Flight + bus/train (via Bangkok)
Best balance of speed, price and relatively simple transfers
Flight + private transfer
Smooth journey with minimal effort and comfortable door-to-door travel
Bus
Cheapest option with simple route but long journey
Train combinations
No direct train and requires transfers via Bangkok
Quick answer: From Chiang Mai to Hua Hin you can fly to Bangkok + continue by bus or train, take a long-distance bus, ride the train via Bangkok, or hire a private car/taxi. The flight + ground combo is fastest, the bus is a solid budget pick, the train is for leisurely travellers, and taxis give maximum comfort. Book tickets early to get better fares and avoid sold-out legs.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (by land): ~900 km via Bangkok
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight + bus/train ~6–7 h | Bus ~14–16 h | Train ~18–21 h | Private Car ~14 h
- 💰 Price range: Flight + land $45–120 pp | Bus $20–40 pp | Train $20–70 pp | Taxi $260–600
- ✈️ Flight + Ground: Fly Chiang Mai → Bangkok, then take bus or train to Hua Hin
- 🚍 Bus: Direct tourist buses from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin, overnight option available
- 🚆 Train: Chiang Mai → Bangkok overnight, then Bangkok → Hua Hin by train
- 🚕 Private Car / Taxi: Direct or via Bangkok, flexible schedule, good for groups or luggage
Last updated in April 2026
From Chiang Mai to Hua Hin you can travel by plane, bus, train or private taxi.
The distance from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin is about 900 km via Bangkok. The fastest option is a flight to Bangkok followed by a bus or train, taking about 6–7 hours. You can also travel by train (18–21 hours), tourist bus (14–16 hours), or private taxi.
Travel costs range from $20–120 per person, depending on the transport option, while private cars start at about $260 per vehicle. Flights, trains, buses and private transfers can be booked online in advance. From Hua Hin you can continue to Krabi or Koh Phangan.
Hua Hin is one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand, known for its beaches, night market and royal heritage. Before your trip, check the weather in Hua Hin. You can also travel to Koh Samui via Surat Thani.
| Transfer modes – Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane + Bus/Train | 6–7 hours | $45–120 per person |
| Tourist Bus | 14–16 hours | $20–40 per person |
| Train | 18–21 hours | $20–70 per person |
| Private Car | 14 hours | $260–600 per car |
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin?
1. FLIGHT + BUS/TRAIN from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin
👉 Flight + bus/train via Bangkok is the fastest and most flexible way to travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin.
- ✔️ Best for: combining speed with affordable final transfer option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~4–7 hours total (flight + transfer to Hua Hin)
- ✔️ Cost: $45–100+ per person (flight + bus/train combined)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + comfortable bus or train ride)
- ✅ Best Option: Flight to Bangkok + bus/minivan or train to Hua Hin
- 💡 Tip: Choose airport based on connection (Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi)
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book flights and tickets online in advance for best prices
A) DIRECT FLIGHT from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Direct flights from Chiang Mai to Bangkok take about 1–1.5 hours and cost around $40–90 per person. Flights depart from Chiang Mai International Airport to Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi Airport with several airlines.
B) BUS or TRAIN from Bangkok to Hua Hin
From Bangkok, you can continue to Hua Hin by bus, minivan or train. The journey takes about 2–4 hours, tickets cost $4–16 per person. Read: How to get to Hua Hin from Bangkok?
2. BUS or MINIVAN from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin
👉 Bus or minivan is a cheap but long-distance way to travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and overnight long-distance travel option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~14–16 hours depending on route and transfers
- ✔️ Cost: $20–40 per person (varies by company and bus type)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (seat or sleeper buses, some overnight options)
- ✅ Best Option: Sombat Tour, Tara Tour, Thai Sriram or via Bangkok
- 💡 Tip: Consider splitting trip in Bangkok for more comfort
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance and check schedules carefully
Tourist buses are one of the cheapest ways to travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin. Most routes operate via Bangkok and the total journey takes about 14–16 hours. Both daytime and overnight buses are available.
Modern seat buses, sleeper buses and minivans are available, with ticket prices ranging from $20–40 per person. You can book bus tickets online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
Some connections require a transfer in Bangkok, where you can continue by bus or minivan to Hua Hin. Before your trip, check the Bangkok to Hua Hin bus schedule to find the best connection.
3. TRAIN from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin (via Bangkok)
👉 Train via Bangkok is a scenic and budget-friendly way to travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin.
- ✔️ Best for: train lovers and relaxed long-distance travel experience
- ✔️ Travel time: ~15–20 hours total with transfer in Bangkok
- ✔️ Cost: $17–66 per person (two train tickets combined)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (seats or sleeper beds available)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper train Chiang Mai → Bangkok + seat train to Hua Hin
- 💡 Tip: Book sleeper on first leg for better overnight comfort
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance, separate tickets required
A) TRAIN from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Traveling by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is a popular and affordable option. The journey takes about 11–15 hours, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd class trains available. Train tickets cost about $13–50 per person.
You can check the Chiang Mai to Bangkok train schedule before your trip and choose between daytime and overnight trains.
B) TRAIN from Bangkok to Hua Hin
From Bangkok, continue by Thai Railways train to Hua Hin. The journey takes about 4–4.5 hours and tickets cost $4–16 per person. See How to travel to Hua Hin from Bangkok? and check the Thailand Train Map or Thailand Train Timetable.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin
👉 Private car/taxi is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin.
- ✔️ Best for: comfort, privacy, and flexible long-distance travel option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~12–14 hours depending on route and possible stop in Bangkok
- ✔️ Cost: $260–600 per car (varies by vehicle type and company)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or spacious minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi24, Gosafe Transport, Jed Yord
- 💡 Tip: Good for groups – split total cost per passenger
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance and choose exact pickup/drop-off
A private taxi or car is the most comfortable way to travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin. Most transfers operate via Bangkok and take about 14 hours, while some direct private transfers take around 12 hours.
Private transport costs about $260–600 per vehicle, depending on the car type and route. Modern cars, SUVs and private minivans are available for individuals as well as groups.
You can book a private transfer online for the entire journey or search separate cars for the routes Chiang Mai → Bangkok and Bangkok → Hua Hin. See more transport options in Thailand.
| Taxi Operator | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Gosafe Transport | 11:35 | From $330.00 / Van 9pax |
| Andaman Shuttle | 11:40 | From $299.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Andaman Shuttle | 11:40 | From $359.00 / Comfort 4pax |
| Andaman Shuttle | 11:40 | From $475.00 / VIP Van 9pax |
| Torch Taxi | 11:40 | From $290.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Torch Taxi | 11:40 | From $310.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Torch Taxi | 11:40 | From $340.00 / Van 9pax |
| N and T Travel | 11:00 | From $320.00 / Economy 2pax |
| N and T Travel | 11:00 | From $330.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| N and T Travel | 11:00 | From $340.00 / SUV 4pax |
| N and T Travel | 11:00 | From $370.00 / Van 9pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 11:00 | From $260.00 / Economy 3pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 11:00 | From $310.00 / SUV 4pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 11:00 | From $340.00 / Van 9pax |
5. BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR in Hua Hin
-
- you can also book a private tour or tickets for tourist attractions in Hua Hin
- it is possible to book various types of tourist tours (trips, kayaking, trails…)
- these private tourist tours in Hua Hin by local tour guides from Thailand
- Book a private boat tour / trip or other tourist activity in Hua Hin online
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin
How to book tickets or flights from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin?
Book tickets online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. You can also book separate routes via Bangkok.
What is the travel time from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin?
Travel takes 6–7 hours by flight + transfer, 14–16 hours by bus, 18–21 hours by train, or about 14 hours by taxi.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin?
Travel costs start at about $20 by bus or train, $45 by flight + transfer, or $260 per private car.
How far is Hua Hin from Chiang Mai?
The distance is about 900 km by road via Bangkok.
What is the cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin?
The cheapest options are the train or tourist bus, from about $20 per person.
What is the best way to travel from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin?
The fastest option is a flight to Bangkok followed by a bus or train.
Can I book a private taxi from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin?
Yes. Private taxis and minivans can be booked online, usually via Bangkok.
How do I travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Hin?
Take a bus, train, or taxi. See How to get from Suvarnabhumi to Hua Hin?.
Where can you travel from Hua Hin?
Is there an airport in Hua Hin?
Yes. Hua Hin has an international airport with domestic flights.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Hua Hin
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin requires a transfer in Bangkok. You can travel by flight, train, bus or private car.
- Fastest Option: Fly to Bangkok and continue by bus, train or private taxi.
- Cheapest Option: The train or tourist bus offers the lowest fares.
- Allow Extra Time: Leave enough time for connections in Bangkok due to traffic.
- Overnight Travel: Sleeper trains help save a hotel night and arrive early.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper trains often sell out during holidays.
- Private Transfer: Private cars provide the most comfortable journey, usually via Bangkok.
Tip: Flights, trains, buses and private transfers from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin can be searched and booked online in advance.