Flight (direct)
Fastest and easiest option with direct connections and simple booking
Flight + transfer
Smooth journey with minimal effort and comfortable airport transfers
Direct bus
Cheapest option but very long journey and limited comfort
Train combinations
No direct train, requires multiple transfers and complex planning
Quick answer: From Phuket to Chiang Mai you can fly non-stop, take a tourist bus, combine bus + train, or hire a private car. Flying is fastest and most comfortable. Land options are cheaper but take much longer. Book tickets / car to Chiang Mai from Phuket easily online.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (land): ~1,530 km via Bangkok
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~2 h | Tourist Bus ~25 h | Bus + Train via Surat Thani & Bangkok ~27–37 h
- 💰 Price range: Flight $70–170 pp | Bus ~ $60–65 pp | Bus + Train $25–120 pp
- ✈️ Direct Flight: Fastest and most direct option
- 🚍 Bus / Tourist Bus: Simplest land option, though long
- 🚆 Bus + Train: Cheapest land combo via Surat Thani & Bangkok
- 🚕 Private Car / Taxi: Flexible, door-to-door, but costly
Last updated in April 2026
From Phuket to Chiang Mai you can travel by plane, bus, bus+train, car.
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- The travel distance from Phuket to Chiang Mai is approximately 1530 kilometers by land via Bangkok. The most efficient and fastest option to reach Chiang Mai from Phuket is by taking a direct flight. Direct flights from Phuket Airport to Chiang Mai Airport typically take about 2 hours and cost around $70-170 per person. Alternatively, there are flights with stopovers in Bangkok. If traveling by land from Phuket to Chiang Mai, one can opt for a bus + train route via Surat Thani and Bangkok. This entails taking a bus or minivan to Surat Thani, then a train from Surat Thani to Bangkok, and another train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Traveling by bus + train to Chiang Mai from Phuket generally takes about 27-37 hours, with total costs ranging from $25-120 per person.
- Another option is to travel by tourist bus from Phuket to Chiang Mai, which takes about 25 hours, with bus tickets priced at about $60-65 per person. For those preferring a private car to Chiang Mai, it’s also feasible. Traveling by private taxi/car with a driver to Chiang Mai from Phuket via Bangkok typically takes about 20-23 hours, with costs ranging from $500-1000 per person. Book direct flights or bus/train tickets and private cars from Phuket to Chiang Mai online. From Chiang Mai, visitors can also explore and travel to Chiang Rai or the province of Nan.
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- Chiang Mai stands as the largest city in northern Thailand. Laden with numerous historically significant monuments, temples, and pagodas, this city boasts a rich cultural heritage. From the slopes of Doi Suthep, home to a stunning temple, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Be sure to explore the Sunday night markets downtown as well. While Bangkok offers multiple transportation options to Chiang Mai, including flights, trains, and buses, what about from Phuket? There are four primary ways to travel to Chiang Mai from Phuket – via flight, tourist bus, bus + train, or private taxi/car via Bangkok. Flying remains the most convenient and comfortable mode of transport. From Chiang Mai, travelers can also journey to Mae Hong Son or Pai by bus, minivan, taxi, or motorbike.
| Transfer modes – Phuket to Chiang Mai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | 2 hours | $70–170 per person |
| Bus + Train via Surat Thani + Bangkok | 27–37 hours | $25–120 per person |
| Tourist Bus | 25 hours | $60–65 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi with a Driver | 20–23 hours | $500–1000 per car |
How do I get from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
1. FLIGHT from Phuket to Chiang Mai
👉 Flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Phuket to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: saving time and avoiding long land travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2 hours (direct), ~5–6 hours total incl. airport time
- ✔️ Cost: $70–170 per person (economy class)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft, multiple airlines)
- ✅ Best Option: Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air
- 💡 Tip: Direct flights save time, connecting flights can be longer
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance for best prices and availability
Undoubtedly, the fastest and most convenient transfer option from Phuket to Chiang Mai is an air transfer. There are a limited selection of direct flights as well as flights with a stopover in Bangkok. A direct flight is of course the fastest option and in this way you will save many hours of your time compared to ground transfer options.
Flights are operated from Phuket International Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport, the destination airport is a short distance from the city center and within easy reach. A direct flight from Phuket to Chiang Mai takes about 2 hours, flights with a transfer take between 5-15 hours, depending on the transfer and onward connection.
The transfer to the Phuket Airport and the wait before departure must also be taken into account, so the total time of the air transfer to Chiang Mai can be approximately 5-6 hours. For air transfer from Phuket to Chiang Mai, you can use Thai VietJet, Thai AirAsia, Hanh Air Systems and other transfer companies such as Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, Bangkok Air.
Thai AirAsia offers the most cheap flights between these places. Direct flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai cost in the range of $70-170/pp, connecting flights can be more expensive, but are usually in this range as well. However, flight prices may vary throughout the year and seasons.
You can easily search and buy your direct flight to Chiang Mai from Phuket online well in advance, which is recommended. Also, read all flight information and instructions and follow all airline instructions when booking your flight to Chiang Mai.
Most of the offered direct flights to Chiang Mai are Economy class, which may have certain restrictions, e.g. in the form of the maximum weight of carried luggage. Air transfer is probably the best transportation option from Phuket to Chiang Mai and is suitable for those who want to avoid lengthy travel and visit other places in Thailand.
2. BUS + TRAIN from Phuket to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus + train via Surat Thani and Bangkok is the main ground transfer option from Phuket to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and those who prefer land travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~27–37 hours depending on connections
- ✔️ Cost: $25–120 per person (bus + 2 train tickets)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (seats or sleeper trains)
- ✅ Best Option: Bus to Surat Thani + train to Bangkok + train to Chiang Mai
- 💡 Tip: Choose sleeper trains (1st/2nd class) for long distances
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance – you need 3 separate tickets
If you would like to use a ground transfer from Phuket to Chiang Mai, the most used option is a bus / minivan and a train connection via Surat Thani and Bangkok. This transportation option has a total of 3 steps, first a bus/minivan trip from Phuket to Surat Thani, then a train trip from Surat Thani to Bangkok, and then a train trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
The total time of the bus and train transfer to Chiang Mai from Phuket can be between 27-37 hours, but this time can vary a little and depends on the transfer to individual connections. For a transfer from Phuket to Surat Thani, you can use modern minivans and buses of companies such as Phantip 1970, 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport, 12GO Transport.
The journey to Surat Thani takes about 4.5-6 hours, depending on the type of bus and company. Then there is a train transfer from Surat Thani to Bangkok, which takes about 9.5-12 hours and tickets cost between $8-50/pp. You will then continue your journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by another train, see also the Thai railway map.
On these 2 routes, the trains will offer you the cheapest 3rd class trains or even 1st and 2nd class trains with seats or more comfortable beds. The total price for a bus + train transfer from Phuket to Chiang Mai can be in the range of $25-120/pp, depending on the class of train you use.
The most expensive option is of course comfortable sleeping berth in the 1st and 2nd class of the train. Bus tickets to Surat Thani and train tickets to Bangkok and Chiang Mai are easy to find and buy online in advance. You must purchase a total of 3 tickets for this option, 1 bus ticket, 2 train tickets.
3. BUS from Phuket to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus is a long-distance budget option from Phuket to Chiang Mai, usually with a transfer in Bangkok.
- ✔️ Best for: low-cost travelers who prefer land transport
- ✔️ Travel time: ~25–28 hours depending on route and transfer
- ✔️ Cost: $60–65 per person (can vary by company)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (modern long-distance buses)
- ✅ Best Option: Greenbus direct route or buses via Bangkok
- 💡 Tip: Consider splitting the journey in Bangkok for comfort
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance and arrive early
Another land transport option from Phuket to Chiang Mai is a bus transfer. To a limited extent, the bus company Greenbus runs on this route, significantly more companies then run with a transfer in Bangkok, i.e. to Bangkok and then to Chiang Mai. The Greenbus bus departs from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 and arrives at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, other bus companies may also run between other stations.
You will see this information about the departure points in Phuket and Bangkok and the arrival points in Bangkok and Chiang Mai when searching for tickets online. Most bus companies will offer you modern and comfortable buses on the route between Phuket – Bangkok – Chiang Mai.
The bus transfer to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes about 25-28 hours, but this time can vary depending on the company and it depends on whether you also travel with a transfer in Bangkok. Buses in Thailand can also have delays during the journey and even during departure, these facts must also be taken into account.
A bus transfer from Phuket to Chiang Mai by Greenbus costs between $60-65/pp, if you will be traveling by bus with other companies, the total price may vary. More buses run with a transfer in Bangkok, and on the other hand, it is better to split this long route into 2 parts.
Bus tickets to Chiang Mai from Bangkok can be easily searched and purchased online in advance. Arrive at the Phuket bus departure point at least 30-60 minutes before the bus departure.
4. PRIVATE TAXI/CAR from Phuket to Chiang Mai
👉 Private car/taxi is the most comfortable but most expensive land option from Phuket to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: comfort, privacy, and flexible stops
- ✔️ Travel time: ~21 hours (long-distance journey)
- ✔️ Cost: $500–1000 per car (varies by vehicle type)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (cars, SUVs, or minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Glassflower, Easyride Services, Than Car Service
- 💡 Tip: Suitable for groups – split cost per person
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance and consider stopover in Bangkok
Another land transfer option from Phuket to Chiang Mai is a private car/taxi transfer with a driver. Glassflower, Easyride Services or Than Car Service offer this transport option on this route, several other companies also operate private transfers with a stopover in Bangkok. The taxi company offers modern smaller classic cars or SUVs and minivans for more passengers on this route to Chiang Mai.
Transportation by private car/taxi with a driver from Phuket to Chiang Mai takes about 21 hours, if you travel with a transfer in Bangkok, this time may vary, it may even be longer. Also, the stated driving time of private cars may not be strictly followed and unexpected delays may occur during the journey.
The advantage of a private transfer is the possibility of choosing a departure point in Phuket and an arrival point in Chiang Mai. A private chauffeured car transfer from Phuket to Chiang Mai costs in the range of $500-1000/vehicle, transfer prices may also vary if you go with a transfer in Bangkok.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Chiang Mai ➜
Smaller classic cars are usually cheaper options, SUVs or minivans are usually more expensive options. However, you can split the fare and calculate it for individual passengers in the vehicle. You can search and book your private car/taxi with driver from Phuket to Chiang Mai, or with a transfer in Bangkok, online well in advance.
When booking, you will also see photos of the vehicles and possibly also references from other travelers. Most of the private carriers that offer car transfers are also rated well by other travelers.
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Phuket to Chiang Mai:
1. How to book tickets or flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
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- Book and buy tickets and flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can also book another tickets and routes, e.g. Phuket > Bangkok, Bangkok > Chiang Mai…
2. What is the travel time to Chiang Mai from Phuket?
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- Travel by plane (direct flight) from Phuket to Chiang Mai takes about 2 hours.
- Travel by bus + train from Phuket to Chiang Mai (via Surat Thani, Bangkok) takes about 27-37 hours.
- Travel by tourist bus from Phuket to Chiang Mai takes about 25 hours.
- Travel by private car/taxi from Phuket to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) takes about 21 hours.
3. How far is Chiang Mai from Phuket?
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- Travel distance from Phuket to Chiang Mai is about 1530 km by land and about 1400 by plane.
4. How much does it cost to get from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel by plane (direct flight) from Phuket to Chiang Mai costs about $70-170/pp.
- Travel by bus + train from Phuket to Chiang Mai (via Surat Thani, Bangkok) costs about $25-120/pp.
- Travel by tourist bus from Phuket to Chiang Mai costs about $60-65/pp.
- Travel by private car/taxi from Phuket to Chiang Mai costs about $500-1000/car.
5. Is there a direct train from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
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- No, there is no direct train from Phuket to Chiang Mai, Phuket has no railway station. If you want to travel by train, you can take a train from Surat Thani to Bangkok and another train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Surat Thani is accessible by tourist bus or private taxi/car from Phuket.
6. What is the most cheapest option of transfer from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
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- The most cheapest option of transport from Phuket to Chiang Mai is to travel by plane. There are low-cost direct flights between these cities and these flights start already at $60/pp. You will also save a lot of time.
7. What is the best option of transport from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
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- The best way of transport from Phuket to Chiang Mai is to travel by plane. There are various flights from Phuket to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and these flights are sometimes very cheap. Direct flights are limited. Low-cost flights to Chiang Mai start already at $30/pp and are operated by various airlines from Thailand.
8. Where you can go from Chiang Mai?
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- From Chiang Mai you can travel to Pai in Mae Hong Son province. Pai is a mountain area, about 130 km from Chiang Mai and there are private minivans or taxi/cars between these cities. Travel time to Pai from Chiang Mai by minivan is about 3-4 hours. Read this article: How to get from Chiang Mai to Pai?. You can also travel by bus or private car to Phayao or Mae Hong Son.
9. Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
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- There are various modern cheap guesthouses and luxury hotels or resorts, hostels for backpackers, private homestays or homes. There are also various facilities around the town center of Chiang Mai.
10. 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.
11. What is the weather and climate in Thailand?
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- Weather in Thailand varies across three main seasons, creating a tropical climate. The hot season typically spans from March to June, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). During this period, the weather is characterized by intense heat and occasional brief showers. The rainy season occurs from July to October, bringing heavy monsoon rains and increased humidity. Average temperatures remain high, ranging from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). The cool season, from November to February, is marked by milder temperatures and lower humidity. Average temperatures range from 64°F to 86°F (18°C to 30°C), making it a popular time for tourism.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phuket to Chiang Mai
These practical travel tips are based on real long-distance travel experience within Thailand and lesser-known local insights for the journey from tropical Phuket in the south to mountainous Chiang Mai in the north — a route that spans the entire country and rewards good planning.
1. Choose the Right Travel Mode for Your Energy Level
The distance is significant, so consider how you want to arrive. Flights are fastest, but overnight trains or buses allow you to rest while traveling and save on accommodation. Many seasoned travelers prefer sleeper trains for this route, as they balance comfort, scenery and value while arriving early morning in Chiang Mai.
2. Watch Seasonal Weather Patterns Carefully
Southern Thailand and northern Thailand can experience very different weather on the same day. During monsoon season, delays in flights from Phuket are more common, while northern routes remain clearer. Building buffer time into your itinerary is a smart move, especially if connecting onward in Chiang Mai.
3. Don’t Underestimate Airport & Station Transfers
Phuket Airport is far from many beach areas, and Chiang Mai’s train station is outside the Old City. Planning airport buses, shared vans or taxis in advance can save both money and frustration — especially late at night or early morning when public transport options are limited.
4. Overnight Travel Helps Beat Tourist Crowds
Traveling overnight often means arriving before most tourists are active. Early arrivals in Chiang Mai give you quieter access to temples, cafés and guesthouse check-ins. This timing advantage is frequently overlooked but can significantly improve your first day experience.
5. Pack for Temperature Changes
Phuket’s tropical heat contrasts sharply with cooler evenings in Chiang Mai, particularly from November to February. Air-conditioned trains and buses can also feel cold overnight, so a light jacket or scarf makes the journey far more comfortable.
6. Arrival Strategy Matters in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has multiple transport hubs depending on how you arrive. Knowing whether you’ll arrive by plane, train or bus helps you choose accommodation in the right area — Old City, Nimmanhaemin or Riverside — reducing unnecessary cross-city travel after a long journey.
Tip: Flights, buses, trains and private taxi tickets from Phuket to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance, allowing you to compare prices, travel times and comfort levels — especially important during peak season, festivals and holiday periods.