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 or taxi/car, motorbike.
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- Travel distance from Chiang Mai to Phayao in Thailand is about 210 km by bus or private car. There are 2 ways how you can get to Phayao from Chiang Mai – travel by tourist bus or you can book your private car / taxi. You can also travel on a motorbike to Phayo. The most popular option of getting to Phayao is to travel by tourist bus. Transport by bus from Chiang Mai to Phayao takes about 3 hours 15 minutes and it costs about $7/pp, it is the most cheapest option. The bus schedule between Chiang Mai and Phayao is a bit limited.
- Another way how to reach Phayao from Chiang Mai is to take a private car / taxi. Transfer by private taxi or minivan to Phayao from Chiang Mai costs about $85-200/vehicle (the most expensive way of transfer) and it takes about 3-5 hours. You can travel by private car to Phayao from Chiang Mai City or Chiang Mai Airport. There is no railway to Phayo from Chiang Mai, travel by train is not possible. There is also no airport in Phayao, there are no flights between these places. You can search and book bus tickets or private car to Phayao easily online.
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- Phayao is a quiet provincial town by the lake, which was probably born in the Bronze Age. Later, the ancient inhabitants left them and were again settled in the 12th century, when it became an independent city-state. Pho Khun Ngam Muang is the former ruler of Phayao City. The statue is situated in the city’s public park in front of Phayao Lake – a big tourist attraction of this town. In addition to walking and driving a private car, tourists can also ride the tram to see the city of Phayao as well. Read carefully all the informations how you can reach Phayao from Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai or Phayao you can also travel 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 used and cheapest transfer option from Chiang Mai to Phayao in Northern Thailand is a bus transfer. This transport option will be used by most regular solo and low-cost travelers heading to Phayao and looking for a cheap transfer option. Bus transfers from Chiang Mai to Phayao are offered by Greenbus, which operates modern buses with seats between these cities.
The disadvantage of a bus transfer with these buses is the limited timetable and it is advisable to search for the desired connection in advance. Buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and arrive to Phayao Bus Terminal, which is a short distance from the city center and you will have everything within easy reach.
You can see information about departure and arrival points when searching for tickets online, where you can also see where the station is located. Traveling by bus from Chiang Mai to Phayao takes about 3 hours 15 minutes, but this stated travel time may vary and may not be strictly adhered to.
Buses can also be delayed when leaving and even after arriving in Phayao, this unfortunately happens in Thailand. A bus transfer from Chiang Mai to Phayao in Thailand costs in the range of $6-7/pp, so it is the cheapest transport option, as there are no trains here.
Bus tickets to Phayao from Chiang Mai can be easily searched and purchased online in advance. Also, read all the information and follow all the terms and conditions of the bus company while booking the ticket. Arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 well in advance, at least 30-60 minutes before the bus departs.
| 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.
The most convenient, but at the same time more expensive transfer option from Chiang Mai to Phayao is a private car/taxi transfer with a driver. The advantage of this transport option is that you can choose your departure point and time in Chiang Mai and your arrival point in Phayao, so you can also save your time.
You can also choose Chiang Mai Airport as your departure point. Private transfers with modern cars to Phayao will be offered by Jed Yord, Smart En Plus, Lanna Expert Driver, Bangkok Taxi24, Thailand Travel Taxi, Freedom Tour Taxi, Kim Transfers Thailand, Glassflower, Kanokwan Travel, Go2Trip, Taxi with Torch, T Buddy Service, Gosafe Transport, AEC 168 Transport and Travel, Than Car Service. Most of these companies will offer you small classic cars or even larger SUVs and minivans for more people to transfer between these cities.
Mainly larger minivans are suitable for group travel, i.e. for people who go, for example in a group of up to 10 people. Most of the cars offered are air-conditioned and very comfortable, some are almost luxurious.
Transportation by private car/taxi from Chiang Mai to Phayao in northern Thailand takes about 3-5 hours, but the indicated travel times may vary and depend on your travel route.
A private car/taxi transfer to Phayao from Chiang Mai costs between $85-200/car, these prices vary depending on the type of car you choose. If you choose a classic small car for 1-3 passengers, you will pay less than in the case of a larger minivan for more people.
However, you can always divide the car fare and calculate it for individual passengers in the vehicle, so sometimes it can be e.g. minivan transfer also advantageous. You can easily search, view and book your private car/taxi with driver to Phayao from Chiang Mai online in advance. The offer of these private cars is relatively very wide and you will definitely choose your suitable vehicle.
| 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:
1. How to book bus tickets or private car from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
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- You can search and book tickets + car from Chiang Mai to Phayao online with 12go.asia ➜.
- you can also search another travel routes and tickets, e.g. Nan to Phayao, Phayao to Bangkok…
2. What is the travel time from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Chiang Mai to Phayao takes about 3 hours 15 minutes.
- Travel by private taxi/minivan, car from Chiang Mai to Phayao takes about 3-5 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
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- Travel distance from Chiang Mai to Phayao in Thailand is about 210 km by road (the fastest route).
4. How much does it cost to get from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
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- Travel by tourist bus to Phayao from Chiang Mai costs about $7/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/minivan, car to Phayao from Chiang Mai costs about $100-200 (vehicle).
5. Is it possible to book a private car/taxi to Phayao?
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- Yes, from Chiang Mai to Phayao you can travel by private taxi or car and you can book this car easily online. Private car is the most comfortable option of transfer to Phayao, you can take a private taxi from Chiang Mai town or Chiang Mai International Airport.
6. Is it possible to travel by train from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
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- No, there is no railway to Phayao from Chiang Mai, travel by train is not possible in this province.
7. Is there a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phayao?
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- No, there is no direct flight to Phayao from Chiang Mai, Phayao has no airport, travel by plane is not possible.
8. How to travel from Phayao to Bangkok?
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- You have 4 options if you want to travel to Bangkok from Phayao. There is a direct flight from Chiang Rai, it is about 100 km from Phayao. Another way is to travel by tourist bus, or you can go back to Chiang Mai and take a train to Bangkok or tourist bus, flight or private car.
9. Where to stay and how to book hotel in Phayao?
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- Phayao in northern Thailand offers mainly cheap hotels, guesthouses or tourist resorts in the town center.
- You can search and Book hotel / resort in Phayao ➜ easily online
10. Where you can also travel from Phayao?
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- From Phayao you can travel to Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae and Lampang – the border provinces with Phayao.
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💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Phayao
These tips cover the journey from Chiang Mai to Phayao, a lesser-visited northern province best known for Kwan Phayao lake and its calm local atmosphere. While the route is straightforward, a few destination-specific details help avoid small but common inconveniences.
1. Check Your Arrival Point in Phayao
Most services arrive near the main bus terminal, which is not directly on the lakeside. Knowing this in advance helps you plan a short local transfer to accommodation around Kwan Phayao.
2. Road Travel Is the Most Practical Option
There are no direct flights between Chiang Mai and Phayao, making buses and minivans the standard choice. Services are generally reliable but less frequent than major city routes.
3. Plan Meals Around the Journey
Food stops may be limited depending on the service. Eating before departure or bringing light snacks is useful, especially if you arrive outside peak dining hours in Phayao.
4. Expect a Strong Local Feel on Arrival
Phayao sees fewer international visitors than Chiang Mai. English is less commonly spoken, so having your accommodation address saved in Thai can make local transport easier.
5. Cash Is Important for Lakeside Areas
Small guesthouses, cafés, and transport around the lake often operate on a cash-only basis. Withdrawing money before leaving Chiang Mai is a practical move.
6. Evenings Around Kwan Phayao Are a Highlight
Many travelers time their arrival to enjoy the lakeside promenade at sunset, when locals gather for food and exercise. It’s an easy way to settle in without rushing.
7. Use Phayao as a Base for Quiet Exploration
Phayao works well as a short stop between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Arriving with flexible plans allows you to explore temples, cafés, and the lake at a relaxed pace.
Tip: Bus, minivan, and private transfer tickets from Chiang Mai to Phayao can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure a suitable departure and coordinate local transport on arrival.