Bus
Best balance of price, availability and direct connections
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door journey with flexible timing and higher comfort
Bus (standard)
Cheapest option with basic seating and limited departures
Train
No railway connection available between these destinations
Quick answer: Travelling from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai offers several convenient options. You can take the bus for an affordable journey with scenic views, a taxi for a faster, direct transfer, or the train for a relaxed, comfortable ride with picturesque landscapes. The best choice depends on your budget, time constraints, and travel preferences.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 360 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~7 hours | Private Taxi ~5 hours | Bus + Train ~11 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus ~US$ 13-18 per person | Taxi/Car ~US$ 140–400 per car | Bus + Train ~US$ 30+ per person.
- 🚌 Bus: Budget-friendly, offers great value, with frequent services throughout the day.
- 🚕 Taxi: Fastest and most comfortable, with door-to-door service, ideal for those with luggage or in a group.
- 🚆 Bus + Train: Comfortable and scenic, but only via Phitsanulok, takes a long time.
Last updated in April 2026
From Mae Sot to Chiang Mai by bus, private taxi or bus + train.
Travel from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai covers about 360 km. The most popular option is a direct tourist bus, taking around 7 hours, with tickets from $13-18 per person. Private taxis offer the fastest transfer, taking about 5 hours and costing around $140-400 per vehicle.
Mae Sot has no railway station, so traveling by train requires a transfer via Phitsanulok. There are also no direct flights to Chiang Mai, although connecting flights via Bangkok are available. Bus tickets and private transfers can be booked online in advance.
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand’s cultural center, famous for its temples, markets and mountain scenery. From Chiang Mai you can continue to Mae Hong Son or Pai by bus, minivan or private taxi.
| Transfer Mode – Mae Sot to Chiang Mai | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | About 7 hours | $13-18/pp |
| Private Taxi/Car | About 5 hours | $140-400 (vehicle) |
| Bus + Train (via Phitsanulok) | About 11 hours | $30+ |
| Flights (via Bangkok) | About 6-8 hours | $100+ |
How do I get from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai?
1. BUS from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus is the cheapest and most common way to travel from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and solo trips
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7 hours
- ✔️ Cost: around $13 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern buses with reclining seats)
- ✅ Best Option: GreenBus services on this route
- 💡 Tip: Book your ticket online in advance and arrive at least 30–60 minutes early.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Sit on the left side for better views of mountains along the route.
Traveling by bus is the most popular and cheapest way to get from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai. GreenBus operates comfortable buses with reclining seats on this route.
The journey takes about 7 hours. Buses depart from Mae Sot Bus Station and arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. Tickets cost about $13-18 per person.
BOOK BUS TICKET to Chiang Mai ➜
Book your ticket online in advance and arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure. There is no direct train between Mae Sot and Chiang Mai.
2. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai
👉 Private taxi/car is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: groups, families, and travelers wanting door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $140–400 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with experienced driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Transfers with companies like Glassflower or Bangkok Taxi24
- 💡 Tip: Book your car online in advance and choose pickup directly from your hotel.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check reviews before booking to choose a reliable company.
A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai. Companies such as Glassflower, Gosafe Transport, Easyride Services, Bangkok Taxi24 and others operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans.
The journey takes about 5 hours and offers convenient door-to-door service. Prices range from $140-400 per vehicle, depending on the car type and number of passengers.
Private transfers can be booked online in advance. Minivans are ideal for groups, while standard cars are the most affordable private option.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Chiang Mai ➜
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Glassflower | 07:30 | From $258.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport and Travel | 04:30 | From $140.00 |
| Easyride Services | 05:00 | From $210.00 |
| Kim Transfers | 04:40 | From $170.00 |
| Than Car Service | 05:00 | From $160.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 04:30 | From $190.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 05:00 | From $169.00 |
| Freedom Tour Taxi | 04:50 | From $156.00 |
| Jed Yord | 06:30 | From $268.00 |
| T Buddy Service | 05:00 | From $140.00 |
3. FLIGHT from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Flight via Bangkok is the fastest air option from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai, but requires a transfer.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer flying and want to avoid long road journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–10 hours (including transfer and waiting time)
- ✔️ Cost: $130–250 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (two short flights with airport transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Nok Air + connecting flights with AirAsia or Thai Airways
- 💡 Tip: Allow enough time between flights to avoid missing your connection.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Compare flights from both Bangkok airports for better prices and schedules.
You can also travel from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai by plane with a stopover in Bangkok. There are no direct flights between these cities, so you need to change flights in the Thai capital.
The total travel time is about 5–10 hours, depending on your connection. Flights from Mae Sot to Bangkok take about 1 hour, while Bangkok to Chiang Mai flights take around 1.5 hours.
Airfares usually range from $130-250 per person. Although flying is comfortable, it is more expensive than traveling by bus or private taxi and may not suit budget travelers.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai
How to book tickets or a private taxi from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai?
Book bus tickets or private transfers online with 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai?
Bus travel takes about 7 hours, private taxis about 5 hours, flights via Bangkok 5–10 hours, and bus + train via Phitsanulok about 11 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai?
Bus tickets cost $13–18, private taxis $140–400 per vehicle, flights via Bangkok from $130, and bus + train from about $30.
What is the distance from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai?
The distance between Mae Sot and Chiang Mai is about 360 km by road.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular transport option.
What is the fastest way to reach Chiang Mai?
A private taxi is the fastest direct option, taking about 5 hours.
Can you travel by train from Mae Sot?
No. There is no railway in Mae Sot. Train travel requires a transfer via Phitsanulok.
Are there direct flights from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai?
No. Flights are available only with a connection in Bangkok.
Can you travel from Mae Sot to Bangkok?
Yes. See how to travel from Mae Sot to Bangkok by flight, bus or private taxi.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
Popular destinations include Chiang Rai, Nan and Bangkok.
What are some interesting facts about Thailand?
Learn more in 15 Interesting Things of Thailand.
What are the best beaches in Thailand?
See 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in Thailand, including Railay Beach and Ao Nang.
What is the weather like in Thailand?
Read about the seasons and the best time to visit in Weather in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Mae Sot to Chiang Mai
Travel from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai is available by bus, private taxi or flight via Bangkok. The journey takes about 5–10 hours, depending on your transport.
- Best Option: Buses are the cheapest, while private taxis are the fastest direct transfer.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance during weekends and Thai holidays.
- What to Bring: Pack water, snacks, a charger and a light jacket for air-conditioned vehicles.
- Mountain Route: Expect winding roads and allow extra travel time if needed.
- Arrival: Check your arrival terminal before traveling.
- Flights: Flights require a transfer in Bangkok, as there are no direct connections.
Tip: Bus tickets and private taxis from Mae Sot to Chiang Mai can be booked online in advance.