How to Get From Chiang Mai Railway Station to Chiang Mai City Centre
Songthaew · Tuk-tuk · Taxi
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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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Chiang Mai Railway Station to Chiang Mai City Centre?
There are three ways to travel the 5 km distance from Chiang Mai Railway Station to Chiang Mai City Centre. You can choose between the songthaew, tuk-tuk, and private.
The journey takes between 15m–20m and the quickest way is by songthaew (15m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by songthaew with tickets starting at 40 THB ($1.20).
15 minutes
40 THB ($1.20)
20 minutes
120 THB ($3.70)
15 minutes
150 THB ($4.60)
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.
Already in Chiang Mai?
Onward from Chiang Mai
Once you're in Chiang Mai, here's where to next — 7 researched onward routes to pick from.
Chiang Mai Railway Station to Chiang Mai City Centre 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 to Chiang Mai City Centre and the city centre takes about 15 minutes and costs 40 THB ($1.20) 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 ($3.10) to 150 THB ($4.60). 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 to Chiang Mai City Centre.
Chiang Mai Railway Station to Chiang Mai City Centre by Tuk-tuk
You can also find several tuk-tuks outside of Chiang Mai Railway Station to Chiang Mai City Centre and along nearby Rot Fai Road. The tuk-tuks are usually waiting in the car park near the train station.
If your hotel is in the Tha Pae Gate area, expect to pay 120 THB ($3.70). For other locations in the city centre, a tuk-tuk ride costs around 150 THB ($4.60).
We don’t recommend taking a tuk-tuk if you have luggage, as they don’t offer a lot of space.
Chiang Mai Railway Station to Chiang Mai City Centre by Taxi
A taxi is a very convenient way to travel with your luggage to/from your hotel to Chiang Mai Railway Station to Chiang Mai City Centre.
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.
Our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai
Here are our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai for every budget.
Treat YourselfRimping Village
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.
Mid-RangePOR Daowadung
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.
BudgetChada Mantra Hotel
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
BudgetAsa Hotel
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.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Chiang Mai 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Mai is 5 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit 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.
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About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
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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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