Train (sleeper)
Most popular option with direct route and comfortable overnight travel
Flight (via Bangkok)
Fastest option with minimal effort and convenient connections
Bus (via Bangkok)
Cheapest option but longer journey and less comfort
Separate transfers
Uncoordinated tickets increase risk of delays and missed connections
Quick answer: From Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai you can take a long-distance train, tourist bus, private car/taxi, or combine a train/bus + flight via Bangkok. The bus and train are affordable land options, the taxi is more comfortable for groups, and flying is fastest via Bangkok. Book tickets or car to Chiang Mai online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (land): ~620 km by road/rail
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train ~10–11.5 h | Bus ~9–10 h | Private car/taxi ~8–9 h | Flight (via Bangkok) ~1–1.5 h
- 💰 Price range: Train $20–60 | Bus $20–41 | Private car/taxi $200–480 | Flight via Bangkok $40–150
- 🚍 Bus: Direct tourist buses available, some stops on route
- 🚆 Train: Several overnight sleeper trains daily, best choice for overnight land travel
- 🚕 Taxi / Private Car: Door-to-door, flexible for groups, but costly
- ✈️ Flight (via Bangkok): Combine Ayutthaya → Bangkok + flight Bangkok → Chiang Mai
Last updated in April 2026
From Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai you can travel by train, bus, taxi or plane.
The travel distance from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai is about 620 km. There are 4 ways to travel – train, tourist bus, private taxi/car, or via Bangkok by train or bus followed by a direct flight. Flying via Bangkok is the fastest option, while the train is the most popular and affordable choice.
Thai Railways operate day and overnight trains taking about 10-11.5 hours, while buses need around 9-10 hours. Private taxis offer the most comfortable door-to-door transfer. You can easily book train and bus tickets, flights, or private transfers online.
Chiang Mai is the cultural center of northern Thailand and a gateway to destinations such as Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phayao.
| Transfer modes – Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 10–12 hours | $20–60 per person |
| Tourist Bus | 9–10 hours | $20–41 per person |
| Plane (Direct Flight from Bangkok) | 1–1.5 hours | $40–150 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi with a Driver | 8–9 hours | $200–480 per car |
How do I get from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai?
1. TRAIN from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
👉 Train is the most popular and cheapest way to travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and those who prefer a scenic rail journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~10–13 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $8–60 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (best with sleeper berth)
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight sleeper train in 2nd class for comfort and value
- 💡 Tip: Book your ticket online in advance, especially sleepers.
- 🌏 Extra tip: E-tickets on your phone are sufficient for boarding.
The train is the most popular and affordable way to travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai. Thai Railways operates around 5 daily trains with 1st to 3rd class seats and sleeper berths. For this overnight journey, a sleeper in 1st or 2nd class is the most comfortable choice.
Trains depart from Ayutthaya Railway Station and arrive at Chiang Mai Railway Station. You can check the Thai railway map before your trip. The journey takes about 10-13 hours and train tickets cost around $8-60 per person.
Train tickets can be booked online in advance. E-tickets on your smartphone are accepted, so there is no need to print them. Arrive at the station at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
| Train | Departs in Ayutthaya | Arrival in Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Train SP7 | 09:55 | 19:30 |
| Train SP13 | 21:07 | 08:40 |
| Train EX51 | 23:36 | 12:10 |
| Train RP109 | 15:19 | 04:05 |
| Train SP9 | 19:45 | 07:15 |
2. BUS from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus is a budget-friendly alternative to travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: low-cost travelers who prefer a direct road transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~9–10 hours (may vary, possible delays)
- ✔️ Cost: $20–41 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (modern buses with reclining seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Services by Cherdchai Tour North or Tara Tour and Travel
- 💡 Tip: Book your ticket online and check departure details carefully.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Consider train for better comfort on this route.
Traveling by bus is another affordable way to get from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai. Modern buses are operated by companies such as Tara Tour and Travel, Cherdchai Tour North, Bus with Torch, Tour with Thai, and Thai Sriram.
Most buses arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, and some companies also provide transfers to the departure point in Ayutthaya. The journey takes about 9-10 hours, while tickets cost around $20-41 per person.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Chiang Mai ➜
Bus tickets can be booked online in advance. Although buses are comfortable, the schedule is more limited than the train, making rail travel the preferred option for most travelers.
3. TAXI / CAR from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and fastest way to travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: groups, families, and travelers wanting door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~8–9 hours (may vary by route)
- ✔️ Cost: $200–480 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with experienced driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi 24, or Thailand Limo by Datum
- 💡 Tip: Book your transfer online and choose pickup/drop-off points.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Ideal for groups—split the cost per person.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai. Companies such as Thailand Limo by Datum, Thailand Travel Taxi, Easyride Services, Bangkok Taxi 24, Glassflower, Kim Transfers, N and T Travel, and Go2Trip offer modern cars, SUVs, and minivans.
The journey takes about 8-9 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off available in most cases. Private transfers cost around $200-480 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Minivans are ideal for families and groups of up to 9 passengers.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Chiang Mai ➜
You can compare vehicles and book your private transfer online in advance. Always check the company’s transfer conditions before booking.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand Travel Taxi | 07:30 | From $259.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Thailand Travel Taxi | 07:30 | From $295.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Thailand Travel Taxi | 07:30 | From $373.00 / Van 9pax |
| Easyride Services | 07:30 | From $352.00 / Van 8ax |
| Easyride Services | 07:30 | From $349.00 / Economy 2pax |
| Easyride Services | 07:30 | From $280.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Thailand Limo by Datum | 08:00 | From $444.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Thailand Limo by Datum | 08:00 | From $448.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Thailand Limo by Datum | 08:00 | From $480.00 / Van 9pax |
| N and T Travel | 08:30 | From $277.00 / SUV 4pax |
| N and T Travel | 08:30 | From $256.00 / Economy 2pax |
| N and T Travel | 08:30 | From $263.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| N and T Travel | 08:30 | From $352.00 / Van 9pax |
4. VAN + FLIGHT from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
👉 Van/bus + flight via Bangkok is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time and prefer a quick transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~6–8 hours (including transfer and flight)
- ✔️ Cost: $40–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short land transfer + direct flight)
- ✅ Best Option: Van/bus to Bangkok + direct flight to Chiang Mai
- 💡 Tip: Choose transport to Bangkok airport for easier connection.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book flights early for the best fares.
A fast and convenient way to travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai is via Bangkok. First, take a bus or train from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, then continue by direct flight to Chiang Mai. The total journey takes about 6-8 hours, depending on your flight connection.
A transfer from Ayutthaya to Bangkok takes about 1.5-2 hours, while the flight to Chiang Mai lasts around 1-1.5 hours. Combined transport costs about $40-150/pp. Airlines on this route include Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, and VietJet Air.
The cheapest fares are usually offered by Thai AirAsia. You need separate tickets for the Ayutthaya-Bangkok transfer and the Bangkok-Chiang Mai flight, both of which can be booked online in advance.
Flights depart from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport and arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport, located only about 3 km from the city center.
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
How to book tickets or flights from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai?
How long does it take to get from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai?
The journey takes about 8-13 hours. The fastest option is via Bangkok with a direct flight.
What is the distance from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai?
The distance is about 620 km by land or around 550 km by plane via Bangkok.
How much does it cost to travel from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai?
Expect to pay about $20-60 by train, $20-41 by bus, $40-150 by flight, or $200-480 by private taxi.
Should you choose a train or a bus?
The train is usually the better choice thanks to sleeper berths and greater comfort.
What is the fastest way to get to Chiang Mai?
Travel via Bangkok and continue by direct flight to Chiang Mai in about 1-1.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
A tourist bus or budget train is the cheapest option, with fares starting at about $20.
How to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai?
Travel by minivan, bus or taxi. See: How to get from Chiang Mai to Pai?
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
Choose from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Book hotels in Chiang Mai ➜.
How to travel around Thailand?
Use trains, buses, ferries, domestic flights or private taxis. Read: Transportation in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai is a popular route in northern Thailand. You can travel by train, bus, private taxi or via Bangkok by plane.
- Best Choice: Overnight sleeper trains offer the best balance of comfort, price and convenience.
- Fastest Option: Travel to Bangkok first and take a direct flight to Chiang Mai.
- Book Early: Sleeper trains and cheap flights often sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, a charger and a light jacket for air-conditioned transport.
- Private Transfer: Private cars are the fastest road option and ideal for families or small groups.
- Arrival: Chiang Mai Railway Station and Airport are only a few kilometers from the city center.
Tip: Train, bus and flight tickets from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance.