Bus / minivan
Fast, cheap and very frequent option with short travel time
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door transfer with flexible timing and comfortable ride
Train
Scenic route but slower than bus with limited daily departures
Flight
No direct flights, unnecessary for such a short distance
Quick answer: Travelling from Lampang to Chiang Mai offers several options: train, bus, or private car. The train is the most cost-effective; the bus is quick and frequent; private car gives the fastest door-to-door service. You can book tickets from Lampang to Chiang Mai easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 100 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train ~2–2.5 hours | Bus ~2.5–3 hours | Private Car ~1.5–3 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Train US$ 2–25 per person | Bus US$ 5–10 per person | Taxi US$ 50–140 per vehicle.
- 🚆 Train: Regular services from Lampang Railway Station to Chiang Mai Railway Station.
- 🚍 Bus: Tourist buses depart from Lampang Bus Station to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal.
- 🚕 Private Car: Private car or taxi from Lampang to Chiang Mai for fastest and most flexible travel.
Last updated in April 2026
From Lampang to Chiang Mai you can travel by train, bus or private car.
The distance from Lampang to Chiang Mai is about 100 km. Thai Railway trains are the most popular and cheapest option, taking about 2–2.5 hours, while tourist buses offer a similar journey in about 2.5–3 hours.
GreenBus operates direct buses between the two cities, while private cars provide the fastest door-to-door transfer in about 2 hours. Before your trip, check the weather in Chiang Mai to help plan your visit.
Chiang Mai is the main travel hub in northern Thailand, with an international airport, railway station and bus terminals. From here you can continue to Chiang Rai, Pai or take a train to Bangkok.
| Transfer Mode – Lampang to Chiang Mai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Thai Railway) | 2-2.5 hours | $2-25 (seats, berths) |
| Tourist Bus | 2.5-3 hours | $5-10/pp |
| Private Car or Taxi | 1.5-3 hours | $50-140 (car) |
How do I get from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
1. TRAIN from Lampang to Chiang Mai
👉 Train is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and backpackers
- ✔️ Duration: about 2–2.5 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: seats and sleeper berths available
- ✅ Best option: Direct Thai Railway train
- 💡 Tip: The cheapest 3rd class seats are ideal for short daytime trips.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book early if you prefer air-conditioned seats or sleepers.
Thai Railway operates several daily trains from Lampang to Chiang Mai. The journey takes about 2–2.5 hours, and tickets cost between $2–25 per person, depending on the train class and seat type.
You can choose from 3rd, 2nd or 1st class seats, with sleeper berths available on selected services. Trains depart from Lampang Railway Station and arrive at Chiang Mai Railway Station.
You can also check the Thailand Railway Map and the Thailand Train Timetable before your journey.
| Train | Departs in Nakhon Lampang | Arrives Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Train #109 | 02:04 | 04:05 |
| Train #9 | 05:01 | 07:15 |
| Train #13 | 06:33 | 08:40 |
2. BUS from Lampang to Chiang Mai
👉 Tourist bus is a cheap and convenient way to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and short trips
- ✔️ Duration: about 2.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: modern air-conditioned coaches
- ✅ Best option: Direct GreenBus service
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at the bus station 30–60 minutes before departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Several departures are available every day.
Tourist buses are one of the most popular ways to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai. The journey takes about 2.5–3 hours, and one-way tickets cost around $5–10 per person. Modern air-conditioned coaches provide a comfortable and affordable alternative to the train.
GreenBus, Sritawong Tour, Phet Prasert and Blue9 operate direct services every day from Lampang Bus Station. It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 30–60 minutes before departure, especially during weekends and holidays.
Buses arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 or 3, with taxis, songthaews and ride-hailing services available for a quick transfer to the city center or your hotel.
BOOK BUS TICKET to Chiang Mai ➜
3. PRIVATE TAXI/CAR from Lampang to Chiang Mai
👉 Private car is the most comfortable way to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups and business travelers
- ✔️ Duration: about 1.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: very high with door-to-door service
- ✅ Best option: Private car or minivan with hotel pickup
- 💡 Tip: A minivan is ideal for groups sharing the travel cost.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Flexible departure times and direct hotel transfers.
A private car or taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai. The journey takes about 1.5–3 hours with direct hotel-to-hotel service and no unnecessary stops.
Companies such as Jed Yord, Glassflower, Kanokwan Travel, Lanna Expert Driver, Than Car Service, Torch Taxi and other operators offer modern sedans, SUVs and spacious minivans with daily departures.
Private transfers cost about $50–140 per vehicle, depending on the car type. You can choose your pickup location in Lampang and travel directly to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Firstplan Transport | 02:00 | From $59.00 |
| Lanna Expert Driver | 01:30 | From $65.00 |
| Torch Taxi | 02:00 | From $49.00 |
| Glassflower | 01:30 | From $80.00 |
| Than Car Service | 01:25 | From $49.00 |
| Go2Trip | 01:30 | From $60.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 02:00 | From $49.00 |
| Jed Yord | 02:00 | From $65.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 01:50 | From $67.00 |
| Smart En Plus | 02:50 | From $80.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 02:00 | From $80.00 |
❓ FAQ – Travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai
How to book tickets or a private car from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
Book train, bus or private transfer online at Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜. You can also book other routes across Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
Travel takes about 2–2.5 hours by train, 2.5–3 hours by bus, or 1.5–3 hours by private car.
How much does it cost to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
Train tickets cost $2–25, buses $5–10 per person, and private cars about $50–140 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
The travel distance is about 100 km by road or railway.
What is the cheapest way to get to Chiang Mai?
The cheapest option is a Thai Railway train, with tickets starting from about $2 per person.
What is the fastest way to travel from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
A private car is usually the fastest option, taking about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic.
Is a private taxi available for groups?
Yes. Private cars, SUVs and minivans are available for individuals, families and groups.
Are there direct flights from Lampang to Chiang Mai?
No. There are currently no direct flights between Lampang and Chiang Mai.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
Continue to Phayao, Nan or Mae Hong Son by bus, minivan or private car.
How do you travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
Travel by direct flight, train, tourist bus or private car. Check the Chiang Mai to Bangkok train schedule.
How do you travel from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang?
You can travel to Luang Prabang by flight, bus, train via Bangkok or private car.
Where can you book accommodation in Chiang Mai?
Book hotels, resorts and guesthouses online at Agoda ➜.
Where can you learn more about solo travel in Thailand?
Read this guide with practical tips: Solo Travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Lampang to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Lampang to Chiang Mai is easy by train, tourist bus or private car. This short 100 km route is one of the most popular connections in northern Thailand.
- Best Option: Thai Railway trains are cheap, comfortable and run several times a day.
- Fastest Transfer: A private car reaches Chiang Mai in about 1.5–2 hours.
- Budget Choice: Tourist buses offer affordable fares with regular daily departures.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance during weekends, holidays and festival seasons.
- Arrive Early: Reach the railway station or bus terminal about 30 minutes before departure.
- Local Transport: Taxis, songthaews and ride-hailing services are available after arrival in Chiang Mai.
Tip: Train, bus and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.