Chiang Mai is emerging as one of the top alternative destinations for tourists who visit Thailand. I’ve personally spent over 6 months living in Chiang Mai and love how livable this city is.
This city offers an abundance of options to choose from, from culture to nature, culinary delights, and the best coffee scene in the region.
Some of the must-see attractions in Chiang Mai include Wat Phra Singh, Doi Suthep, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Plus, of course, you can get some incredible massages for super cheap.
You’ll also find a different kind of experience from the hustle and bustle that you normally expect in Bangkok. Chiang Mai has a more laid-back vibe and atmosphere, and it’s a favorite among backpackers and tourists.
Located in the northern and mountainous region of Thailand, the weather here is much cooler than the hot and humid Bangkok, so it’s a great year-round destination with plenty of attractions to see and activities to enjoy.
But how do you reach this sought-after destination from Bangkok? In this post, we’ll go over all the possible transportation methods you can use to cover the distance between Thailand’s capital and its most renowned northern city.
| METHOD | COST | |
|---|---|---|
| BY FLIGHT | starting at $30 one way | BOOK IT HERE |
| BY TRAIN | $10 one way | BOOK IT HERE |
| BY BUS | $15-20 one way | BOOK IT HERE |
| PRIVATE TRANSFER | starting at $270 one way | BOOK IT HERE |
HOW FAR IS CHIANG MAI FROM BANGKOK?
Chiang Mai is 435 miles (700 km) north of Bangkok. Although it’s far, getting to Chiang Mai is easy because there are many public transport options available. You can choose the most convenient way to travel based on your budget and preference.
You can fly to Chiang Mai on one of the many daily flights and airlines servicing this route. You can also travel by train, bus, private van or taxi hire.
In this summary I’ve put together for you, you’ll learn more about each of these options plus some extra information on how much they cost and how long the travel time will be. Read on, and happy travels!
FLY FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI
If you want to save time and eliminate the hassle of land travel, the best and most convenient way to travel to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is by plane. It’s also the quickest way of transportation available here, and there are over 50 flights every day of the week.
You can book a flight via the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, or the Don Mueang International Airport (also in Bangkok). Both of these airports have airlines that offer flights to Chiang Mai International Airport.
| Length: | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Price: | Starting from 30 USD one way |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
To get to Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can travel by train with the Airport Railway Link, or by bus. The cost of the train ride is 150 Baht (3 USD) and it takes approximately 15 minutes. The bus fare is around 45 Baht (1 USD).
To get to Don Mueang International Airport, you can travel by taxi (it’s 15 miles/24 km from the center of town) and it takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour to reach the airport. The taxi fare will set you back around 500 Baht (14 USD).
Depending on where in Bangkok you’re staying, you might also have the option of taking a bus to the airport.
There are low-cost carriers that offer flights several times a week to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. The most popular ones include Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air, although you can also book other carriers such as Thai Vietjet Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and Thai Smile.
You should make sure to plan your travel ahead of time if you choose the latter group to ensure that you find a great deal. When booking, also make sure to compare the rates because some airlines will require you to pay more if you want some baggage allowance.
It’s also important to time your flight well because weekends or holiday flights are going to be more expensive.
For a budget flight, the cost per ticket starts at around 30 USD. The flight takes one hour and fifteen minutes to arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport. ➥ CHECK FOR FLIGHTS HERE
Once you arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport, it’s only a short distance from the city center. There are tuk-tuks and songthaew readily available for a ride. They can take you from outside of the terminal building to the city.
Of course, if you prefer a more comfortable ride, there are taxis available for hire, too. A taxi ride from the airport to the city will cost approximately 160-250 Baht, depending on where your hotel is located.
Pros and Cons of Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
✅ It’s the fastest transportation option to travel to Chiang Mai, taking only 1.5 hours.
✅ It costs slightly more than the bus ride, while taking +10 hours less, so it’s a solid bargain.
❌ If you’re already in Bangkok, you’ll have to travel to the airport, and then get transfers again from Chiang Mai airport to the center of the city. Airports are usually located on the outskirts of the cities, so the journey to your hotel will be longer than getting there from the train or bus station.
BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI BY TRAIN
Traveling by train is a popular way of getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, despite the lengthy travel time. The cheap price of the train ticket is one of the reasons, but it’s also a unique opportunity to see the wonderful scenery of Thailand as you head up north.
The journey takes anywhere between 12 and 14 hours, and there’s an average of 6 trains a day. It’s worth mentioning that because of their popularity, these trains can get full easily so it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
| Length: | Approx. 13 hours |
| Price: | Starting from 10 USD one way |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
▶️ A second-class train is ideal for budget travelers and backpackers. You can buy a ticket for as low as 800 Baht (22 USD). However, this train doesn’t have air conditioning so you have to be aware of that when you book.
▶️ There are also second-class train seats with AC, which will cost a bit more. If you want a truly comfortable ride, you can book the first-class sleeper train, which costs about 2,000 Baht (56 USD).
▶️ An alternative is booking the overnight trains. It’s ideal if you want to save time and also to make the ride more bearable, but I strongly recommend getting a bed rather than a seat for this journey. Second class bunks cost anywhere between 800 to 1,000 Baht (25-30 USD).
The train tickets can be purchased at the train station on the day of your departure, or you can also book online and via travel agents. The latter would be my recommendation if you want to guarantee that you get the tickets you want. ➥ BOOK YOUR TRAIN HERE
The Chiang Mai train station is 2 miles (3 km) from the city center. You can rent a car or hire a taxi to reach it, which will take about 10 minutes. You can also choose to ride a tuk-tuk, that’s always an option!
Pros and Cons of Taking the Train
✅ It’s one of the most affordable transfers, and the most popular among backpackers. You’re bound to make new friends on the journey!
✅ If you travel during the day, the scenery you’ll see from the train is spectacular.
❌ It’s a very long journey (+12 hours) and unless you take the night train, you’ll be losing one day of your trip.
❌ If you book the cheapest ticket, you’ll be in a carriage with no AC and rather uncomfortable seats.
TAKE THE BUS BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI
Finally, the last public transport available is the bus. Like trains, buses are a good option for budget-conscious travelers but the travel time can be considerably long.
Therefore, I’d recommend this option only if you can afford to spend a whole day traveling (or are willing to catch a night bus).
| Length: | 9 – 12 hours. |
| Price: | 15 – 20 USD one way. |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
On average, the travel time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via bus is 9 to 12 hours, although it can take longer if you get stuck in traffic. One time my friends were on the bus for 16 hours!
▶️ There are a few options available regarding the type of bus you can take, from public buses to VIP buses. The ticket price, however, goes up along with the comfort and convenience of the bus. The average bus ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai cost around 15 USD. ➥ BOOK YOUR BUS TICKETS HERE
In first-class buses, you can enjoy a more comfortable experience during the ride, with AC, and more comfortable and spacious seats. There are also toilets available on the bus. You can choose from one of two bus sizes with prices ranging from 650 to 850 Baht (18 to 25 USD).
There are also government-run buses that travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. You can choose from day or night buses based on your preference. Most buses leave via Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Station (also known as the Northern Bus Station). You’ll arrive in Chiang Mai at Arcade Bus Station.
Regardless of which bus service you choose, always be on the lookout for theft. There have been many reported incidents of theft on buses. You should avoid packing any valuables and important documents in your luggage, especially if you opt to leave it in the luggage area.
Pros and Cons of Taking the Bus to Chiang Mai
✅ It’s the most affordable transportation option, ideal for those in a tight budget.
✅ There are night buses available, so if you’re ok with spending a night on a bus, you’ll be saving money from a hotel night, and also avoid missing a vacation day with transfers.
❌ It’s the least comfortable option to make the journey.
BOOK A PRIVATE TAXI/VAN
In addition to the public transportation options listed above, you can also choose to hire a private taxi or van when you want to go to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. This is an expensive option but is recommended if you’re looking for convenience and privacy and have the budget for it.
The travel time is 9 to 10 hours, and you’ll find many reliable taxi companies that you can hire such as Team Holiday, Bangkok Taxi 24, and MCC Van. Most of these private taxi and van services can pick you up from your hotel, which makes it even more convenient.
| Length: | Around 9 hours |
| Price: | From $270 |
| Where to book it: | BOOK HERE or at your hotel desk |
The price for the trip ranges from 270 to 390 USD (depending on whether you choose a private taxi or van). A minivan can usually accommodate up to 9 people per trip, so it could be a good alternative for groups.
Pros and Cons of Booking a Private Transfer
✅ It’s the most convenient alternative, as it will take you from door to door and be exclusive for your party. If you’re a larger group, it might even be cost-effective.
✅ You’ll be in charge of the departure time, and have the possibility of making a detour or stopping at any point should you wish to.
❌ It’s the most expensive option by far, so I would only recommend it if money really isn’t an issue.
Photo credit: Featured image by urf via DepositPhotos
