📅 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:
-
- 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:
How to book bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Book your bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
You can also search for other routes, e.g. Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
What is the travel time by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Travel by tourist bus or van from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 11-12 hours, depending on traffic and bus type.
How much does it cost to travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai cost about $17-31/pp, depending on the bus company and comfort level.
What is the travel distance by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The travel distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by tourist bus or van is about 700 km by road.
Which bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the best?
Luxury sleeper buses and premium VIP buses are the most comfortable options for this long route to Chiang Mai.
Is there another way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Yes, you can also travel by train, private taxi/car or direct flight. Flights are fast and sometimes very cheap.
From which bus stations do buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depart?
Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depart mainly from Mo Chit Bus Station.
At which bus stations do buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai arrive?
Buses from Bangkok usually arrive at Chiang Mai Arcade 2 bus station.
Is there another travel route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Yes, you can also travel via Ayutthaya. From Ayutthaya you can continue by train or bus to Chiang Mai.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
From Chiang Mai you can travel to places like Chiang Rai or Pai by tourist bus, minivan or private car.
Travel Tips for Bangkok to Chiang Mai (Bus)
Traveling by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a popular and affordable transport option in Thailand. The route is long, but modern tourist buses are usually comfortable for overnight travel.
- Choose Overnight Buses: Night buses help save daytime hours and accommodation costs.
- Book VIP or Sleeper Bus: Premium buses offer more space and comfort for the 10-12 hour journey.
- Arrive Early: Bangkok traffic can be heavy, so arrive at Mo Chit Bus Terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Bring Extra Layer: Air-conditioning on Thai buses is often very cold, so a light jacket is useful.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, headphones and a power bank for a more comfortable ride.
- Consider Alternatives: You can also travel by train or direct flight if you prefer faster transportation.
Tip: Bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance.