Overview Compare Taxi Songthaew Tuk-tuk
How to travel from and to Chiang Mai Railway Station
Chiang Mai Railway Station is one of the busiest railway stations in Thailand and is the gateway to explore Northern Thailand and the famous Golden Triangle. The station is also the final stop of the State Railways of Thailand Northern Line.
Although the train station is designed with a focus on functionality rather than aesthetics, the train station does showcase a beautiful steam engine in front of the entrance.
3 ways to get from and to Chiang Mai Railway Station
Chiang Mai Railway Station is located 5 km (3 miles) from the centre of Chiang Mai. In this post, we compare 3 options when travelling to and from Chiang Mai Railway Station: by taxi (15 minutes), by songthaew (15 minutes), or by tuk-tuk (20 minutes). Fares range from 40 THB ($1.10) to 150 THB ($4.10).
Taking a taxi is a good option to escape Thailand’s hot weather. Fare starts at 150 THB ($4.10) and the trip between Chaing Mai centre and railway station takes about 15 minutes.
If you are looking for a cheaper option and don’t mind waiting for other passengers, you can take a songthaew for only 40 THB ($1.10). The travel time will take about the same amount of time as a taxi.
Alternatively, you can also take a tuk-tuk with fares around 120 THB ($3.30) for the 20-minute ride. Tuk-tuks fit normally around 3-4 people, but only about 2 people if you are taking luggage with you.
Chiang Mai Railway Station by Taxi
A taxi is a very convenient way to travel with your luggage to/from your hotel to Chiang Mai Railway Station.
It’s only a little more expensive than a songthaew or a tuk-tuk and offers the convenience of being dropped off at your hotel and having an air-conditioned ride.
Expect to pay around 150 THB ($4.10) for a 15-minute taxi ride between Chiang Mai Railway Station and the city centre. You can also book a Grab taxi online, where fares are often cheaper during non-peak hours.
Chiang Mai Railway Station by Songthaew
Songthaews are the most popular and affordable mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. These red songthaews can be easily spotted as you exit the train station.
Taking a songthaew to and from Chiang Mai Railway Station and the city centre takes about 15 minutes and costs 40 THB ($1.10) per person.
During non-peak hours, songthaews don’t always get full. That’s when drivers tend to increase prices and offer you a ‘private ride’ for 100 THB ($2.70) to 150 THB ($4.10). In that case, you are often better off taking an airconditioned taxi for around the same price.
We recommend negotiating a fair price with the driver or waiting for other passengers to board the songthaew. Make sure to also inform the driver where you want to be dropped off before departing from Chiang Mai Railway Station.
Chiang Mai Railway Station by Tuk-tuk
You can also find several tuk-tuks outside of Chiang Mai Railway Station and along nearby Rot Fai Road. The tuk-tuks are usually waiting in the car park nearby the train station.
If your hotel is in the Tha Pae Gate area, expect to pay 120 THB ($3.30). For other locations in the city centre, a tuk-tuk ride costs around 150 THB ($4.10).
We don’t recommend taking a tuk-tuk if you have luggage, as they don’t offer a lot of space.
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.
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
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
