Route overview
The Bangkok to Chiang Mai route is quite popular among travelers. You have three options to reach Chiang Mai from Bangkok: you can either take a bus, train or fly.
Flying is sometimes a cheaper option than taking the train and you get to Chiang Mai in a few hours. However, taking the train or bus is more eco-friendly as it produces fewer emissions.
| Transport mode | Duration | Costs | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1h 05min | 500 THB (€14) | Check flights |
 | 13h 05m | 1.200 THB (€34) | Check train tickets |
 | 10 hours | 580 THB (€16,50) | Check bus tickets |
Content
Option 1: Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Route: Bangkok Chiang Mai
Duration: 1h 05min
Costs: 500 THB (€14)
There are many low-cost carriers offering flights to Chiang Mai. Tickets sell for as low as 500 THB (€14) and sometimes the airline promotions offer great deals.
Airlines that operate through this route include Vietjet Air, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Air Asia and Thai Airways. Thai Airways offers more expensive rates as it is not a low-cost carrier. So if you prefer a budget-friendly flight, we suggest booking with either of the four other airlines.
Vietjet Air and Thai Airways depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport and the rest depart from Don Mueang Airport. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Option 2: Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Route: Bangkok Chiang Mai
Duration: 13h 05min
Costs: 1.200 THB (€34)
Chiang Mai’s Railway Station is located about 3km east of the old city. Taking the train may be the slowest option, but having a sleeping berth to lie down on makes the journey quite comfortable.
To go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via train, you need to head to Hua Lamphong Train Station. You can either hop on the MRT or hail a taxi.
We advise you to take a night train for this 13-hour journey. It’s best to book a train ride on train #9 or train #13. They have the most convenient departure and arrival times.
| Train | Departure/Arrival | Duration | 2nd Class Sleeper A/C |
|---|---|---|---|
| #9 | 18:10-07:15 | 13h 05m | 1.400 THB (€40) |
| #13 | 19:35-08:40 | 13h 05m | 1.200 THB (€34) |
Tip: Train tickets are sold as early as 90 days from the day of your intended departure. Book your ticket in advance as train tickets tend to sell out fast!
Option 3: Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Route: Bangkok Chiang Mai
Duration: 10 hours
Costs: 580 THB (€16,50)
All government-regulated buses running through this route depart from Mochit Bus Terminal. The terminal is accessible from Bangkok center by BTS, MRT, public vans and taxis.
Traveling by bus takes 9-11 hours. For this reason, we highly recommend taking a night bus. This allows you to cross the distance while being asleep, so you don’t waste your daytime on traveling.
As this is a well-known route, you have a lot of choices. The table below shows an overview of the different bus companies.
| Bus Operator | Departure/Arrival | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Busline | 20:00-06:45 20:35-06:35 | 10h 45m 10h | 900 THB (€26) 580 THB (€16,50) |
| Lignite Tour | 20:15-05:30 | 9h 30m | 800 THB (€23) |
| Thai Sriram | 20:00-06:00 | 10h | 650 THB (€18,50) |
| Budsarakham Tour | 20:40-07:25 | 10h 45m | 680 THB (€19,50) |
For Bangkok Busline and Budsarakham Tour, you can book your bus tickets through 12go.asia. Want more options? Then you can contact Sombat Tours and Nakornchai Air. They also offer good service for this route.
It’s important to keep in mind that the conditions of VIP buses depend from company to company. Rest assured all buses are generally in good condition and will be comfortable to travel with.
The Thai Sriram buses depart from their office along Chakrabongse Road near Khao San and arrive at Sunny Hostel. Bangkok Busline, Lignite Tours and Budsarakham Tour buses depart from Mochit Bus Terminal, 11km north of downtown Bangkok and arrive at the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai, 5km northeast of the Old City.
Bangkok Busline
This bus company received good feedback from travelers. They have friendly staff and comfortable buses.
Siam First
You won’t go hungry on your trip as this bus company is known for providing good food.
Lignite Tour
Lignite buses provide plenty of leg room and most of their trips seem to arrive on time or earlier than expected.
Budasarakham Tour
The common complaints about this bus company include a smelly onboard toilet and leaking roof when it rains.
Nakornchai Air
Nakornchai Air is known for providing quality service to its passengers. They are also one of the best bus companies in the country.
Sombat Tours
They have clean buses and provide good service but it can get a little noisy inside the bus.
Buses Booked Through Guesthouses and Travel Agencies
Booking a bus ride through your guesthouse or through a travel agency in Khao San Road is another option.
Tickets can be more expensive, but also include a pick-up service. At times, the VIP buses offered won’t look like what you expect and the drop-off area can be an unofficial bus stop outside of the city center. This means you need to take another taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the center.
