Bus / minivan
Fast, cheap and very frequent option with short travel time
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door transfer with flexible timing and comfortable ride
Train
Scenic route but slower than bus with limited daily departures
Flight
No direct flights, unnecessary for such a short distance
Quick answer: Travelling from Lampang to Chiang Mai offers several options: train, bus, or private car. The train is the most cost-effective; the bus is quick and frequent; private car gives the fastest door-to-door service. You can book tickets from Lampang to Chiang Mai easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 100 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train ~2–2.5 hours | Bus ~2.5–3 hours | Private Car ~1.5–3 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Train US$ 2–25 per person | Bus US$ 5–10 per person | Taxi US$ 50–140 per vehicle.
- 🚆 Train: Regular services from Lampang Railway Station to Chiang Mai Railway Station.
- 🚍 Bus: Tourist buses depart from Lampang Bus Station to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal.
- 🚕 Private Car: Private car or taxi from Lampang to Chiang Mai for fastest and most flexible travel.
Last updated in April 2026
From Lampang to Chiang Mai you can travel by bus, train or taxi.
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- Travel distance from Lampang to Chiang Mai in Thailand is about 100 km by train, bus or car. There are 3 ways how you can reach Chiang Mai from Lampang – travel by train, bus or private car. The best and popular option how to get to Chiang Mai from Lampang is transfer by trainof Thai Railway. Travel by train from Lampang to Chiang Mai takes about 2-2.5 hours and train tickets cost about $2-25/pp. Train transfer is the most cheapest way of traveling to Chiang Mai. Another popular option how to reach Chiang Mai from Lampang is to travel by tourist bus.
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- Travel by tourist bus of Greenbus from Lampang to Chiang Mai takes about 2.5-3 hours and bus tickets cost about $5-10/pp. These tourist buses depart from Lampang Bus Station and arrive to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. You can also book a private car / taxi to Chiang Mai from Lampang. This option of transfer takes about 2 hours and it costs about $55-60 (vehicle). You can book modern cars, vehicles or SUV by Jed Yord private company. Before you arrive to Chiang Mai, read carefully this article: Weather in Chiang Mai.
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- Chiang Mai in Thailand – it is one of the most popular places in the north of Thailand. Chiang Province is large and offers various tourist activities, attractions, historical sites, amazing nature and great service for tourists. There is also a wide range of various accommodation facilities – cheap hotels, guesthouses, private resorts and luxury hotels. Chiang Mai has a railway station a few bus stations and there is also an international airport. From Chiang Mai you can also travel to Chiang Rai or Pai or you can travel by train to Bangkok – the capital of Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Lampang to Chiang Mai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Thai Railway) | 2-2.5 hours | $2-25 (seats, berths) |
| Tourist Bus | 2.5-3 hours | $5-10/pp |
| Private Car or Taxi | 1.5-3 hours | $50-140 (car) |
How do I get from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
1. TRAIN from Lampang to Chiang Mai
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- the most cheapest option of transport to Chiang Mai to Lampang
- there are seat and sleeper trains of Thai Railway to Chiang Mai from Lampang
- travel by train from Lampang to Chiang Mai takes about 2-2.5 hours
- travel by train of Thai Railway from Lampang to Chiang Mai costs about $2-25/pp
- the most cheapest train ticket is – the 3rd class seat train
- train departs from Lampang Railway Station to Chiang Mai Railway Station
- you can check current Thailand Railway Map + Thailand Train Timetable
| Train | Departs in Nakhon Lampang | Arrives Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Train #109 | 02:04 | 04:05 |
| Train #9 | 05:01 | 07:15 |
| Train #13 | 06:33 | 08:40 |
BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Chiang Mai ➜
2. BUS from Lampang to Chiang Mai
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- bus is another cheap option how to reach Chiang Mai from Lampang
- travel by tourist bus from Lampang to Chiang Mai takes about 2.5-3 hours
- one-way bus ticket from Lampang to Chiang Mai costs about $5-10/pp
- bus company from Lampang to Chiang Mai: Sritawong Tour, Phet Prasert, Blue9, Green Bus
- bus departs from Lampang Bus Station and arrives to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 or 3
- come to the bus station in Lampang about 30-60 minutes before departure
BOOK BUS TICKET to Chiang Mai ➜
3. PRIVATE TAXI/CAR from Lampang to Chiang Mai
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- you can also travel by private car/taxi from Lampang to Chiang Mai
- travel by private taxi/car to Chiang Mai from Lampang takes about 1.5-3 hours
- transport by private taxi/car from Lampang to Chiang Mai costs about $50-140 (vehicle)
- private taxi companies to Chiang Mai: Jed Yord, Kanokwan Travel, Firstplan Transport Services, Go2Trip, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Lanna Expert Driver, Bangkok Taxi24, Glassflower, Smart En Plus, Torch Taxi, Than Car Service, AEC 168 Transport and Travel, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, Easyride Services
- there are various modern types of vehicles – SUV, Minivans, Van…
- with this private cars you can book your hotel transfer in Lampang
- Book your private taxi/car from Lampang to Chiang Mai online
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Firstplan Transport | 02:00 | From $59.00 |
| Lanna Expert Driver | 01:30 | From $65.00 |
| Torch Taxi | 02:00 | From $49.00 |
| Glassflower | 01:30 | From $80.00 |
| Than Car Service | 01:25 | From $49.00 |
| Go2Trip | 01:30 | From $60.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 02:00 | From $49.00 |
| Jed Yord | 02:00 | From $65.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 01:50 | From $67.00 |
| Smart En Plus | 02:50 | From $80.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 02:00 | From $80.00 |
❓ FAQ — Travel route from Lampang to Chiang Mai:
1. How to book tickets / private car from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
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- Book tickets or private car/taxi from Lampang to Chiang Mai on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can choose and book another route, e.g. Lampang > Bangkok, Lampang > Phitsanulok…
2. How long does it take to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel by train of Thai Railway from Lampang to Chiang Mai takes about 2-2.5 hours.
- Travel by tourist bus from Lampang to Chiang Mai takes about 2.5-3 hours.
- Travel by private car or taxi from Lampang to Chiang Mai takes about 1.5-3 hours.
3. How much does it cost to get from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
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- Transfer by train of Thai Railway to Chiang Mai from Lampang costs about $2-25 (seat or sleeper train).
- Transfer by tourist bus to Chiang Mai from Lampang costs about $5-10/pp.
- Transfer by private vehicle/car or taxi to Chiang Mai from Lampang costs about $50-140 (car).
4. What is the travel distance from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel distance from Lampang to Chiang Mai in Thailand is about 100 km by bus, car or train.
5. What is the most cheapest way of travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
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- The most cheapest option how to reach Chiang Mai from Lampang is to travel by train of Thai Railway.
6. What is the fastest way of transfer from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
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- The fastest way how to get to Chiang Mai from Lampang is to travel by bus or private car. Travel time to Chiang Mai by tourist bus or car is about 1.5 hour.
7. Is there a private taxi / car to Chiang Mai for a group of people?
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- Yes, from Lampang to Chiang Mai you can travel by private car or taxi. It is the most expensive option of transfer between Lampang and Chiang Mai.
8. Is it also possible to travel by plane to Chiang Mai from Lampang?
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- No, travel by plane from Lampang to Chiang Mai is not possible, there are no flights between these cities.
9. Where you can go from Chiang Mai?
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- From Chiang Mai you can travel by van/minivan, bus or private taxi to Phayao or Nan and Mae Hong Son. There is no railway between these places. Teoretically you can also travel on motorbike.
10. How to get to Bangkok from Chiang Mai?
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- If you want to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, you have 4 options of transfer – take a direct flight, travel by train, tourist bus or you can book your private car/taxi. The most popular options is to travel by plane or train of Thai Railway. You can check Train Schedule – Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
11. How to get to Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai?
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- There are 4 ways how you can reach Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai. You can go to Luang Prabang by plane, tourist bus, train via Bangkok or private car.
12. How and where to book hotel in Chiang Mai?
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- Chiang Mai in Thailand offers various modern cheap and luxury hotels, guesthouses or bungalows in the whole province. Search and book hotel in Chiang Mai in Thailand online > Book resort or hotel in Chiang Mai ➜.
13. How to travel solo in Thailand?
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- Embark on a solo adventure in Thailand by researching destinations, ensuring personal safety, trying local experiences, connecting with fellow travelers, and savoring the diverse landscapes and attractions the country has to offer. Traveling on your own in Thailand is very popular by travelers. Read this article: Solo Travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Lampang to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Lampang to Chiang Mai is a popular northern Thailand route connecting two culturally rich cities. Whether you’re visiting for the temples, markets, or mountainous scenery, these tips will help make your journey efficient and comfortable.
1. Frequent Minivan Services Are the Fastest Option
Minivans run regularly throughout the day and typically take around 1.5 to 2 hours. They offer quick and direct transport but can be cramped during peak times, so booking ahead is recommended.
2. Buses Provide a More Comfortable Alternative
Larger buses have more legroom and luggage space, though travel time is slightly longer than minivans. If comfort is a priority, opt for the air-conditioned buses departing from Lampang’s main terminal.
3. Train Travel Offers Scenic Views but Is Slower
The train route between Lampang and Chiang Mai is scenic and relaxed, ideal for travelers who enjoy leisurely travel. However, schedules are less frequent and the journey takes longer than road transport.
4. Plan for Flexible Departure Times During Festivals
Both cities host major festivals like Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, which increase demand for transport. Booking your tickets early and allowing flexible travel dates can avoid last-minute hassle.
5. Consider Local Transport on Arrival
Chiang Mai has an extensive network of songthaews and tuk-tuks. Plan your onward travel within the city in advance, especially if arriving during peak hours or at night.
6. Travel Light for Easier Transfers
Minivans and buses may have limited luggage space. Packing compactly helps ensure a hassle-free boarding and disembarking experience.
7. Enjoy the Changing Scenery Along the Route
The journey from Lampang to Chiang Mai passes through picturesque countryside, small towns, and lush hills — keep your camera handy for spontaneous photo stops.
Tip: Minivan, bus, or train tickets from Lampang to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure preferred departure times and seating — especially important during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons.