Bangkok to Chiang Mai: bus, train or flight?
The bus is the cheapest way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 14 buses a day from ฿661, taking about 10h. The first bus leaves at 09:15, the last at 23:00. 12 of them run overnight. Train: about 11–13 hours.
Bus times and fares checked 2026-10-30.
All the ways to travel
| How | Journey | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 10h | Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2) | 14 a day, from ฿661 |
| Train | about 11–13 hours | Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue) | Overnight sleeper trains; book early for a lower berth |
| Flight | about 1 hour 15 minutes | Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Plus the trips to and from both airports |
By bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- 14 departures a day, first 09:15, last 23:00
- Fares from ฿661 to ฿1,028, set by the bus companies
- Journey about 10h (fastest 9h 5m)
- 12 overnight buses: you sleep on board and arrive the next morning
- Bus companies: Bangkok Bus Lines, Nakhonchaiair, Budsarakham, Viriyatour and Cherdchai Tour
- Boarding points: Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2)
- Drop-off points: Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade) and Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Mai
- Bus classes: A/C 1st class from ฿661 · Economy from ฿661 · Gold Class from ฿771 · VIP · 32 seats from ฿771
Where the buses leave and arrive
Buses leave from Mo Chit 2 (Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak) in north Bangkok and arrive at Chiang Mai Arcade (Terminal 3), about 15 minutes by red songthaew or Grab from the Old City.
Coming back
Chiang Mai to Bangkok: 11 buses a day from ฿661, the last one at 20:30.
Tips
- The overnight buses save a night's hotel: leave Bangkok in the evening, arrive in Chiang Mai in the early morning.
- Book ahead for holidays (Songkran in mid-April, New Year, long weekends): buses sell out.
- Air-conditioned buses are cold, especially at night: bring a jacket.
- Be at the terminal 30 minutes before departure and show your e-ticket at the bus company's counter.
Questions
How much is the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
From ฿661 to ฿1,028, depending on the bus company and class.
How long does the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai take?
About 10h; the fastest bus takes 9h 5m.
Where does the bus to Chiang Mai leave from?
Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2).
Is there an overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Yes: 12 of the 14 daily buses run overnight.
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