: bus (4 hours 5 minutes to 7 hours), private transport (4 hours 30 minutes), train (8 hours 10 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes) and flight (4 to 14 hours). The journey duration ranges between 4 to 14 hours and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €8.20 for the train.

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train

8h 10m - 9h 30m

From €8.20

Bus

4h 5m - 7h

From €9

Book Tickets

Flight

4-14h

From 2,550 THB (€72)

Private Transport

4h 30m

From €155

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai at the bottom of this page.

Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by Train

Duration: 8h 10m - 9h 30m

Costs: €8.20

Duration: 8h 10m - 9h 30m

Costs: €8.20

To travel by train from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai, you first need to go to Phitsanulok, where the nearest train station is located. From there, you can take the train to Chiang Mai.

Step 1: Sukhothai to Phitsanulok

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 100 THB (€2.80)

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 100 THB (€2.80)

You have 3 options when travelling from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok: a bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk.

Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Bus

There are several buses operating from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok. Travel time is around 2 hours and you can get a ticket from 100 THB (€2.80).

Buses depart from Sukhothai Historical Park and Sukhothai Bus Terminal. If you are coming from the New Sukhothai city centre, you need to take a tuk-tuk to get to the bus terminal. One ride costs around 60 THB (€1.70).

The arrival point is at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 2.

You can book your bus tickets from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok on 12go.Asia.

Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Taxi

An alternative to the bus is a taxi from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok. You can take a taxi from your hotel in either New or Old Sukhothai straight to the Phitsanulok Railway Station.

Kim Transfers Thailand offers competitive rates, starting from 2,300 THB (€65). You can compare the taxi fares of Kim Transfers with other taxi operators via the link below.

Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Tuk-tuk

The distance between Sukhothai and Phitsanulok is around 63 km, so travelling by tuk-tuk is not worth considering. Although possible, the open frame of the tuk-tuk will expose you to the intense summer heat or the rain.

Taking a taxi is far more comfortable, especially on a 1.5-hour-long ride.

Check Private Transfers

Step 2: Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai by Train

Duration: 6h 10m - 7h 30m

Costs: €5.40

Duration: 6h 10m - 7h 30m

Costs: €5.40

Several trains ply from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai daily.

If you took the bus from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok, you can take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to the train station and it costs 60 THB (€1.70).

Phitsanulok

Third Class Seat Fan

Chiang Mai

13:37

7h 28m

21:05

18:49

6h 51m

01:40

21:40

7h 30m

05:10

Thai Railway

€5.40

Phitsanulok

Second Class Seat Fan

Chiang Mai

13:37

7h 28m

21:05

18:49

6h 51m

01:40

21:40

7h 30m

05:10

Thai Railway

€8

Phitsanulok

Second Class Seat

Chiang Mai

06:22

6h 8m

12:30

Thai Railway

€12

Get Your Tickets

Phitsanulok

Second Class Sleeper

Chiang Mai

13:37

7h 28m

21:05

17:18

6h 57m

00:15

18:49

6h 51m

01:40

21:40

7h 30m

05:10

Thai Railway

€18.80

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Tip: Train tickets are sold up to 90 days prior to the day of departure so book your ticket in advance!

Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by Bus

Duration: 4h 5m - 7h

Costs: €9

Duration: 4h 5m - 7h

Costs: €9

There are three bus companies operating trips from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai: Sukhothai Thani, Sukhothai Wintour and Tour with Thai.

Buses depart from the Sukhothai Bus Terminal and arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2.

Ticket prices for the bus start from €9 and travel time is around 4 hours 5 minutes to 7 hours.

New Sukhothai to Sukhothai Bus Terminal

From the New Sukhothai city centre going to the Sukhothai Bus Terminal, you can either take the songthaew or tuk-tuk.

A songthaew costs 15 THB (€0.40), while a tuk-tuk ride is around 50 THB (€1.40).

Old Sukhothai to Sukhothai Bus Terminal

You can hop on a songthaew and pay about 20 THB (€0.60) to 30 THB (€0.80) to take you to the Sukhothai Bus Terminal. Another way is to ride a tuk-tuk for 150 THB (€4.20).

Bus schedules from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai

Amphoe Si Samrong

Standard

Chiang Mai Arcade 2

08:35

5h 25m

14:00

Sukhothai Thani

€9

Get Your Tickets

Sukhothai

Standard

Chiang Mai Arcade 2

08:15

5h 45m

14:00

09:30

15:30

10:45

16:45

Sukhothai Thani

€9.50

Sukhothai

Chiang Mai

09:30

4h 5m

13:35

Sukhothai Wintour

384 THB (€10.80)

Get Your Tickets

Tambon Mueang Kao

Standard

Chiang Mai Arcade 2

09:50

5h 40m

15:30

11:05

5h 40m

16:45

Sukhothai Thani

€11.60

Get Your Tickets

Sukhothai Bus Terminal

Standard

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3

08:15

14:15

09:30

15:30

10:45

16:45

16:30

22:30

23:30

05:30

Tour with Thai

€15.80

Get Your Tickets

Sukhothai - Any hotel

Standard

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3

08:15

15:15

09:30

16:30

10:45

17:45

16:00

23:00

23:30

05:30

Tour with Thai

€25

Get Your Tickets

Show 1 more operator(s)

Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by Flight

Duration: 4-14 hours

Costs: 2,550 THB (€72)

Duration: 4-14 hours

Costs: 2,550 THB (€72)

There are no direct flights between Sukhothai and Chiang Mai. All flights have a layover in Bangkok.

Bangkok Airways is the only airline flying from and to Sukhothai. Flights are quite expensive starting from 2,550 THB (€72). Try booking in advance to find a lower price.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Chiang Mai International Airport

The Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is located about 5 km away from the city centre. From here, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or public transportation from Chiang Mai Airport to get to your hotel.

Don’t forget to check with your hotel to see if they offer a free or low-cost transfer from the airport.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by Private Transport

Duration: 4h 30m

Costs: €155

Duration: 4h 30m

Costs: €155

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai.

Rates start from €155 for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about €39 per person. Travel time is around 4 hours 30 minutes.

Private Transport option from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai

SUV

SUV Car 4 PAX

Price per person = €39

Tinnakorn

€155

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 9 PAX

Price per person = €24

Tinnakorn

€215

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Car 3 PAX

Price per person = €72

Jed Yord Brother

€215

Get Your Tickets

SUV

SUV Car 4 PAX

Price per person = €59

Jed Yord Brother

€235

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Chiang Mai

Rimping Village - Treating Yourself

Chiang Mai can be tiring exploring all of the temples and going on day trips, so there’s nothing better than coming back to a luxurious and beautiful hotel. Rimping Village feels like a mini resort nestled in the middle of Chiang Mai.

The exceptional breakfast served in the gardens each morning is likely to be one of the highlights of your trip. What a way to start the day! Then go for a dip in their beautiful outdoor swimming pool or head back to your spacious room.

Stunning swimming pool
Luxurious rooms and design
Beautiful garden
Exceptional free breakfast

Private rooms start from $88 per night.

Check Available Rooms

POR Daowadung - Mid Range

Everything about POR Daowadung feels like a top-quality luxury hotel. Whether it’s the ultra-modern but comfortable designs of the rooms or the outdoor swimming pool and sunloungers actually in the pool!

The hotel is in a great location, every room has its own balcony and a delicious breakfast is included every morning. Can you ask for much more from an accommodation?

Great value for money
Outdoor swimming pool
Beautiful design
Delicious free breakfast

Private rooms start from $44 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Chada Mantra Hotel - Budget Friendly

The star of the show at Chada Mantra Hotel has to be its outdoor swimming pool, which is extremely refreshing after a day spent exploring the city. Located within Chiang Mai Old City, just 700m from the Pae gate, this hotel is perfectly located.

The hotel offers free breakfast, wifi in all rooms and common areas, as well as an onsite bar. Here you’ll find beautiful clean rooms with city views and very comfortable beds. The staff are well known to be extremely helpful, always going the extra mile to assist their guests in any way possible.

Beautiful swimming pool
Perfect location
Comfortable beds
Free breakfast

Private rooms start at $28 per night

Check Available Rooms

Asa Hotel - Budget Friendly

It’s hard to believe that Asa Hotel is a budget-friendly accommodation, but a night here will cost you less than $30 for two people. The hotel is ultra-modern with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and sun loungers for you to enjoy.

The staff are incredibly friendly and will help you with anything. The hotel also offers free coffee, tea and water in glass bottles to reduce the use of plastic. Here you’re a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.

Outdoor swimming pool
Ultra-modern
Great staff
Free coffee, tea and water

Private rooms start from $27 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Sukhothai to Chiang Mai

What is the distance from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai?

The distance from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai is 300 kilometers (186 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai?

The fastest way to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai is by flight and takes 4 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai?

The cheapest way to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai is by train with ticket costs starting from €8.20.

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

About the author(s)

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Abegail

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.

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