Bus / Minivan
Affordable, convenient and the easiest overall choice.
Private Car / Taxi
Direct door-to-door transfer with more privacy and comfort.
Motorbike
Good for experienced riders who enjoy independent travel.
Train / Direct Flight
There is no direct railway or flight between the cities.
Quick answer: The easiest and cheapest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is by tourist bus or minivan, with a journey time of about 3.5–5 hours. A private car or taxi is faster and more comfortable, especially if you want a direct transfer from Chiang Rai, Mae Sai, the Golden Triangle or Chiang Saen.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 190 km by road
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus / Minivan 3.5–5 hours; Private Car / Taxi 3–5 hours
- 💰 Price: Bus / Minivan US$8–12 pp; Private Car / Taxi US$80–250 per vehicle
- 🚍 Cheapest: Bus / Minivan
- 🚕 Most comfortable: Private Car / Taxi
- 🚆 Train: No direct railway connection
- ✈️ Flight: No direct flight between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
Last updated: October 2026
Which is the best way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 3.5–5 h | US$8–12 pp | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| Private Car / Taxi | 3–5 h | US$80–250 | ★★★★★ | Groups, comfort |
| Motorbike | Varies | Varies | ★★★☆☆ | Experienced riders |
Evaluation: ★★★★★ very good ★★★★☆ good ★★★☆☆ acceptable.
For most travelers traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, the bus or minivan is the best balance of price, travel time and convenience. A private car or taxi is better if you want a direct transfer to your hotel or the airport, while a motorbike is mainly suitable for experienced riders who want more freedom along the route.
1. Bus / Minivan from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
👉 Choose the bus or minivan for the cheapest and easiest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: about 3.5–5 hours
- ✔️ Price: about US$8–12 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good for a relatively short journey
- ✅ Best option: Greenbus from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
- 💡 Tip: Check your departure point carefully because some services also depart from Mae Sai.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Keep your ticket or voucher ready before arriving at the boarding point.
The bus is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Greenbus operates tourist buses between the two cities, with a journey time of about 3.5–5 hours.
Tickets cost around US$8–12 per person. Buses depart from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 or Mae Sai and arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.
You can book your bus ticket online in advance. If you have an electronic ticket or voucher, keep it ready before boarding and check the departure terminal carefully.
| Bus Company | Departs in Chiang Rai | Arrival in Chiang Mai | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenbus | 07:30 | 11:15 | From $11.00 |
| Greenbus | 08:00 | 11:20 | From $11.00 |
| Greenbus | 08:30 | 12:15 | From $11.00 |
| Greenbus | 09:00 | 12:20 | From $11.00 |
| Greenbus | 09:30 | 14:40 | From $9.00 |
| Greenbus | 12:00 | 15:45 | From $8.00 |
| Greenbus | 13:00 | 16:45 | From $8.00 |
| Greenbus | 14:30 | 17:50 | From $11.00 |
| Greenbus | 15:00 | 20:10 | From $9.00 |
| Greenbus | 15:30 | 18:50 | From $11.00 |
| Greenbus | 16:00 | 19:45 | From $11.00 |
| Greenbus | 18:00 | 21:20 | From $17.00 |
2. Private Taxi / Car from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
👉 Choose a private car or taxi for a direct, comfortable and flexible transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: families, groups and travelers with more luggage
- ✔️ Duration: about 3–5 hours
- ✔️ Price: about US$80–250 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high, with direct hotel or airport transfer
- ✅ Best option: Private car for door-to-door travel
- 💡 Tip: You can arrange pickup from Chiang Rai, Mae Sai, Golden Triangle or Chiang Saen.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: A private transfer can be especially useful when traveling as a group because the price is per vehicle.
A private car, taxi or minivan is the most comfortable option for traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. The journey usually takes about 3–5 hours, depending on the pickup point and traffic.
Prices are around US$80–250 per vehicle. You can arrange a private transfer from Chiang Rai town, Mae Sai, the Golden Triangle or Chiang Saen and travel directly to Chiang Mai city, your hotel or the airport.
Several private transport companies are listed for this route, including Jed Yord, Smart En Plus, Joy, Glassflower, Gosafe Transport, AEC 168 Transport, Than Car Service, Mekong Transfer and other local providers.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Chiang Mai ➜
| Taxi Company | Travel time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Torch Taxi | 03:30 | From $80.00 |
| T Buddy Service | 03:00 | From $90.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 03:30 | From $140.00 |
| Go2Trip | 03:00 | From $100.00 |
| Than Car Service | 04:30 | From $110.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 03:30 | From $90.00 |
| Smile on Transport | 03:15 | From $100.00 |
| Glassflower | 03:00 | From $200.00 |
| Mekong Transfer | 05:00 | From $170.00 |
| Thailand Travel Taxi | 04:00 | From $160.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 05:00 | From $180.00 |
| Freedom Tour Taxi Service | 04:00 | From $140.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 05:30 | From $120.00 |
| Smart En Plus | 05:00 | From $150.00 |
| Lanna Expert Driver | 03:00 | From $100.00 |
| Jed Yord | 03:00 | From $150.00 |
3. Book a private tour and tickets in Chiang Mai
👉 Choose a private tour if you want to combine your arrival in Chiang Mai with sightseeing and activities.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want organized activities
- ✔️ Duration: depends on the selected tour
- ✔️ Price: depends on the activity
- ✔️ Comfort: organized by local tour providers
- ✅ Best option: Book a tour according to your interests in Chiang Mai
- 💡 Tip: You can choose city tours, adventure activities or nature trips.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Booking activities in advance can make planning your Chiang Mai stay easier.
You can also book private tours and tickets for tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. Available activities include city tours, adventure trips, trails and other experiences with local tour guides.
You can also book tickets for interesting sites, activities and historical places in Chiang Mai online.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Choose your transport according to your budget, available time and preferred level of comfort. The bus is the practical choice for most travelers, while a private car is better for direct and flexible transfers.
- Best option: Greenbus / tourist bus for the best price.
- Fastest option: Private car or taxi, usually about 3–5 hours.
- Most comfortable: Private car or taxi with hotel or airport transfer.
- Budget option: Bus tickets from about US$8 per person.
- Departure: Check whether your bus leaves from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 or Mae Sai.
- Arrival: Buses arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.
- Train: There is no railway connection between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
Tip: If you want a simple and affordable transfer, book the bus in advance. For families or groups, compare the private car price per vehicle before choosing.
❓ FAQ: Traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
How can I book a bus or private car from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?
You can book bus tickets and private cars online through 12go.asia. You can also use the service to check other routes from northern Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?
The bus takes about 3.5–5 hours, while a private car or taxi usually takes about 3–5 hours.
What is the travel distance from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?
The road distance from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is about 190 km.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?
Bus tickets cost about US$8–12 per person, while a private car or taxi costs around US$80–250 per vehicle.
What private cars and taxi services can I use?
Private transport is offered by companies such as Jed Yord, Smart En Plus, Joy and Glassflower. You can arrange pickup from Chiang Rai, Mae Sai or the Golden Triangle.
Is it possible to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by train?
No. There is no railway connection between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, so train travel is not possible on this route.
Is there a direct flight from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?
No. Although both cities have airports, there are no direct flights between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
Where can I travel from Chiang Mai after arriving from Chiang Rai?
From Chiang Mai you can travel by bus, car or motorbike to Pai or Mae Hong Son.
How can I travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
You can fly, take a tourist bus or minivan, book a private car or travel by train to Bangkok.
Where should I stay in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has many accommodation options, from cheap hotels and luxury hotels and resorts to backpacker hostels.
Is solo travel in Thailand a good option?
Solo travel is popular in Thailand, and Chiang Mai is a convenient base for exploring northern Thailand. Read more about solo travel in Thailand.
BOOK your HOTEL in Chiang Mai ➜
🧭 Summary: Organizing your journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
For most travelers, the bus or minivan is the best way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. It is affordable, relatively comfortable and takes about 3.5–5 hours.
A private car or taxi is a better choice if you prefer more comfort, a direct transfer or flexible pickup from Chiang Rai, Mae Sai, the Golden Triangle or Chiang Saen. The price is higher, but the vehicle can take you directly to your hotel or the airport.
There is no direct train or flight between the two cities, so land transport is the practical solution. From Chiang Mai, you can continue to other northern destinations such as Pai, Mae Hong Son or Bangkok.