Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Chiang Mai and Bangkok are two of Thailand’s most popular destinations that attract millions of tourists annually. Chiang Mai is famous for its ancient temples, waterfalls, mountainous landscape, and traditional Lanna culture, while Bangkok’s modern lifestyle and vibrant nightlife offer an exciting contrast. If you’re planning to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, you have 4 transport options available, and each one has its pros and cons. Below, we’ll explore each mode of transportation and see which one suits your budget, schedule, and preferences.
How to Get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
There are 4 options: flight, train, bus, and taxi.
The direct flight is the most convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, and it’s the fastest option, taking only 1 hour and 10 minutes. The airfare costs around 1,100 THB or more, depending on the airline, the booking time, and the travel season. If you’re short on time and want a hassle-free journey, then the direct flight is your best bet. However, you’ll miss out on the scenic views and the cultural experiences that the train and bus can offer.
The train is the cheapest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, and it’s a popular choice for budget travelers who don’t mind long travel times. The train journey takes about 12.5 hours, and it costs around 278 THB for a second-class seat. While the train ride can be long and bumpy, you’ll get to enjoy some of Thailand’s spectacular scenery, such as lush forests, rolling hills, and rice fields. The train also has dining cars, toilets, and air-conditioned compartments.
The bus is the most common way to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, and it’s also a quick option, taking around 11 hours to complete the trip. The bus ride costs around 940 THB, and it has many departures daily, so you can easily find a time that suits your schedule. Some buses offer extra amenities like Wi-Fi, snacks, and reclining seats, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. However, the bus ride can be uncomfortable for some due to cramped seats and frequent stops.
Taxi is the most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, but it’s also the most comfortable and flexible. You can hire a taxi from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, and the ride takes around 8 hours. The taxi ride costs about 10,000 THB per car, and you can split the fare with other passengers to save money. Some taxi services offer air-conditioned vehicles, experienced drivers, and stops along the way. However, the taxi ride can be tiring and overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to long-distance travel.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Flight
The fastest option
- Price: from 1,100 THB
- Transport type: flight
- Companies: Thai Vietjet, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Nok Air, Thia Lion Air, Bangkok Air, and Thai Smile
- Travel time: 1 hour 10 min
Click here to book flights from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
Taking a domestic flight is the fastest way to travel between these two cities. Flight times vary between 1 hour 5 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes, and with more than 35 daily departures, travelers will have plenty of options to choose from. Flying is also an economical choice when compared to bus or train travel, with flights starting at only 1,100 Thai Baht. Moreover, several airlines operate these flights, including Thai Vietjet, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Nok Air, Thia Lion Air, Bangkok Air, and Thai Smile – so no matter which airline you prefer best there should be something that suits you. The journey can end at either the BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (for Thai Vietjet, Bangkok Air, Thai Smile, and Thai Airways) or the DMK Don Mueang Airport (for Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air). Taking a flight has never been so convenient!
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Train
The cheapest option
- Price: from 278 THB
- Transport type: train
- Companies: Thai Railway
- Travel time: 10-13 hours
Click here to book a train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
Taking a train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is an economical choice if you’re on a budget; tickets for the least luxurious 3rd-class start at just 278 THB. That said, if you’d like a comfortable trip, we suggest springing for the sleeper AC cabins. Second-class seats start around 900THB, while first-class is around 1,200THB. Depending on your chosen train, the total travel time can range between 10-13 hours.
If time is important to you, Train #8 departing from Chiang Mai at 08:50 is scheduled to take just 10 hours 5 minutes– it’s the fastest of any direct service of its kind.
On the other hand, the slowest option is Train #102 departing at 06:30. This takes 13 hours 55 minutes and should only be used by those who don’t mind an extended ride.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok Train Schedule
| Chiang Mai | Bangkok | Train | Train Type |
| 6:30 | 20:25 | 102 | Rapid |
| 8:50 | 18:55 | 8 | Special Express |
| 15:30 | 5:10 | 52 | Express |
| 17:00 | 6:10 | 14 | Special Express |
| 18:00 | 6:50 | 10 | Special Express |
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Bus
The most popular option
- Price: 650 THB
- Transport type: standard, VIP, express
- Companies: Transport Co., Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Bangkok Busline, and Budsarakham Tour
- Travel time: 9-11 hours
Click here to book bus tickets from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
Traveling between Chiang Mai and Bangkok has become evermore convenient with more than 30 departures available daily. Different bus companies operate different routes, such as Transport Co., Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Bangkok Busline, and Budsarakham Tour.
Prices for the seat start at 650 THB, with the travel duration dependent on the company you take. It could range from 9 to 11 hours.
If you book a VIP bus, you can enjoy riding under comfortable conditions with reclining seats. All departures begin from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 which is located 4 km east of Chiang Mai Old Town; transportation options such as buses, minivans, and taxis are available to get you to the terminal.
In Bangkok, all the buses arrive at Mochit Bangkok Bus Terminal.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Taxi
The most luxurious option
Taking a taxi is a great way to see the Thai countryside. The journey is perfect if you need to get to and from the airports, making it an excellent door-to-door service. There are several reputable companies offering taxis in the area, such as Glassflower, Bangkoktaxi24, Jed Jord, and 12Go Transfer. We recommend booking a taxi via 12Go in advance so that you can be sure of a smooth journey with all the necessary comforts for your 8 to 9-hour trip.
