Bangkok to Chiang Rai: bus, train or flight?
The bus is the cheapest way from Bangkok to Chiang Rai: 10 buses a day from ฿722, taking about 12h 20m. The first bus leaves at 09:30, the last at 20:30. 9 of them run overnight. Flight: about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Bus times and fares checked 2026-10-30.
All the ways to travel
| How | Journey | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 12h 20m | Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2) | 10 a day, from ฿722 |
| Flight | about 1 hour 20 minutes | Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | The fastest way |
| Train | no direct train | – | Train to Chiang Mai, then about 3 hours by bus |
By bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
- 10 departures a day, first 09:30, last 20:30
- Fares from ฿722 to ฿905, set by the bus companies
- Journey about 12h 20m (fastest 11h)
- 9 overnight buses: you sleep on board and arrive the next morning
- Bus companies: Bangkok Bus Lines, Thaibus Tour, Budsarakham, Cherdchai Tour and Kasemthara Tour
- Boarding points: Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2)
- Drop-off points: Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
- Bus classes: A/C 1st class from ฿722 · Economy from ฿738 · VIP · 32 seats from ฿776
Where the buses leave and arrive
Buses leave from Mo Chit 2 (Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak) in north Bangkok.
Coming back
Chiang Rai to Bangkok: 8 buses a day from ฿722, the last one at 19:05.
Tips
- Evening departures arrive in Chiang Rai in the morning, in time for a day trip to the White Temple.
- 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 Rai?
From ฿722 to ฿905, depending on the bus company and class.
How long does the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai take?
About 12h 20m; the fastest bus takes 11h.
Where does the bus to Chiang Rai leave from?
Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2).
Is there an overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
Yes: 9 of the 10 daily buses run overnight.
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