Bus
Best balance of price, direct route, most popular option
Private taxi/car
Fastest option, direct transfer, flexible departure
Local bus
Cheapest option, simple route, basic comfort
Flights / train
No direct flights or trains, not possible option
Quick answer: Travelling from Chiang Mai to Phayao offers flexible options including direct bus, minivan, or private car. The bus and minivan are cost-effective and convenient, while a private car provides the quickest and most comfortable door-to-door journey. You can book tickets / car from Chiang Mai to Phayao easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 210 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus or Minivan ~3–4 hours | Private Car ~3-5 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus or Minivan US$ 7 per person | Private Car US$ 85–200 per vehicle.
- 🚍 Bus/Minivan: Regular services from Chiang Mai bus terminal to Phayao.
- 🚕 Private Car: Direct car or taxi from Chiang Mai to Phayao for faster and more flexible travel.
Last updated in April 2026
From Chiang Mai to Phayao you can travel by bus, private taxi/car or motorbike.
The distance from Chiang Mai to Phayao is about 210 km. The most popular and cheapest option is a tourist bus, taking about 3-3.5 hours and costing around $7-10 per person. Private taxis offer a faster and more flexible transfer in about 3-5 hours but at a higher price of $85-200 per vehicle.
There is no railway or direct flight between Chiang Mai and Phayao, making road transport the only practical choice. Tickets and private transfers can be booked online in advance.
Phayao is a quiet lakeside town in northern Thailand and a great stop before continuing to Nan or Bangkok.
| Transfer Mode – Chiang Mai to Phayao: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 3 hours 15 minutes | $7/pp |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 3-5 hours | $85-200 (car) |
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
1. BUS from Chiang Mai to Phayao
👉 Bus is the cheapest and most common way to travel from Chiang Mai to Phayao.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers with no rail option on this route
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–3.5 hours (direct bus)
- ✔️ Cost: $6–7 per person (very affordable option)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern Greenbus coaches)
- ✅ Best Option: Greenbus from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Phayao Bus Terminal
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance due to limited timetable.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive at the station 30–60 minutes before departure.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Phayao is by tourist bus. Modern air-conditioned buses operated by GreenBus connect the two cities in about 3-3.5 hours, making this the best option for most independent and budget travelers.
Buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and arrive at Phayao Bus Terminal, located close to the town center. The timetable is relatively limited, so it is recommended to book your ticket in advance.
Bus tickets cost about $6-7 per person, making this the cheapest transport option on the route. There is no railway between Chiang Mai and Phayao, so buses are the preferred choice for most travelers. Arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure and check all travel details when booking your ticket online.
| Bus Service | Departure in Chiang Mai | Arrival in Phayao | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| GreenBus | 08:00 | 11:15 | From $7.00 |
| GreenBus | 10:30 | 13:45 | From $7.00 |
| GreenBus | 11:30 | 14:45 | From $7.00 |
| GreenBus | 14:15 | 17:30 | From $6.00 |
2. TAXI / CAR from Chiang Mai to Phayao
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Chiang Mai to Phayao.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want door-to-door service and flexible schedule
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–5 hours (direct private transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $85–200 per car (depending on vehicle type)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern air-conditioned car or minivan)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car with hotel or airport pickup and drop-off in Phayao
- 💡 Tip: Book your car online in advance to secure best options.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Ideal for groups to split costs and travel comfortably.
A private car/taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Chiang Mai to Phayao. It is ideal for families, small groups, or travelers who prefer a flexible departure time and direct hotel-to-hotel service. Private transfers are available from Chiang Mai city or Chiang Mai Airport.
Companies such as Jed Yord, Smart En Plus, Bangkok Taxi24, Glassflower, Kim Transfers Thailand, Kanokwan Travel, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, AEC 168 Transport and others operate modern air-conditioned cars, SUVs, and spacious minivans. The journey takes about 3-5 hours, depending on traffic and your chosen route.
Private transfers cost about $85-200 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. Standard cars are the cheapest option, while larger SUVs and minivans are ideal for groups of up to 9-10 passengers. You can easily search and book your private transfer online in advance.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Than Car Service | 03:35 | From $85.00 |
| Kim Transfers Thailand | 04:00 | From $170.00 |
| Thailand Travel Taxi | 04:00 | From $110.00 |
| Freedom Tour Taxi Service | 04:10 | From $120.00 |
| T Buddy Service | 02:30 | From $89.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 04:00 | From $110.00 |
| Jed Yord | 04:00 | From $140.00 |
| Lanna Expert Driver | 03:30 | From $130.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 04:00 | From $120.00 |
| Go2Trip | 03:30 | From $110.00 |
| Easyride Services | 02:30 | From $99.00 |
❓ FAQ — Travel route from Chiang Mai to Phayao:
How to book tickets or a private taxi from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
You can book bus tickets and private cars from Chiang Mai to Phayao online on 12go.asia ➜.
You can also search for many other travel routes across Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
Bus travel takes about 3-3.5 hours, while a private taxi or car takes approximately 3-5 hours.
What is the travel distance from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
The travel distance from Chiang Mai to Phayao is approximately 210 km by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
Bus tickets cost about $6-7 per person, while private transfers cost approximately $85-200 per vehicle.
Is a private taxi available from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
Yes. Private taxis and cars are available from Chiang Mai city or Chiang Mai Airport and can be booked online in advance.
Can you travel by train from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
No. There is no railway between Chiang Mai and Phayao.
Is there a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
No. Phayao has no commercial airport, so direct flights are not available.
How can you travel from Phayao to Bangkok?
You can travel to Bangkok from Phayao by bus or private car. Another option is to travel to Chiang Rai for a direct flight or return to Chiang Mai and continue by train, bus or plane.
Where to book accommodation in Phayao?
Phayao offers budget hotels, guesthouses and lakeside resorts. You can search and book accommodation online here: Book your hotel in Phayao ➜.
Where can you travel from Phayao?
From Phayao you can continue to Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae or Lampang.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Phayao
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Phayao is an easy journey through northern Thailand. You can travel by tourist bus or private car, as there are no trains or direct flights on this route.
- Best Option: GreenBus services are the cheapest and most popular way to reach Phayao.
- Limited Schedule: There are only a few departures each day, so book your tickets in advance.
- Private Transfer: Taxis offer the most comfortable and flexible option, with hotel or airport pickup available.
- No Train or Flight: Phayao has no railway station or commercial airport, so road transport is the only practical choice.
- Mountain Route: The road passes through hilly areas with some winding sections, but it is generally in good condition.
- Arrive Early: Reach the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure.
Tip: Bus and private transfer tickets from Chiang Mai to Phayao can be searched and booked online in advance.