Quick answer: There are 4 ways to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai: direct flight, tourist bus, train + bus via Chiang Mai, or private car/taxi. A direct flight is the fastest option, while the tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular choice. The train journey requires a transfer in Chiang Mai but offers a scenic overland route. All tickets, flights, and private transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 800 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel Time: Flight 1.5 hr | Bus 11–14 hr | Train + Bus 14–17 hr | Car 11–12 hr.
- 💰 Price: Flight $60–200 | Bus $20–35 | Train + Bus $25–55 | Car $270–500.
- ✈️ Fastest Option: Direct flights from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chiang Rai.
- 🚍 Cheapest Option: Tourist buses with multiple departures every day.
- 🚆 Train + Bus: Take a train to Chiang Mai and continue by bus or minivan to Chiang Rai.
- 🚕 Private Transfer: Ideal for families, groups, or travelers looking for maximum comfort.
Last updated: July 2026
From Bangkok to Chiang Rai you can travel by plane, bus, train + bus, or private taxi.
The travel distance from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is about 800 km. You can travel by direct flight, tourist bus, train + bus via Chiang Mai, or private taxi. The fastest option is a direct flight from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi Airport, taking about 1.5 hours. Flights cost around $60-200/pp. The cheapest option is a tourist bus, with a journey time of 11-14 hours and ticket prices from $20-35/pp.
There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You can travel by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and continue by bus or private car to Chiang Rai. This combined journey takes about 14-17 hours and costs approximately $25-55/pp. Tickets and flights can be booked online in advance.
Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand, famous for the White Temple and mountain scenery. You can also travel by private taxi from Bangkok in about 11-12 hours for $270-500 per vehicle. From Chiang Rai you can continue to Pai or take a direct flight to Krabi.
| Transfer modes from Bangkok to Chiang Rai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane – Direct Flight | 1.5 hours | $60–200 per person |
| Tourist Bus | 11–13 hours | $20–35 per person |
| Train + Bus (via Chiang Mai) | 14–17 hours | $25–55 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car | 11–12 hours | $270–500 per car |
How to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
1. FLIGHT from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
The fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is by direct flight. Flights depart from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi Airport and arrive at Chiang Rai International Airport.
The flight takes about 1.5 hours, while the total travel time, including airport transfers and check-in, is around 5 hours. Airlines on this route include Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, and Hanh Air Systems.
Direct flights cost approximately $60-200/pp, depending on the airline and travel season. Flight tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
2. BUS from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Traveling by tourist bus is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Modern long-distance buses are operated by companies such as Sombat Tour, Bangkok Busline, Nakhonchai Air, Budsarakham Tour, Transport Co, and Cherdchai Tour North.
Buses usually depart from Mochit Bus Terminal or Prachathipat Budsarakam Tour Station and arrive at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 or other nearby destinations. The journey takes about 11-14 hours, and tickets cost around $20-35/pp.
Bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance. This is a popular budget option for solo travelers and those looking to save money.
You can easily search and buy tickets to Chiang Rai from Bangkok online in advance. It is advisable to arrive at the departure point in Bangkok well in advance, at least 30-60 minutes before the departure of the bus.
| Bus Operator | Departs in Bangkok | Arrival in Chiang Rai |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Co | 17:30 | 05:30 |
| Transport Co | 19:30 | 07:30 |
| Cherdchai Tour | 17:30 | 05:30 |
| Cherdchai Tour | 19:30 | 07:30 |
| Sombat Tour | 07:00 | 19:20 |
| Sombat Tour | 20:15 | 09:45 |
| Sombat Tour | 17:00 | 04:00 |
| Sombat Tour | 18:30 | 05:30 |
| Budsarakham Tour | 17:00 | 06:35 |
| Budsarakham Tour | 19:50 | 08:10 |
| Bangkok Busline | 09:30 | 22:10 |
| Bangkok Busline | 20:30 | 07:30 |
| Kasemthara Tour | 19:00 | 07:30 |
3. TRAIN + BUS from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. You can travel by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and continue by bus or private car to Chiang Rai. The total journey takes about 14-17 hours, depending on the transfer in Chiang Mai.
Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal or Don Mueang Station and arrive at Chiang Mai Railway Station, see the Thailand Railway Map. Train tickets cost about $8-50/pp, with seats and sleeper berths available.
From Chiang Mai, buses to Chiang Rai take about 3-4 hours and cost around $7-12/pp. This route is ideal for travelers who also want to explore Chiang Mai before continuing north.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable but also the most expensive way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Companies such as Jed Yord, Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi 24, Andaman Taxis, Kanokwan Travel, and others operate modern cars, SUVs, and minivans.
Private transfers take about 11-14 hours and cost approximately $270-700 per vehicle, depending on the car type. You can choose your pickup point in Bangkok and your drop-off location anywhere in Chiang Rai.
Private cars are ideal for families or groups, especially when sharing the cost. Transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.
| Taxi Service: | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Glassflower | 11:00 | From $400.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 11:25 | From $370.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 10:30 | From $280.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11:00 | From $330.00 |
| Than Car Service | 11:35 | From $330.00 |
| Torch Taxi | 10:25 | From $290.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 10:25 | From $290.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 10:25 | From $250.00 |
| Andaman Taxis | 11:30 | From $330.00 |
| Easyride Services | 11:00 | From $260.00 |
❓ FAQ – Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
How to book tickets, flights, or a private car from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
Flights take about 1.5 hours, buses 11-14 hours, train + bus 14-17 hours, and private cars about 11-14 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
Expect to pay about $20-35 by bus, $25-55 by train + bus, $60-200 by flight, or $270-700 per private car.
What is the distance from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
The distance is about 800 km by road or around 720 km by air.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
The tourist bus is usually the cheapest option, although low-cost flights can sometimes offer similar prices.
What is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option, taking only about 1.5 hours.
Where can I store my luggage in Bangkok?
You can use Radical Storage to safely store your luggage at several locations across Bangkok.
Are private cars available for groups?
Yes. Private cars, SUVs, and minivans are available from Bangkok city and both airports.
Is there a direct train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
No. Travel by train to Chiang Mai and continue by bus or private taxi to Chiang Rai.
How do I travel back from Chiang Rai to Bangkok?
Travel by flight, bus, train + bus via Chiang Mai, or private car.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is easy by plane, bus, train + bus, or private car. Flying is the fastest option, while buses offer the lowest fares.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights take about 1.5 hours from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
- Budget Travel: Tourist buses are the cheapest option and operate every day.
- Train Alternative: Travel by train to Chiang Mai, then continue by bus or private car.
- Book Early: Reserve flights and bus tickets in advance during holidays and the high season.
- Private Transfer: A private car is ideal for families, groups, or travelers seeking maximum comfort.
- Weather Tip: Chiang Rai is usually cooler than Bangkok, especially from November to February.
Tip: Flights, bus tickets, train tickets, and private transfers from Bangkok to Chiang Rai can be searched and booked online in advance.