Flight (via Bangkok)
Best balance of speed, price and simple transfers
Flight + private transfer
Smooth journey with less effort and comfortable onward travel
Bus
Cheapest option but very long journey with limited comfort
Train combinations
Requires transfers via Bangkok and much longer travel
Quick answer: From Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai you can fly (direct or via Bangkok), take a tourist bus, ride the train via Bangkok, or use a private car/taxi. Flights are fastest, buses balance cost and convenience, trains are cheapest overland, and taxis give you full flexibility. Book tickets early to lock in fares and avoid sold‑out legs.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (approx): ~930 km by road / ~850 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1.5 h (direct) or ~5–8 h via Bangkok | Bus ~16–18 h | Train (via Bangkok) ~20–29 h
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$70–150 pp | Bus US$29–32 pp | Train US$15–100 pp
- ✈️ Flight: Direct or via Bangkok, fastest route
- 🚍 Bus: Direct tourist buses available, reliable land option
- 🚆 Train: Must transfer in Bangkok — long journey, but cheapest
Last updated in April 2026
Travel from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai by plane, bus, train or taxi
The distance from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai is about 930 km by land or 850 km by air. You can travel by direct flight, bus, train via Bangkok, or private taxi. See all transportation options in Thailand.
Direct flights are the fastest option (about 1.5 hours). Trains and buses via Bangkok are the cheapest but take 20–29 hours. Private taxis offer the most comfort but are also the most expensive. Book flights, trains, buses and taxis online before your trip.
Chiang Mai is the cultural center of northern Thailand with an international airport and railway station. From Chiang Mai you can also travel to Mae Hong Son or Chiang Rai.
| Transfer modes from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct flight or flight via Bangkok | 1.5 hours or 5–6 hours | $70–150 per person |
| Tourist Bus | 16–18 hours | $29–32 per person |
| Train via Bangkok | 20–29 hours | $15–100 per person |
| Private Car/Taxi via Bangkok | 17–20 hours | $440–1000 per car |
How do I get from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai?
1. FLIGHTS from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai
👉 Flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time and avoid long train or bus journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5 hours (direct) or ~5–8 hours total (with transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $70–150 per person (economy class, prices vary by season and availability)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft, smooth and quick transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight with Nok Air or connecting flights via Bangkok
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance for best price and availability.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Compare direct flights with Bangkok transfers.
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai. You can choose a direct flight with Nok Air or connecting flights via Bangkok operated by Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways and other airlines.
Direct flights depart from Ubon Ratchathani Airport and arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport, about 4 km from the city center. Flight schedules are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.
A direct flight takes about 1.5 hours, while connecting flights via Bangkok take about 5–8 hours. Flying saves several hours compared to traveling by train or bus.
Flights usually cost $70–150 per person, depending on the airline, season and availability. Most flights are Economy class, and early booking often offers the best prices.
2. BUS from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus is a cheaper way to travel from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai, but the journey is very long.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who are okay with long travel time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~16–18 hours (can vary, possible delays)
- ✔️ Cost: $27–30 per person (prices may slightly vary)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern buses, but tiring long-distance trip)
- ✅ Best Option: Nakhonchai Air or Phetprasert modern long-distance buses
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online early due to limited schedules.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive 30–60 minutes before departure.
Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to get from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai. Companies such as Nakhonchai Air and Phetprasert operate modern long-distance buses on this route.
Buses usually depart from Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal and arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 or Chiang Mai NCA Bus Terminal. Check the departure and arrival details before booking.
The journey takes about 16–18 hours, and some services travel via Bangkok. Bus tickets typically cost $27–30 per person, depending on the operator and travel date.
Bus schedules are limited, so book your tickets in advance. Arrive at the bus terminal at least 30–60 minutes before departure and follow the carrier’s instructions.
3. TRAIN from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Train via Bangkok is the cheapest land option from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai, but takes a long time.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer rail travel over flights
- ✔️ Travel time: ~20–25 hours (including transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $18–100 per person (seats cheapest, sleepers more comfortable)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleepers better, seats less comfortable)
- ✅ Best Option: 2nd class sleeper train via Bangkok for better comfort
- 💡 Tip: Book both train tickets online in advance early.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Use e-tickets with QR code on your phone.
Traveling by train via Bangkok is one of the cheapest ways to get from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai. There is no direct train, so you need to change trains in Bangkok. See the Thai Railway Map.
Trains depart from Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station to Bangkok, where you continue on another train to Chiang Mai. Read more about Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok and Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
The total journey takes about 20–25 hours. Seats are the cheapest option, while sleeper berths in 2nd class provide much better comfort. Train tickets usually cost $18–100 per person.
Book both train tickets online in advance, as each route requires a separate ticket. Mobile e-tickets with QR codes are accepted, so printing is not necessary.
4. TAXI/CAR from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai
👉 A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai, with a transfer in Bangkok.
- ✔️ Best for: families, groups and travelers seeking maximum comfort
- ✔️ Travel time: ~17–20 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $440–990 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: Flexible schedule and door-to-door service
- ✅ Best Option: Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi 24, MCC Van
- 💡 Tip: Minivans are ideal for groups because the fare can be shared.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai. The route requires a transfer in Bangkok, with modern cars, SUVs and minivans available.
The journey takes about 17–20 hours in total. Companies such as Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi 24, MCC Van and others operate on this route and allow flexible departure and arrival points.
Prices range from about $200–440 to Bangkok and $240–550 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai per vehicle, depending on the car type. Book your private transfer online in advance.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai
How to book tickets or flights from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai?
Book bus, train, taxi tickets and flights online at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Both platforms also offer many other routes across Thailand.
What is the travel time from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai?
Direct flights take about 1.5 hours. Buses take 16–18 hours, trains via Bangkok 20–29 hours, and private cars about 17–20 hours.
How far is Chiang Mai from Ubon Ratchathani?
The distance is about 930 km by road and approximately 850 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai?
Expect to pay about $15–100 by train, $29–32 by bus, $70–150 for flights, and $440–1,000 per taxi.
Is there a direct train from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai?
No. Train travel requires a transfer in Bangkok before continuing to Chiang Mai.
What is the cheapest way to get to Chiang Mai?
The cheapest options are usually sleeper trains or long-distance tourist buses.
What is the best transport option?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option. Connecting flights via Bangkok are also available.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
Popular destinations include Pai, Nan, Phayao, or take the train to Bangkok.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai offers budget hostels, hotels, resorts and luxury stays. Book your accommodation in Chiang Mai ➜.
How to travel solo in Thailand?
Thailand is one of Asia’s best destinations for solo travelers. Read Solo Travel in Thailand for useful tips.
💡 Travel Tips for Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai is a long journey across Thailand. You can travel by plane, bus, train via Bangkok, or private taxi.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights take about 1.5 hours and are the most convenient choice.
- Train Route: There is no direct train. Travel via Bangkok and change to a train for Chiang Mai.
- Budget Travel: Sleeper buses and trains are the cheapest options but require more travel time.
- Bangkok Transfer: Allow extra time when changing between airports, bus terminals or railway stations.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper transport can sell out during weekends and Thai holidays.
- Cooler Climate: Chiang Mai is often cooler than Ubon Ratchathani, especially from November to February.
Tip: Flights, buses, trains and private transfers from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance.