Bus
Best balance of price, direct route, most common option
Private taxi/car
Fastest option, direct transfer, flexible departure anytime
Bus via Den Chai
Cheap option, requires transfer, still relatively simple journey
Flights
No direct flights, requires stopover, not practical option
Quick answer: Travelling from Chiang Mai to Nan gives you flexible options—choose a bus/minivan for a budget‑friendly and scenic ride, or opt for a private car/taxi if you prefer comfort and speed. There’s no direct train or flight on this route, so road transport is your main choice. You can book tickets from Chiang Mai to Nan easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 320 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Minivan ~6.5–9 hours | Private Car ~5–7 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Minivan US$ 12–16 per person | Private Car/Taxi US$ 140–400 per vehicle.
- 🚍 Bus / Minivan: Direct bus services from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Nan Bus Terminal.
- 🚕 Private Car / Taxi: Private car or taxi hire from Chiang Mai to Nan for more flexibility and fewer stops.
Last updated in October 2026
Chiang Mai to Nan: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Minivan | 6.5–9 h | $12–16/person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| Private Car / Taxi | 5–7 h | $140–400/vehicle | ★★★★★ | Families & groups |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Nan is possible by tourist bus, minivan, or private car and taxi. The bus is the more affordable option and takes about 6.5–9 hours, while a private transfer takes around 5–7 hours and offers more comfort and flexibility.
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Nan?
1. BUS from Chiang Mai to Nan
👉 Bus is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Chiang Mai to Nan.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers with no rail alternative on this route
- ✔️ Travel time: ~6–6.5 hours (direct bus)
- ✔️ Cost: $12–16 per person (affordable option)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern Greenbus coaches)
- ✅ Best Option: Greenbus from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Nan Bus Terminal
- 💡 Tip: Book bus tickets online in advance due to limited schedule.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
Traveling by tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get from Chiang Mai to Nan. Modern GreenBus coaches operate on this route, offering comfortable air-conditioned seats. The journey takes about 6–6.5 hours, and tickets cost around $12–16 per person.
Buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and arrive at Nan Bus Terminal, located close to the town center. The daily timetable is limited, so it is recommended to book your ticket in advance.
Bus tickets can be easily purchased online, and it is advisable to arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 at least 30 minutes before departure. Always check the latest departure details and follow the bus company’s instructions.
| Bus Company | Departs in Chiang Mai | Arrives in Nan |
|---|---|---|
| GreenBus (Express) | 07:00 | 13:10 |
| GreenBus (Express Combo) | 08:00 | 14:10 |
| GreenBus (Express Combo) | 09:30 | 15:40 |
| GreenBus (Express) | 10:30 | 17:30 |
| GreenBus (Express Combo) | 10:30 | 18:50 |
| GreenBus (Express Combo) | 11:30 | 17:40 |
| GreenBus (Express Combo) | 15:00 | 21:10 |
| GreenBus (Express Combo) | 17:00 | 23:10 |
| GreenBus (Express Combo) | 22:30 | 03:50 (+1 day) |
Note: This table shows selected GreenBus departures. Schedules and arrival times may vary by travel date and bus class. Check the current timetable and departure and arrival terminals before booking.
2. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Chiang Mai to Nan
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Chiang Mai to Nan.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want comfort, privacy, and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–7 hours (direct private transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $140–400 per car (depending on vehicle type)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern private car, SUV, or minivan)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car with hotel or airport pickup and drop-off in Nan
- 💡 Tip: Book your car online in advance to secure the best vehicle.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Ideal for groups to split costs and travel comfortably.
A private car or taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Chiang Mai to Nan. Companies such as Jed Yord, Smart En Plus, Bangkok Taxi24, Glassflower, Kanokwan Travel, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport and others operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans with experienced drivers.
The journey takes about 5–7 hours, and you can choose your own pickup and drop-off locations, including Chiang Mai Airport or your hotel. Private transfers cost about $140–400 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. Larger minivans are a good choice for groups, as the cost can be shared between passengers.
Private cars can be booked online in advance. Before booking, check the transfer details and follow the instructions provided by the taxi company.
| Taxi Company | Travel Time | Vehicle Class |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 168 Transport and Travel | 4 h 30 min | Economy 3pax |
| AEC 168 Transport and Travel | 4 h 30 min | SUV 4pax |
| AEC 168 Transport and Travel | 4 h 30 min | Van 9pax |
| Kim Transfers Thailand | 4 h 40 min | Economy 3pax |
| Thailand Travel Taxi | 5 h | Economy 3pax |
| Glassflower | 5 h | Comfort Car 3pax |
| Glassflower | 5 h | Luxury SUV 4pax |
| Glassflower | 5 h | Luxury VIP Van 9pax |
| Lanna Expert Driver | 6 h | Comfort 3pax |
| Lanna Expert Driver | 6 h | SUV 4pax |
| Lanna Expert Driver | 6 h | Van 9pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 5 h 30 min | Economy 2pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 5 h 30 min | SUV 4pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 5 h 30 min | VIP Van 9pax |
| Smart En Plus | 6 h | VIP Van 9pax |
| Than Car Service | 5 h | Economy 3pax |
Note: Travel times are estimates and may vary depending on traffic and pickup or drop-off locations. Vehicle classes and availability depend on the travel date. Check the current details before booking.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Chiang Mai to Nan:
How long does it take to travel from Chiang Mai to Nan?
Tourist buses take about 6.5–9 hours, while private cars and taxis take about 5–7 hours.
What is the travel distance from Chiang Mai to Nan?
The travel distance from Chiang Mai to Nan is about 320 km by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Nan?
Bus tickets cost about $12–16 per person, while private cars cost about $140–400 per vehicle.
Can you book a private taxi from Chiang Mai to Nan?
Yes. Private taxis and cars are available online and offer the fastest and most comfortable transfer to Nan.
Is there a train from Chiang Mai to Nan?
No. Nan has no railway station. The nearest station is Den Chai, about 145 km south of Nan.
Are there direct flights from Chiang Mai to Nan?
No. There are no direct flights. Nan Airport is served mainly by flights to and from Bangkok.
How can you travel from Nan to Bangkok?
You can travel from Nan to Bangkok by direct flight, tourist bus, bus + train via Den Chai or private car.
Where else can you travel from Chiang Mai?
From Chiang Mai you can travel to Chiang Rai, Pai or by train to Bangkok.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Nan
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Nan is a scenic journey through the mountains of northern Thailand. You can travel by tourist bus or private car/taxi, while train and direct flight connections are not available.
- Best Option: GreenBus services offer the best balance of price, comfort, and reliability.
- Mountain Roads: The route includes many curves, so travelers prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly.
- Limited Departures: There are only a few daily bus services, so booking in advance is recommended.
- Private Transfer: A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable choice, especially for families or groups.
- No Train or Direct Flight: Nan has no railway station, and there are no direct flights from Chiang Mai.
- Arrive Early: Reach Chiang Mai Bus Terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.
Tip: Bus and private transfer tickets from Chiang Mai to Nan can be searched and booked online in advance.
From Chiang Mai to Nan you can travel by bus, private car/taxi or motorbike.
The distance from Chiang Mai to Nan is about 320 km by road. You can travel by tourist bus, private car/taxi or motorbike. The most popular and cheapest option is the tourist bus, taking about 6.5–9 hours, with tickets costing around $12–16 per person. Buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.
A private car or taxi takes about 5–7 hours and costs around $140–400 per vehicle. There are no direct flights between Chiang Mai and Nan, and Nan has no railway station. The nearest railway station is in Den Chai, about 145 km south of Nan.
Nan is one of the most peaceful destinations in northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains, forests and national parks. It is ideal for travelers looking for authentic local culture and nature. From Chiang Mai you can also travel to Phayao or visit Mae Hong Son. There is no railway on these routes.