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 or private taxi.
The distance from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is about 820 km by road and 750 km by air. The fastest option is a direct flight from U-Tapao Airport, taking about 1.5 hours and costing around $40–60 per person. You can also travel by train or bus via Bangkok, or book a private taxi.
Travel by train via Bangkok takes about 15–21 hours and costs $10–60 per person. Buses and minivans via Bangkok take about 13–17 hours and cost $25–45 per person. Private cars offer the most comfortable but most expensive transfer. Book tickets online in advance. From Chiang Mai you can continue to Chiang Rai, Nan or Phayao.
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand, famous for its temples, mountains and vibrant markets. If you stay in Pattaya longer, you can also visit southern destinations such as 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.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is by direct flight from U-Tapao Rayong Airport, located about 40 km south of Pattaya. You can reach the airport by bus, minivan or private taxi in about 1 hour.
Direct flights to Chiang Mai International Airport take about 1.5 hours. Including the transfer to the airport and check-in, the total travel time is around 5–7 hours. Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air operate direct Economy flights on this route.
Total travel costs are about $50–70 per person, including the airport transfer. Flights are limited, so booking in advance is recommended to secure the best price and departure time.
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.
Traveling by train via Bangkok is the cheapest way to get from Pattaya to Chiang Mai. The route has two parts: Pattaya to Bangkok and Bangkok to Chiang Mai. See the Thai Railway Map before your trip.
Trains depart from Pattaya Railway Station to Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. From Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal you can continue by train to Chiang Mai. The total journey takes about 15–21 hours, depending on connections. Sleeper berths are recommended for the overnight trip to Chiang Mai.
Train tickets cost about $10–60 per person, depending on the class and seat or sleeper option. Book both train tickets online in advance and use the e-ticket with a QR code on your smartphone.
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 way to travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai is by bus or minivan via Bangkok. This option has two parts: Pattaya to Bangkok and Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The total journey takes about 13–17 hours, depending on connections and traffic.
Buses and minivans depart from various locations in Pattaya and Bangkok and arrive at different terminals in Chiang Mai. When booking online, you can check departure and arrival points and choose the connection that suits you best.
Bus tickets cost about $25–45 per person, depending on the operator and vehicle type. Book both tickets online in advance, especially during holidays and weekends, as this is a popular option for budget 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.
A private car or taxi with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai. It offers hotel pickup, flexible departure times and direct transport without changing vehicles.
Private transfers are operated by Bangkok Taxi 24, Glassflower, MCC VAN, Thailand Limo by Datum, Kanokwan Travel, Firstplan Transport Services and other companies. You can choose from standard cars, SUVs or spacious minivans for groups.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Chiang Mai ➜
The journey takes about 11–14 hours, depending on traffic and your route. Prices range from $130–550 per vehicle, with standard cars being the cheapest and minivans ideal for groups. Book your private transfer 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:
How to book tickets or flights from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
Book flights, train and bus tickets on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Compare schedules, prices and travel options online.
What is the travel time from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
Direct flights take about 1.5 hours. Trains take 15-21 hours, buses 13-17 hours, and private cars about 11-14 hours.
How far is Chiang Mai from Pattaya?
The distance is about 820 km by road via Bangkok or around 750 km by air.
How much does it cost to get from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
Flights cost $40-60/pp, trains $10-60/pp, buses $25-45/pp, and private cars $130-500 per vehicle.
Is there a direct train from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?
No. You need to change trains in Bangkok before continuing to Chiang Mai.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest option is usually a train with a standard seat via Bangkok. Budget buses are another affordable choice.
What is the best way to travel?
A direct flight from U-Tapao Airport is the fastest and most convenient option.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
Popular trips include Pai and Mae Hong Son.
How to travel solo in Thailand?
Read Solo Travel in Thailand for useful travel tips and recommendations.
What are the most interesting things about Thailand?
Discover Thai culture, food and attractions in 15 Interesting Things of Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Pattaya to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Pattaya to Chiang Mai covers over 800 km across Thailand. You can travel by direct flight, train via Bangkok, tourist bus or private car.
- Fly to Save Time: Direct flights from U-Tapao Airport are the fastest and most convenient option.
- Train via Bangkok: Choose an overnight sleeper train from Bangkok for the most comfortable rail journey.
- Bus Option: Buses via Bangkok are affordable but the journey is long and may take over 13 hours.
- Book Early: Flights, sleeper trains and buses can sell out during holidays and the high season.
- Pack a Light Jacket: Air-conditioning can be cold and Chiang Mai is often cooler than Pattaya.
- Private Transfer: A private car is the most comfortable road option and ideal for families or small groups.
Tip: Flights, train, bus and private car tickets from Pattaya to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance.