Detailed information on getting to Chiang Mai by bus, air and rail, with timetables

Transportation to Chiang Mai

Updated: November 2007

Chiang Mai is about 800km north of Bangkok and a 90-minute journey by air. It is connected to Bangkok by rail as well as road, and has air connections to several international destinations.

getting to Chiang Mai is much easier these days!

There are several ways of getting to Chiang Mai, including bus, train and airplane. Bus is the cheapest but least comfortable. Many opt for the overnight sleeper train which takes longer, however, the introduction of cheap flights for as little as 1000 baht (£15/$20) one-way has diverted popularity.

By air to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai International Airport has connections to and from Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Singapore, Luang Prabang, Taipei, Kunming, Rangoon, Mandalay and Chittakong, as well as local flights to Mae Hong Son, Pai, and Chiang Rai. There are at least 30 flights a day between Chiang Mai and Bangkok on a variety of airlines, with the recent introduction of budget fares from AirAsia, Nok Air and Orient Thai One2Go. However, some depart from the old Don Mueng Airport north of Bangkok. Airfares are much more reasonable, so it’s cheaper to arrange this leg by booking online with these budget flights. Even in the busy season there can be same day availability, but the best prices are usually offered a couple of weeks in advance. Singapore Airlines flies to and from Chiang Mai on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, while Tiger airways offers budget options on the same route. More on flights to Chiang Mai.

More on Chiang Mai International Airport.

By train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Getting to Chiang Mai by train is another popular option with budget travellers. There are six trains a day, of differing classes and speeds, and they leave at 08:30, 14:30, 18:00, 19:20, 19:35, 22:00. The journey can be painfully slow (11 hours) and the overnight sleeper is recommended. All trains departing from 16:00 onwards have comfortable bunks (some without air-conditioning), except the 20:30 departure. We suggest a second class (741 baht) bottom bunk on the 17:50, as the best option. Trains depart from the Hua Lampong Station and have full food services onboard at reasonable prices. More on catching the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

By bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Buses depart at least every hour between 05:30 and 22:00 from Mo Chit Station and take roughly 10 hours, with a similar schedule in reverse from Chiang Mai's Eastern (Main) Bus Terminal. We recommend VIP buses (fare 400 - 600 baht), offered by either the government or private companies. These can also be arranged from travel agents on Khao San Road and at other points around the city, but be wary of agents who promise services that aren't delivered, such as reclining seats and aircon. Dress warmly as the Thais love freezing air conditioning and prefer to sit up all night watching noisy videos onboard. More on catching the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

By car from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

You can also hire a car in Bangkok or elsewhere for getting to Chiang Mai, and drive up at your own leisure, stopping off in Ayutthaya and Sukothai. The countryside is quite pretty and you enter the mountains from Tak or Pitsanalok onwards. With dual-lane highways most the way, reaching Chiang Mai by car is a straight-forward journey of about seven hours. Driving in Thailand is on the left hand side, roads are in good condition but driving habits here are typically poor, with some reckless incidents.

Getting around in Chiang Mai

Once in Chiang Mai, getting around is easily done by flagging down a tuk tuk or songtaew. There are metered taxis but most operate the airport-to-city route. Negotiate your fare beforehand with the tuk tuk driver (50 baht for a 10 minute journey - most places within the centre) or hop aboard one of the red songteaw trucks which act as an informal transport system and will take you along a popular route for 10 baht, but may deliver you to your hotel for a little more. There is a very limited bus service in Chiang Mai, but it’s really not practical for tourists. Hiring bicycles or motorbikes/scooters is also popular and practical. Read more on getting about in Chiang Mai.