Overview Compare Public Bus Taxi Songthaew Tuk-tuk Shuttle Bus
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.
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How to travel from Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Centre
Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) is located 5 km (3 miles) from the centre of Chiang Mai. In this post, we compare 5 options when travelling from Chiang Mai Airport to the city centre: by public bus (20 minutes), by taxi (15-40 minutes), by songthaew (15 minutes), by tuk-tuk (20 minutes), or by shuttle bus (20 minutes). Fares range from 30 THB ($0.80) to 150 THB ($4.20).
The public bus is the cheapest way to reach the city centre from Chiang Mai Airport. A ticket costs only 30 THB ($0.80) and the buses pass by several famous landmarks, as well as Nimman Road. You can find these blue buses just outside the arrivals hall.
If you prefer to be dropped off straight at your hotel, you can book a taxi with rates from 150 THB ($4.20). The ride will only take about 15-40 minutes, depending on the location of your hotel.
The songthaew is a good way to travel like a local from Chiang Mai Airport to the Old City. A ride costs about 40 THB ($1.10), but it can cost more if there aren’t a lot of other passengers. For this option, you need to tell the driver first where you’re headed because they have different routes. All songthaews are red in colour and can be easily spotted along the main streets.
The tuk-tuk is also another option to experience local transport. Fares start from 100 THB ($2.80) for the 20-minute ride to the city centre. Note that tuk-tuks don’t offer a lot of space, so we don’t suggest this option if you’re travelling with luggage.
If your destination is outside the city centre, you can also take a shuttle bus for 60 THB ($1.70). However, its schedule is very occasional and inconsistent.
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.
Chiang Mai Airport to City Centre by Public Bus
The public bus or the RTC (Regional Transit Corporation) Chiang Mai Bus is the cheapest way to reach the city centre from Chiang Mai International Airport. These blue-coloured buses are also called the Chiang Mai Smart Bus.
A ticket only costs 30 THB ($0.80) for the 20-minute ride to the city centre.
You can choose from 2 types of R3 buses. The R3 buses with red and yellow signs both head to central Chiang Mai, but in different directions. These buses run from 06:30 to 23:30 daily and are available every 25-30 minutes.
- Route R3 (Red) heads to Nimman Road first before going to Tha Pae Gate, next to the old centre.
- Route R3 (Yellow) takes the opposite route. It goes to Tha Pae first before heading to Nimman Road.
You can find the public buses just outside the arrivals hall. Just look for the white bus stop sign.
Chiang Mai Airport to City Centre by Taxi
If you want a private transfer, you can book a taxi from the service counters in the arrival hall of Chiang Mai Airport. There are two types of taxis available: the Chiang Mai Airport taxis and the metered taxis.
The Chiang Mai Airport taxi charges a flat rate of 150 THB ($4.20) to the city centre. Meanwhile, a metered taxi will cost approximately 100 THB ($2.80) to 120 THB ($3.40), plus the airport surcharge of 50 THB ($1.40). Travel time is about 15 to 40 minutes.
Taxi reservation online has a slightly higher cost at around 370 THB ($10.00). However, we recommend this advance taxi booking through 12GoAsia so that you can avoid long queues and save time.
An alternative is booking a private car in advance or booking one via Grab. Klook offers a 3-seater car for around 535 THB ($15.00). The taxi will cost a little more than the other options but is a very comfortable way to travel directly from Chiang Mai Airport to the city centre.
Chiang Mai Airport to Old City by Songthaew
Songthaews are the most popular mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. A songthaew is basically a small pick-up truck that’s been customized to seat passengers in the box of the truck. In the Chiang Mai area, all songthaews are red in colour and can be easily spotted along the main streets.
You can find songthaews outside almost every exit of Chiang Mai Airport’s arrival hall. Before boarding the songthaew, tell the driver the name of your hotel to make sure that he’s going in the same direction.
When travelling to the airport, you can easily find songthaews on any main street around the Old City. The standard rate for travelling between Chiang Mai Airport and the city centre is 40 THB ($1.10) per person for the 15-minute trip.
Be aware that the driver may ask you to pay an increased rate if there are not many passengers on board because this is considered a ‘private ride’. The increased rates will cost you 100 THB ($2.80) to 200 THB ($5.50), but you also have the option to wait for more passengers to pay a lower rate.
Chiang Mai Airport to Old City by Tuk-tuk
You will also find numerous tuk-tuks outside Chiang Mai Airport. They look the same as the tuk-tuks in Bangkok, but they usually run at a slower pace.
Tuk-tuk drivers charge a standard rate of 100 THB ($2.80) to 120 THB ($3.40) for a trip from Chiang Mai Airport to the Old City.
Be aware that some tuk-tuk drivers may try to charge you a higher rate of 150 THB ($4.20). Be prepared to negotiate to get the best price, or you can simply walk away and ask the next driver.
Tuk-tuks do not offer a lot of space, so it might not be the most comfortable ride for you if you’re travelling with luggage.
Chiang Mai Airport to the City Centre by Shuttle Bus
Another option is to take the airport shuttle bus from Chiang Mai Airport to the city centre. The downside of this ride is that it has no specific departure times and only stops outside the Old City.
If you still want to take this shuttle bus, you can find it at the southern end of Chiang Mai Airport. The shuttle begins running at 17:00, which is not a great option if your flight lands in the morning or early afternoon.
The standard fare is 60 THB ($1.70) per person, but there have been instances when passengers were charged more than this standard rate.
Our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai
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.
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
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.
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.
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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.
