Flight + bus/van (via Bangkok)
Best balance of speed, price and simple transfers
Flight (via Bangkok or U-Tapao)
Fastest option with minimal effort and smooth overall journey
Bus + bus (via Bangkok)
Cheapest option but long journey with transfers required
Train combinations
No direct train and requires multiple transfers via Bangkok
Quick answer: From Pattaya to Chiang Mai you can fly direct via U‑Tapao, travel by train via Bangkok, take a tourist bus, or hire a private car/taxi. Flying is fastest, buses are cost‑efficient, trains are scenic, and taxis offer flexibility. Book tickets ahead—especially flights and long buses—to secure good fares.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (approx): ~820 km by road / ~750 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1.5 h | Train (via Bangkok) ~15–21 h | Bus ~13–17 h | Private Car ~11–14 h
- 💰 Price range: Flight ~$40–60 | Train ~$10–60 | Bus ~$25–45 | Car/taxi ~$130–500
- ✈️ Flight via U‑Tapao: Fastest option; direct flights available.
- 🚆 Train (via Bangkok): Requires transfer in Bangkok; good for overnight travel.
- 🚍 Bus / Tourist Bus: Via Bangkok; reliable and budget‑friendly.
- 🚕 Private Car / Taxi: Door‑to‑door and flexible; best for groups or heavy luggage.
Last updated in April 2026
From Pattaya to Chiang Mai you can travel by plane, bus, train, car.
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- The distance between Pattaya and Chiang Mai in Thailand is approximately 820 km by road and about 750 km by air from U-Tapao Airport. The quickest and most convenient option to reach Chiang Mai from Pattaya is by taking a direct flight from U-Tapao Airport. Located about 40 km from Pattaya city, U-Tapao Airport is accessible by bus/minivan or taxi. The direct flight from Pattaya to Chiang Mai typically takes around 1.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $40 to $60 per person. Another popular option is traveling by train via Bangkok. There are trains available from Pattaya to Bangkok and from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Chiang Mai.
- The train journey from Pattaya to Chiang Mai takes approximately 15-21 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $60 per person, with seats being the most economical choice. Alternatively, you can opt for travel by tourist bus or minivan via Bangkok. Traveling by bus/minivan to Chiang Mai from Pattaya takes about 13-17 hours, with bus tickets costing approximately $25 to $45 per person. Buses arrive at either Chiang Mai Arcade 2 or Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 in the city. The most expensive mode of transportation to Chiang Mai from Pattaya is by private car or taxi with a driver. Easily book direct flights or train+bus tickets and private car transfers from Pattaya to Chiang Mai online. From Chiang Mai, you can also take a bus or private taxi/car to Chiang Rai or Nan and Phayao.
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- Chiang Mai is a charming city nestled amidst the remnants of an ancient civilization. Situated in a lush valley, it is surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Thailand. Offering a wide array of accommodations, dining options, and entertainment venues, Chiang Mai stands as the focal point of the northern region and the expansive mountainous province bearing the same name. Dominating the skyline is Doi Suthep Mountain, cloaked in tropical forest and part of the eponymous national park, ideal for a scenic motorcycle excursion. From Pattaya, you can also explore southern Thailand, including Phang Nga Bay and Koh Phi Phi.
| Transfer modes from Pattaya to Chiang Mai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 1.5 hours | $40–60 per person |
| Train (via Bangkok) | 15–21 hours | $10–60 per person |
| Tourist Bus (via Bangkok) | 13–17 hours | $25–45 per person |
| Private Car/Taxi with a driver | 11–14 hours | $130-500 per car |
How do I get from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
1. FLIGHT from U-Tapao Airport to Chiang Mai
👉 Direct flight from U-Tapao Airport is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time on long-distance travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–7 hours total (including transfer to airport and waiting)
- ✔️ Cost: $50–70 per person (including transfer to airport and flight)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight, minimal travel effort)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight with Thai AirAsia or Thai Lion Air from U-Tapao Airport
- 💡 Tip: Book flight tickets online in advance due to limited schedule.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrange transfer to U-Tapao Airport ahead of time.
Undoubtedly, the fastest and most convenient transport option from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is a direct flight from U-Tapao Rayong Airport, which is approximately 40 km south of Pattaya. You can get to this airport by bus/minivan or private car/taxi and the journey takes only about 1 hour.
Tickets and a private car from Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport can be easily searched and booked online in advance. Flights are therefore operated from U-Tapao Rayong Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport, which is only about 4 km from the city center of Chiang Mai.
The direct flight from U-Tapao to Chiang Mai takes 1.5 hours, if you include the transfer to the airport and waiting before departure, the total transfer time from Pattaya to Chiang Mai can be about 5-7 hours. However, this time can of course vary slightly, as the disadvantage is the very limited flight schedule between U-Tapao and Chiang Mai.
Direct flights from U-Tapao Airport to Chiang Mai are offered by Thai Lion Air or Thai Air Asia, and they only offer Economy class flights here. Transfer by bus and air from Pattaya to Chiang Mai via U-Tapao can cost in total in the range of $50-70/pp, the flight itself costs around $60/pp.
If you use the air connection from U-Tapao to Chiang Mai, you will save several hours of time compared to the land transfer via Bangkok and other places in northern Thailand. This is the best transport option between these cities, but the disadvantage is the limited offer of direct flights.
2. TRAIN from Pattaya to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Train via Bangkok is the cheapest way to travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai, but takes much longer.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer rail travel and overnight journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~14–22 hours (including transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $10–60 per person (seats cheapest, sleepers more comfortable)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleepers recommended for long-distance route)
- ✅ Best Option: Train to Bangkok + sleeper train to Chiang Mai
- 💡 Tip: Book train tickets online in advance, especially sleepers.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Use e-tickets with QR code on your phone.
The cheapest land transfer option from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is a train transfer via Bangkok. However, the disadvantage is the limited train schedule between Pattaya and Bangkok, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai there are more 1st to 3rd class trains and you can choose the comfort according to your requirement.
By train, you will first depart from Pattaya Railway Station and arrive at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. Then from Bangkok another train continues from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in the town center or Don Mueang to Chiang Mai Railway Station, see Thai Railway Map.
The train transfer from Pattaya to Bangkok takes approx. 2.5-4 hours, depending on the train and transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai approx. 10-14.5 hours, in total it can be approx. 14-22 hours even with a transfer. On the route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, it is advisable to use a sleeping bed, because it is a longer route.
The price range for a train transfer to Chiang Mai also varies according to comfort. If you were to use only the seats, then this will be the cheapest option of transport between Pattaya and Chiang Mai. A transfer by train from Pattaya to Chiang Mai via Bangkok costs in the range of $10-60/pp, sleeping berths in the 1st class of the train from Bangkok are the most expensive, but the most comfortable option.
Train tickets for trains from Pattaya to Chiang Mai can be searched and purchased online in advance. It is not necessary to print train tickets, you just need to have them stored on your smartphone and you will be able to identify yourself when boarding with their QR code.
3. BUS from Pattaya to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Bus via Bangkok is a budget option to travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai, but the journey is long.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind long travel and transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~13–17 hours (including transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $25–45 per person (prices vary by bus type and company)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern buses, but long and tiring journey)
- ✅ Best Option: Bus to Bangkok + long-distance bus to Chiang Mai
- 💡 Tip: Book both bus tickets online in advance for better connections.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check departure and arrival stations carefully before booking.
Another option for land transfer from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is a bus transfer again via Bangkok. So this transport option has 2 steps and also includes a transfer in Bangkok. The total travel time by bus from Pattaya to Chiang Mai can be approx. 13-17 hours (2-3 hours to Bangkok and approx. 8-12 hours from Bangkok to Chiang Mai).
However, this time may vary, and buses and minivans may also have delays at departure and during the journey. Buses and minivans can depart from various locations in Pattaya and arrive at various locations or stations in Bangkok, then again depart from various stations in Bangkok and arrive at various stations in Chiang Mai.
You will see this information about departure points in Pattaya and Bangkok and arrival points in Bangkok and Chiang Mai when searching for tickets online. A bus transfer from Pattaya to Chiang Mai will cost you between $25-45/pp, depending on the type of bus or minivan.
From Pattaya to Bangkok you can use companies such as Mama Tour, Panipa Pattaya Tour, BangkokTaxi24, Tawanok Tour, T-Tour and from Bangkok to Chiang Mai then Bangkok Busline, Sombat Tour, Lignite Tour (PK), New Viriya, Siam First, Sritawong Tour, Transport Co, Nakhonchai Air, Budsarakham Tour and others.
Pattaya to Bangkok and Bangkok to Chiang Mai bus and minivan tickets can be easily searched and purchased online in advance. The bus transfer to Chiang Mai is long and is sought after mainly by low-cost travelers.
4. TAXI / CAR from Pattaya to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Private car/taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai, but also the most expensive.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want comfort, privacy, and door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~11–14 hours (depending on route and traffic conditions)
- ✔️ Cost: $130–550 per car (varies by vehicle type and group size)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private vehicle, flexible stops and schedule)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car with driver from companies like Glassflower or Bangkok Taxi 24
- 💡 Tip: Book private transfer online in advance and check all details.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose minivan for groups and split cost per person.
The most expensive transfer option from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is private transport by modern car/taxi with driver. The advantage of this transport option is the choice of departure point in Pattaya and arrival point in Chiang Mai. This way you can also save your time.
Private transfers from Pattaya to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand are offered by Bangkok Taxi 24, Glassflower, MCC VAN, Thailand Limo by Datum, Kanokwan Travel, Firstplan Transport Services, N and T Travel, Boonsiri Transfer, AEC 168 Transport and Travel, Than Car Service, Torch Taxi, Gosafe Transport, Andaman Shuttle or Freedom Tour Taxi Service.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Chiang Mai ➜
Most of these companies offer modern smaller classic cars or larger SUVs and multi-passenger minivans on this route. Minivans may be suitable for you if you are traveling in a group of several people at once. And you can then divide the fare and calculate it for individual passengers.
Transportation by private taxi/car from Pattaya to Chiang Mai takes about 11-14 hours in total, depending on the company and type of car you choose. If you choose a smaller car, you will pay less than in the case of a larger minivan or SUV.
A private chauffeured car transfer from Pattaya to Chiang Mai costs a total of $130-550/car. You can easily search, view and book your Pattaya to Chiang Mai private car/taxi with a driver online in advance).
| Taxi Operator | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Glassflower | 11:20 | From $280.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Glassflower | 11:20 | From $350.00 / Luxury SUV 4pax |
| Glassflower | 11:20 | From $375.00 / Luxury VIP Van 9pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 12:00 | From $275.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 12:00 | From $290.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 12:00 | From $319.00 / VIP Van 9pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 11:20 | From $260.00 / Economy 3pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 11:20 | From $295.00 / SUV 4pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 11:20 | From $440.00 / Van 9pax |
| Than Car Service | 11:00 | From $260.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Than Car Service | 11:00 | From $289.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Than Car Service | 11:00 | From $410.00 / Van 9pax |
| Torch Taxi | 11:20 | From $260.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Torch Taxi | 11:20 | From $295.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Torch Taxi | 11:20 | From $465.00 / Van 9pax |
| Gosafe Transport | 11:20 | From $465.00 / Van 9pax |
| Firstplan Transport | 16:00 | From $265.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Andaman Shuttle | 11:20 | From $245.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Freedom Tour Taxi Service | 11:00 | From $290.00 / Comfort 3pax |
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Pattaya to Chiang Mai:
1. How to book tickets or flights from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
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- Book and buy tickets and flights from Pattaya to Chiang Mai online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can also book another tickets and routes, e.g. Pattaya > Bangkok, Bangkok > Chiang Mai…
2. What is the travel time from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel by plane (direct flight) from Pattaya to Chiang Mai takes about 1.5 hour.
- Travel by train from Pattaya to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) takes about 15-21 hours.
- Travel by tourist bus/minivan from Pattaya to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) takes about 13-17 hours.
- Travel by private car/taxi from Pattaya to Chiang Mai takes about 11-14 hours.
3. How far is Chiang Mai from Pattaya?
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- Travel distance from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is about 820 km by land via Bangkok and about 750 km by plane.
4. How much does it cost to get from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel by plane (direct flight) from Pattaya to Chiang Mai costs about $40-60/pp.
- Travel by train from Pattaya to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) costs about $10-60/pp.
- Travel by tourist bus / minivan from Pattaya to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) costs about $25-45/pp.
- Travel by private car/taxi from Pattaya to Chiang Mai costs about $130-500/car.
5. Is there a direct train from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
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- No, there is no direct train to Chiang Mai from Pattaya. But you can travel by train from Pattaya to Bangkok and from Bangkok you can take another train to Chiang Mai. So, travel by train from Pattaya has 2 steps. The main railway station in Bangkok is Hua Lamphong.
6. What is the most cheapest way of travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
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- The most cheapest way how you can travel to Chiang Mai from Pattaya is to travel by train of Thai Railway or bus, minivan. The most cheapest option by train should cost about $12-15/pp for seat. The most cheapest sleeper bus to Chiang Mai from Bangkok costs about $13/pp.
7. What is the best option of travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
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- The best way of travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is to take a direct flight from U-Tapao Airport. Direct flight to Chiang Mai takes only about 1.5 hour. U-Tapao Airport is accessible by bus / minivan or private taxi from Pattaya town, travel time is about 1 hour, travel distance is about 40 km.
8. Where you can go if you are already in Chiang Mai?
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- If you are already in Chiang Mai, you should also visit another interesting places in northern Thailand. Pai is a popular tourist site and is accessible by bus/car or motorbike. Read this article: How do I get from Chiang Mai to Pai?
- you can also travel by minivan or private car to Mae Hong Son
9. How to travel solo in Thailand?
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- Embark on a solo adventure in Thailand by researching destinations, ensuring personal safety, trying local experiences, connecting with fellow travelers, and savoring the diverse landscapes and attractions the country has to offer. Traveling on your own in Thailand is very popular by travelers. Read this article: Solo Travel in Thailand.
10. What are the most interesting things and facts about Thailand?
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- In summary, Thailand is a multifaceted gem that captivates visitors with its unique blend of cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and warm hospitality. From the enchanting traditions of its classical arts like Khon to the exhilarating water festivities of Songkran, the country offers a sensory feast. Thailand’s diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical islands to mountainous regions, contribute to its allure, making it a destination that seamlessly combines ancient traditions with modern vibrancy. The symphony of flavors in Thai cuisine and the welcoming smiles of its people further enrich the tapestry of experiences. Read this article: 15 Interesting Things of Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Pattaya to Chiang Mai
These practical travel tips are drawn from real travel experiences and detailed knowledge of the journey from Pattaya, Thailand’s popular seaside city, to Chiang Mai, the cultural and mountainous hub of northern Thailand. Given the long distance and multiple transport options, thoughtful planning can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Flying Is the Fastest and Most Convenient Way
The quickest option is to fly from nearby airports (U-Tapao near Pattaya or Bangkok’s Don Mueang/Suvarnabhumi) directly to Chiang Mai. While Pattaya’s U-Tapao Airport has limited flights, most travelers connect via Bangkok. Booking flights early helps secure better prices and flight times.
2. Overland Travel Requires Multiple Transfers and Takes Time
There are no direct trains or buses between Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Overland routes usually involve traveling via Bangkok, switching between trains, buses, or vans. Expect at least one overnight segment, so plan accordingly to rest during travel.
3. Consider the Overnight Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
If you travel overland, taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a popular and scenic option. It offers sleeper berths for comfort and allows you to arrive refreshed in Chiang Mai the next morning.
4. Allocate Extra Time for Transfers in Bangkok
Transfers between Pattaya, Bangkok’s airports, train stations, and bus terminals can be time-consuming, especially during rush hours. Allow buffer time between connections to avoid stress and missed departures.
5. Pack for Varied Weather and Air-Conditioned Travel
The climate difference between coastal Pattaya and mountainous Chiang Mai can be significant, especially in cooler months. Bring layers to stay comfortable on air-conditioned buses, trains, and planes, and prepare for Chiang Mai’s cooler evenings.
6. Booking Tickets Online in Advance Is Essential
Whether flying or traveling by train and bus, booking tickets online before your trip ensures you get preferred departure times and seating, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons.
7. Consider Combining Your Trip with Stopovers
Breaking the journey with a stopover in Bangkok or Ayutthaya can turn travel days into mini-exploration opportunities, reducing travel fatigue and enriching your experience.
Tip: Flights, trains, and bus tickets from Pattaya to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you find the best schedules, prices, and comfort for this long-distance route.