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, train or private car.
The distance from Phuket to Chiang Mai is about 1,530 km. The fastest and most convenient option is a direct flight, taking around 2 hours and costing about $70–170 per person. You can also travel by bus + train via Surat Thani and Bangkok, with a total travel time of 27–37 hours.
Tourist buses take about 25 hours, while private taxis are the fastest land option but also the most expensive. From Chiang Mai you can continue and travel to Chiang Rai or visit Nan Province.
Chiang Mai is the cultural center of northern Thailand, famous for its temples, markets, and mountain scenery. From Chiang Mai you can also travel 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
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Phuket to Chiang Mai. Direct flights take about 2 hours, while connecting flights via Bangkok usually take 5–15 hours.
Flights operate from Phuket International Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport, located just a few kilometers from the city center. Airlines include Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and others.
Economy fares for direct flights usually range from $70–170 per person, with Thai AirAsia often offering the lowest prices. Booking in advance is recommended for the best availability and fares.
Most direct flights are Economy class and may include baggage restrictions. Flying is the best option if you want to save time and avoid a long overland journey.
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
A popular overland option is to travel by bus + train via Surat Thani and Bangkok. The route has three parts: Phuket to Surat Thani, Surat Thani to Bangkok, and Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
The entire journey takes about 27–37 hours, depending on connections. The first bus or minivan ride to Surat Thani takes around 4.5–6 hours.
Train journeys from Surat Thani to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Chiang Mai take about 9.5–12 hours each. You can also check the Thai railway map before traveling.
The total cost is about $25–120 per person, depending on the train class. You’ll need three separate tickets: one bus ticket and two train tickets, all of which can be booked online in advance.
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
You can also travel from Phuket to Chiang Mai by long-distance bus. Greenbus operates direct services, while more connections are available with a transfer in Bangkok, where you continue to Chiang Mai.
Direct buses depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 and arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. Most operators use modern air-conditioned coaches, and departure details are available when booking online.
The journey takes about 25–28 hours and tickets cost around $60–65 per person. Traveling via Bangkok offers more departures and allows you to split this long journey into two parts.
Book bus tickets online in advance and arrive at the departure point at least 30–60 minutes before 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
A private car or taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Phuket to Chiang Mai. Companies such as Glassflower, Easyride Services, and Than Car Service offer direct transfers or routes via Bangkok.
The journey takes about 21 hours, depending on the route and traffic. You can choose your pickup point in Phuket and your destination in Chiang Mai.
Private transfers cost about $500–1,000 per vehicle. Standard cars are the cheapest, while SUVs and minivans are ideal for families or groups sharing the fare.
Book your private transfer online in advance, where you can also view vehicle photos and traveler reviews before booking.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Phuket to Chiang Mai
How to book tickets or flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
Book flights and tickets online with 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Both platforms offer many other routes in Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
Direct flights take about 2 hours. Bus + train takes 27–37 hours, buses about 25 hours, and private cars around 21 hours.
What is the distance from Phuket to Chiang Mai?
The distance is about 1,530 km by road or around 1,400 km by air.
How much does the journey cost?
Flights cost $70–170, bus + train $25–120, buses $60–65, and private cars about $500–1,000 per vehicle.
Is there a direct train from Phuket?
No. Travel first to Surat Thani, then continue by train via Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
Low-cost direct flights are often the cheapest option, with fares starting from about $70.
What is the best transport option?
A direct flight is the fastest, most comfortable, and recommended way to travel.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
Visit Pai, Phayao, or Mae Hong Son.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
Choose from cheap guesthouses, luxury resorts, or backpacker hostels.
Is Thailand good for solo travel?
Yes. Read our guide to Solo Travel in Thailand.
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
Learn about Thailand’s seasons in our guide: Weather in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phuket to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Phuket to Chiang Mai covers almost the entire length of Thailand. Choosing the right transport can save both time and money.
- Best Choice: A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option.
- Save Money: Overnight buses or trains help reduce accommodation costs.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper trains often sell out during the high season.
- Pack a Jacket: Chiang Mai is cooler than Phuket, especially from November to February.
- Allow Extra Time: Phuket Airport is far from most beach areas, so plan your transfer carefully.
- Explore More: From Chiang Mai you can easily visit Pai, Chiang Rai, or Mae Hong Son.
Tip: Compare flights, buses, trains, and private transfers online before traveling to find the best combination of price, comfort, and travel time.