Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Other Options

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Schedule

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
12Go Transfer VIP Van 9pax Any time$ 311.02
Nok Air Economy #DD14005:20 - 06:25$ 76.52
Thai Airways Economy #TG210207:55 - 09:15$ 117.22
Thai Railway Class II AC 08:30 - 19:30฿ 741
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ10210:30 - 11:45฿ 1,497
Thai Airways Economy #TG211013:30 - 14:50฿ 3,702
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ10615:15 - 16:30฿ 2,802
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ10816:15 - 17:30฿ 1,347
Bangkok Busline Express 18:35 - 04:05฿ 664
Nok Air Economy #DD13821:05 - 22:25฿ 2,759
Thai Railway Class II Fan 22:30 - 12:10฿ 515

Transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Facts about the transport from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Cheapest Transport$8
Fastest Transport1h 10m
Earliest Departure5:10 AM
Latest Departure10:47 PM
Departures per day132
Distance692 kilometers
Transport Companies12Go Transfer, Bangkok Busline, BangkokTaxi24, Budsarakham Tour, Firstplan Transport Services, Glassflower, MCC VAN, Nakhonchai Air, Nok Air, Sombat Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai Railway, Thai Railways, Thai Smile, Thai Vietjet, Thailand Limo by Datum, Transport Co

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

JS
Rain come through the train, couldn’t sleep
Train #13 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railways (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Oct 2, 2023
IR
train was quite old air-conditioning was strong so at night it felt really cold situation to sleep and also we got to our destination 4 hour late ... but after all it was nice experience. and I believe that I will try it again
Train #109 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railway (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Sep 30, 2023
RF
The notion of contrat is really important about this trip. It was an experience, the toilets aren’t a really “comfortable” but the views you’ll get when you wake up are a lifetime sight
Train #109 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railway (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Sep 30, 2023
SS
Everything was great, but 1) it was much to cold and 2) the train was pretty late and 3) the lights should be dimmed it least a bit at night
Train #9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railway (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Sep 30, 2023
EE
It was what you could’ve expected. The train is one of the older ones and thus perhaps not as fresh and comfy as the newer trains, but you get from one place to the other quite smoothly. The seats in the 2nd class are pretty nice, they fold back a bit and are cushioned slightly better than airplane seats. Unfortunately the window by my seat didn’t close so I had to move to a 3rd class seat due to a downpour, but that was also fine. I wouldn’t book a 3rd class for the whole night though, as the seats are like stiff benches. Overall a pretty okay journey. The scenery in the morning was gorgeously green and it was nice to see the small villages passing by. The temperature in the train was good, we had a fan but no AC and the windows were open all the time, but for me (a Scandinavian) I was neigther cold not warm, except for during the stops when the heat hit a bit more. The toilets were pretty good, western style with provided toilet paper. Do bring food and drinks. Earplugs were in the entire time due to loud notice from the train itself, but otherwise no complaints
Train #51 2nd Class Fan seats only, Thai Railway (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Sep 28, 2023
JD
On a hard day I was so greatful for this company. I was stuck in Bangkok Skyrail and was definitely missing the bus. So I phoned the company and asked will they leave late or on time. They said keep them informed. Time passed but by the time I got to the bus it was 18 minutes after departure time. They were so friendly about it and even waved us at the front of the bus station to make it easier. A group of people led us to the bus. When we got on they drove the bus to MacDonald's and got everyone a burger. Like when does that happen in my country. Gave me blankets.
Bus Express, Cherdchai Tour, Sep 23, 2023
YM
Loved the bed, comfort and cleanness. The gentleman who served the food was super funny and added extra laughs to the trip.
Train #9 2nd Class Sleeper AC, Thai Railway (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Sep 21, 2023
E
The first class bus was nothing less! Slept most of the way . Totally awesome
Bus VIP 20, Sombat Tour (บริษัท เทพสมบัติ จำกัด), Sep 12, 2023
AK
was foot for the price, but would recommend to spend 100 bath more for 2cnd class
Train #13 Class 3 Fan, Thai Railway (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย), Sep 11, 2023
AS
Perfektly organized trip and service on board! 100% recommended.
flight Economy, Bangkok Air (บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส), Sep 10, 2023
4.4
17573 customer reviews
5
50%
4
35%
3
12%
2
3%
1
0%

How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Travelling between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is possible by Flight, bus, train and taxi. Flight guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Train is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 473.25 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a train which will set you back mere USD 7.52.

How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

It can take you anywhere between 2 and 14 hours to travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai depending on the means of transport you choose.

Flight is the fastest way to travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Flight will bring you to your destination in 1h 10m. Train does a much slower job and take about 13h 50m to reach Chiang Mai.

How much does it cost to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Travelling between Bangkok and Chiang Mai can be as cheap as USD 7.52 if you opt for a Thai Railway (การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย) train and as expensive as USD 473.25 if you buy a Firstplan Transport Services (เฟิร์สแพลน ทรานสปอร์ตเซอร์วิส) taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Bangkok and Chiang Mai ?

  • 39 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai starting from 05:10 Don Mueang Airport until 21:50 Don Mueang Airport
  • 39 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai starting from 06:00 Mochit until 22:35 Mochit
  • 24 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai starting from 09:05 Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station until 22:47 Don Mueang
  • 30 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai starting from 00:00 Bangkok Transfer until 00:00 Bangkok Transfer

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Flights

Flying is the fastest and often the most expensive way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, but with a bit of luck you can score very good deals for as little as USD 37.48.

Things to remember: Note that some of the airlines may have restrictions on checked luggage weight or require paying extra for check-in, choosing seats or transportation of oversized luggage.

If opting for a flight, calculate the time you will spend getting to and from the airports as well as the waiting time before your flight, getting through immigration in case of an international flight and recovering your checked luggage.

In certain cases all these procedures can add no less than 5 hours to your total travel time.

Airlines flying between Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Nok Air (นกแอร์), Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย), Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air (ไทยไลอ้อนแอร์), Thai Smile (ไทยสมายล์), Thai Vietjet (ไทยเวียดเจ็ทแอร์)

Bus

Travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Budsarakham Tour (บุษราคัมทัวร์), Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Sombat Tour (บริษัท เทพสมบัติ จำกัด), Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Transport Co (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด)

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Bangkok and Chiang Mai

12Go Transfer, BangkokTaxi24, Firstplan Transport Services (เฟิร์สแพลน ทรานสปอร์ตเซอร์วิส), Glassflower, MCC VAN (เอ็มซีซี แวน), Thailand Limo by Datum (บริษัท เดทัมกรุ๊ป จำกัด)

Train

Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.

Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.

What is the most popular transport to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Train remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 62% took a train
  • 26% opted for a bus
  • 10% decided to fly
  • 1% Other