📅 Bus Schedule – Bangkok to Chiang Mai 🚍 Buses – Bangkok to Chiang Mai 🎫 Book Tickets
VIP bus (overnight)
Best balance of comfort and price, overnight ride saves accommodation
VIP 24-seat bus
More space and comfort with reclining seats and fewer passengers
Standard bus
Cheapest option but less space and basic comfort
Day bus
Long daytime journey around 10–11 hours, less practical than overnight
Quick answer: Taking a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a popular, affordable and flexible way to travel. There are many daily departures from Bangkok’s main bus terminal, and a typical ride takes about 10–12 hours. Buses range from standard to VIP/sleeper-class, so you can pick based on comfort or price — and it’s smart to book in advance, especially in peak season.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: 680–700 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: 10–12 hours, depending on traffic and bus type.
- 💰 Price range (one-way): approx. US $16–31 for standard to VIP/sleeper-class buses.
- 🚌 Bus types & comfort: Options include basic air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats, as well as VIP or sleeper buses offering more legroom, onboard toilets, blankets/pillows, snacks and sometimes more space.
- 🕐 Frequency & scheduling: Buses leave regularly — often hourly or several times per evening. Common departure terminal in Bangkok is the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit).
Last updated in April 2026
📅 Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – Schedule / Timetable + Bus Tickets:
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- Bangkok to Chiang Mai – one of the most frequented bus routes in northern Thailand
- from Bangkok to Chiang Mai you can travel by tourist sleeper or seat bus, minivan, minibus, van…
- the most comfortable are modern sleeper tourist buses
- bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai cost about $17-31/pp (depends on the type of bus, van)
- travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 100-12 hours (it can change)
- the most common bus types are non-air-conditioned, air-conditioned or premium buses
- bus companies to Chiang Mai from Bangkok: Bangkok Busline, Sombat Tour, New Viriya, Lignite Tour (PK), Siam First, Tara Tour and Travel, Transport Co…
| Bus Operator | Departure in Bangkok | Arrival in Chiang Mai | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Busline | 06:00 | 16:00 | From $17.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 16:00 | 02:45 | From $20.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 18:50 | 04:50 | From $17.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 20:00 | 06:45 | From $26.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 20:35 | 06:35 | From $17.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 06:30 | 16:00 | From $17.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 15:00 | 01:35 | From $20.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 20:30 | 07:05 | From $26.00 |
| Siam First | 20:02 | 06:47 | From $20.00 |
| Lignite Tour PK | 20:15 | 07:05 | From $20.00 |
| Buds. Tour | 20:40 | 07:25 | From $20.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 10:15 | 20:15 | From $28.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 19:00 | 05:00 | From $28.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 21:10 | 07:10 | From $28.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 21:19 | 07:19 | From $28.00 |
| Tara Tour and Travel | 08:30 | 20:30 | From $24.00 |
| Tara Tour and Travel | 16:00 | 04:00 | From $27.00 |
| Tara Tour and Travel | 19:00 | 06:50 | From $21.00 |
| Transport Co | 05:40 | 15:40 | From $17.00 |
| Transport Co | 07:25 | 17:25 | From $17.00 |
| Transport Co | 10:30 | 20:30 | From $17.00 |
| Transport Co | 19:50 | 05:50 | From $17.00 |
| Bus Operator | Departure in Chiang Mai | Arrival in Bangkok |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Co | 07:30 | 19:23 |
| Sombat Tour | 07:30 | 18:00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 10:00 | 20:30 |
| Sombat Tour | 10:00 | 20:30 |
| Transport Co | 18:30 | 06:23 |
| Sombat Tour | 18:30 | 04:30 |
| Bangkok Busline | 18:40 | 04:10 |
| Sombat Tour | 19:00 | 04:50 |
| Sombat Tour | 19:50 | 05:50 |
| Sombat Tour | 20:30 | 06:30 |
| Sombat Tour | 21:30 | 07:30 |
| Sombat Tour | 21:50 | 07:50 |
| Bangkok Busline | 19:10 | 04:40 |
| Bangkok Busline | 20:00 | 06:30 |
| Nakhonchai Air | 20:01 | 06:04 |
| Nakhonchai Air | 20:11 | 06:47 |
🚍 There are various buses on the route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai:
(You can travel by various types of buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – sleeper bus, seat bus, minibuses, van…)
❓ FAQ – Travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai:
1. How to book bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
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- Book your bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can change your departure, arrivel, e.g. Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Bangkok…
2. What is the travel time by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel by tourist bus or van from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 11-12 hours. It is good to know, sometimes this time can change, it also depends what type of bus you will choose and on the traffic in Thailand. Travel by tourist bus is slower compared to driving a car or getting a taxi.
3. How much does it cost to travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
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- Bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai cost about $17-31/pp. It depends on the type of the bus and bus company.
4. What is the travel distance by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in Thailand by tourist bus / van is about 700 km by road.
5. Which bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to choose? Which bus is better?
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- If you want a comfortable way of traveling to Chiang Mai from Bangkok you have to choose premium bus or luxury sleeper tourist bus. It is better to book bus tickets for these premium or luxury buses because Chiang Mai is about 700 km from Bangkok.
6. Is there a different way how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
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- Yes, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai you can also travel by train of Thai Railways, private car/taxi or you can take a direct flight. Direct flights are cheap and it is also a good option of transfer if you want to save your travel time. Direct flights to Chiang Mai start already at $40/pp.
8. From which bus stations buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depart?
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- Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depart from various bus station in Bangkok, mainly it is from Mo Chit Bus Station.
9. In which bus stations buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai arrive?
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- Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai arrive mainly to Chiang Mai Arcade 2 bus station.
10. Is there another travel route how to reach Chiang Mai from Bangkok?
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- Yes, you can also travel via Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is one of the most interesting historical sites in northern Thailand, it is about 70 km north of Bangkok. From Ayutthaya you can travel by another tourist bus or train of Thai Railways to Chiang Mai. Travel by tourist bus or train from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai takes about 10-12 hours.
11. Where you can go from Chiang Mai?
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- From Chiang Mai you can travel to various interesting places of the north of Thailand. The most popular travel route is from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai or from Chiang Mai to Pai. There are tourist buses, private minivans or private cars between these places. There is no railway between Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai and Pai.
💡 Travel Tips for Bangkok to Chiang Mai (Bus)
These practical tips are made to help you make the long trip by bus from Bangkok up to Chiang Mai more comfortable, efficient, and wholesome. The route covers around 680–700 km through central and northern Thailand, and with a bit of smart planning your journey can become part of the adventure.
1. Consider Night Buses to Maximize Sightseeing Time
Many travelers take overnight buses departing in the evening so they arrive in Chiang Mai early next morning. This way you can sleep through most of the travel and have a full day to explore temples, markets, and cafés upon arrival, instead of losing daylight hours on the road.
2. Reserve a VIP or Sleeper Seat for Better Rest
Standard buses are affordable but long journeys of 10–12 hours are easier if you choose a VIP or sleeper bus with more legroom, reclining seats, and sometimes onboard amenities like blankets and toilets. Paying a bit extra can make a big difference for overnight comfort.
3. Pack Essentials to Stay Comfortable on the Road
Bring snacks, water, a power bank, and entertainment like downloaded shows or podcasts — buses can be great for relaxing, but having your own comforts keeps the hours pleasant. A light jacket or shawl helps too, as air conditioning on Thai buses can be very cold.
4. Get to Mo Chit Terminal Early and Prepare for Traffic
Most buses leave from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit). Bangkok traffic can be heavy, so aim to arrive early — about 30–45 minutes before departure — to find your platform and get settled without stress.
5. Use Chiang Mai’s Morning Arrival to Your Advantage
Arriving in Chiang Mai early lets you grab breakfast, check into your hotel, or head straight to popular spots like the Old City or Night Bazaar. If your bus arrives later, consider booking a guesthouse near the bus terminal to rest before exploring.
6. Compare with Trains or Flights for Comfort and Time
Buses are economical and frequent, but if you want a scenic experience consider the daytime or night train, which takes a bit longer but offers more space. Alternately, flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai take about an hour and may be worth it if you’re short on time and want to avoid long ground travel.
Tip: Bus tickets for the Bangkok to Chiang Mai route can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time and seat — especially useful during weekends and peak travel seasons.