Bangkok is well connected with Chiang Mai. You can get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by bus, train, private transfer, flight, or rental car.
An explosion of colors and sights, Bangkok is one of the world’s most exciting cities that offers an unforgettable experience!
Bangkok is an ancient city and the capital of modern Thailand. The dazzling Chao Phraya River has been its lifeline for thousands of years, and today this waterway at the heart of Bangkok still plays a crucial role in defining the city’s character!
Unpack your suitcases and step into a whole new world! Bangkok is a city that’s hard to miss. The biggest Asian metropolis is full of bright lights, warm smiles, delights, and surprises. It offers myriad authentic experiences at every turn as it is an active, vibrant city where everything is on the move.
Its vibrant cultural heritage is on display in every corner of town, from the hillside temples and Asian markets of Banglampoo. But the city is a combination of contrasts! So, you will find neon-lit luxurious shopping malls, five-star hotels, and world-class restaurants!
Try some authentic Asian street food, or head out at night to experience the vibrant Bangkok nightlife scene!
Discover Bangkok’s countless charms with experiences that await you at every turn!
Traveling between Chiang Mai to Bangkok is easy, and you can choose between a bus, train, private transfer, flight, and rental car.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
Tip: We offer detailed information about how to get around in Thailand for all main tourist destinations, like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.
How far is Bangkok from Chiang Mai?
The distance from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is 435.8 miles or 701.3 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
The following table outlines all transportation options from Chiang Mai to Bangkok:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok | 8-12 hours | USD 16-USD 29 |
| Train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok | ~13 hours | USD 12-USD 47 |
| Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Bangkok | 9 hours | USD 225+ |
| Flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok | ~1 hour | – |
| Rental Car | 9 hours | – |
Getting to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
1. Bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Journey Duration: 8-12 hours
The most cost-effective way to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is by direct bus!
Bus services frequently run between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a wide selection of operators and bus types that operate along the route!
Buses from Chiang Mai to Bangkok leave from the Arcade Bus Station, three kilometers to the east of the Old City. The road trip takes between 8 and 12 hours to the capital, stopping at various locations along the way.
You can also decide between daytime and nighttime bus departures!
Many night buses travel from Chiang Mai between 06:00 PM and 08:00 PM, arriving in Bangkok between 04:30 AM and 06:00 AM. These buses are typically operated by Bangkok Busline and are the most recommended since you don’t have to miss a day of traveling.
The cheapest tickets start at USD 16 and can cost as much as USD 29.
The most expensive buses are VIP24 buses, which have three rows of seats instead of four, giving you more room. Standard express buses are the least expensive; they are also good but might feel a little too crowded.
Although they are a little more expensive, VIP buses provide a good balance between the cost and level of comfort you receive, and they are definitely worth it!
The Transport Co Ltd: Chiang Mai to Bangkok Bus Schedule
- 07:30 AM to 07:23 PM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 16
- 06:00 PM to 05:53 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 16
Bangkok Buslines: Chiang Mai to Bangkok Bus Schedule
- 10:00 AM to 08:30 PM: Express Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 18
- 06:40 PM to 04:10 AM: Express Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 18
- 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM: Express Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 18
- 06:40 PM to 03:40 AM: Express Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 18
- 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM: Economy Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 18
- 06:40 PM to 03:40 AM: Economy Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 18
- 10:00 AM to 08:30 PM: Economy Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 18
- 06:40 PM to 04:10 AM: Economy Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 18
- 07:10 PM to 04:40 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 21
- 08:00 PM to 06:30 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 21
- 07:10 PM to 04:10 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 21
- 08:00 PM to 06:00 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 21
- 08:05 PM to 05:05 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 28
- 08:05 PM to 05:35 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 28
- 08:05 PM to 05:35 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 29
Budsarakham Tour: Chiang Mai to Bangkok Bus Schedule
- 08:15 PM to 07:30 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 21
Thai Sriram: Chiang Mai to Bangkok Bus Schedule
- 07:30 PM to 07:30 AM: VIP Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai
Total price: USD 24
We recommend booking your tickets online to save your seats and get the best deal!
2. Train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Journey Duration: ~13 hours
The busiest railway line in Thailand is the northern line from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. There are numerous ways to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, thanks to the multiple trains that depart throughout the day!
Depending on your ticket, the train ride from Chiang Mai to Bangkok can take anywhere between 11 and 14 hours and be either incredibly smooth or a total disaster!
Thus, double-check the type of seats you are about to purchase before making a train reservation!
The cost also varies depending on the kind of train seats you purchase. There are four different seat options, with the first-class, air-conditioned sleeper being the most expensive.
Purchasing first-class tickets entail sharing a two-person berth and sink. But instead, a lot of passengers choose the second-class sleeper, which has rows of bunk beds and privacy curtains.
The least expensive option, less than ideal for the long journey ahead, is to travel in a seat rather than stay in a bed.
And finally, sitting in the area without air conditioning will allow you to save even more money, although it is not recommended for this long journey. Depending on where you sit, tickets cost anywhere from USD 12 to USD 47!
So, go ahead and explore your options and choose the one that fits your needs!
3. Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Journey Duration: 9 hours
Consider using a private transfer if you’re looking for a little extra comfort during your journey from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. During this roughly nine-hour journey, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking scenery.
This option is recommended for groups or families since the price only pays off once you share the cost.
There are different vehicle options for other groups, so you can choose the one that works for you! Prices start from USD 225, but the larger the group and vehicle, the more it pays off!
Additionally, if you’d like, you can stop for lunch, a bathroom break, or even some sightseeing.
Your designated driver will either pick you up from your hotel, the airport, or any other convenient location and drop you off at your Bangkok hotel.
We recommend you book your private transfer in advance and get the best deal!
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
4. Flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Journey Duration: ~1 hour
If you want to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in no time, consider catching a plane!
Several low-cost airlines have already won over many travelers to try flying thanks to their startlingly low airfares from Chiang Mai to Bangkok!
Low-cost carriers do an excellent job of reducing the 12-hour trip from Chiang Mai to Bangkok to just one hour!
This route is operated by 16 airlines. However, the most popular is Thai AirAsia!
Four miles to the southwest of Tapae Gate is where you’ll find the Chiang Mai International Airport. You can get there by taking a short 25-minute tuk-tuk ride, which is very inexpensive.
A flight might be your best option if time is your top priority!
Check your desired dates in advance since flights and departure times vary, and book your tickets!
5. Driving with Rental Car from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Journey Duration: 9 hours
Renting a car is the final option for getting from Chiang Mai to Bangkok!
By renting a car, you can take a trip, explore on your own, and get to Bangkok as quickly as possible.
This road trip takes around 9 hours, which is much faster than the bus or the train, even considering the breaks you might want to make along the way!
Furthermore, car rentals in Chiang Mai or throughout Thailand generally are very inexpensive, starting at about USD 25 per day. As a result, it is the quickest and one of the most affordable ways to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok!
Best day tours in Bangkok, Thailand
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Bangkok, Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
There are five daily direct trains between Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
How long is the train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
Taking the express/super rapid train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes approximately 12 hours.
How long is the bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
The fastest bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes less than 8 hours, and the slowest will take 12 hours.
Is the train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok worth it?
Although train travel is slower than flying, it is also more enjoyable. The train ride has excellent scenery. To avoid paying for a hotel room for the night, you can also choose to travel overnight on a cheap sleeper train.
Can I fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
Yes, direct flights between Chiang Mai (CNX) and Bangkok (DMK) take around 1 hour.
How far is Chiang Mai from Bangkok by plane?
The flying distance from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is 364 miles or 585 kilometers.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is by train. There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd-class trains you can choose from. This option costs USD 12-USD 47.
What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
Getting on a flight might is the fastest way to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
More Routes from Chiang Mai, Thailand
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