Direct flight
Fastest and most convenient way with direct flights from Bangkok
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door travel with flexible pickup and drop-off
Tourist bus
Affordable direct option for budget travelers and solo travelers
Direct train
No direct train to Chiang Rai; train travel requires a transfer in Chiang Mai
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. Flights are fastest, while buses are the cheapest and most popular. The train requires a transfer in Chiang Mai but offers a scenic overland journey. Tickets can be 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: October 2026
Bangkok to Chiang Rai: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | 1.5 h | $60–200/person | ★★★★★ | Speed & comfort |
| Tourist Bus | 11–13 h | $20–35/person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| Train + Bus via Chiang Mai | 14–17 h | $25–55/person | ★★★★☆ | Scenic overland travel |
| Private Taxi / Car | 11–12 h | $270–500/car | ★★★★★ | Families & groups |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by air, bus, train via Chiang Mai, or private car. There is no direct train to Chiang Rai, so the railway option requires a transfer in Chiang Mai. From Chiang Rai, you can continue to other destinations in northern Thailand.
How to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
1. FLIGHT from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel comfortably
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5 hours flight time
- ✔️ Price: $60–200 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct flights from Bangkok airports)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight to Chiang Rai International Airport
- 💡 Tip: Compare flights from both Bangkok airports before booking.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Book online in advance for better fares.
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
👉 Tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~11–14 hours
- ✔️ Price: $20–35 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern long-distance buses)
- ✅ Best option: Direct bus from Mochit Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at the bus station 30–60 minutes before departure.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Book online in advance, especially for overnight buses.
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 Company | Departs in Bangkok | Arrives in Chiang Rai |
|---|---|---|
| Sombat Tour | 07:00 | 19:20 |
| Bangkok Busline | 09:30 | 22:10 |
| Bangkok Busline | 12:30 | 01:10 (+1 day) |
| Tara Tour and Travel | 16:00 | 07:30 (+1 day) |
| Tara Tour and Travel | 16:30 | 08:30 (+1 day) |
| Sombat Tour | 17:00 | 04:00 (+1 day) |
| Budsarakham Tour | 17:00 | 05:20 (+1 day) |
| Thaibus Tour | 17:40 | 05:20 (+1 day) |
| Transport Co | 17:30 | 05:30 (+1 day) |
| Bangkok Busline | 17:20 | 05:00 (+1 day) |
| Sombat Tour | 18:15 | 06:55 (+1 day) |
| Sombat Tour | 18:30 | 05:30 (+1 day) |
| Transport Co | 19:00 | 07:00 (+1 day) |
| Sombat Tour | 19:25 | 06:25 (+1 day) |
| Sombat Tour | 19:50 | 06:50 (+1 day) |
| Transport Co | 20:00 | 08:00 (+1 day) |
| Bangkok Busline | 20:30 | 07:30 (+1 day) |
Note: Buses depart from different terminals in Bangkok and may arrive at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 or other stops. Most overnight services arrive the following day. Check your ticket for the exact departure and arrival locations. Schedules may change.
3. TRAIN + BUS from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
👉 Train + bus via Chiang Mai is a scenic overland option for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to combine Chiang Mai with their journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~14–17 hours
- ✔️ Price: $15–62 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (sleeper trains available)
- ✅ Best option: Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, then bus to Chiang Rai
- 💡 Tip: Allow enough time for the transfer in Chiang Mai.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Consider staying in Chiang Mai before continuing 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
👉 Private taxi is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups and travelers who prefer door-to-door travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~11–14 hours
- ✔️ Price: $270–700 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private car, SUV or minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Private car or minivan with flexible pickup and drop-off
- 💡 Tip: Choose a larger vehicle for groups and extra luggage.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Sharing the cost can make a private transfer more affordable.
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 Company | Travel Time | Vehicle Class |
|---|---|---|
| Firstplan Transport Services | 7 hours | Economy Car (3 pax) |
| Firstplan Transport Services | 7 hours | SUV (4 pax) |
| Firstplan Transport Services | 7 hours | Van (10 pax) |
| Firstplan Transport Services | 10 hours 30 minutes | Economy Car (3 pax) |
| Firstplan Transport Services | 10 hours 30 minutes | SUV (4 pax) |
| Firstplan Transport Services | 10 hours 30 minutes | Van (10 pax) |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11 hours | Economy Car (3 pax) |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11 hours | Comfort Car (3 pax) |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11 hours | SUV (4 pax) |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11 hours | Van (9 pax) |
| Glassflower | 11 hours | Comfort Car (3 pax) |
| Glassflower | 11 hours | Luxury SUV (4 pax) |
| Glassflower | 11 hours | Luxury VIP Van (9 pax) |
| BangkokTaxi24 | 11 hours 25 minutes | Comfort Car (3 pax) |
| BangkokTaxi24 | 11 hours 25 minutes | SUV (4 pax) |
| BangkokTaxi24 | 11 hours 25 minutes | VIP Van (9 pax) |
| Gosafe Transport | 10 hours 25 minutes | Van (9 pax) |
| Than Car Service | 11 hours 35 minutes | Private Car |
| AEC 168 Transport and Travel | 10 hours 25 minutes | Private Car |
| Easyride Services | 11 hours | Private Car |
Note: Private transfers offer different vehicle sizes and passenger capacities. Journey times depend on the route, traffic, and pickup and drop-off locations. Confirm the exact travel time and vehicle class for your selected date when booking.
❓ 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.
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.