How to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a cultural hub and a beautiful town in Northern Thailand. As the town is a tourist attraction, there are multiple ways to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

One can travel by bus, train, or flight according to the allocated budget or required comfort level.

Tip: We offer Thailand Transportation Guides for all main tourist destinations, like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.

How far is Chiang Mai from Bangkok

The distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is about 428 miles or 689 km.

Transportation Options from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

The following table outlines all transportation options from Bangkok to Chiang Mai:

Method	Travel time	Price
Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai	1 hour 10 minutes	USD 30 -USD 100
Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai	12-15 hours	USD 15-USD 30
Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai	~12 hours	USD 13-USD 27

Getting to Chiang Mai from Bangkok

1. Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Journey Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

The fastest and most comfortable way to travel to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is by taking a flight. There are more than 50 daily flights. The estimated traveling time is one hour and ten minutes. 

The flight cost varies from $30 to $100, depending on how early you book your ticket. You are more likely to get pretty good rates if you book ahead of time.

Flights depart from both airports in Bangkok and arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport, located just a 10-minute drive from the city center.

Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air are more affordable, taken from Don Mueang Airport. Occasionally, there are great deals with Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and Thai Vietjet Air at Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

Most budget carriers have luggage restrictions, so it is recommended to double-check baggage allowance.

Click here to book your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

2. Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Journey Duration: 12-15 hours

Multiple trains travel daily between Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station and Chiang Mai Station. The journey takes around twelve to 15 hours, although delays are common.

Second-class tickets cost around $15. These seats have a carriage with fans. The third-class compartments have wooden benches, which is not a good idea for a 15-hour journey, given that the seats are not always allocated. Air-conditioned carriages are a little more expensive. 

Bunks are in the sleeping carriage if you prefer to travel at night. The second-class bunks can be booked for $25-$30. There are also beds available in the air-conditioned carriages at a higher price.

Train tickets are available at all major train stations, or you can buy them from agents or online. I highly recommend getting your ticket a day before your trip or several days if your trip coincides with any major holiday.

Click here to book your train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

3. Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Journey Duration: ~12 hours

The bus is the most affordable transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Buses depart from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Station and arrive at Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai. The trip takes around twelve hours. 

Multiple services are available, both during the day and at night. There are two major levels of services: regular and VIP.

In the regular services, first-class tickets of government buses are available for approximately $16.50, which offers a high level of comfort with air-conditioning and toilets on board.

The regular or second-class government bus costs $13.50.

Private operators run VIP buses, and their fare reaches up to $27. The reclining seats, onboard toilets, a pillow, a blanket, a light snack, and bottled water are the comforts of this service.

Purchase your bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here

Best day tours in Chiang Mai, 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 Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions