Direct flight
Fastest and most practical way for long distance travel
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door journey with flexible stops and maximum comfort
Bus / van
Cheaper option but requires long journey and possible transfers
Train combinations
No direct route and requires multiple complicated transfers
Quick answer: Travelling from Krabi to Chiang Mai offers flexible options including direct flight, long bus/train combo or private car/taxi. The direct flight is fastest; bus/train is budget‑friendly but very long; private car gives door‑to‑door convenience. You can book tickets from Krabi to Chiang Mai easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 1 500 km by land / ~1 300 km by air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~2 hours | Tourist Bus/Vans ~23–26 hours | Bus + Train ~37–50 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$ 30–100 pp | Tourist Bus/Vans US$ 48–65 pp | Bus + Train US$ 50–100 pp
- ✈️ Flight: Direct flights from Krabi Airport to Chiang Mai Airport (~2 h).
- 🚍 Bus/Van: Tourist buses or vans from Krabi to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) (~23‑26 h).
- 🚆 Bus + Train: Bus/van from Krabi to Surat Thani, then train via Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- 🚕 Private Car/Taxi: Direct car/taxi from Krabi to Chiang Mai for fastest door‑to‑door
Last updated in April 2026
How to Get from Krabi to Chiang Mai
The travel distance from Krabi to Chiang Mai is about 1,300 km by air and around 1,500 km by land. You can travel by direct flight, bus + train via Surat Thani, long-distance bus, or private car via Bangkok. A direct flight is the fastest option, taking about 2 hours and costing $30–100 per person.
Overland travel includes buses and trains via Surat Thani and Bangkok (37–50 hours, $50–100) or tourist buses via Bangkok (23–26 hours, $48–65). Private transfers take about 20–23 hours and cost around $600–700 per vehicle.
Chiang Mai is the cultural center of northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and national parks. It is also a popular base for trips to Pai, Phayao, and Nan, all accessible by bus, minivan or private car.
| Transfer Mode – Krabi to Chiang Mai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 2 hours | $30–100/pp |
| Bus + Train | 37–50 hours | $50–100/pp |
| Tourist Bus / Van | 23–26 hours | $48–65/pp |
| Private Taxi/Car | 20–23 hours | $500–800 (car) |
How do I get from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
1. FLIGHTS from Krabi to Chiang Mai
👉 Direct flight is the best and fastest way to travel from Krabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand for most travelers.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Duration: ~2 hours (fastest option)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (direct flight)
- ✅ Best option: Low-cost direct flight from Krabi Airport
- 💡 Tip: Book early to get the lowest airfares.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Connecting flights via Bangkok are available every day.
The fastest way to travel from Krabi to Chiang Mai is by direct flight. The journey takes about 2 hours and is the most convenient option for this long route across Thailand.
Several airlines, including Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways, operate direct and connecting flights. If a direct flight is unavailable, you can easily connect via Bangkok.
One-way flights cost about $30–100 per person. Low-cost flights are often the cheapest and fastest way to reach Chiang Mai.
2. BUS + TRAIN from Krabi to Chiang Mai (via Surat Thani)
👉 Bus + train via Surat Thani and Bangkok is the best overland option from Krabi to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and train lovers
- ✔️ Duration: ~37–50 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern buses and sleeper trains)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Surat Thani + train via Bangkok
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeper train for a more comfortable journey.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Reserve train tickets several days in advance.
A) Bus / Van from Krabi to Surat Thani
Travel from Krabi to Surat Thani by tourist bus, minivan or private taxi. The journey takes about 3.5–4 hours and tickets cost around $6–15 per person.
Modern air-conditioned buses and minivans operate daily. Read more in How to Go from Krabi to Surat Thani?
B) Train from Surat Thani to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
Continue by train from Surat Thani to Bangkok and then by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The whole rail journey takes about 33–40 hours.
Thai Railways offers comfortable seat and sleeper trains. Tickets cost about $35–80 per person. You can also check the Thailand Railway Map and Thailand Train Timetable.
3. BUS from Krabi to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Tourist bus via Bangkok is the cheapest overland option for traveling from Krabi to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~23–26 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern long-distance buses)
- ✅ Best option: Bus with a transfer in Bangkok
- 💡 Tip: Choose overnight buses to save on accommodation.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online before departure, especially during holidays.
Travel from Krabi to Chiang Mai by tourist bus with a transfer in Bangkok. First take the bus from Krabi to Bangkok, then continue by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
The journey takes about 23–26 hours and costs around $48–65 per person. Companies such as Sombat Tour, Thai Sriram, Lignite Tour and Tara Tour operate this route, and tickets can be booked online.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Krabi to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Private taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Krabi to Chiang Mai via Bangkok.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups and private travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–23 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (door-to-door transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Private car or minivan with driver
- 💡 Tip: A minivan is a good value for groups sharing the cost.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Reserve your private transfer online in advance.
A private taxi or car is the most comfortable way to travel from Krabi to Chiang Mai. As there is no direct road transfer, the trip is usually arranged via Bangkok with an experienced local driver and flexible departure times.
Private companies such as Bangkok Taxi 24, Jed Yord, Glassflower, Easyride Services and King Travel operate modern sedans, SUVs and spacious minivans. A private minivan is an excellent choice for families or groups who want to travel together and split the cost.
The journey takes about 20–23 hours, depending on traffic and stopovers. Prices range from $500–800 per vehicle, with convenient hotel-to-hotel service included.
❓ FAQ — Travel Route from Krabi to Chiang Mai
How to book tickets or flights from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
What is the travel time from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
Flights take about 2 hours. Buses need 23–26 hours, private cars 20–23 hours, and bus + train 37–50 hours.
What is the travel distance from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
The route is about 1,300 km by air and 1,500 km by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
Flights cost $30–100, buses $48–65, trains $50–100, and private cars $500–800.
What is the best way to get from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
A direct flight is the fastest and usually the best choice.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
A low-cost flight or train via Surat Thani and Bangkok is usually the cheapest option.
Is there a direct train from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
No. Travel by bus to Surat Thani first, then continue by train via Bangkok.
Is there a private taxi or car from Krabi to Chiang Mai?
Yes. Private transfers are available via Bangkok and offer the most comfortable journey.
How to get from Krabi to Surat Thani?
Travel by bus, minivan or taxi. The trip takes about 5 hours.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
Popular routes are Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, and Bangkok by train.
How to travel from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang?
Travel from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang by direct flight or overland via Bangkok and Vientiane.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
Choose from cheap hotels, luxury resorts, or budget hostels.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Chiang Mai ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Krabi to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Krabi to Chiang Mai is a long journey. The fastest option is a flight, while buses, trains and private transfers are available via Bangkok.
- Best Option: A direct or connecting flight is the fastest and most convenient choice.
- Train Travel: Travel via Surat Thani and Bangkok if you prefer a scenic rail journey.
- Allow Extra Time: Plan at least 2–3 hours for flight connections in Bangkok.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper trains often sell out during holidays and the high season.
- Pack Smart: Chiang Mai is usually cooler than tropical Krabi, especially from November to February.
- Private Transfer: Private cars via Bangkok offer maximum comfort but are the most expensive option.
Tip: Flights, trains, buses and private transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.