Flight (direct)
Fastest option with simple booking and minimal hassle
Flight + transfer
Smooth journey with less effort and comfortable transfers
Bus
Cheapest option but long journey with limited comfort
Train via Bangkok
Requires transfers and significantly longer travel time
Quick answer: Traveling from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai you can fly direct (or via Bangkok), take a long-distance bus, or go by train via Bangkok. Flights are fastest, buses are the go-to for budget travellers, and the train is an option if you like scenic overland travel—though it’s the slowest. Book tickets early to lock in better fares and ensure availability.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance approx: ~620 km by road, ~500 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1–1.5 h direct (or 5–12 h via Bangkok) | Bus ~10–12 h | Train (via Bangkok) ~20–30 h
- 💰 Price range: Flight $70–250 pp | Bus $22–30 pp | Train $20–100 pp
- ✈️ Flight: Fastest option; check for direct or connecting flights via Bangkok
- 🚍 Bus: Most reliable budget land option — leave from Udon Thani’s bus stations
- 🚆 Train: Must go via Bangkok — long, but good for seeing countryside
Last updated in April 2026
From Udon Thani to Chiang Mai you can travel by plane, bus, train + train or private taxi.
The distance from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai is about 620 km by road or 500 km by air. The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 1–1.5 hours and costing around $70–250 per person. Tourist buses take about 10–12 hours.
There is no direct train, so rail travel requires a transfer in Bangkok and takes about 20–30 hours. From Chiang Mai you can continue to Chiang Rai or Phayao.
Chiang Mai is one of northern Thailand’s most popular destinations, known for its temples, mountains and markets. Flying is the fastest option, while buses are the best budget choice.
| Transfer Mode – Udon Thani to Chiang Mai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Direct Flight or flight via Bangkok) | 1–1.5 hours or 5–12 hours via Bangkok | $70–250 per person |
| Tourist Bus | 10–12 hours | $22–30 per person |
| Train (via Bangkok) | 20–30 hours | $20–100 per person |
How do I get from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai?
1. FLIGHTS from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai
👉 Flight is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: saving time and convenient long-distance travel option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5 hours direct, ~5–10 hours with transfer in Bangkok
- ✔️ Cost: $100–250 per person (varies by airline and season)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft, mostly economy class flights)
- ✅ Best Option: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai VietJet, Thai Airways
- 💡 Tip: Direct flights are limited – most routes connect via Bangkok
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book flights online in advance for better prices and availability
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai. Direct flights are limited, but there are several daily connecting flights via Bangkok. Flights operate from Udon Thani Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport.
A direct flight takes about 1–1.5 hours, while connecting flights usually take 5–10 hours. Airlines on this route include Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Airways, Thai VietJet and Thai Smile.
Flight prices range from about $70–250 per person, depending on the airline and season. Book your flight online in advance and check baggage limits before departure.
2. BUS from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus is an affordable and practical land option from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and simple long-distance travel option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~10–12 hours depending on route and schedule
- ✔️ Cost: $22–30 per person (varies slightly by company)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (modern buses with seats and basic amenities)
- ✅ Best Option: Phet Prasert or Orsuksa Tour buses
- 💡 Tip: Limited schedule – check departure times in advance
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance and arrive 30–60 min early
A tourist bus is the best budget option for traveling from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai. Companies such as Phet Prasert and Orsuksa Tour operate modern buses between the two cities, departing from Udon Thani Bus Station and arriving at Chiang Mai Arcade 2 or Bus Terminal 3.
The journey takes about 10–12 hours, and tickets cost around $22–30 per person. Travel times may vary slightly due to traffic or delays.
Book bus tickets online in advance and check departure details before traveling. Most operators accept mobile e-tickets, and it is recommended to arrive 30–60 minutes before departure.
3. TRAIN from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Train via Bangkok is a scenic but long land option from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: train lovers and budget travelers with more time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~20–30 hours total with transfer in Bangkok
- ✔️ Cost: $20–100 per person (depends on class and sleeper choice)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (seats or sleeper berths on both routes)
- ✅ Best Option: 2nd class sleeper trains on both legs for comfort
- 💡 Tip: Requires 2 tickets – Udon Thani → Bangkok → Chiang Mai
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance, QR code on phone is enough
There is no direct train from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai. You need to travel first from Udon Thani to Bangkok and then continue by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. See the Thailand Railway Map.
The total journey takes about 20–30 hours, depending on the connection in Bangkok. Trains offer seats and sleeper berths, with sleeper cabins being the most comfortable choice for this long trip.
Train tickets cost about $20–100 per person in total, and you need to book two separate tickets. E-tickets are accepted on most services, so printing is usually not required.
4. TAXI / CAR from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai
👉 Private car/taxi is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: comfort, privacy, and flexible door-to-door travel option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~9.5–12 hours depending on route and traffic conditions
- ✔️ Cost: $300–500 per car (varies by vehicle type and group size)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or larger minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Kanokwan Travel, Than Car Service, Firstplan Transport
- 💡 Tip: Suitable for groups – split total cost per passenger
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance and choose exact pickup/drop-off point
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive way to travel from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai. Companies such as Kanokwan Travel, Than Car Service and Firstplan Transport Services offer modern cars, SUVs and minivans.
The journey takes about 9.5–12 hours, and you can choose your departure and arrival locations for a convenient door-to-door transfer.
Private transfers cost about $300–500 per vehicle. Minivans are a good choice for groups, as the fare can be shared between passengers. Book your transfer online in advance.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Kanokwan Travel | 11:30 | From $390.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11:30 | From $409.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11:30 | From $409.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11:30 | From $498.00 / Van 9pax |
| Than Car Service | 09:20 | From $340.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Firstplan Transport | 09:30 | From $300.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Firstplan Transport | 09:30 | From $340.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Firstplan Transport | 09:30 | From $466.00 / Van 10pax |
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai:
How to book tickets or flights from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai?
What is the travel time from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai?
Direct flights take about 1–1.5 hours, buses 10–12 hours, trains via Bangkok 20–30 hours, and private cars around 9.5–12 hours.
How far is Chiang Mai from Udon Thani?
The travel distance is about 620 km by road and approximately 500 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai?
Flights cost about $70–250/pp, buses $22–30/pp, trains $20–100/pp, and private cars $300–500 per vehicle.
Is there a direct train from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai?
No. You need to change trains in Bangkok and book two separate train tickets for the journey.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The tourist sleeper bus is usually the cheapest option, with fares starting at around $22 per person.
What is the best way to get to Chiang Mai?
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable option, while connecting flights via Bangkok are available every day.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
From Chiang Mai you can visit Pai, Mae Hong Son, or travel by train to Bangkok.
How can you travel to Luang Prabang?
The fastest option is a direct flight. You can also travel by bus or train via Bangkok and Vientiane.
How to travel solo in Thailand?
Thailand is easy to explore independently. Read our Solo Travel in Thailand guide for useful tips.
What are the best beaches in Thailand?
Popular beach destinations include Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Patong Beach and Koh Samui.
What is the weather like in Thailand?
Thailand has three seasons: hot, rainy and cool. See our guide to Weather in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Udon Thani to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai is a long journey across northern Thailand. You can travel by plane, sleeper bus, train via Bangkok or private taxi.
- Fly to Save Time: Direct flights are the fastest option, while flights via Bangkok are available every day.
- Budget Option: Overnight buses offer a good balance between price and travel time.
- Train Route: There is no direct train. You need to change trains in Bangkok.
- Pack a Jacket: Air-conditioned buses and planes can feel cold, especially on overnight journeys.
- Book Early: Flights, sleeper buses and train berths often sell out during holidays and the cool season.
- Private Transfer: A private car is the most comfortable choice for families or small groups.
Tip: Flights, buses, trains and private transfers from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance.