Overview Compare Flight Train Bus To Stay
How to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Bangkok is often referred to as “The City of Life” or “The City that Never Sleeps”. With so much to do here, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the top tourist destinations year after year.
The Capital City of Thailand is home to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and over 400 other temples. Bangkok is also known as a shopping haven with malls like IconSiam, Platinum Fashion Mall and MBK. It offers world-famous street food, live music, nightlife, fine dining and so much more!
3 ways to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
The distance from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is 695 km (1,120 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok: by flight (1-1.5 hours), by train (13-14 hours), or by bus (9-10.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 530 THB ($15.50) to 820 THB ($24.00).
Flying from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is the most convenient and fastest option. Flights take around 1-1.5 hours with airfares starting from 700 THB ($20.50).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Taking the night train is a good alternative if you want to save money on accommodation. Although you can cross most of the distance by night, keep in mind that the total journey can take up to 14 hours.
If you’re on a budget, you can also travel by bus for as low as 530 THB ($15.50). Travel time varies from one company to another but it generally takes about 9-10.5 hours.
FUN FACT: Bangkok’s real name is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.”
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Flight
Flying from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is the quickest option because it only takes 1-1.5 hours. Also, flights offered by low-cost carriers don’t cost much more than taking the bus or train.
There are several airlines operating on this route which include Vietjet Air, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Air Asia, and Thai Airways. These low-cost carriers offer several flights daily with prices starting at 700 THB ($20.50).
We recommend checking Skyscanner for the best flight offers:
Chiang Mai Airport
All flights depart from Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). The airport is just a 15-minute drive from the centre. There are numerous buses, taxis, songthaew, and tuk-tuks that could take you to Chiang Mai Airport.
Airports in Bangkok
Flight arrival is either at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK. These airports are just a 30-45 minute car drive from the Bangkok city centre.
We suggest booking a flight in advance to avoid last-minute price increases. If you are able to book a promo flight, it can even be incredibly cheaper.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Train
Travelling via train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is the slowest option. However, there are several trains travelling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok daily to choose from. You can also save a night of accommodation if you choose to travel by night train.
Departure from Chiang Mai
To go from Chiang Mai to Bangkok via train, you need to go to Chiang Mai Railway Station. This train station is located 6 km from the centre of Chiang Mai. You can hail taxis, songthaew or tuk-tuk that could take you to the train station from your hotel.
We suggest taking night trains with 2nd class berth with airconditioning for a more comfortable journey.
Train Schedules from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
After a 13 to 14-hour journey, the train will arrive at Hua Lamphong Train Station. The railway station is about 5 km from the centre and the travel time is about 15 minutes depending on the traffic. To get to your hotel in Bangkok, you can take a taxi, tuk-tuk, MRT, BTS or bus.
Take note that train tickets are sold up to 90 days prior to departure. Book your ticket in advance because train tickets tend to sell out fast!
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Bus
Travelling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by bus takes about 9-10.5 hours and fares start at 530 THB ($15.50).
We suggest taking a night bus to catch up on some rest and ensure you are ready to explore the Capital City when you arrive.
However, keep in mind that the bus won’t provide you with a bed as the night train does. If you book a VIP bus, you will still be rewarded with comfortable reclining seats which will at least help to get close to the same experience.
Departure and arrival stations
All buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2. The terminal is located about 4 km east of Chiang Mai old Town. There are several buses, minivans, and taxis that could take you to the terminal.
The buses arrive at Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit). You can ride a taxi from the terminal to go to the Bangkok centre. The taxi drive from Mochit terminal to the city just takes about 20-30 minutes.
The table below shows an overview of the different bus companies operating from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
Bus schedules from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Here Hostel - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a fun social atmosphere then Here Hostel is the place for you! Enjoy relaxing by the pool in the garden area or enjoying a drink with travellers from around the world. Why take the stairs when you can use the indoor slide to travel between floors, this place is full of fun, energy, and laughter. Located less than 1km from Khao San Road, this is the perfect hostel if you’re looking to have a great time in Bangkok!
Dorm rooms start at $16 per night
Hom Hostel & Cooking Club - Budget Friendly
Located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, between Nana and Ploen Chit BTS stations, this hostel is the perfect location in the Sukhumvit area. The hostel offers a garden area, a rooftop terrace and an on-site kitchen for guests to cook their own food or take part in the daily cooking classes. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site if you’d prefer someone else cook for you, as well as buffet breakfast included each day. Extremely clean and very friendly staff are top priorities for this hostel.
Single bed in dorm rooms start at $15 per night
Lamphuhouse Bangkok - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking to be near the excitement of Khao San Road but still enjoy some peace and quiet, this guesthouse is absolutely perfect. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay and the restaurant is open 24/7 for your convenience. A lovely garden area to relax in the afternoons and very comfortable beds in rooms will make for a great stay. Just 300m to Khao San road, this guest house is walking distance to many sights including the Grand Palace and the Golden Mountain Temple.
Rooms start at $19 per night
Mam’s House - Mid Range
Just 700m from Khao San road and sitting along the river is Mam’s House. The staff here will welcome you with open arms and help you in any way that they possibly can. The rooms are huge, the beds are comfortable and it’s extremely clean. There is a cafe on the ground floor of the hotel, street food along the riverbank and countless restaurants, bars and shops just steps away. Locally owned and operated by Mam, this hotel is all about customer service and making sure you have the best stay possible. Perfect location, great views and all the comforts you need!
Rooms start at $26 per night
Blue Chang House - Mid Range
Cozy, comfortable, and ideal location! This guest house is less than 1km from Khao San Road and offers all the comforts you need. It is within walking distance to numerous Temples, Wats and attractions throughout Old Town. On-site bar to enjoy a drink while taking in the sights from the terrace or a lovely garden area to enjoy to relax in if you need some quiet time. The staff is known to be exceptionally welcoming and happy to assist with all guest requests. Located in a quiet area so you will be sure to get a good night’s rest after exploring the Capital City!
Rooms start at $40 per night
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
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Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the 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.
