How to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city with a breathtaking backdrop of misty mountain ranges and colourful hill tribes. This northernmost city of Thailand offers an incredible experience for travellers who are fascinated with both culture and nature as the city is known for its beautiful ancient temples and wonderful natural attractions.
The distance from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is 190 km (120 miles). In this post, we compare the 2 options to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: by bus (3.5-4 hours) or by flight (4-11.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 225 THB ($6.50) to 2,000 THB ($57).
2 ways to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Taking the bus is an easy, fast and cheap way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. The journey takes about 3.5-4 hours and an express bus ticket costs only 225 THB ($6.50).
Flying from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is more expensive than the bus, with airfares starting from 2,000 THB ($57). Note that there are no direct flights from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, as all flights make a stopover in Bangkok. Total travel time takes 4 to 11.5 hours.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Itinerary from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by Bus
Green Bus is the most popular bus company in both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. They operate 2 different types of buses for your convenience: VIP and express.
You can buy your tickets online or at the bus station before boarding the bus. Ticket prices from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai start at 225 THB ($6.50) for the express bus and 350 THB ($10) for the VIP bus. Travel time takes about 3.5-4 hours.
We recommend booking in advance as tickets sell out quickly, especially during holidays and peak season.
Departure and arrival stations
Green Bus departs from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, located in the city centre just next to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar.
Finally, the bus completes its journey at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. From this terminal, you can easily reach the Old City in just 5 minutes.
You can check the schedules below so that you can plan your trip ahead.
Bus schedules from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
VIP buses feature bigger and more comfortable seats, plus they have a toilet on board. Express buses, on the other hand, make a stop halfway through the journey for a bathroom break.
Keep in mind that this extra stop increases the travel time by 15-30 minutes. The VIP buses rarely stop along the way, so you can get to Chiang Mai a bit quicker.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by Flight via Bangkok
Taking a flight from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is not really a practical option. This is because all flights on this route make a stopover in Bangkok. Total travel time can take between 4-11.5 hours.
There are multiple airlines that offer trips from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, such as AirAsia, NokAir, Thai Airways, and Thai Lion Air. A one-way ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starts from 2,000 THB ($57).
Flights depart from Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, which is a 20-minute taxi ride from the city centre. Outside Chiang Mai Airport (CNX), there are buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews that can take you to the Old City.
More routes to Chiang Mai
More routes from Chiang Rai
Most popular routes in Thailand
About the author(s)
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.
