Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Smart En Plus VIP Van 9pax Any time฿ 4,290
GreenBus VIP 07:30 - 10:50฿ 380
GreenBus Express 08:45 - 12:40฿ 271
GreenBus Express 11:00 - 14:45฿ 271
Nok Air Economy 12:10 - 08:15฿ 3,111
Thai AirAsia Economy 14:15 - 21:00฿ 5,670
GreenBus Express 17:00 - 20:55฿ 271
GreenBus VIP 18:00 - 21:20฿ 380
Thai Vietjet Economy 22:25 - 13:05฿ 3,090

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Facts about the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Bus$8
Fastest Bus3h 20m
Earliest Bus7:00 AM
Latest Bus6:30 PM
Daily Bus Routes23
Distance150 kilometers
Bus CompaniesGreenBus

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

C
Comfortable, safe, fast
Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 11, 2024
JL
Chauffeurs imprudence
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 9, 2024
CZ
Fast, efficient travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang rai. Telephone ticket sufficient. The station is well laid out and the Green bus staff explain where to wait. Everything is written on the buses, so it's pretty easy. A small bottle of water is provided, which is appreciated. A little legroom is missing.
This review was autotranslated
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 5, 2024
MC
Really swanky VIP bus. Loads of leg room, banging AC, free bottle of water and snack, clean toilet on board and we arrived nearly an hour before expected. Brilliant
Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Feb 23, 2024
A
Our experience with green-bus was great. But with 12go asia not so much. We were charged more than what green bus charges for and also charged for an insurance we didn’t even accept to buy.
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Feb 22, 2024
HW
The bus was 35 mins late, however we quickly boarded and headed off! The bus was so spacious and had comfy reclinable seats! We got given a bottle of water, snack and sick bag. I would recommend!! :)
Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Feb 13, 2024
HD
Unfortunately there were some delays but otherwise had a great trip!
This review was autotranslated
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 29, 2024
TL
Very pleasant trip despite the very cold air-conditioning, but we knew that, so we even brought a hat for those who were a little chilly. Good driver.
This review was autotranslated
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 26, 2024
MH
Seat was uncomfortable for a long journey. Bus station takes a bit to figure out. But overall a great experience
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 22, 2024
BM
Nice seats, good driver but a bit cold AC, everyone was freezing
Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 21, 2024
4.4
3545 customer reviews
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How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus

Bus travel remains one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel between many destinations. Getting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus may not be the fastest way of travel, yet many travellers prefer to rely on the bus on this route; with easy online booking and tickets of different classes for all tastes and budgets available, the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai a conscious and budget-friendly option.

Check the timetable before you book your ticket and read other travellers’ reviews to choose the trip that suits you best. Note that there may be several bus terminals at your departure or arrival point – always double-check where you are leaving from and arriving to. It may prove crucial if you have connecting trips.

Here is the list of operators serving the route: .

How far is Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai?

If travelling by bus, you will cover the distance of 150 km between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

How long does it take to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus?

Buses normally need between 3h 20m and 8h 5m hours to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Note that the travel time is for your reference only and can depend on different factors such as traffic and weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls almost inevitably make the trip longer due to poor visibility or floods. Road and surface repairs which happen quite often, result in detours and longer travel times. Major national holidays, long weekends, or peak season periods may cause delays both in departures and arrivals – plan accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially if you have further connections and a tight schedule.

On this route, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)) offers the fastest service. GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)) buses usually take the longest time to complete the journey.

Remember, though, that tickets offering the shortest travel time are normally the most expensive ones. Yet it pays to spend a bit more to ensure your bus goes direct without additional stops and uses highways instead of local roads.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus?

The price of your bus ticket will depend not only on the distance you need to cover but on the class of your coach. E.g. expect to shell out more for VIP or sleeper buses while ordinary buses though being the cheapest option, often are a compromise on comfort and travel time. Of course, they do their job, too, and can be the only option if you hop on/off in the middle of the route.

Anyway, travelling by bus between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai remains an affordable option. The cheapest ticket is offered by GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)) and costs USD 7.45. A GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว))'s ticket will set you back USD 7.45 on average.

Travelling by bus essentials

  • If you are planning to travel during the high season, weekends, or national holidays, booking your bus tickets in advance is highly recommended. The demand is at its highest, yet very often, the number of coaches serving the route remains the same. The earlier you reserve your seat, the better. On some routes, you need to secure your ticket more than a month in advance; on others, a couple-of-days advanced booking is enough. During such periods, try to book online beforehand whenever possible, as showing up at the bus station without a ticket may result in many-hours of waiting in the queue or leave you downright stranded.
  • VIP, 1st, Gold, and similar bus tickets are the most expensive option, but they provide a higher level of comfort. Normally the price of such tickets will include wide soft reclining seats, blankets, water and snacks or lunch, and sometimes some toiletries. Upper-class buses travel faster, make fewer stops during the route, and normally provide more spacious seating to their passengers and a better travel experience.
  • Not all buses have an on-board toilet, but generally, for all trips longer than three hours, all operators schedule a bathroom and/or a lunch stop. While operators definitely do their best to keep on-board toilets clean, the smell may be an issue sometimes. For longer trips, booking a seat a bit farther from the toilet may be a good idea. Also, using bathroom stops for your toilet needs is always better than trying to find your balance in an on-board toilet on the run.
  • If you travel by an air-con bus, make sure to pack layers. A hoodie, a warm scarf, or a beanie hat may prove a good idea. Air-conditioning on buses tends to be excessive, and running nose and sore throats abound after even not the longest bus rides.
  • Always use the security belts even if your bus ride attendant or driver does not insist on it. Your safety comes first – for you, for sure. All buses normally are equipped with security belts, but they may be fixed behind your seat. Take time to find the belt and fix it appropriately.
  • To avoid being disturbed by overhead lights, switched on during stops even at night, and too loud music or sound from the on-board entertainment system, have earplugs and a sleeping mask at hand.
  • As a courtesy to other passengers, avoid using strong perfumes or smelly foods. Some foods like cheeses or durians are forbidden to take on-board – check in advance. Alcohol is also prohibited on the majority of buses.
  • Note that if the bus requires refuelling en-route, passengers will be asked to get off the bus. Operators are not allowed to refuel with passengers on board due to safety reasons. Usually, it takes from 5 to 10 minutes and is often combined with a toilet/lunch stop.
  • If not stated otherwise in your tickets, arrive at the bus station 20-30 minutes before departure. It will give you enough time to find the departure platform and check-in. For international trips, you may need more time for check-in and border formalities.