Flight
Fastest and most convenient way between these two cities
Sleeper train
Comfortable beds and relaxed overnight travel experience
Bus
Cheapest option with many departures and decent comfort
Day train seats
Long journey sitting with limited comfort and space
Quick answer: You can travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train, bus, direct flight or private taxi. Flights are the fastest option, trains are the most popular, and buses are usually the cheapest. Book your tickets or private transfer online in advance, especially during the high season.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: ~700 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1–1.5 hours | Train ~10–14.5 hours | Bus ~8–12 hours | Car/taxi ~8–10 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight ~$30–150 | Train ~$8–50 | Bus ~$19–31 | Car/taxi ~$230–550 per vehicle
- 🚆 Train: Overnight sleepers from Krung Thep Aphiwat station to Chiang Mai.
- 🚍 Bus: Frequent tourist buses from Bangkok (e.g. Mo Chit) to Chiang Mai, day or night departures.
- ✈️ Flight: Direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport.
- 🚕 Private car / Taxi: Flexible door-to-door option with travel time ~8–10 hours.
Last updated in March 2026
From Bangkok to Chiang Mai you can travel by train, bus, plane or private taxi.
The journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai covers about 700 km and offers four popular transport options. You can travel by overnight train, tourist bus, direct flight or private taxi. Trains take about 10–14 hours, buses 8–12 hours, while direct flights reach Chiang Mai in just 1–1.5 hours.
Train tickets start at about $8–10 for seats or $22 for sleeper berths, while bus tickets cost around $19–31 per person. Direct flights are the fastest option and are often available at low-cost prices. A private taxi provides the most comfortable but also the most expensive transfer.
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is famous for its temples, mountains and vibrant markets. It is one of the country’s top travel destinations and an excellent base for exploring northern Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Bangkok to Chiang Mai | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (direct flight) | 1–1.5 hours | $30–150 per person |
| Train by Thai Railways | 10–14.5 hours | $9–50 per person (seats, sleeper berths) |
| Tourist Bus | 8–12 hours | $19–31 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi | 8–10 hours | $240–550 per car |
How do I get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
1. TRAIN from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
👉 Train is a popular and affordable way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and those who prefer overnight journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~10–14.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $8–50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: varies (seats to sleeper beds with air-conditioning)
- ✅ Best Option: 2nd class sleeper with AC for a balance of comfort and price
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially for sleeper beds which sell out quickly.
Traveling by train is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Thai Railways operates daytime and overnight trains with seats as well as comfortable sleeper berths in 1st, 2nd and 3rd class.
Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal or Don Mueang and arrive at Chiang Mai Railway Station, see the Thailand railway map. The journey takes about 10–14.5 hours.
Train tickets cost about $8–50 per person, depending on the travel class and whether you choose a seat or a sleeper berth. Sleeper trains are the most popular option for this overnight journey.
Book your train tickets online in advance and simply use the QR code on your phone when boarding the train.
| Train: | Departs in Bangkok | Arrival in Chiang Mai | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Railway SP7 (2nd class seat) | 09:20 | 19:30 | From $17.00 |
| Thai Railway SP13 (1st+2nd class berths, seats) | 20:22 | 08:40 | From $8.20 |
| Thai Railway EX51 (2nd+3rd class seats, berths) | 22:47 | 12:10 | From $8.20 |
| Thai Railway RP109 (2nd+3rd class seats, berths) | 14:32 | 04:05 | From $6.10 |
| Thai Railway SP9 (2nd class berths) | 18:40 | 07:15 | From $30.00 |
2. BUS from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus is a comfortable and fairly quick option from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers looking for a balance of price and comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~8–12 hours
- ✔️ Price: $19–31 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern buses with reclining seats or VIP options)
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight VIP bus from Mochit or Nakhonchai Air terminal
- 💡 Tip: Choose a night departure to save time and accommodation costs.
Traveling by bus is another popular way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Modern buses operated by Bangkok Busline, Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Transport Co, Lignite Tour, Siam First and other companies run daily on this route.
The bus timetable from Bangkok to Chiang Mai offers frequent departures every day. The journey takes about 8–12 hours, depending on the service and traffic conditions.
Buses depart from Mochit, Khao San Road and other locations in Bangkok and usually arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 or NCA Bus Terminal.
Bus tickets cost about $19–31 per person. Book online in advance and arrive at the departure point at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
| Bus Company | Departs in Bangkok | Arrival in Chiang Mai | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Busline | 06:00 | 16:30 | From $20.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 14:00 | 23:30 | From $20.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 16:00 | 01:30 | From $23.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 18:50 | 04:20 | From $20.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 20:00 | 06:00 | From $30.00 |
| Bangkok Busline | 20:35 | 06:05 | From $20.00 |
| Sritawong Tour | 07:00 | 17:55 | From $19.00 |
| Sritawong Tour | 08:00 | 17:45 | From $27.00 |
| Sritawong Tour | 12:00 | 22:55 | From $19.00 |
| Sritawong Tour | 19:00 | 06:00 | From $27.00 |
| Sritawong Tour | 20:30 | 06:15 | From $27.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 07:00 | 17:30 | From $31.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 08:00 | 18:30 | From $27.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 13:00 | 23:30 | From $23.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 18:00 | 04:30 | From $23.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 19:25 | 05:55 | From $31.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 20:10 | 06:40 | From $23.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 21:00 | 07:30 | From $31.00 |
| Transport Co | 07:25 | 00:46 | From $20.00 |
| Transport Co | 18:10 | 11:31 | From $20.00 |
| Transport Co | 19:50 | 13:11 | From $20.00 |
| Nakhonchai | 08:30 | 18:43 | From $22.00 |
| Nakhonchai | 10:00 | 20:16 | From $22.00 |
| Nakhonchai | 18:30 | 04:43 | From $22.00 |
| Nakhonchai | 20:01 | 05:46 | From $30.00 |
| Nakhonchai | 21:15 | 07:00 | From $30.00 |
| Nakhonchai | 21:45 | 06:40 | From $30.00 |
3. DIRECT FLIGHT from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most convenient way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to save time and travel comfortably
- ✔️ Duration: ~1–1.5 hours (≈4–5 hours total with airport transfer)
- ✔️ Price: $30–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (short flight, frequent connections)
- ✅ Best Option: Low-cost direct flights from Don Mueang with airlines like Thai AirAsia
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance to get the lowest fares, especially during peak travel seasons.
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and VietJet Air operate frequent daily flights.
The flight takes about 1–1.5 hours, while the total travel time, including airport transfer and check-in, is around 4–5 hours. Flights depart from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports and arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport, about 5 km from the city center.
Direct flights cost about $30–150 per person. Book your flight online in advance, as the lowest fares usually sell out first.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
👉 Private taxi or car offers the most comfortable and flexible journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: families, groups, or travelers seeking privacy
- ✔️ Duration: ~8–10 hours
- ✔️ Price: $230–550 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern vehicles with door-to-door service)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with SUV or minivan for long-distance comfort
- 💡 Tip: Share the ride with others to reduce the cost per person and choose pickup directly from your hotel.
A private taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It offers a door-to-door transfer with flexible departure times, making it ideal for families, groups or travelers who prefer privacy.
Companies such as Bangkok Taxi 24, Glassflower, Thailand Limo, Team Holiday, Torch Taxi, Gosafe Transport and others operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans. The journey takes about 8–10 hours.
Private transfers cost approximately $230–550 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Smaller cars are the cheapest option, while SUVs and minivans are suitable for groups.
You can easily book a private car online in advance and choose your preferred pickup and drop-off locations.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Glassflower | 09:00 | From $350.00 |
| Easyride Services | 09:00 | From $240.00 |
| Than Car Service | 10:00 | From $250.00 |
| N and T Travel | 09:00 | From $290.00 |
| Go2Trip | 10:00 | From $320.00 |
| Smart En Plus | 11:00 | From $430.00 |
| Freedom Tour Taxi | 09:00 | From $370.00 |
| Khamkhun Tour | 08:00 | From $230.00 |
| Thailand Limo by Datum | 10:00 | From $440.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 09:40 | From $340.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 09:40 | From $310.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 10:00 | From $300.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 09:15 | From $440.00 |
| Torch Taxi | 09:15 | From $230.00 |
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
How to book tickets or flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Book train, bus, flight or private taxi online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Direct flights take 1–1.5 hours, buses 8–12 hours, private taxis 8–10 hours and trains about 10–14.5 hours.
What is the distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The travel distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is approximately 700 km.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Flights cost about $30–150, trains $8–50, buses $19–31 and private taxis $230–550 per vehicle.
What types of trains operate from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Thai Railways operates 1st, 2nd and 3rd class trains with seats and overnight sleeper berths. Most travelers choose 2nd class sleepers.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The cheapest option is a 3rd class train seat, with tickets starting at about $8 per person.
What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A direct flight is the fastest option, while the overnight sleeper train offers the best balance of comfort, price and travel experience.
How do I travel from Chiang Mai back to Bangkok?
You can return by train, bus, direct flight or private taxi. All transport options operate every day.
Where can I travel from Chiang Mai?
Popular destinations include Chiang Rai, Nan, Mae Hong Son and Luang Prabang.
Are buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai comfortable?
Yes. Most long-distance buses offer reclining seats, air conditioning, charging ports and other onboard amenities.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Bangkok:
If you’re planning your next trip from Bangkok, here are other popular routes you can take by bus / van, train, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Bangkok for visitors exploring Southern + Northern Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is one of the most popular routes in Thailand. You can travel by overnight train, tourist bus, direct flight or private taxi.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights take about 1–1.5 hours and operate daily.
- Best Experience: Sleeper trains are comfortable and save one night of accommodation.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper trains often sell out during the high season.
- What to Bring: Pack a light jacket, charger and water for the journey.
- Arrival: Chiang Mai Airport and the railway station are both close to the city center.
- Private Transfer: Best for families, groups and travelers with extra luggage.
Tip: Train, bus, flight and taxi tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance.