Overview Compare Flight Train Bus
How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, has a lot to offer to every kind of traveller. Besides visiting its vibrant night markets and festivals, you can trek in the mountains or go temple-hopping. Once you’re in Chiang Mai, you can easily travel to other popular destinations in Northern Thailand, like Pai and Chiang Rai.
The distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is 695 km (1,120 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: by flight (1-1.5 hours), by train (10.5-14.5 hours), or by bus (9.5-10.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 530 THB ($15.50) to 760 THB ($22.00).
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are cheap and the fastest option. The trip takes only about 1-1.5 hours and the ticket cost starts 730 THB ($21.50).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
The train can be a great alternative. If you book a sleeper birth, you can sleep throughout the 10.5-14.5 hours journey. The cost of a sleeper berth ticket for the night train starts from 760 THB ($22.00).
The bus is the cheapest option and is a little faster than the train. However, it won’t come with the comfort of a bed like the train offers. The journey takes 9.5-10.5 hours and has multiple options to choose from.
PRO TIP: Instead of travelling straight to Chiang Mai, consider making a stopover in Sukhothai. This ancient city is located halfway to Chiang Mai and is well known for its numerous historical sites and ruins.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Flight
Flying to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is the fastest option.
Airlines that operate along this route include Vietjet Air, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Air Asia, and Thai Airways.
These low-cost airlines offer many flights daily with prices starting as low as 730 THB ($21.50) if you book in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around 1 THB ($29.50) for a direct flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
You can also book flights by Thai Airways, but they are typically more expensive.
For the best flight offers, we recommend checking Skyscanner.
Airports in Bangkok
Some flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), located east of Bangkok which is a 45-minute away from the centre.
You can also book a flight from Don Mueang Airport (DMK). This airport is about a 30-minute drive from the Bangkok city centre.
Chiang Mai Airport
All flights land at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). Chiang Mai centre is just a 15-minute trip by car from the airport. You can also take public buses, taxis, songthaew, and tuk-tuk to go around the city.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train
There are numerous trains travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai from morning to evening.
Tickets for a 3rd class seat start from 230 THB ($6.50). However, we don’t think many people want to book a seat on a train ride that lasts +10 hours.
Thanks to the airconditioned sleeper berths, you can sleep your way throughout the longest part of the journey. Not only it is a budget-friendly way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, but it is also better for the environment and an amazing way to travel.
Sleeper berths start from 760 THB ($22.00), which is about the same price as the cheapest plane tickets. If you add up the costs of baggage and the taxi to/from the airports, this sleeper berth will still be a cheaper option, though.
Also during high season, flight tickets can get more expensive, making the train a more interesting option to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Departure from Bangkok
To go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via train, you need to go to Hua Lamphong Train Station. You can either hop on the MRT, hail a taxi or a tuk-tuk to reach this train station from downtown Bangkok. Travelling to the train station from Bangkok centre will likely take around 15 minutes, depending on the traffic and your location.
Train Schedules from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Trains can be the cheapest option if you book a 3rd-class seat for as low as 230 THB ($6.50). But it won’t give the same level of comfort that the 2nd-class berths and 1st-class tickets can offer. Tickts for first-class berth starts at 1 THB ($48.50).
Arrival in Chiang Mai
The train arrives at Chiang Mai Railway Station which is located 15 minutes away from the city centre. You can arrange for transportation from the train station to your hotel upon arrival. There are also taxis, songthaew or tuk-tuk that you can ride to go to the centre.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Bus
Travelling by bus can also be a good alternative to the plane if you travel on a budget.
Although it doesn’t come with a bed, It is a bit faster than the train and the cost starts at 530 THB ($15.50).
Given this length of time, we recommend leaving Bangkok in the evening so you can rest throughout the journey. Once you arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning, you can go sightseeing.
Since many locals and tourists travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, several buses are available from morning to evening. The whole journey takes up to 10.5 hours depending on the number of stops the driver makes for toilet and meal breaks.
Departure from Bangkok
Buses depart from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit). The taxi drive to Mochit terminal from Bangkok centre just takes about 20-30 minutes.
The table below shows an overview of the different bus companies.
Bus schedules from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Arrival in Chiang Mai
All buses arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2. This terminal is located about 4 km east of Chiang Mai Old Town. At the bus terminal, you can find several buses, minivans, and taxis that go to the Chaing Mai Old City.
Most buses offer VIP tickets, which usually feature reclining seats, more legroom, and an onboard toilet. Keep in mind that the offerings of VIP buses vary per company.
Booking bus tickets around Koh San Road
Booking your bus trip with your hotel or with a travel agency in the Khao San Road area is also possible. You will see countless travel agencies offering tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
However, tickets are usually more expensive compared to booking online.
Also be aware that some of the companies’ drop-off areas can be unofficial bus stops outside the city centre (for example: on the side of a highway or main road). This means you may need to take another taxi or tuk-tuk to reach your destination. Therefore, make sure to ask where the bus drops off passengers prior to booking your ticket.
Our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai
Stamps Backpackers Hostel - Budget Friendly
Looking to stay at a fun, social and centrally located hostel? Then Stamps is definitely the place you want to be! The private cube dorms offer you all the privacy you’ve been dreaming of through your travels. Located just a short walk from the Nightmarket, Old Town and numerous other sights, this hostel is set in the perfect location. The staff are extremely outgoing and welcoming, you will feel right at home immediately.
The hostel organizes outings for almost every night of the week, including free tours through the night market, Muay Thai fights, nightclubs, cooking classes and so much more. They will assist you in booking a day with the elephants, renting a motorbike, directions or planning your onward trip. Often referred to as Thailand’s best hostel, Stamps is, without a doubt, the place you want to stay when in Chiang Mai.
Prices start at $19 per night
Mickey House - Budget Friendly
This charming guesthouse located in the heart of Chiang Mai is full of character with it’s Mickey Mouse theme. Within walking distance to numerous sites, the night market and shopping, it’s the perfect place to stay. The staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful.
They will help you with directions and transportation to nearby sights, assist in arranging tours, and even help you plan the trip to your next destination. The hotel offers free wifi, an airport shuttle service, breakfast and there’s even a bar on site. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are clean, it’s the perfect budget-friendly guesthouse.
Private rooms start at $17 per night
Chada Mantra Hotel - Mid Range
Well, we can’t offer a beach but we can offer you a dip in this hotel’s 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. Beautiful clean rooms with city views and very comfortable beds. The staff is well known to be extremely helpful, always going the extra mile to assist their guests in any way possible. This hotel is clean, classy and comfortable.
Rooms start at $28 per night
Gusto House - Mid Range
If you’re looking for a little more comfort and an ideal location, the Gusto House is a great option. The hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from Sunday Walking Street Bazaar and Wat Pra Singha temple. If you’re interested in exploring Old Town and temples, this a perfect place to stay.
The staff is more than happy to go out of their to assist you with all your special requests. The rooms are extremely clean, the beds are very comfortable and a wonderful breakfast is included daily.
Rooms start at $40 per night
Chiang Mai Travel Guides
The Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide
16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Routes from Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Centre
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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.
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.
