Flight
Fastest and most convenient way with direct flights from Bangkok
Private Car / Taxi
Door-to-door transfer with flexible departure and maximum comfort
Tourist Bus
Cheap direct overnight bus with daily departures
Train + Bus
Scenic route via Chiang Mai with an additional transfer
Quick answer: You can travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son by direct flight, tourist bus, train + bus via Chiang Mai, or private car. Flying is the fastest option, while buses offer the cheapest direct transfer. Train + bus is ideal for scenic travel, and private cars provide the highest comfort.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 900 km by road | About 700 km by air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight 1.5 h | Bus 16–17 h | Train + Bus 22–25 h | Private Car ~13 h.
- 💰 Price: Flight $80–100 | Bus $30 | Train + Bus $17–60 | Private Car (varies by vehicle).
- ✈️ Flight: Direct flights from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son Airport.
- 🚍 Bus: Direct overnight buses from Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
- 🚆 Train + Bus: Train to Chiang Mai, then bus or minivan to Mae Hong Son.
Last updated in April 2026
From Bangkok to Mae Hong Son you can travel by plane, bus, train + bus or private car.
The travel distance from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son is about 900 km by road. The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 1.5 hours and costing around $80–100 per person. Another popular choice is the overnight tourist bus, which takes about 16–17 hours and costs about $30 per person.
You can also travel by train + minibus via Chiang Mai. This route takes about 22–25 hours and costs around $17–60 per person. Private cars are available via Chiang Mai and Pai, offering a comfortable door-to-door transfer in about 13 hours.
Mae Hong Son is a scenic mountain province in northern Thailand near Pai. It has a small airport but no railway station, so visitors arrive by plane, bus, minivan or private car. The region is famous for its mountains, forests and peaceful atmosphere.
| Transfer Mode – Bangkok to Mae Hong Son: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (direct flight) | 1.5 hours | $80-100/pp |
| Train + Bus (via Chiang Mai) | 22-25 hours | $17-60/pp |
| Tourist Bus | 16 hours | $30/pp |
| Private Car/Taxi with a driver | 13 hours | $310-520/car |
How do I get from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son?
1. FLIGHT from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son
👉 A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers with limited time
- ✔️ Duration: about 1.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $80–100 per person
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son Airport
- 💡 Tip: Book early, as flights are limited and can sell out quickly.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports offer flights on selected days.
Flying is the quickest way to reach Mae Hong Son from Bangkok. Direct flights are operated by Nok Air and Thai VietJet and arrive at Mae Hong Son Airport, located just a few minutes from the town center.
Although flights are more expensive than buses or trains, they save many hours of travel and are the best choice if you want to maximize your time in northern Thailand.
One-way flight tickets usually cost about $80–100 per person, depending on the airline and booking date.
2. TRAIN + BUS from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son
👉 Train + bus via Chiang Mai is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and scenic journeys
- ✔️ Duration: about 22–25 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $17–60 per person
- ✅ Best option: Overnight train to Chiang Mai + bus or minivan to Mae Hong Son
- 💡 Tip: Book a sleeper berth for a more comfortable overnight trip.
- 🌏 Extra tip: A private taxi from Chiang Mai cuts the second part of the journey to about 5–7 hours.
Take a Thai Railway train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the closest railway hub to Mae Hong Son. The train journey takes about 11–14.5 hours, with seats and sleeper berths available.
From Chiang Mai, continue by bus or minivan to Mae Hong Son in about 9 hours. Private taxis are also available and reduce travel time to around 5–7 hours.
Train tickets from Bangkok cost about $8–50, while buses from Chiang Mai cost about $9 per person. You can also check the Bangkok–Chiang Mai travel guide, Thailand Railway Map and Thailand Train Timetable.
3. BUS from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son
👉 The tourist bus is the cheapest direct way to travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers
- ✔️ Duration: about 16 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $30 per person
- ✔️ Operator: Sombat Tour
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at the departure station at least 60 minutes before departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Overnight buses save one night of accommodation.
The overnight tourist bus is a popular low-cost option between Bangkok and Mae Hong Son. It offers a direct journey without changing vehicles and is suitable for travelers looking to save money.
Buses are operated by Sombat Tour and arrive at Mae Hong Son Bus Terminal after about 16 hours. Seats are comfortable and air-conditioned, making overnight travel more convenient.
One-way bus tickets cost about $30 per person. During holidays and the high season, it is recommended to book your seat in advance.
4. PRIVATE TAXI/CAR from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son
👉 A private car is the most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups and private travel
- ✔️ Duration: about 13 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $310–520 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: door-to-door transfer with flexible departure time
- 💡 Tip: Minivans are a good value for small groups sharing the cost.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Pickup is available from hotels, Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport.
Private transfers are the most comfortable option for traveling from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son. You can choose from modern sedans, SUVs and spacious minivans with experienced drivers.
Companies such as Andaman Taxis, Kim Transfers Thailand, Easyride Services, AEC 168 Transport and Travel, Torch Taxi and Gosafe Transport offer flexible hotel and airport transfers.
Private cars cost about $310–520 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle type and service provider.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Easyride Services | 14:00 | From $330.00 / Economy 2pax |
| Easyride Services | 14:00 | From $390.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Easyride Services | 14:00 | From $660.00 / Van 8pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 13:00 | From $310.00 / Economy 3pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 13:00 | From $350.00 / SUV 4pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 13:00 | From $490.00 / Van 9pax |
| Andaman Taxis | 12:30 | From $340.00 / Economy 2pax |
| Andaman Taxis | 12:30 | From $390.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Torch Taxi | 13:00 | From $310.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Torch Taxi | 13:00 | From $360.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Torch Taxi | 13:00 | From $500.00 / Van 9pax |
| Kim Transfers Thailand | 13:00 | From $360.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Kim Transfers Thailand | 13:00 | From $390.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Kim Transfers Thailand | 13:00 | From $440.00 / Van 9pax |
| Gosafe Transport | 13:00 | From $490.00 / Van 9pax |
❓ FAQ — Travel route from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son:
How to book tickets or flights from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son?
Book tickets and flights at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Return tickets and other routes are also available.
What is the travel time from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son?
Flights take about 1.5 hours, buses about 16–17 hours, train + bus via Chiang Mai 22–25 hours, and private cars about 13 hours.
What is the travel distance from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son?
The distance is about 900 km by road and about 680 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son?
Flights cost $80–100, train + bus $17–60, buses about $30, and private cars about $310–520 per vehicle.
What is the cheapest way to get to Mae Hong Son?
The cheapest option is usually a train to Chiang Mai followed by a bus or minivan to Mae Hong Son.
Is there a direct train from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son?
No. Travel by train to Chiang Mai and continue by bus, minivan or taxi.
What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option. Mae Hong Son Airport is close to the town center.
How do you travel from Mae Hong Son back to Bangkok?
Return by direct flight, bus, train + bus via Chiang Mai, or private car.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
Visit Chiang Rai, Pai or Phayao by bus, minivan or private car.
Where can you book accommodation in Mae Hong Son?
Book hotels, resorts and guesthouses at Book accommodation in Mae Hong Son ➜.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Mae Hong Son
Traveling from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son is possible by direct flight, tourist bus, train + bus via Chiang Mai, or private car. Flying is the fastest option, while buses and trains are better for budget travelers.
- Best Option: A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Mae Hong Son.
- Budget Choice: Train to Chiang Mai followed by a bus or minivan is usually the cheapest option.
- Scenic Route: The road from Chiang Mai passes through beautiful mountain landscapes with many curves.
- Book Early: Flights and buses often sell out during holidays and the cool season.
- Travel Tip: Bring snacks, water and motion sickness tablets for mountain roads.
- Private Transfer: Ideal for families or groups looking for maximum comfort.
Tip: Flights, buses, trains and private transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.